Career Averages - Michael Morales
Career Averages - Adam Fugitt
Michael Morales
Adam Fugitt
Michael Morales - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sean Brady | 0 | 8 of 22 | 36% | 8 of 22 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Michael Morales | 1 | 24 of 52 | 46% | 24 of 52 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sean Brady | 0 | 8 of 22 | 36% | 8 of 22 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Michael Morales | 1 | 24 of 52 | 46% | 24 of 52 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sean Brady | 8 of 22 | 36% | 5 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 7 | 8 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Michael Morales | 24 of 52 | 46% | 24 of 50 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 1 | 21 of 47 | 0 of 1 | 3 of 4 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sean Brady | 8 of 22 | 36% | 5 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 7 | 8 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Michael Morales | 24 of 52 | 46% | 24 of 50 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 1 | 21 of 47 | 0 of 1 | 3 of 4 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Brady (-142), Morales (+120)
Round 1
Blake Grice is the referee. Brady circles on the outside, probing with leg kicks. Morales flicks out a couple jabs. Morales continues to throw that jab and he’s gradually starting to find the range on it. Brady leaps in with a hook. Brady lands a hard low kick. Moraes rocks Brady with a right hand, and he tees off with a series of impactful punches during an ensuing barrage. Brady looks like he’s on wobby legs, but he’s able to eventually shove Morales off of him for a brief reset. Morales steps in with an uppercut. The long jab remains effective for Morales, who is brimming with confidence. Brady gets clipped with another right hand and Morales pressures forward with heavy punches. Brady is in survival mode so far, and he’s been unable to close distance to impose his grappling. Morales goes back to the jab, then clips Brady with a right hand over the top. Three more punches connect and Brady goes down. Morales drops a few hammerfists before Grice steps in to save a reeling Brady. The Ecuardorian’s undefeated run continues in impressive fashion, and he might have solidified his claim for a future welterweight title shot.
The Official Result
Michael Morales def. Sean Brady via TKO (Punches) R1 3:27
Angelo picks Sean Brady, believing his relentless wrestling and pressure will stifle Michael Morales, who needs space to strike. He notes Brady's takedowns and control are elite, and Morales doesn't wrestle often despite his credentials. He hopes the line tightens and plans to bet on Brady.
Big Brady picks Michael Morales as a slight underdog, struggling with this fight. He acknowledges Sean Brady's elite wrestling and grappling but notes that if Brady can't get takedowns, he is vulnerable to getting knocked out, as seen in the Belal Muhammad fight. Brady believes Morales hits harder than Muhammad and has a size advantage, making him tough to take down early. He predicts Morales will stuff takedowns and knock out Brady in the first round.
Cody picks Morales despite acknowledging Brady's superior grappling. He highlights Morales's size, youth, reach advantage, and improving takedown defense. He notes that Brady's striking defense is poor and that Morales has power and unorthodox striking. Cody believes Morales can either knock Brady out or win a decision by outworking him on the feet.
Connor picks Brady, citing his well-rounded game, strong wrestling, and improved striking composure. He notes that Morales is a raw athlete with no real game plan, relying on physical gifts. However, he flags a major X-factor: Morales has a 79-inch reach, which could cause Brady striking issues he hasn't faced before.
Daniel is torn but leans toward Morales as a slight underdog. He acknowledges Brady's impressive recent form and top control, but notes Morales' freak athleticism, underrated takedown defense, and ability to power out of bad spots. He sees the fight as 50-50 and likes the plus money on Morales.
Lucrative James picks Sean Brady to win, but with low confidence. He believes Morales' athleticism and power will be dangerous early, but Brady's superior grappling and cardio will take over in later rounds. He notes Morales' massive weight cut may affect his gas tank, while Brady has proven he can go five rounds. He expects Brady to survive the early striking exchanges and then dominate on the ground, possibly securing a submission or decision.
Morales' freak athleticism, power, strength, and speed come through. He stops takedowns or works back to his feet, lands bigger shots on the feet, and gets a knockout victory.
Paul agrees with Cody, noting that Morales is getting better and that Brady's grappling might not work against a bigger, younger opponent. He mentions that Morales's career trajectory is upward and that he looks like a problem for the division. Paul thinks the first exchange will reveal how effective Brady's wrestling is, but he leans towards Morales.
The Guru picks Sean Brady to win, likely by submission or decision. He highlights Brady's superior grappling and physicality, which should overwhelm Morales, who has shown vulnerability to takedowns. Brady's dominant win over Leon Edwards is a key reference. The Guru acknowledges Morales' power but believes Brady's pressure and clinch work will be decisive.
Zane agrees with Connor, picking Brady. He emphasizes Brady's rock-solid wrestling and improved striking, and notes that Morales has never faced a high-level wrestler. He acknowledges the reach advantage but believes Brady's strength and experience will prevail.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gilbert Burns | 0 | 5 of 18 | 27% | 5 of 18 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:30 |
| Michael Morales | 2 | 33 of 56 | 58% | 35 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gilbert Burns | 0 | 5 of 18 | 27% | 5 of 18 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:30 |
| Michael Morales | 2 | 33 of 56 | 58% | 35 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gilbert Burns | 5 of 18 | 27% | 4 of 13 | 0 of 3 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 18 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Michael Morales | 33 of 56 | 58% | 31 of 52 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 4 | 25 of 44 | 2 of 3 | 6 of 9 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gilbert Burns | 5 of 18 | 27% | 4 of 13 | 0 of 3 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 18 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Michael Morales | 33 of 56 | 58% | 31 of 52 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 4 | 25 of 44 | 2 of 3 | 6 of 9 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Morales (-850), Burns (+575)
Round 1
In keeping with the theme of fights that promise action and intensity, the main event should be just what the doctor ordered. Former title challenger Burns (22-8, 15-8 UFC) may have his best days behind him, but “Durinho” is still as dangerous at it comes at 170 pounds. To keep himself in top contention, he will need to deflate the momentum of Morales (17-0, 5-0 UFC), who would like nothing more than to have a breakout performance at the expense of the vaunted grappler. Referee Herb Dean brings these two to the center of the cage to issue final instructions, and they stoically bump fists to seal the cage and make things official. It’s time for some action. It is Morales who claims the center of the Monster Logo on the floor, while Burns circles around him. Burns circles away from the power side of the Ecuadorian, and he lets loose a low kick that slaps loudly. When Morales retaliates with a calf kick, it is a thudding sound. Burns leaps forward to strike, and Morales dances out of the way and punches him around the back of the ear. Burns launches a kick up high, and Morales parries and lobs a jab back. Burns throws a fastball of a right hand that is well off the mark, but his check left hook does catch the chin. Morales lines up a heavy right hand that back off Burns, and he gets clipped by the older man. Burns marches him down looping hooks, and Morales rolls with the punches and jabs his way forward. Burns counters and takes a few more jabs on the nose, and he absorbs a thumping kick on his calf. Morales connects with a crisp uppercut, shaking up the grappler and forcing him to shoot for a takedown. Morales is dragged to his seat for a moment, and Burns wraps his arms around him as Morales stands. Burns leans in close and tight, but Morales pushes him back and unloads with power punches. Morales knocks Burns back to the wall courtesy of a clubbing right hand, and his onslaught slowly breaks Burns down and puts him on the ground.
Dean calls for Burns to fight back, and Burns answers by ducking under and grabbing his foe's legs awkwardly for some kind of desperation takedown. Morales steps over it, allows Burns to stand and lays into him with a blistering salvo of bombarding fists that puts “Durinho” down for the count again. This time, as Dean observes that Burns’ face is bleeding and he is in a bad way, he waves the fight off.
