19-0 vs. 19-0: UFC welterweight clash takes shape

Morales, Rakhmonov eye each other — winner targets Makhachev

A potential showdown between Michael Morales (Ecuador) and Shavkat Rakhmonov (Kazakhstan) — both undefeated at 19-0 in the UFC welterweight division — is gaining momentum. If the fight comes together, one perfect record will fall, and the winner would emerge as a prime contender for champion Islam Makhachev's title.

Rakhmonov recently posted a side-by-side photo of himself and Morales on TikTok with the caption "19-0 vs 19-0." The UFC has yet to announce any official matchmaking, but outlets covering the sport interpreted the post as a public signal of interest in facing Morales.

Morales fired the first shot. He recently sent messages to the division's top contenders, singling out Rakhmonov as the welterweight's "final boss." He also mentioned reigning champion Makhachev, Carlos Prates and Ian Machado Garry as he made clear his ambitions to reach the top of the division.

Both fighters carry identical 19-0 records. Morales has rattled off seven straight wins inside the UFC, most recently finishing Neil Magny, Gilbert Burns and Sean Brady — all in the first round — to push himself into the welterweight title picture.

Rakhmonov is likewise 7-0 in the UFC, with 18 of his 19 professional victories coming by knockout or submission. At UFC 310 in December 2024, he handed Garry — then also undefeated — his first professional loss, winning by unanimous decision.

The main question mark hanging over the matchup is Rakhmonov's lengthy absence. He has said he was already fighting through a torn ACL and meniscus damage during the Garry bout. He underwent knee surgery last May and was preparing to return when he reinjured the same knee, forcing a second operation earlier this year. Rakhmonov publicly confirmed the repeat surgery, and the extended layoff has cost him his place in the UFC's official rankings.

Ultimately, both unbeaten fighters are chasing the same prize: the welterweight title currently held by Makhachev. Rakhmonov was already among the leading contenders before his injury, and Morales has been openly targeting the champion throughout his winning streak.

Should the "19-0 vs. 19-0" fight actually be made, the winner would have a compelling case for a title shot against Makhachev. No matchup has been confirmed, and its status as an official title eliminator remains undecided, but the back-and-forth between the two unbeaten fighters has injected fresh energy into the welterweight title race.

yjc@heraldcorp.com