Rising UFC welterweight star Michael Morales has found himself at the centre of an unexpected controversy. A popular mixed martial arts record-keeping website has altered his professional fighting record, stripping him of his widely recognised 'undefeated' status by including a loss from his teenage years.
Tapology Update Sparks Social Media Fury
The change was made by the website Tapology, which added one win and one loss from a reality television show Morales participated in when he was just 17 years old. With these bouts now classified as professional fights, his official record on the site shifted from a perfect 19-0 to 20 wins and one loss. This adjustment, while not recognised by the UFC or any athletic commission, triggered a fierce reaction from the Ecuadorian fighter.
Michael Morales did not remain silent. Taking to Instagram, he expressed clear anger at the decision. He vowed to fight back against what he perceives as unfair treatment and directly called out Tapology for the update. Despite the online debate, his standing within the UFC remains completely unaffected. The promotion's official records continue to list Morales as an undefeated fighter with a 19-0 professional slate, as the teenage bouts were not sanctioned in the manner of his current UFC contests.
Dominick Cruz Touts Morales as a Threat to Champion Makhachev
Amidst this record-keeping dispute, Morales's stock as a top contender continues to rise. He is coming off impressive back-to-back first-round knockout victories over established names Sean Brady and Gilbert Burns. His performances have caught the eye of analysts and former champions alike.
Former UFC bantamweight king Dominick Cruz has identified Morales as a potential serious challenge for the reigning welterweight champion, Islam Makhachev. Makhachev recently claimed the 170-pound title with a dominant decision win over Jack Della Maddalena, leading many to wonder who could truly test him in the division.
Cruz explained his reasoning, highlighting Morales's unique physical attributes. "He moves like a high-level gymnast," Cruz said, pointing to the fighter's unusual movement and athleticism. He believes Morales's explosive style and physical gifts could challenge Makhachev in ways other fighters cannot. Cruz compared Morales's attacking prowess to that of Olympic silver medalist Yoel Romero, noting his power, explosiveness, strong hips, and takedown defence. This combination, Cruz suggests, makes for a fascinating potential matchup against the champion.
What This Means for Morales's Future
For now, the situation presents a split narrative. In the digital realm of fan sites and record databases, Morales is no longer technically 'undefeated.' However, in the official world of the UFC and athletic commissions, his pristine record stands firm. The controversy has undoubtedly increased the spotlight on the young contender as speculation grows about a future title shot. His focus will likely remain on maintaining his perfect UFC record inside the Octagon, where it matters most for his career trajectory.