Burns sits up, but he does not protest, knowing that the day is not his. Morales has just passed the biggest test of his career with flying colors, destroying a durable top talent in the first round and not looking back. When Burns gets back to his feet, he needs a minute to recover, but he embraces the man who ran through him like no one has at 170 pounds. The 25-year-old handles the huge moment with poise, dedicating the victory to his mother and thanking her for her advice while declaring that he is ready for the next challenge, whatever that may be. Morales says he is healthy and ready to go, so with any luck, he will be back in the cage at least one more time this year. When he fights next, we will be here for it. We hope you are too.
The Official Result
Michael Morales def. Gilbert Burns R1 3:39 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Michael Morales confidently, citing that Morales is a better wrestler, striker, bigger, faster, stronger, and younger than Gilbert Burns. He notes that Burns is on the wrong side of 35 and coming off a loss to Sean Brady where his grappling was neutralized. Angelo questions what game plan Burns could have, as Morales is a national wrestling champion and Burns was just knocked out. He is shocked Morales is only -600 and expects the line to close at -1000.
Big Brady picks Michael Morales, citing Burns' age (38), three-fight skid, and declining durability. He notes Morales is a much better striker with volume and power, and expects him to find Burns' chin. He predicts a second-round knockout.
The host thinks Morales is a huge favorite but not justified given Burns' strength of schedule; Burns' three-fight losing streak came against top competition. He gives Burns the benefit of the doubt as a championship gatekeeper but worries if Burns can't dictate pace or get takedowns, his cardio fades and Morales can take over and knock him out. He picks Morales to win by knockout, but notes minus 800 is tough to get behind. He also leans under 3.5 rounds.
The Guru picks Michael Morales, calling him a crazy natural athlete who controls distance well and switches stances. He thinks Burns is past his prime and lacks the grit to engage, citing the Sean Brady fight where Burns didn't let his hands go. He believes the five-round fight benefits Morales' picking style and predicts a decision win (49-46). He notes the -850 odds are insane and thinks Morales is not that good, but still picks him.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Morales | 0 | 5 of 11 | 45% | 13 of 19 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:05 |
| Neil Magny | 1 | 34 of 40 | 85% | 39 of 45 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:16 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Morales | 0 | 5 of 11 | 45% | 13 of 19 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:05 |
| Neil Magny | 1 | 34 of 40 | 85% | 39 of 45 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:16 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Morales | 5 of 11 | 45% | 1 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 8 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
| Neil Magny | 34 of 40 | 85% | 30 of 35 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 5 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 30 of 35 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Morales | 5 of 11 | 45% | 1 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 8 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
| Neil Magny | 34 of 40 | 85% | 30 of 35 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 5 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 30 of 35 |
Angelo picks Michael Morales confidently, calling himself a 'big Michael Morales guy.' He highlights Morales' national championships in freestyle wrestling and Muay Thai, his fantastic footwork, and his clean takedowns. He believes Morales is better than Magny everywhere and will win with accurate striking and takedowns. He notes Magny's age and recent comeback win but thinks Morales is the superior fighter.
Cody picks Morales because he is a young, talented prospect with a judo background and power. He thinks Morales will outwork Magny and possibly get a finish. He notes that Magny has looked slow and flat-footed in recent fights and has been outworked by lesser fighters. He believes Morales' cardio is good and he won't fade like some prospects.
Daniel Vreeland confidently picks Michael Morales, arguing that Morales thrives in the clinch where Magny often beats opponents. He notes Morales' improving hands and wrestling background, and believes he will beat Magny at his own game and possibly get a finish.
Brevin picks Magny as a big underdog, citing his experience against top competition, his size and reach advantage, and his grappling edge. He thinks Morales is overhyped and will get fraud-checked. He notes Magny is a gatekeeper who often wins these matchups. JP disagrees, picking Morales, calling Magny a 40-year-old gatekeeper who goes to decision and has shown his ceiling. JP thinks Morales is better and younger.
Paul takes a small shot on Magny at +600 because he thinks the line is too wide. He notes that Morales has looked good but has dropped rounds and hasn't faced a veteran like Magny. He thinks Magny's cardio and clinch work could give Morales problems if the fight goes deep. He admits Morales likely wins but the price is worth a small bet.
The MMA Guru picks Michael Morales because he believes Neil Magny is past his prime at 37 and does not check low kicks. He notes Morales is young (25), talented, and has good wins over Jake Matthews and Max Griffin. He expects Morales to attack the low kicks and stuff takedowns, winning on the feet.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Morales | 0 | 84 of 208 | 40% | 84 of 208 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:07 |
| Jake Matthews | 0 | 57 of 149 | 38% | 57 of 149 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Morales | 0 | 26 of 73 | 35% | 26 of 73 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:07 |
| Jake Matthews | 0 | 14 of 40 | 35% | 14 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Michael Morales | 0 | 36 of 77 | 46% | 36 of 77 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jake Matthews | 0 | 18 of 46 | 39% | 18 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Michael Morales | 0 | 22 of 58 | 37% | 22 of 58 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jake Matthews | 0 | 25 of 63 | 39% | 25 of 63 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Morales | 84 of 208 | 40% | 45 of 157 | 12 of 17 | 27 of 34 | 80 of 197 | 4 of 11 | 0 of 0 |
| Jake Matthews | 57 of 149 | 38% | 33 of 109 | 17 of 24 | 7 of 16 | 54 of 146 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Morales | 26 of 73 | 35% | 12 of 54 | 3 of 5 | 11 of 14 | 26 of 73 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Jake Matthews | 14 of 40 | 35% | 7 of 26 | 6 of 11 | 1 of 3 | 13 of 39 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Michael Morales | 36 of 77 | 46% | 20 of 58 | 7 of 10 | 9 of 9 | 32 of 68 | 4 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
| Jake Matthews | 18 of 46 | 39% | 13 of 37 | 3 of 3 | 2 of 6 | 18 of 46 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Michael Morales | 22 of 58 | 37% | 13 of 45 | 2 of 2 | 7 of 11 | 22 of 56 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Jake Matthews | 25 of 63 | 39% | 13 of 46 | 8 of 10 | 4 of 7 | 23 of 61 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Morales (-270), Matthews (+230)
Round 1
