Laura Sanko wants to see Michael Morales challenge for the UFC welterweight title in 2026.
Sanko, a UFC color commentator and analyst, thinks undefeated contender Morales (19-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) has proven himself worthy of an opportunity at Islam Makhachev‘s belt. Why? Because she has seen the Ecuadorian level up with each performance in a way that compels her to what he could see against the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the sport.
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“What’s crazy about him is that as the challenge get steeper, I think he’s only looking better, which generally is not the case,” Sanko told MMA Junkie. “Generally as the challenge gets steeper, your fights go longer and maybe you have some decisions. He has continued to look absolutely sensational, and to do what he did against Sean Brady? I certainly didn’t expect it to look like that. I think he’s going to have a very great, big year.”
The 170-pound division finds itself in an exciting and curious spot as a new year begins. The weight class is deeper on talent than arguably ever before and ripe with options to face Makhachev (28-1 MMA, 17-1 UFC), who won the strap with a unanimous decision over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in November.
Makhachev has said he will except whichever contender the UFC offers, but has suggested Kamaru Usman as his preferred next foe because of the stylistic matchup and legacy implications. That has been met with some resistance from fans and pundits.
Although Sanko said she won’t complain if Makhachev vs. Usman gets made, she sees Morales as a bigger threat. It’s the pairing she would urge matchmakers to do now for the championship, because in an unpredictable sport like MMA, there’s also a risk of kicking the can down the line.
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“I think that Michael Morales is the guy, personally,” Sanko said. “So much of creating stars in MMA is about seizing momentum and having really immaculate timing and matchmaking with that timing. I think that it would be a shame to either wait too long or create an opportunity where you can’t seize on this momentum. I think so.
“I love Kamaru. I think that’s a much tougher fight than a lot of people say, I will say that. I think Kamaru could give Islam a real challenge. If that fight gets made – I’ll be happy about it, I’ll watch it. But I think Michael Morales (should get the title shot).”
To hear more from Sanko, check out her complete appearance on “The Bohnfire” podcast with MMA Junkie senior reporter Mike Bohn above.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Laura Sanko: Michael Morales ‘the guy’ to test Islam Makhachev in UFC
