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Agrees to fight Magny in August
Morales verbally agreed to take on Neil Magny at a UFC event in Las Vegas on August 24, per Danny Segura of MMAJunkie.USAToday.com.
ANALYSIS
Morales will put his undefeated professional record to the test against Magny on August 24. The six-foot fighter from Ecuador will be tested against the veteran Magny, as he will give up a size and reach advantage to the older American. Morales will hope to use his considerable stopping power to take down his opponent, with 11 of his 16 professional victories coming by KO/TKO, though his two recent decision victories in UFC bouts prove that he can go the distance when necessary.
Morales will put his undefeated professional record to the test against Magny on August 24. The six-foot fighter from Ecuador will be tested against the veteran Magny, as he will give up a size and reach advantage to the older American. Morales will hope to use his considerable stopping power to take down his opponent, with 11 of his 16 professional victories coming by KO/TKO, though his two recent decision victories in UFC bouts prove that he can go the distance when necessary.
Remains undefeated as pro
Morales defeated Jake Matthews via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
Morales remains perfect, both as a professional and with the UFC. Some thought the -325 favorite line for Morales was a bit high, but it ended up being nowhere near high enough. This fight wasn't close. Matthews hung in there and tried to match Morales blow-for-blow in what was a striking battle, but it simply didn't work. Michael was faster, hit harder, and looked more fluid in his movements. Given that Morales is just 23 years of age, one would think struggles are forthcoming, but we haven't really seen any yet nearly two years deep into his UFC run. You don't want to push Morales too fast, but it's clear as day he is ready for a step up in competition.
Morales remains perfect, both as a professional and with the UFC. Some thought the -325 favorite line for Morales was a bit high, but it ended up being nowhere near high enough. This fight wasn't close. Matthews hung in there and tried to match Morales blow-for-blow in what was a striking battle, but it simply didn't work. Michael was faster, hit harder, and looked more fluid in his movements. Given that Morales is just 23 years of age, one would think struggles are forthcoming, but we haven't really seen any yet nearly two years deep into his UFC run. You don't want to push Morales too fast, but it's clear as day he is ready for a step up in competition.
Next bout scheduled
Morales is set to face off against Jake Matthews at UFC Vegas 82 on No. 18, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Morales, who most recently defeated Max Griffen in July, will look to keep his streak alive against Jake Matthews. The 23-year-old fighter holds an undefeated record (15-0) in his professional career.
Morales, who most recently defeated Max Griffen in July, will look to keep his streak alive against Jake Matthews. The 23-year-old fighter holds an undefeated record (15-0) in his professional career.
Rise to top continues
Morales defeated Max Griffin via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
One of the brightest prospects in the sport today, the 23-year-old Morales showed a ton in this fight, his first with the UFC in which he didn't blow through his competition. Morales lost Round 1 on all three scorecards. He quickly righted the ship, creating far more space between he and Griffin on the feet, allowing Morales to land several damaging shots. More importantly, he stuffed all eight takedown attempts from the powerful Griffin. It's easy see why Morales is so highly regarded. He's huge (6-foot-3), athletic, and has fought some quality opposition at such a young age. The sky would appear to be the limit here.
One of the brightest prospects in the sport today, the 23-year-old Morales showed a ton in this fight, his first with the UFC in which he didn't blow through his competition. Morales lost Round 1 on all three scorecards. He quickly righted the ship, creating far more space between he and Griffin on the feet, allowing Morales to land several damaging shots. More importantly, he stuffed all eight takedown attempts from the powerful Griffin. It's easy see why Morales is so highly regarded. He's huge (6-foot-3), athletic, and has fought some quality opposition at such a young age. The sky would appear to be the limit here.
Next fight scheduled
Morales will face off against Max Griffin at UFC Vegas 76 on July 1, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Morales, who most recently took down Adam Fugitt in July, has started off his UFC career with a 2-0 record. The 22-year-old fighter will look to continue building his resume against an experienced opponent, Max Griffin, in July.
Morales, who most recently took down Adam Fugitt in July, has started off his UFC career with a 2-0 record. The 22-year-old fighter will look to continue building his resume against an experienced opponent, Max Griffin, in July.