The winner of this co-main event may earn a place in the top 15 at welterweight. It could be undefeated 23-year-old wunderkind Morales (15-0, 3-0 UFC), or former wunderkind-turned-veteran Matthews (19-6, 12-6 UFC). Referee Herb Dean will know which one it is first, and he is confident this will be all above board. The 170ers calmly slap fists, and Morales snaps out a jab. Matthews does the same, as they use it as a rangefinder. Morales scores an inside leg kick that lands with a thump, and he just misses with a left hook. Morales bounces off the fence with a Superman punch that Matthews bats away, and Matthews backs him off with a right hand. Morales rebounds with a right of his own, and he slips in a jab to break up a combination that buzzes his hair. Matthews digs to the body as he eats a leg kick, and Morales’ jab has already reddened Matthews’ face up a bit. Matthews overswings and stumbles, and Morales lets him up so that he can stick the jab in his face. Morales connects with a slapping kick, and Matthews unloads with an overhand left that surprises his foe. Morales fires back with a right hand down the pipe, and Matthews staggers but does not fall down. The two reset and start trading calf kicks one after the other, and Matthews breaks the chain with a swatting left to the body. Morales sits down on a leg kick, and Matthews jabs him of his feet. Morales climbs back up and is quick to engage with a one-two, and he kicks out Matthews’ leg to drop Matthews to a knee. Matthews returns to his feet and blocks a trio of punched aimed at his mug. Morales plants a one-two on the jaw, and he looks to follow it with a flying knee but is caught in midair and hurled down to the mat. Morales springs back up as Matthews raises his eyebrows, and Matthews swings a right hand and gets jabbed back. Morales peppers the lead leg and comes up short with a jumping switch kick, and again Matthews raises his eyebrows. The Aussie surges forward with a left and a right, and Morales tanks them right on the chin and shrugs them off. Morales leaps at him with a flying knee, and he lands to attempt a takedown. Morales attempts one more Superman punch off the cage, and the tense round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Morales
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Morales
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Morales
Round 2
The welterweights bump their fists together before trading them. They feint leg kicks, and Morales jumps forward with a right hand. When Matthews attempts to respond, Morales digs his shin in the calf. Morales whiffs on a counter when Matthews pops him, and jumps forward with a stomp kick to the knee. Morales gets his jab going again, disrupting the overhand right from “The Celtic Kid,” and he stings Matthews with a long and powerful series of uppercuts. Matthews shakes his head when he escapes, and he chips at Morales’ calf and wings a right hand that comes up short. Matthews has a one-two bounce off gloves, and Morales answers him with a thudding kick to the calf that is showing some damage. Matthews paws out his own jab, and they both throw hands and catch the other. Morales shakes his arms out, and he turns to dodge the worst of a one-two coming at his face. Morales gets off a few inside kicks, and he jabs as Matthews kicks him back. Morales ducks a looping right hand and hops away from darting offense so he can counter with sharp strikes. Morales slips and rips with a right hand, and he does eat a right hand on the way out after landing a few strikes of his own. Morales peppers out the jab and eats a right hand for his effort, and he answers a few strikes with a Superman punch. Matthews digs to the body, and Morales rifles back a quick and dangerous right hand that snaps the head back. Matthews keeps a stiff upper lip as he eats a few jabs on the nose, and he swats out a left hook and keeps his guard up as Morales springs into action. Morales jump with a knee, a body kick, and he releases a long series of punches and a high kick at the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Morales
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Morales
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Morales
Round 3
There is a final tap of the gloves to start off the last round, and Matthews strikes first with a kick from either leg. Morales shuts down a punch by working the lead leg, and Matthews beats him to the punch with a few additional strikes. Matthews fires off a one-two, and a leg kick that follows slams right into the 23-year-old’s cup. Morales groans as Dean calls time, and it does not take long before Morales signals he is ready to go. Just 30 seconds elapse before the fight resumes, and Matthews wants to take advantage of the discomfort by crowding his adversary with looping punches. Morales strafes away and counters, and he settles down and prods out a jab. Morales shakes his hands out and starts doing the Ali Shuffle, and he leaps into action with a knee that flies past the Australian. Matthews lunges with two punches, and Morales slides just to the side and counters with a right hand. Morales drives a kick to the calf, and Matthews stumbles. He kicks the same spot, and Matthews catches his leg and tries to take Morales down. Morales recovers his balance and swats away a jumping front kick. Matthews attempts a one-two, and Morales parries him with ease. When Matthews jabs the body, Morales kicks him on the inside of the leg. The unbeaten fighter continues working the leg on both sides, and he stays out of range from the power punches hurled back his direction. Morales lands a right hand after evading Matthews’, and Morales throws two punches and a body kick that strikes the peninsula south of the equator. Matthews groans from the foul, and Dean pauses the fight for a few seconds before Matthews waves them back on. Matthews charges with a pair of punches, and Morales steps to the side and releases two kicks with the same leg in rapid succession. Morales drives a shovel uppercut that brushes the beard, and Matthews goes after him and puts hands on his opponent. Morales throws back, keeping composed and still barely breaking a sweat after nearly 15 minutes of activity. Matthews tries to corner him and lay into him, and Morales pushes him away and snipes him with an uppercut. With 15 seconds to go, the Ecuadorian attempts a takedown, and Matthews shuts it down and lets his hands go. They brawl it out to end the fight, with a jump knee by Morales mixed in during the final slugfest. They hear the final bell, and hug it out.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Morales (30-27 Morales)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Morales (30-27 Morales)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Morales (30-27 Morales)
The Official Result
Michael Morales def. Jake Matthews via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo is very confident in Michael Morales, calling him an incredible prospect with wrestling and Muay Thai credentials. He notes Morales has cardio and finishes fights. He thinks -255 feels like a discount and that Morales can be parlayed. He expects Morales to dominate.
Big Brady thinks Matthews' wins are against low-level competition and that Morales has a massive reach advantage (7 inches), higher volume, and power. He notes Matthews gets knocked down often, as in the Semelsberger fight. He predicts Morales wins by decision, citing the reach, volume, and strength as key differences.
Cody picks Michael Morales confidently, citing his youth, physical strength, and 92% takedown defense. He notes that Jake Matthews struggles against decent competition, has low striking volume, and poor durability. Morales has a 6-inch reach advantage and can win by knockout or decision. Cody expects Morales to out-strike Matthews and stuff takedowns, leading to a win.
Morales is a physical specimen with power and takedown defense. Matthews is inconsistent and may struggle to take Morales down, forcing him to strike where Morales has the advantage. Morales is faster and stronger, and will likely land a knockout in the first or second round.
Paul agrees with Cody, noting Morales' reach advantage and ability to keep the fight at range. He mentions Morales' judo background and confidence on the ground. Paul thinks the line is a bit wide but expects Morales to show improvements and win.
