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Vince Morales

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Vince Morales
Born (1990-11-12) November 12, 1990 (age 33)
Caldwell, Idaho, United States
Other namesVandetta
Height5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
Weight145 lb (66 kg; 10 st 5 lb)
DivisionFeatherweight
Bantamweight
Reach70 in (178 cm)[1]
Fighting out ofOntario, Oregon, United States
TeamFreak-Jitsu (until 2020)[2]
Syndicate MMA (2020–present)[3]
RankPurple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu[4]
Years active2015–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total24
Wins16
By knockout7
By submission5
By decision4
Losses8
By knockout1
By submission2
By decision5
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Vince Morales (born November 12, 1990) is an American mixed martial artist who competed in the Featherweight division most recently for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). A professional mixed martial artist since 2015, Morales has also competed in Bellator.

Background

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Morales grew up in Ontario, Oregon and started wrestling while attending Ontario High School.[5] Despite going winless in wrestling in his freshman year and halfway through the sophomore year, he ended up becoming a state champion in his senior year.[6] Morales attended Boise State University for a spell but dropped out due to family issues.[5]

Mixed martial arts career

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Early career

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Morales made his MMA debut at featherweight against Joseph Cleveland on May 15, 2015, at FSF - Front Street Fights 5. He won the fight via submission with a rear-naked choke in the first round.[7]

Following his MMA debut, Morales mainly fought within the Idaho regional MMA circuit, competing within organizations such as King of the Cage and Front Street Fights, wherein he held the organization's featherweight title.[8]

Bellator MMA

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Morales made his Bellator debut at featherweight on May 20, 2016, against Hamilton Ash at Bellator 155.[9] He won the fight via knockout with punches in the third round.[10]

Morales faced Justin Hugo at bantamweight on September 21, 2018, at Bellator 205.[11] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[12]

Dana White's Contender Series

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Morales faced Domingo Pilarte on July 17, 2018, at Dana White's Contender Series 13. He lost the fight via technical submission via rear-naked choke.[13]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

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Replacing injured Frankie Saenz on short notice, Morales made his UFC debut at bantamweight on November 24, 2018, against Song Yadong at UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. Ngannou 2.[14] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[15]

Morales then faced Aiemann Zahabi on May 4, 2019, at UFC Fight Night: Iaquinta vs. Cowboy.[16] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[17]

Morales next faced Benito Lopez on July 13, 2019, at UFC Fight Night: de Randamie vs. Ladd.[18] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[19]

Morales then returned to featherweight and faced Chris Gutiérrez on May 30, 2020, at UFC on ESPN: Woodley vs. Burns.[20] He lost the fight via TKO with leg kicks in the second round.[21] Three months after his loss to Gutiérrez, he suffered a torn Achilles tendon which required two surgeries.[22]

Morales returned to bantamweight and faced Drako Rodriguez at UFC 265 on August 7, 2021.[23] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[24]

Morales faced Louis Smolka on December 4, 2021, at UFC on ESPN 31.[25] He won the fight via knockout out in round one.[26]

Morales, as a replacement for Liudvik Sholinian, was scheduled to face Nathaniel Wood on March 19, 2022, at UFC Fight Night: Volkov vs. Aspinall.[27] In turn, just days before the event, Morales withdrew due to illness,[28] and the pair will be rescheduled for future event.[29]

Morales faced Jonathan Martinez on May 21, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 206.[30] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[31]

Morales was scheduled to face José Johnson on November 19, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 215,[32] but Johnson pulled out for undisclosed reasons,[33] and he was replaced by Miles Johns on November 19, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 215.[34] Morales lost the fight via unanimous decision.[35]

It was announced in mid-January that UFC released Morales.[36]

Post UFC career

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Morales faced Teruto Ishihara on May 3, 2023, at XMMA 6: Bash at the Beach.[37][38] He won the bout in the third round, choking out Ishihara via anaconda choke.[39]

Morales faced Yuki Motoya on December 31, 2023 at Rizin 45, winning the bout via unanimous decision.[40]

