What happened: Damon Martin said Islam Makhachev should fight Carlos Prates next, while Michael Morales remains one significant win from a welterweight title shot. Martin floated a scenario where Morales instead meets a returning Shavkat Rakhmonov in a No. 1 contender's bout.

Why it matters: A Morales-Rakhmonov matchup would settle the queue behind champion Makhachev without disrupting the Prates fight Martin wants booked next. Morales was limited to a UFC 330 backup role just weeks earlier.

What to watch: Watch for official word on Makhachev's next title defense and any confirmation of Rakhmonov's return to the promotion.