The MMA Guru picks Michael Morales over Jake Matthews, predicting a decision win with Matthews getting knocked down in key moments. He criticizes Matthews as a boxer with a double leg who doesn't surprise opponents. He notes Morales' reach, power, and dynamism as the difference, and compares Matthews' performance to a Matt Semelsberger-like showing.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Morales | 0 | 36 of 102 | 35% | 39 of 105 | 0 of 8 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:10 |
| Max Griffin | 0 | 72 of 164 | 43% | 73 of 165 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:27 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Morales | 0 | 11 of 26 | 42% | 13 of 28 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:14 |
| Max Griffin | 0 | 15 of 40 | 37% | 15 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 | |
| 2 | Michael Morales | 0 | 15 of 38 | 39% | 15 of 38 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Max Griffin | 0 | 31 of 70 | 44% | 31 of 70 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 | |
| 3 | Michael Morales | 0 | 10 of 38 | 26% | 11 of 39 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:51 |
| Max Griffin | 0 | 26 of 54 | 48% | 27 of 55 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Morales | 36 of 102 | 35% | 28 of 93 | 4 of 4 | 4 of 5 | 35 of 99 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Max Griffin | 72 of 164 | 43% | 59 of 145 | 5 of 8 | 8 of 11 | 68 of 159 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Morales | 11 of 26 | 42% | 8 of 22 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 3 | 11 of 25 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Max Griffin | 15 of 40 | 37% | 9 of 31 | 3 of 4 | 3 of 5 | 13 of 38 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Michael Morales | 15 of 38 | 39% | 10 of 33 | 3 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 14 of 36 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Max Griffin | 31 of 70 | 44% | 30 of 67 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 29 of 67 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Michael Morales | 10 of 38 | 26% | 10 of 38 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 38 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Max Griffin | 26 of 54 | 48% | 20 of 47 | 1 of 2 | 5 of 5 | 26 of 54 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Morales (-240), Griffin (+200)
Round 1
Welterweights take center stage in the “featured fight of the night” slot, as Griffin (19-9, 7-7 UFC) has clawed his way back towards a .500 record courtesy of four wins in his last five appearances. While the last 14 fights for Griffin have been 50/50, the same cannot be said about opponent Morales (14-0, 2-0 UFC), who is a perfect 14 up and none down. The two are 14 years apart, and referee Kerry Hatley stands guard for the battle of 14s. There is no glove touch, and Griffin is active early on moving from side to side and staying on the outside. “Pain” causes some early pain with low kicks, and he is met with sharp jabs from the unbeaten youngster. Morales reaches his foe with a looping one-two, and he backs off when Griffin kicks the inside of his calf. They both snap out jabs, but Morales’ is faster and prods the nose. Griffin swings and misses, with Morales dancing out of the way of the punches but not the follow-up leg kick. Griffin charges with a stream of punches, and Morales bends over to avoid them and leaps at his man with a jump knee. There is a reset period, and Morales then attacks again with a flying knee that claps off the cup of the American. Griffin waves Hatley off, and he surges into action with a takedown attempt. Morales turns him around and separates, but Griffin is on him and his left hand has developed some swelling on Morales’ right eye. Griffin presses his weight on his opponent, and he gets kneed in the face by the younger man. Morales shakes Griffin off to get away, and he leaps at his opponent with a Superman punch. Morales lands and comes out swinging, and Griffin backs him into the fence with a clubbing right hand. Morales jumps with another kick, and his foot once more bounces into Griffin’s cup. Hatley does not recognize it, and the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Griffin
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Griffin
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Griffin
Round 2
The welterweights meet in the middle, and Morales claims the center of the cage and flashes out his jab. Griffin lunges in with a long left hand, and he backs away when Morales jumps at him with a kick. Morales tags Griffin with three punches, and Griffin shakes it out and gets staggered by a right hand. Morales charges into action, throwing so hard he almost falls over, and he rocks Griffin with another overhand right. Griffin sits down on a counter right, but Morales walks through it and is now in stalking mode. Griffin sticks him with a right but eats one right back, and his chin is durable and his counters effective enough to slow Morales down for a moment. Griffin gathers his thoughts and absorbs a jab, and he skirts out of the way when Morales tries to bust him in the chops. Morales flicks out a few jabs to open a cut under Griffin’s left eye, and he stays composed and walks through a body kick to aim a right over the top. Morales lands two more jabs, and Griffin looks for an overhand right and backs away when Morales charges. Griffin lets loose with a leg kick, and he ducks a huge right hand that blows past his hair. Morales swings so hard that Griffin is able to duck it, change levels and go for a takedown. Morales shuts down the attempt and circles away, thanks in part to a kimura threat of his own. Morales pops his foe again with a few jabs, and he resets with a minute left in the round. Griffin blitzes but misses, and Morales nods at him and makes him backpedal. Morales tags Griffin with a Superman punch, and as he pours it on, a knee from up close bumps into Griffin’s cup and forces a 30-second pause. Griffin gets jabbed when they restart, and he throws a simultaneous head kick that is easily blocked. Morales jabs into a high kick, and he raises his arm in the air with a few seconds left in the round to lure Griffin into a slugfest. Morales gets off a few more shots before the bell rings.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Morales
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Morales
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Morales
Round 3
Five minutes remain, and it could be tied up going into this last round. They proceed to throw big hands, and Morales eats a left hook and nods. Morales pushes out a jab, and he slides away when Griffin throws a haymaker. Griffin misses with a head kick and attacks a takedown, and he gets nailed with a flying knee. Griffin bounces off the fence and the two gets back to striking range. Griffin tries to close in on his opponent, and he crashes right into Morales’ hip and bounces off the fence. Griffin manages to grab Morales from behind while the Ecuadorian leans against the cage, and he turns around and goes after a double. Lifting the unbeaten fighter off the ground, he dumps Morales down for a second. Morales hits a quick switch to move around and grab hold of Griffin’s back, before they split up. Morales jabs when he gets back to a safe berth, and Griffin responds with an overhand right. Griffin dings Morales with a left and presses him into the clinch, and there is no takedown to be found. Morales stands him up with a few punches after they break, and he jumps with a knee that crashes right into Griffin’s head. Griffin gets kicked low a few times to shake up his balance, and he tries to time a jab with a right hook. Morales leans back to dodge a sweeping left hook, and he takes a deep breath with a minute left. Morales ushers Griffin aside when Griffin charges recklessly, and he tries another jump knee that misses the mark. Griffin walks his foe down, and he chambers a big right hand and connects with it. The impact leads to a clinch, and he gets thrown to the mat by the unbeaten fighter for emphasis. Morales tries to get off some ground-and-pound, but the fight comes to a close.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Morales (29-28 Morales)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Morales (29-28 Morales)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Morales (29-28 Morales)
The Official Result
Michael Morales def. Max Griffin via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Michael Morales, highlighting his credentials as a freestyle wrestling and Muay Thai national champion. He notes Morales's footwork, forward pressure, and clean takedowns. He believes Morales's offensive wrestling will be the difference, though Max Griffin is a live underdog. He mentions the moneyline is already juiced and will wait for props.
Big Brady picks Michael Morales to win by decision. He is high on Morales but cautions against the -240 line, noting Max Griffin is a tough veteran who has only been finished once. He thinks the fight will be close and could go to decision, where the UFC's preference for the undefeated prospect may favor Morales. He also notes Morales has multiple paths to win, including a finish or a close decision.
Cody likes Morales' youth, power, and wrestling background. He notes Morales' wins over Trevin Giles and Adam Fugit show finishing ability. He acknowledges Griffin is a seasoned veteran but points out Griffin's low volume and lack of recent finishes. Cody thinks Morales' power and pressure will be too much, but he will watch the live market in case Griffin teaches him a lesson.
Daniel leans Morales due to his athleticism, youth, and potential improvements after a year off, but calls it a 'dog or pass' at -240. He acknowledges Griffin's experience, durability, and knockdown power, and notes Morales' defensive flaws (gets hit clean). He compares the situation to Jamahal Hill's loss to Paul Craig, suggesting a setback wouldn't ruin Morales' future. He is not confident enough to bet, as Griffin's plus-205 price is tempting.
James briefly mentions this fight in response to a chat question, stating he sees Michael Morales knocking Max Griffin out. He does not elaborate further, but the statement is clear and confident.
Paul thinks the market is about right. He notes Griffin was taken down three times by Tim Means and that Morales can mix in wrestling. He sees Morales as a high-potential prospect and is not willing to bet against him against an aging Griffin. Paul believes Morales will win, possibly by using his wrestling.
