Michael Morales has quickly become one of the most exciting prospects in the UFC’s welterweight division.
At just 25 years old, the undefeated Ecuadorian fighter has already made a significant impact in the world of mixed martial arts.
In this article, you will learn about Michael Moralese’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Michael Morales’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael Jonathan Morales Hurtado |
| Born | 1999 (exact date unknown) |
| Nationality | Ecuadorian |
| Height | 6’0″ (183 cm) |
| Weight | 170 lbs (77 kg) |
| Division | Welterweight |
| Fighting Style | Mixed Martial Arts |
Early Career
Michael Morales began his professional MMA career in Ecuador, quickly making a name for himself in regional promotions.
He dominated the local circuit, racking up impressive victories and capturing championships in organizations like Oro Fighting Championship (OFC) and Extreme MMA Enterprises (EMMA).
Professional Career
Morales caught the eye of UFC scouts and earned a contract through Dana White’s Contender Series in 2021.
Since joining the UFC, he has continued his winning ways, showcasing a well-rounded skill set that combines powerful striking with a strong wrestling base.
Michael Morales’s Net Worth Details
Michael Morales’s net worth is estimated to be $1 million as of 2025.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Result | Method | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UFC on ESPN: Cannonier vs. Borralho | Neil Magny | Win | TKO (punches) | $50,000 (Performance of the Night bonus) |
| UFC Fight Night 232 | Jake Matthews | Win | Decision (unanimous) | $40,000 |
| UFC 277 | Adam Fugitt | Win | TKO (punches) | $35,000 |
| UFC 270 | Trevin Giles | Win | KO (punches) | $30,000 |
| Dana White’s Contender Series 40 | Nikolay Veretennikov | Win | Decision (unanimous) | $20,000 |
Fight Records
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 24, 2024 | Neil Magny | Win | TKO (Punches) | UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs. Borralho |
| Nov 18, 2023 | Jake Matthews | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Craig |
| Jul 1, 2023 | Max Griffin | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Magomedov |
| Jul 30, 2022 | Adam Fugitt | Win | TKO (Punches) | UFC 277: Peña vs. Nunes 2 |
| Jan 22, 2022 | Trevin Giles | Win | TKO (Punches) | UFC 270: Ngannou vs. Gane |
FAQs
1. Who is Michael Morales?
Michael Morales is an undefeated Ecuadorian mixed martial artist competing in the UFC’s welterweight division. Born on June 24, 1999, he has a professional MMA record of 17-0, with notable victories over fighters like Neil Magny and Jake Matthews. He is currently ranked #12 in the UFC welterweight rankings.
2. Where is Michael Morales from?
Michael Morales hails from Pasaje, El Oro, Ecuador. He is one of the few Ecuadorian fighters to compete in the UFC, following in the footsteps of Marlon “Chito” Vera. Morales represents his country while training out of Entram Gym in Tijuana, Mexico.
3. What is Michael Morales’ fighting style?
Michael Morales has a versatile fighting style that combines striking, wrestling, and jiu-jitsu. Known for his athleticism and knockout power, he has finished 12 of his 17 wins by KO/TKO. His background in judo and wrestling adds depth to his grappling game.
4. How did Michael Morales start his MMA career?
Morales began training in judo at age five under his mother’s coaching before transitioning to wrestling at ten. At 14, he started MMA training at Victor Vallejo’s academy in Ecuador. He turned professional in 2017 and joined the UFC after earning a contract through Dana White’s Contender Series in 2021.
5. What are Michael Morales’ biggest accomplishments in MMA?
Michael Morales has achieved several milestones, including an undefeated professional record (17-0), winning the OFC and EMMA Welterweight Championships, and earning a “Performance of the Night” bonus for his TKO victory over Neil Magny at UFC on ESPN 62.
6. What makes Michael Morales a promising UFC prospect?
Morales is considered one of the most promising fighters due to his undefeated record, athleticism, and well-rounded skill set. At just 25 years old, he has already defeated experienced opponents and displayed significant growth under the guidance of coach Raul Arvizu at Entram Gym.
7. Who are some notable opponents Michael Morales has defeated?
Michael Morales has defeated several high-profile opponents, including Neil Magny via TKO, Jake Matthews via unanimous decision, and Trevin Giles via first-round TKO during his UFC debut at UFC 270.
8. What challenges has Michael Morales faced in his career?
Despite his success, Morales has faced challenges such as injuries that led to fight cancellations, including a toe fracture that forced him to withdraw from a bout against Rinat Fakhretdinov in 2022. However, he continues to improve and remains undefeated.
9. What are Michael Morales’ future goals in the UFC?
Morales aims to become a UFC champion by further developing his skills in striking and jiu-jitsu. His coach believes he is still years away from reaching his prime but sees him as a future title contender in the welterweight division.
10. When is Michael Morales’ next fight?
Michael Morales is scheduled to face former UFC title challenger Gilbert Burns on April 12, 2025, at UFC 315. This fight could be pivotal for his rise into the welterweight division’s top contenders.
