Michael Morales: Islam Makhachev legendary, but I'm hungry to be UFC champ

Michael Morales hopes he's the one to get the call to challenge UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev . According to UFC CEO Dana White, Makhachev (28-1 MMA, 17-1 UFC) is expected to make his first title defense in August. On the same night Makhachev claimed the 170-pound belt at UFC 322 , Morales (19-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) emerged as a top contender by finishing Sean Brady by Round 1 TKO .

With Carlos Prates booked against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC Fight Night 275, it appears the title race has narrowed down to Morales, Ian Machado Garry and Kamaru Usman . Morales says he's ready to accept the call at any moment. "We are looking for that fight with him," Morales told Alvaro Colmenero ( h/t Freak MMA ).

"They already gave us excuses to not fight, but I'm willing. I am willing 100 percent. If they tell me that from here to tomorrow I have the title fight, I'm going to accept it.

And if they tell me no, well, I will wait for my moment. But right now I am focused on that, on looking for the title fight "I'm not going to take away merit from my rival because I already consider him a rival. Islam is a legendary fighter.