The Guru picks Michael Morales, despite some sloppy moments in his last fight against Adam Fugitt. He notes Morales's youth (24), reach advantage, and consistency, while Max Griffin is hit-or-miss and older. He believes Morales's talent is above Griffin's level and predicts a win, possibly a finish.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Morales | 2 | 83 of 151 | 54% | 89 of 157 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
| Adam Fugitt | 0 | 64 of 113 | 56% | 70 of 120 | 1 of 8 | 12% | 0 | 0 | 1:51 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Morales | 0 | 26 of 50 | 52% | 29 of 53 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Adam Fugitt | 0 | 25 of 42 | 59% | 30 of 48 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 1:31 | |
| 2 | Michael Morales | 0 | 32 of 70 | 45% | 34 of 72 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Adam Fugitt | 0 | 32 of 58 | 55% | 33 of 59 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:08 | |
| 3 | Michael Morales | 2 | 25 of 31 | 80% | 26 of 32 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:08 |
| Adam Fugitt | 0 | 7 of 13 | 53% | 7 of 13 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Morales | 83 of 151 | 54% | 74 of 140 | 7 of 9 | 2 of 2 | 64 of 127 | 12 of 17 | 7 of 7 |
| Adam Fugitt | 64 of 113 | 56% | 32 of 74 | 20 of 26 | 12 of 13 | 58 of 99 | 6 of 10 | 0 of 4 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Morales | 26 of 50 | 52% | 20 of 43 | 5 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 22 of 46 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 1 |
| Adam Fugitt | 25 of 42 | 59% | 10 of 25 | 8 of 9 | 7 of 8 | 24 of 37 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 4 | |
| 2 | Michael Morales | 32 of 70 | 45% | 29 of 66 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 28 of 63 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Adam Fugitt | 32 of 58 | 55% | 15 of 36 | 12 of 17 | 5 of 5 | 28 of 50 | 4 of 8 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Michael Morales | 25 of 31 | 80% | 25 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 14 of 18 | 5 of 7 | 6 of 6 |
| Adam Fugitt | 7 of 13 | 53% | 7 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady picks Michael Morales to win by first-round knockout. He is very high on Morales, citing his physical strength, offensive wrestling, takedown defense, and power. He notes Fugitt is on short notice and outmatched. He acknowledges Morales is hittable but believes he runs through Fugitt.
Cody picks Morales, describing him as a promising young fighter with a judo brown belt, BJJ brown belt, and national wrestling team experience. He notes that Fugitt is a short-notice replacement who shouldn't be in the UFC. He thinks Morales will take him out inside the distance, likely by TKO/KO, because Fugitt is not durable. He also mentions that Morales is strong, physical, and improving quickly.
Daniel is high on Morales, calling him a very talented prospect with wrestling, knockout power, and size. He notes the massive speed and athleticism advantage over Fugitt. He warns about Morales' maturity after receiving a $50k bonus, but thinks as long as he stays focused, he will win. He predicts a knockout, saying Fugitt is too slow. He calls the -600 line justified but does not bet due to the price.
Preet took a shot on the over 1.5 rounds at -103, banking on Fugitt's durability and ability to make it a clinchy, grinding fight. He acknowledges Morales should win but sees value on Fugitt's side, noting his wrestling background and pressure. He may also place a half-unit on Fugitt's moneyline if it reaches +500.
Paul also picks Morales, agreeing that Fugitt is a short-notice replacement who shouldn't be in the UFC. He notes that Morales is young, strong, and has a promising future. He thinks Morales will win, possibly inside the distance, but the price is steep. He also mentions that the over/under is 1.5 rounds with juice to the under.
The MMA Guru picks Michael Morales by submission (d'arce choke) in round two. He expects Fugitt to have some early success with takedowns and clinch work, but Morales will find his timing in round two, land big shots, stuff a takedown, and cinch the choke. The Guru notes Morales' ability to compose himself after early adversity.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Morales | 1 | 26 of 42 | 61% | 28 of 44 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 1:05 |
| Trevin Giles | 0 | 8 of 15 | 53% | 8 of 15 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 1 | 0 | 1:12 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Morales | 1 | 26 of 42 | 61% | 28 of 44 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 1:05 |
| Trevin Giles | 0 | 8 of 15 | 53% | 8 of 15 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 1 | 0 | 1:12 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Morales | 26 of 42 | 61% | 23 of 39 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 3 | 12 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 14 of 18 |
| Trevin Giles | 8 of 15 | 53% | 3 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 4 | 8 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Morales | 26 of 42 | 61% | 23 of 39 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 3 | 12 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 14 of 18 |
| Trevin Giles | 8 of 15 | 53% | 3 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 4 | 8 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Michael Morales, calling him a killer with national championships in wrestling and Muay Thai. He notes Morales' footwork and jab, and believes he is better everywhere except pace. He sees Trevin Giles as a good measuring stick but expects Morales to win.
Big Brady picks Michael Morales to win a close decision, citing his volume, reach advantage, and well-rounded game. He heavily criticizes Trevin Giles for poor fight IQ, cardio, and low volume, and notes Giles is cutting to 170 which is a concern. He acknowledges Giles has a grappling advantage but doesn't trust him to fight smart. He expects Morales to outpoint Giles in a close fight.
Cody picks Trevin Giles as an underdog, citing Giles' experience against higher-level competition and his well-rounded skills. He notes that Giles has fought at 205 and 185, and moving to 170 may benefit him. Cody acknowledges Giles' cardio issues and past submissions, but believes his boxing and grappling are superior to Morales'. He sees this as a dog-or-pass situation.
Daniel Levi picks Michael Morales but admits he is hesitant and will not bet the fight. He acknowledges the classic spot where an unproven prospect faces a grizzled vet at dog money, which often goes the vet's way. However, his gut tells him Morales is the more talented fighter and will get it done. Levi notes that Giles has a history of making mistakes and getting choked out, but also that Morales could suffer from debut nerves. He compares it to the Ignacio vs Makdessi fight where the better fighter didn't win.
The host is skeptical of Morales being a favorite given his unproven competition. He notes that Giles is a tested veteran with fast hands and good movement, and that Morales has not faced anyone like Giles. He thinks Giles can use his jab and movement to discourage Morales and win a decision. However, he admits he is not a big Giles fan and may not bet it, but his prediction is Giles by decision.
Paul picks Michael Morales, noting his youth (22) and wrestling from the contender series. He acknowledges that Morales' striking is a work in progress but believes his ceiling is higher. Paul is not a fan of Trevin Giles, citing his underwhelming UFC run and cardio issues. However, he is not highly confident and suggests this fight could be passed.
The MMA Guru picks Michael Morales, praising his stand-up, grappling, and all-around skills. He notes Giles' recent KO loss and poor performance against James Krause on short notice. He predicts a 30-27 unanimous decision, with Morales schooling Giles on the feet for three rounds.
Adam Fugitt - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adam Fugitt | 0 | 36 of 73 | 49% | 39 of 76 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Ty Cole Miller | 1 | 59 of 121 | 48% | 65 of 129 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adam Fugitt | 0 | 36 of 73 | 49% | 39 of 76 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Ty Cole Miller | 1 | 59 of 121 | 48% | 65 of 129 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adam Fugitt | 36 of 73 | 49% | 10 of 42 | 21 of 26 | 5 of 5 | 30 of 67 | 6 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Ty Cole Miller | 59 of 121 | 48% | 55 of 115 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 55 of 115 | 3 of 4 | 1 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adam Fugitt | 36 of 73 | 49% | 10 of 42 | 21 of 26 | 5 of 5 | 30 of 67 | 6 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Ty Cole Miller | 59 of 121 | 48% | 55 of 115 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 55 of 115 | 3 of 4 | 1 of 2 |
Angelo picks Ty Miller, praising his clean boxing, length, and scramble skills. He notes Miller's takedown defense is poor but believes if Miller focuses on striking and doesn't get obsessed with defending takedowns, he should win. He acknowledges Fugitt's strength and wrestling but thinks Miller's forward pressure and volume will be enough.
Big Brady is impressed with Ty Miller's Contender Series performance, noting his length, rangy striking, and slick combinations. He criticizes Adam Fugitt as a 'walking punching bag' with poor striking defense and no clear strengths. Brady predicts Miller will piece him up and potentially knock him out in the third round, though he hesitates to lay -415 on a debutant.
Cody is confident in Jim Miller, citing his length, boxing, and youth. He notes Miller's reach advantage and technical striking should be too much for Fugitt, who has durability issues. Cody expects Miller to win by knockout or decision and will include him in parlays.