Morales faced reigning UFL Bantamweight champion Hunter Azure for his title at United Fight League 5 on August 30, 2024. [41] He would win the fight via submission in the third round after submitting Azure with a Peruvian necktie thus becoming the new UFL Bantamweight Champion. [42]

Return to UFC

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On short notice and replacing Felipe Lima, Morales made his return to the UFC and faced Taylor Lapilus on September 28, 2024 at UFC Fight Night 243.[43] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.[44]

Personal life

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Morales is the cousin of fellow UFC bantamweight fighter Ricky Simón.[45][46]

Championships and accomplishments

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  • Front Street Fights
    • FSF Featherweight Championship (One time)[8]
  • United Fight League
    • UFL Bantamweight Championship (One time, current)

Mixed martial arts record

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Professional record breakdown
24 matches 16 wins 8 losses
By knockout 7 1
By submission 5 2
By decision 4 5
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 16–8 Taylor Lapilus Decision (Unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Moicano vs. Saint Denis September 28, 2024 3 5:00 Paris, France
Win 16–7 Hunter Azure Submission (Peruvian necktie) United Fight League 5 August 30, 2024 3 4:06 Chandler, Arizona, United States Won the UFL Bantamweight Championship.
Win 15–7 Luis Guerrero Submission (brabo choke) Tuff-N-Uff 137 May 24, 2024 2 4:09 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 14–7 Yuki Motoya Decision (unanimous) Rizin 45 December 31, 2023 3 5:00 Saitama, Japan
Win 13–7 Joe Penafiel TKO (punches) Front Street Fights 26 July 28, 2023 2 2:19 Boise, Idaho, United States Catchweight (144 lb) bout.
Win 12–7 Teruto Ishihara Technical Submission (anaconda choke) XMMA 6 May 3, 2023 3 1:17 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, United States Catchweight (140 lb) bout.
Loss 11–7 Miles Johns Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Nzechukwu vs. Cuțelaba November 19, 2022 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 11–6 Jonathan Martinez Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Holm vs. Vieira May 21, 2022 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 11–5 Louis Smolka KO (punches) UFC on ESPN: Font vs. Aldo December 4, 2021 1 2:02 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 10–5 Drako Rodriguez Decision (unanimous) UFC 265 August 7, 2021 3 5:00 Houston, Texas, United States
Loss 9–5 Chris Gutiérrez TKO (leg kicks) UFC on ESPN: Woodley vs. Burns May 30, 2020 2 4:27 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Featherweight bout.
Loss 9–4 Benito Lopez Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: de Randamie vs. Ladd July 13, 2019 3 5:00 Sacramento, California, United States
Win 9–3 Aiemann Zahabi Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Iaquinta vs. Cowboy May 4, 2019 3 5:00 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Loss 8–3 Song Yadong Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. Ngannou 2 November 24, 2018 3 5:00 Beijing, China
Win 8–2 Justin Hugo Decision (unanimous) Bellator 205 September 21, 2018 3 5:00 Boise, Idaho, United States
Loss 7–2 Domingo Pilarte Technical Submission (rear-naked choke) Dana White's Contender Series 13 July 17, 2018 2 1:52 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 7–1 Brandon Hempleman TKO (punches) Front Street Fights 15 January 19, 2018 2 2:38 Boise, Idaho, United States Bantamweight debut.
Win 6–1 Rowdy Akers Submission (arm-triangle choke) KOTC: Quick Draw June 17, 2017 1 1:58 Fort Hall, Idaho, United States Catchweight (140 lb) bout.
