Michael Morales: “It would be spectacular to share a billboard with Chito Vera in the UFC. Abroad they see Ecuador as an example of good athletes”

During his stay in Guayaquil, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter Michael Morales talked about his closing year in the light heavyweight division, his goals for 2024 and the support he received from his mother, who has become your advisor to progress in this competition .

Morales closed out the year with a unanimous decision over Australia’s Jake Mathews at UFC Vegas 82. The win leaves the trio undefeated at 16-0 at the professional level.

“Winning by knockout or split decision is a learning experience for me. I believe that I never lose because I’m learning, so it’s something super good for me, so to speak,” said the 24-year-old fighter born in Pasaje, El Oro.

The man from Orense points out that his mother Katty Hurtado’s advice allowed him to get to the UFC, stay there and climb the rankings. “Because of my mother, I am still the same Michael as I always was: the one who lived in gyms and went to Mexico to make his dreams come true and who did well for us, fills me with pride.

“It is something very important, because it makes my mother proud, who is always with me everywhere. We continue to improve as athletes, and above all as people. Now everyone looks at us with different eyes: they see Ecuador as an exponent of good athletes, because of what was achieved in the past Olympic Games, Pan American Games and other competitions,” said the wrestler who trains at the Entram Gym in Tijuana (Baja California).

Looking ahead to next season, Morales said at a press conference at the Oro Verde Hotel: “I came to my country for vacation and yesterday I finished training, thinking about the future because I always have to be ready and prepared.”

Share Billboard with Chito Faith

Vera (31) will fight for the bantamweight belt against Sean O’Malley in Miami, Dana White, president of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), revealed.

Michael Morales would be part of the card when Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera fights Sean O’Malley for the UFC bantamweight title

“I believe there is an opportunity to share billboards with Chito, and it would be spectacular. Nothing has been officially done yet. I’ve been looking for an opportunity and we just have to wait and see what happens. “You have to be patient,” commented the Spideras they know it from Orense.

In order to be 100% physical for possible programming with Chito, Morales will continue to train with the experienced teacher Martín González, in Jiu-jitsu; and Rómulo Quirarte, who was the trainer of legendary Mexican boxer Julio César Chávez.

In Miami, ‘Chito’ Vera will fight Sean O’Malley for the UFC bantamweight title

“Training with Don Rómulo helped me a lot to know how to connect my shots better. “My hand is already tired from throwing certain punches every day (laughs), but it served me well in fights and I think I showed that every time I entered the cage,” he concluded.

His mother’s support

“It’s a pride and pleasure for me to see that I didn’t do anything wrong as a mother with what I could and had. The boy has moved forward, he continues to move forward, and as I always say, be careful, his anger is rising, because I will be there to bully him for a while and tell him that Michael is still on the right track. So far, he hasn’t given anything to talk about about anything he’s done wrong,” said Katty Hurtado, who stood out as a judoka.

Doña Katty also appreciated the gestures of love for her son during the Romeo Santos concert in Cuenca. “I could never have imagined that I would have such an ovation at that concert. Michael seemed like a singer, a main character. “People were shouting ‘Michael’ at him, both women and men.”

“It was spectacular. I am grateful with all my heart to the people in Ecuador, in Cuenca, where Michael goes, they ask him for a photo, to sign T-shirts”, she concluded.

Your business

Krysthel Chuchuca, Morales’ cousin and representative, explained that T-shirts with the UFC fighter’s image are sold at Derick’s official stores. “They cost $20 and are autographed,” he noted.

“The t-shirt project was a pilot to see how we were doing and the truth is that we had a wonderful time. We will continue to develop it, because it deserves everyone’s support. He did very well in the UFC and how nice as Ecuadorians and fans to see his affection for Michael,” he concluded. (D)