Connor picks Miller, seeing him as a young athlete with potential, good form, and pressure. He notes that Miller is a sniper who can one-shot people, but worries about his lack of a next gear. However, he thinks Miller's size and power could overwhelm Fugitt, who is a mediocre fighter.
Daniel Vreeland picks Jim Miller (Tai Miller) to win by knockout. He notes that Miller is younger, taller, and has a reach advantage, while Fugitt is 37, chinny, and has been lucky in recent fights. Vreeland believes Miller's sharp striking and viciousness will be too much for Fugitt, predicting a knockout.
James picks Miller, comparing his style to Petr Yan's data-downloading approach. He believes Miller will stalk Fugitt, get his reads, and knock him out with boxing combinations. He predicts a knockout in round two.
The host picks Miller by decision, believing his technical striking will outpoint Fugitt. However, he notes the odds are too wide and that Fugitt has value at +355 due to his experience and pressure. He expects Miller to win but warns against the chalky price.
Paul also picks Jim Miller, noting his striking combinations and southpaw stance. He believes Fugitt's Muay Thai stance and lack of wrestling will be exploited. Paul expects Miller to land clean shots and finish Fugitt, and he likes Miller by KO.
The MMA Guru picks Ty Cole Miller, citing his length and rangy style, as well as his win over Eric Nolan on the regional scene. He notes that Adam Fugitt has been humbled and dominated in recent fights, and that Miller is an undefeated prospect making his debut. He predicts a TKO finish.
Zane picks Fugitt, arguing that Miller is undercooked and hasn't faced a seasoned pro. He notes that Fugitt is a mediocre fighter but has a professional MMA game, while Miller struggled to finish a low-level opponent. Zane thinks Fugitt's awkwardness and takedown attempts could give Miller problems.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adam Fugitt | 0 | 14 of 27 | 51% | 16 of 29 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:59 |
| Islam Dulatov | 1 | 21 of 41 | 51% | 23 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adam Fugitt | 0 | 14 of 27 | 51% | 16 of 29 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:59 |
| Islam Dulatov | 1 | 21 of 41 | 51% | 23 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adam Fugitt | 14 of 27 | 51% | 5 of 16 | 2 of 4 | 7 of 7 | 13 of 23 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Islam Dulatov | 21 of 41 | 51% | 17 of 37 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 16 of 35 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 3 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adam Fugitt | 14 of 27 | 51% | 5 of 16 | 2 of 4 | 7 of 7 | 13 of 23 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Islam Dulatov | 21 of 41 | 51% | 17 of 37 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 16 of 35 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 3 |
Angelo picks Islam Dulatov, calling him the much better striker with good takedown defense. He notes that Adam Fugitt is tough but too hittable. He acknowledges the year of busted prospects but still leans on Dulatov's skills.
Big Brady is high on Islam Dulatov, calling him the real deal with aggressive finishing ability. He notes Dulatov has 11 first-round wins in a row and believes Fugitt is hittable with a questionable chin. He predicts Dulatov wins by first-round knockout.
The host believes Dulatov is 'the truth' and expects him to make his UFC debut in emphatic fashion, finishing Fugitt within a round and a half. This indicates strong confidence in a dominant performance.
The MMA Guru picks Islam Dulatov over Adam Fugitt, predicting a second-round TKO. He notes that Fugitt is a survivalist who has made it to later rounds against tough opponents like Michael Morales, so the fight will likely go past the first round. Dulatov is making his UFC debut after a Contender Series win, and the Guru expects him to bulldoze Fugitt with ground and pound or clinch work. He also mentions a prop bet that the fight will last more than 4.5 minutes.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adam Fugitt | 0 | 53 of 126 | 42% | 53 of 126 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Josh Quinlan | 0 | 80 of 205 | 39% | 80 of 205 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adam Fugitt | 0 | 23 of 45 | 51% | 23 of 45 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Josh Quinlan | 0 | 22 of 58 | 37% | 22 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Adam Fugitt | 0 | 16 of 39 | 41% | 16 of 39 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Josh Quinlan | 0 | 27 of 62 | 43% | 27 of 62 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Adam Fugitt | 0 | 14 of 42 | 33% | 14 of 42 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Josh Quinlan | 0 | 31 of 85 | 36% | 31 of 85 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adam Fugitt | 53 of 126 | 42% | 25 of 93 | 11 of 14 | 17 of 19 | 53 of 126 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Josh Quinlan | 80 of 205 | 39% | 29 of 131 | 40 of 59 | 11 of 15 | 80 of 204 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adam Fugitt | 23 of 45 | 51% | 8 of 29 | 4 of 4 | 11 of 12 | 23 of 45 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Josh Quinlan | 22 of 58 | 37% | 4 of 34 | 11 of 14 | 7 of 10 | 22 of 58 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Adam Fugitt | 16 of 39 | 41% | 8 of 28 | 3 of 5 | 5 of 6 | 16 of 39 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Josh Quinlan | 27 of 62 | 43% | 8 of 35 | 16 of 24 | 3 of 3 | 27 of 61 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Adam Fugitt | 14 of 42 | 33% | 9 of 36 | 4 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 14 of 42 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Josh Quinlan | 31 of 85 | 36% | 17 of 62 | 13 of 21 | 1 of 2 | 31 of 85 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Josh Quinlan, noting his power and striking advantage over Adam Fugitt's loose boxing. He thinks Josh can defend takedowns and land meaningful shots. He also notes Adam's year layoff and submission loss, and that Vegas judges don't favor wrestlers. He considers it a close fight but leans Josh.
Cody picks Josh Quinlan, citing his power and ability to knock out Fugitt, who has been knocked down before. He notes that Quinlan is a BJJ black belt but relies on power punching. Cody is concerned about Quinlan's cardio and volume but thinks he can catch Fugitt early. He calls it a 'dogger pass' and is not highly confident.
Daniel Vreeland is critical of Adam Fugitt's athleticism, speed, and chin, calling him too slow and hittable for the UFC level. He favors Josh Quinlan for his power and athleticism advantage, despite Quinlan's past steroid failures and brutal loss. He believes Quinlan is the harder hitter and more athletic, and that Fugitt is the least athletic guy on the roster.
Jacob picks Josh Quinlan but is not betting it. He thinks Josh is the better striker and may use his jiu-jitsu if taken down. He notes Josh has been hard to trust since the USADA issues but considers this a step down in competition. He expects a close fight.
Fugitt is coming off a year-long layoff but has changed training camps to Fight Ready in Arizona. His pace, movement, and overall game should be too much for Quinlan's power punching style, leading to a decision win.
Paul picks Fugitt for the purpose of the show but states he has no intention of betting the fight. He notes that Fugitt's durability is questionable and Quinlan's power may be overrated. Paul thinks Fugitt could win if he pushes the pace and uses wrestling, but he is not confident.
The MMA Guru picks Josh Quinlan by TKO. He does not rate Adam Fugitt at all, calling him slow and lacking fast-twitch muscle fibers. He thinks Quinlan is more athletic, better in grappling speed and strength, and that Fugitt has to be consistently better for 15 minutes to win, which he doubts. He notes Quinlan took big shots from Danny Barlow and kept trying, and that Fugitt is not a threat to knock him out.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mike Malott | 1 | 19 of 41 | 46% | 19 of 41 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 1 | 1 | 1:26 |
| Adam Fugitt | 0 | 9 of 28 | 32% | 16 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:07 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mike Malott | 0 | 14 of 33 | 42% | 14 of 33 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:19 |
| Adam Fugitt | 0 | 7 of 23 | 30% | 14 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 | |
| 2 | Mike Malott | 1 | 5 of 8 | 62% | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 1 | 0:07 |
| Adam Fugitt | 0 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mike Malott | 19 of 41 | 46% | 9 of 29 | 10 of 10 | 0 of 2 | 19 of 41 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Adam Fugitt | 9 of 28 | 32% | 2 of 17 | 6 of 9 | 1 of 2 | 9 of 28 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mike Malott | 14 of 33 | 42% | 7 of 25 | 7 of 7 | 0 of 1 | 14 of 33 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Adam Fugitt | 7 of 23 | 30% | 2 of 15 | 4 of 6 | 1 of 2 | 7 of 23 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Mike Malott | 5 of 8 | 62% | 2 of 4 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Adam Fugitt | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 of 2 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Malott (-205), Fugitt (+175)
Round 1
In the “featured fight of the night” slot, two unranked welterweights with plenty to prove and sky-high finish rates will do their darnedest to pump up the masses before the final two big bouts on the card. Surging into this main card opportunity, Haligonian Malott (9-1-1, 2-0 UFC) will throw down with Oregon native Fugitt (9-3, 1-1 UFC) in a vintage U.S. vs. Canada affair. Before the fight begins, during Malott’s entrance, fans lean on the railing by the walkout area and break it, and a number of them fall down to the floor. Hopefully everyone is ok. Back to the fight action, keeping a lid on things in the cage will be referee Dan Miragliotta. There is no glove touch, as these two want to start trading and do exactly that. Malott scores a few right hands, and he digs a body kick that hurts the Oregonian early. Malott rushes after him, throwing strikes, and Fugitt backs him off with a counter hook. Malott watches a few head kicks soar past him, and he aims another kick to the ribs. The right hand from Malott has marked up Fugitt’s left eye already, and he is making the body change colors as well from his kicks. Fugitt swipes out with a left hand, and Malott lashes out a head kick to keep him honest. As Malott is circling, he slips unexpectedly, but he is able to get back up without issue. Malott releases a body kick that bangs into the top of Fugitt’s cup, and Miragliotta sees it and steps in. Fugitt waves him off, declaring he is fine, and they get back to it. Fugitt, on the restart, punches his way into a takedown. Malott counters it by throwing the American down to the floor with a lateral drop, and he lands in half guard and is quick to line up an arm-triangle choke. Fugitt pulls him back to the guard, so Malott stands up. Fugitt uses his upkicks to toss his man off of him, and he fights back to his feet. Malott fires off a head kick, and Fugitt spins with a kick that misses. Malott punches his way to a head kick, and all three strikes miss as Fugitt is out of the way. Fugitt similarly misses with a head kick, and he chambers and fires a body kick. The Canadian catches it and dumps Fugitt to the floor. Malott moves to half guard, and Fugitt employs butterfly guard to try to kick Malott off. A temporary effort of rubber guard is abandoned by Fugitt, and the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Malott
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Malott
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Malott
Round 2
The second round begins with Malott leading off from a head kick. Fugitt blocks it and marches forward, and the two hand-fight with alternating stances. Malott jabs the body with his toes extended, and Fugitt misses the mark with his own head kick. Malott steps in with a kick, and he blasts Fugitt with a right and a left. The American topples to the mat, and Malott surges after him in an effort to secure the stoppage. Fugitt tries to get to a knee so that he can stand up again, and this is the worst idea he can have, as Malott leaps to snatch up a guillotine choke trained well by his gym of Team Alpha Male. Malott rolls Fugitt over to his back and locks down the mounted guillotine, and it is only a matter of time now. Fugitt realizes he is caught in a web, and he taps out frantically. That makes it a clean sweep for Canadian fighters tonight at 5-0 against the world, which might be a statistical achievement for the Great White North at a UFC card. The crowd erupts for their fighter, and for shared success, after a sensational performance for a fast-rising welterweight talent.
The Official Result
Mike Malott def. Adam Fugitt R2 1:06 via Submission (Guillotine Choke)
Angelo picks Mike Malott, believing he is better everywhere except straight wrestling. He notes that Malott is a well-rounded prospect with three stoppage wins in the UFC. He expects a fun fight and thinks Malott will get it done. He plans to bet on Adam Fugitt to have more takedowns when prop lines drop.
Big Brady picks Mike Malott to win by first-round knockout. He notes that Malott is dangerous everywhere, with solid striking and high-level BJJ, while Fugitt is hittable and not as skilled. Malott has never been past the first round (all wins in round 1), and Brady expects an early finish. However, if the fight extends, Fugitt could take over if Malott gasses.
Cody picks Mike Malott, highlighting his well-rounded skills (BJJ black belt, good striker) and smart fight IQ. He thinks Malott will use his speed advantage and stay on the outside, avoiding wrestling with Fugitt. He notes that Malott's cardio is unproven beyond the first round, as most of his wins are early finishes. He expects Malott to land a big shot or secure a submission if the fight goes to the ground.
Connor picks Malott, noting that Fugitt reacts poorly to getting hit and has bad body language when eating strikes. He believes Malott's aggressive pocket boxing will overwhelm Fugitt, who is technically limited. He also notes that Malott is a credible submission threat on the ground.
Daniel Levi picks Mike Malott but with almost zero faith, acknowledging that Malott has holes in his striking defense and that the fade is coming. He notes that Malott is a better athlete and has first-round finishing upside, but he sees openings that could be exploited. He mentions that he played Fugitt at plus odds for value, but thinks Malott will still find a way to win. He warns against parlaying Malott heavily.
James picks Adam Fugitt, despite having lost money fading Malott in the past. He thinks Fugitt has a good chance to win, especially if the fight goes past round one. Malott is a strong round-one finisher but tends to fade. James believes Fugitt is the perfect archetype to break Malott. He sees the fight as a pick'em: Malott has a 50% chance to win early, Fugitt 50% to win late. He also includes Fugitt inside the distance in a degenerate parlay.
Malott has a Muay Thai base and improving jiu-jitsu, and he's on a hot streak since moving to welterweight. Fugitt is a solid fighter but may be capped at this level. Both have finishing upside, making the under 2.5 rounds attractive. Malott should find a submission after getting the fight to the ground, but Fugitt's power makes this a risky chalk play.
Paul picks Mike Malott but with hesitancy, noting that Fugitt is being overlooked. He points out that Malott's cardio is unproven beyond the first round, and Fugitt is a bigger, rugged welterweight with a reach advantage. However, he believes Malott's superior footwork and striking will allow him to chip away or find a finish. He expects Malott to win but is not fully confident.
The MMA Guru picks Mike Malott, noting he is a Canadian prospect given a favorable matchup. He praises Malott's easy wins over tricky opponents and his great grappling. He believes Fugitt lacks the ability to knock out or out-grapple Malott. He predicts a first-round submission via arm triangle.
