LAS VEGAS – Michael Morales has a big test this Saturday, yet he already has plans for the future.
The UFC welterweight prospect takes on veteran Jake Matthews in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 232. Although this is arguably Morales’ (15-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) the biggest fight and spotlight of his young career, the Ecuadorian fighter is keeping an eye on the UFC 299 pay-per-view in March, which features his countryman Marlon Vera against UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley.
“I’m 100 percent sure that ‘Chito’ is going to come out with the win and be as high as possible,” Morales told reporters in Portuguese at Wednesday’s media day. “We’ve shown it before, but for me, Ecuador is the most badass country. I think that this an opportunity he’s built for himself and he’s already beat O’Malley. He’s sure of his work and I give him all my confidence that he’s going to come out the winner. This is a great opportunity for him and other Ecuadorians because he can open so many doors for Latin America.
“If God permits, I would love to share that event with him. That’s possible. That would be huge for all the people who are supporting us and I wish him the best in the future and I hope he stays champion.”
Morales may be looking ahead, but he knows what he has in front of him this Saturday. He believes Matthews (19-6 MMA, 12-6 UFC) is a very similar fighter to him and thinks this is a great opportunity to further his career.
“I think this is a great opportunity,” Morales said. “I’ve always respected my rivals due to their trajectory, I never discredit their work inside this great league of UFC. I just prepare myself and stay ready for whenever they call me. I’m always training after every fight. I’m very happy that I’m getting a more experienced rival. This also helps me see where I’m going. I think training and being ready always is something that I love doing. I’m just doing the work I always do.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 232.
