UFC welterweight contender Michael Morales has reacted strongly after a popular MMA record website updated his professional record to include a loss from his teenage years. Morales has been one of the fastest-rising fighters in the division. He is coming off back-to-back first-round knockout wins over Sean Brady and Gilbert Burns. Until now, he was widely seen as an undefeated fighter with a perfect professional record.
The update came from Tapology, which added one win and one loss from a reality show Morales competed in at the age of 17. With those bouts now counted as professional fights, his record was changed to 20 wins and one loss. While this change does not affect UFC or athletic commission records, it has sparked debate and a sharp response from Morales on social media.
Michael Morales reacts as his professional record gets affected by a loss during a teenage bout
Michael Morales did not stay silent after losing his undefeated status on Tapology. In an Instagram post, he made it clear that he was angry with the decision. He said he would fight back against what he sees as unfair treatment and directly lashed out at Tapology for the update.
Despite the controversy, Morales’ standing within the UFC remains unchanged. On the promotion’s official records, he is still listed as 19-0.
The teenage bouts were not sanctioned in the same way as his current fights, and no athletic commission has reclassified them. For now, the UFC continues to recognize Morales as unbeaten inside the Octagon.
Meanwhile, former UFC champion Dominick Cruz believes Morales could be a serious challenge for welterweight champion Islam Makhachev. Makhachev recently won the 170-pound title after a dominant decision victory over Jack Della Maddalena. Many fans have questioned whether anyone at welterweight can truly test him.
Cruz suggested Morales as a possible next challenger. He explained that Morales has unusual movement and athletic ability that stands out. According to Cruz, Morales moves like a high-level gymnast and does things physically that are hard to explain. He believes this could test Makhachev’s strength in ways other fighters cannot.
Cruz also pointed out that Morales may not always look technically perfect, but he is extremely powerful and effective. He said Morales closes distance quickly, fights with explosiveness, and reminds him of Yoel Romero in how he attacks. Cruz added that Morales has strong hips, is difficult to take down, and could make for a very interesting matchup against Makhachev.
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