Zane picks Malott, citing that Fugitt's wrestling is not reliable enough to implement a game plan. He notes that Malott is aggressive on the ground and can scramble, making it hard for Fugitt to hold him down. He also mentions that Fugitt's striking is a mess and Malott will have opportunities.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adam Fugitt | 0 | 10 of 24 | 41% | 11 of 25 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Yusaku Kinoshita | 0 | 21 of 33 | 63% | 33 of 54 | 4 of 7 | 57% | 0 | 0 | 2:53 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adam Fugitt | 0 | 10 of 24 | 41% | 11 of 25 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Yusaku Kinoshita | 0 | 21 of 33 | 63% | 33 of 54 | 4 of 7 | 57% | 0 | 0 | 2:53 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adam Fugitt | 10 of 24 | 41% | 6 of 20 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 3 | 10 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Yusaku Kinoshita | 21 of 33 | 63% | 16 of 23 | 4 of 7 | 1 of 3 | 11 of 22 | 4 of 4 | 6 of 7 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adam Fugitt | 10 of 24 | 41% | 6 of 20 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 3 | 10 of 24 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Yusaku Kinoshita | 21 of 33 | 63% | 16 of 23 | 4 of 7 | 1 of 3 | 11 of 22 | 4 of 4 | 6 of 7 |
Big Brady likes Kinoshita's power and finishing ability, noting his 100% finish rate. He thinks Fugitt is hittable and has been knocked out before. He predicts a first-round knockout for Kinoshita.
Cody picks Fugitt as a dog for the show, but is not confident enough to bet. He notes Fugitt's size and wrestling, but acknowledges Kinoshita's speed advantage. He thinks Fugitt could exploit wrestling but the speed differential is massive. He prefers to live bet if Fugitt gets an early takedown.
Connor picks Yusaku Kinoshita, praising his pressure striking and weight transfer. He notes that Fugitt is not durable or fast, and that Kinoshita's chaotic style will overwhelm him. Connor expects a knockout, as Fugitt has been shaken by big shots before. He compares Kinoshita's style to Dan Henderson's.
Paul picks Kinoshita, calling him a legitimate prospect with better skills. He notes Kinoshita's speed, power, and finishing ability, though he is unproven at 22. He thinks Fugitt is durable but limited, and that Kinoshita will likely finish him. He acknowledges the risk of betting a young debutant but believes the skill gap is real.
Zane picks Yusaku Kinoshita, agreeing that it's a classic game of chicken. He notes that Kinoshita is more willing to stand his ground and come forward, and that Fugitt's wrestling is less effective when he's backing up. Zane acknowledges Kinoshita's defensive flaws but believes Fugitt is not the fighter to exploit them.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Morales | 2 | 83 of 151 | 54% | 89 of 157 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
| Adam Fugitt | 0 | 64 of 113 | 56% | 70 of 120 | 1 of 8 | 12% | 0 | 0 | 1:51 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Morales | 0 | 26 of 50 | 52% | 29 of 53 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Adam Fugitt | 0 | 25 of 42 | 59% | 30 of 48 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 1:31 | |
| 2 | Michael Morales | 0 | 32 of 70 | 45% | 34 of 72 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Adam Fugitt | 0 | 32 of 58 | 55% | 33 of 59 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:08 | |
| 3 | Michael Morales | 2 | 25 of 31 | 80% | 26 of 32 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:08 |
| Adam Fugitt | 0 | 7 of 13 | 53% | 7 of 13 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Morales | 83 of 151 | 54% | 74 of 140 | 7 of 9 | 2 of 2 | 64 of 127 | 12 of 17 | 7 of 7 |
| Adam Fugitt | 64 of 113 | 56% | 32 of 74 | 20 of 26 | 12 of 13 | 58 of 99 | 6 of 10 | 0 of 4 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Morales | 26 of 50 | 52% | 20 of 43 | 5 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 22 of 46 | 3 of 3 | 1 of 1 |
| Adam Fugitt | 25 of 42 | 59% | 10 of 25 | 8 of 9 | 7 of 8 | 24 of 37 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 4 | |
| 2 | Michael Morales | 32 of 70 | 45% | 29 of 66 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 28 of 63 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Adam Fugitt | 32 of 58 | 55% | 15 of 36 | 12 of 17 | 5 of 5 | 28 of 50 | 4 of 8 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Michael Morales | 25 of 31 | 80% | 25 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 14 of 18 | 5 of 7 | 6 of 6 |
| Adam Fugitt | 7 of 13 | 53% | 7 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady picks Michael Morales to win by first-round knockout. He is very high on Morales, citing his physical strength, offensive wrestling, takedown defense, and power. He notes Fugitt is on short notice and outmatched. He acknowledges Morales is hittable but believes he runs through Fugitt.
Cody picks Morales, describing him as a promising young fighter with a judo brown belt, BJJ brown belt, and national wrestling team experience. He notes that Fugitt is a short-notice replacement who shouldn't be in the UFC. He thinks Morales will take him out inside the distance, likely by TKO/KO, because Fugitt is not durable. He also mentions that Morales is strong, physical, and improving quickly.
Daniel is high on Morales, calling him a very talented prospect with wrestling, knockout power, and size. He notes the massive speed and athleticism advantage over Fugitt. He warns about Morales' maturity after receiving a $50k bonus, but thinks as long as he stays focused, he will win. He predicts a knockout, saying Fugitt is too slow. He calls the -600 line justified but does not bet due to the price.
Preet took a shot on the over 1.5 rounds at -103, banking on Fugitt's durability and ability to make it a clinchy, grinding fight. He acknowledges Morales should win but sees value on Fugitt's side, noting his wrestling background and pressure. He may also place a half-unit on Fugitt's moneyline if it reaches +500.
Paul also picks Morales, agreeing that Fugitt is a short-notice replacement who shouldn't be in the UFC. He notes that Morales is young, strong, and has a promising future. He thinks Morales will win, possibly inside the distance, but the price is steep. He also mentions that the over/under is 1.5 rounds with juice to the under.
The MMA Guru picks Michael Morales by submission (d'arce choke) in round two. He expects Fugitt to have some early success with takedowns and clinch work, but Morales will find his timing in round two, land big shots, stuff a takedown, and cinch the choke. The Guru notes Morales' ability to compose himself after early adversity.
Expert Picks (6)
Big Brady picks Michael Morales to win by first-round knockout. He is very high on Morales, citing his physical strength, offensive wrestling, takedown defense, and power. He notes Fugitt is on short notice and outmatched. He acknowledges Morales is hittable but believes he runs through Fugitt.
Cody picks Morales, describing him as a promising young fighter with a judo brown belt, BJJ brown belt, and national wrestling team experience. He notes that Fugitt is a short-notice replacement who shouldn't be in the UFC. He thinks Morales will take him out inside the distance, likely by TKO/KO, because Fugitt is not durable. He also mentions that Morales is strong, physical, and improving quickly.
Daniel is high on Morales, calling him a very talented prospect with wrestling, knockout power, and size. He notes the massive speed and athleticism advantage over Fugitt. He warns about Morales' maturity after receiving a $50k bonus, but thinks as long as he stays focused, he will win. He predicts a knockout, saying Fugitt is too slow. He calls the -600 line justified but does not bet due to the price.
Preet took a shot on the over 1.5 rounds at -103, banking on Fugitt's durability and ability to make it a clinchy, grinding fight. He acknowledges Morales should win but sees value on Fugitt's side, noting his wrestling background and pressure. He may also place a half-unit on Fugitt's moneyline if it reaches +500.
Paul also picks Morales, agreeing that Fugitt is a short-notice replacement who shouldn't be in the UFC. He notes that Morales is young, strong, and has a promising future. He thinks Morales will win, possibly inside the distance, but the price is steep. He also mentions that the over/under is 1.5 rounds with juice to the under.
The MMA Guru picks Michael Morales by submission (d'arce choke) in round two. He expects Fugitt to have some early success with takedowns and clinch work, but Morales will find his timing in round two, land big shots, stuff a takedown, and cinch the choke. The Guru notes Morales' ability to compose himself after early adversity.
A polarised fight, the ko can be found for 5.0