Islam Makhachev prefers title defense against Michael Morales over Ian Garry

Islam Makhachev, the reigning UFC welterweight champion, is expected to defend his title in August. While Ian Garry is a frontrunner for the title shot, Makhachev expressed a preference for facing undefeated contender Michael Morales to enhance his legacy. Makhachev believes a victory over Morales, who holds a record of 19-0, would be more significant than defeating Garry, who has one loss on his record. Previously, Makhachev was considering a title defense against Kamaru Usman, but he acknowledges Usman's underrated potential against Morales and Garry. Both Garry and Morales are notable contenders in the welterweight division, with Garry recently defeating Belal Muhammad and Morales having defeated Sean Brady.

• 7:10 PMYahoo Sports — Why Islam Makhachev prefers fighting undefeated contender over Ian Garry