WATCH: UFC’s Rising Contender Michael Morales Goes Viral for Wearing Women’s Dress on New Year’s Eve

Top UFC welterweight contender Michael Morales goes viral for his new year celebrations in his home country.

WATCH: UFC’s Rising Contender Michael Morales Goes Viral for Wearing Women’s Dress on New Year’s Eve

Michael Morales in a woman's dress (via X)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

Michael Morales has emerged as one of the most entertaining new generation fighters, delivering highlight reel finishes and violence. The surging UFC welterweight currently sits at the #4 rank, building momentum toward a title shot with growing fan interest. However, Morales grabbed headlines as his New Year’s celebrations went viral, showcasing personality beyond the Octagon.

Michael Morales recently posted videos showing him dancing in Pasaje while wearing a tight black dress and makeup. The clips sparked widespread reactions online, with many assuming the UFC welterweight was performing a stunt or public act. However, Morales was actually honoring a long-standing Ecuadorian New Year’s Eve tradition deeply rooted in local culture and humor.

The custom is known as “Las Viudas” or “Las Viudas del Año Viejo,” practiced across Ecuador annually. During these celebrations, men dress as exaggerated widows mourning the symbolic death of the outgoing year together. Wearing dresses, wigs, makeup, and heels, participants dance, joke with drivers, stop traffic, and collect small donations.

The money is humorously described as funding the “funeral” of the Old Year, blending satire, celebration, and community bonding. For Morales, participating highlighted cultural pride, community spirit, and authenticity rather than controversy. The welterweight fighter was with friends who all wore similar dresses and danced on a moving truck while having fun.

Michael Morales has often stood out for his unique personality, confidently embracing individuality without fearing judgment. He freely expresses himself through TikTok dances, playful celebrations, and viral moments that showcase humor and confidence. Morales has also entertained fans by wearing Spider-Man masks, blending pop culture, and fight promotion. 

This openness has strengthened his connection with fans, but has certainly brought criticism too, but it doesn’t seem to bother him. Morales is eager to get a title shot soon and fight the champion in order to get the welterweight title.

Why did Michael Morales get rejected by Islam Makhachev?

Michael Morales has continued his undefeated run, cementing his status as a rising welterweight contender with dominant performances. His last victory came against Sean Brady, where Morales finished the American decisively and showcased elite striking. Following that win, Morales boldly called out welterweight champion Islam Makhachev, demanding a title shot opportunity against the Dagestani. 

Michael Morales gets rejected by Islam Makhachev
Michael Morales gets rejected by Islam Makhachev (via X)

Makhachev recently entered the welterweight division by defeating the former champion, Jack Della Maddalena, immediately drawing attention from contenders. However, in a recent interview, Makhachev revealed that he rejected the offer to make a quick comeback and fight Morales. 

I was offered a fight in January… I told them I definitely won’t fight in January. I think it will be after Ramadan for sure. April, May, June. If they want to wait and put it at the White House, then I’ll wait. They didn’t tell me the name, but honestly, I think it was Morales…they just asked whether I would fight in January or not.

Islam Makhachev via Ushatayka

Islam Makhachev and his camp traditionally avoid short-notice fights, preferring full training camps to ensure strategic preparation. The champion is expected to return after Ramadan and has expressed interest in competing at the highly anticipated White House event.

Makhachev has publicly shown greater focus toward fighting former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, despite mixed reactions from analysts. Many experts question that matchup’s merit, believing fresher contenders deserve opportunities over established veterans nearing career conclusion.

Although Michael Morales is a top contender, Makhachev appears unimpressed, while fighters like Carlos Prates and Ian Garry also expressed interest. With multiple challengers emerging, it remains uncertain which welterweight contender will ultimately secure the opportunity to face Makhachev.

Also Read: