The 30-year old Khashakyan, the former CXF bantamweight champion who trains out of Glendale Fighting Club, brings a kickboxing and karate background. The heavy-handed Armenian appeared in Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series in 2017, but ended up falling short in a first round knockout.
"I have battled through a lot in the last two years," said Khashakyan. "I’ve strengthened mentally and have brought proper training partners to improve my grappling and ground control as well. I’m going out there to continue my legacy as a fighter and climb the ranks because I’m only getting stronger faster and smarter with time. I’m going to be the king of the show."
Morales, 27, a product of Black House MMA and Systems Training Center, put on a dominating display in his promotional debut at CXF 17 in March with a first-round, rear naked choke win over Carlos Puente in just 90 seconds. He is a six-fight UFC veteran and has also competed in Bellator, WSF, WSOF and BAMMA.
"I'm always ready for a war. I'm the warrior. I have nothing to prove. I've competed at the highest levels with the least amount of experience," said Morales. "I have an amazing support system that rides with me through thick and thin. I've grown so much during this crazy rollercoaster of a career that I know I will obtain my goal and be the UFC bantamweight champion one day."