Win 5–1 Andrew Cruz KO (punches) Front Street Fights 10 December 9, 2016 3 3:07 Boise, Idaho, United States Won the FSF Featherweight Championship.
Win 4–1 Hamilton Ash KO (punches) Bellator 155 May 20, 2016 3 2:32 Boise, Idaho, United States
Win 3–1 Patrick Trey Smith TKO (punches) Front Street Fights 8 February 13, 2016 1 4:15 Boise, Idaho, United States
Loss 2–1 Josh Wick Submission (armbar) Front Street Fights 6 September 11, 2015 2 3:26 Boise, Idaho, United States
Win 2–0 Jeremie Montgomery TKO (punches) SFL 41: America 5 July 11, 2015 1 2:28 Tacoma, Washington, United States
Win 1–0 Joseph Cleveland Submission (rear-naked choke) Front Street Fights 5 May 15, 2015 1 1:51 Boise, Idaho, United States Featherweight debut.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Stats | UFC". ufcstats.com. Retrieved June 14, 2020.
  2. ^ Mike Heck (December 9, 2021). "We Got Next | A Fired Up Danny Sabatello & Victorious Vince Morales" (Podcast).
  3. ^ James Lynch (July 21, 2021). Vince Morales talks UFC 265, Layoff due to injury & Training at Syndicate MMA – via YouTube.
  4. ^ "Vince Morales | UFC". UFC.com. November 2018. Retrieved September 28, 2024.
  5. ^ a b Jim Norton; Matt Serra (December 7, 2021). "Jamahal Hill and Vince Morales" (Podcast).
  6. ^ Thomas Gerbasi (May 3, 2019). "Morales Believes He's Built The Foundation For Octagon Success". Ultimate Fighting Championship.
  7. ^ Myles Painter (October 9, 2018). "Setting the Bar featuring Bellator MMA fighters Vince Morales and Jordan Young". MMA UK. Retrieved June 14, 2020.
  8. ^ a b Todd Carlson (September 16, 2017). "Todd Carlson discusses Featherweight, Bantamweight for FSF". CenturyLink Arena Boise. Retrieved June 14, 2020.
  9. ^ Steve Juon (March 25, 2016). "Bellator 155 fight card finalized for 'Carvalho vs Manhoef' on May 20 in Boise". MMA Mania. Retrieved June 14, 2020.
  10. ^ Luke Thomas (May 20, 2016). "Bellator 155 Results: Carvalho vs. Manhoef". MMA Fighting. Retrieved June 14, 2020.
  11. ^ Steve Juon (August 30, 2018). "Latest Bellator 205 fight card, rumors for 'McKee vs Macapa' on Sept. 21 in Boise". MMA Mania. Retrieved June 14, 2020.
  12. ^ Bryan Tucker (September 21, 2018). "Bellator 205 Results: McKee vs. Macapa". MMA Fighting. Retrieved June 14, 2020.
  13. ^ Eddie Mercado (July 17, 2018). "Dana White's Contender Series 13 results: Pilarte among three to earn UFC contract". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved June 14, 2020.
  14. ^ Alexander K. Lee (November 23, 2018). "Mother's battle with cancer fueled MMA dream for UFC Beijing's Vince Morales". MMA Fighting. Retrieved June 14, 2020.
  15. ^ Jay Anderson (November 24, 2018). "UFC Beijing Results: Song Yadong Defeats Vince Morales In Style". Cageside Press. Retrieved June 14, 2020.
  16. ^ E. Spencer Kyte (April 29, 2019). "Zahabi is Ready to be back in the Octagon". UFC. Retrieved June 14, 2020.
  17. ^ Davidson Baker (May 4, 2019). "UFC Ottawa Results: Vince Morales Narrowly Outpoints Aiemann Zahabi". Cageside Press. Retrieved June 14, 2020.
  18. ^ Trent Reinsmith (July 11, 2019). "UFC Fight Night 155 Preview: The Odds Are Against Team Alpha Male". Forbes. Retrieved June 14, 2020.
  19. ^ Ryan Fortune (July 13, 2019). "UFC Sacramento Results: Benito Lopez Survives Knockdown, Edges Out Vince Morales". Cageside Press. Retrieved June 14, 2020.
  20. ^ Mike Heck (May 21, 2020). "Chris Gutierrez vs. Vince Morales targeted for May 30 UFC event". MMA Fighting. Retrieved June 14, 2020.
  21. ^ Jay Anderson (May 30, 2020). "UFC Vegas Results: Chris Gutierrez Chops Down Vince Morales, Earns Leg Kick TKO". Cageside Press. Retrieved June 14, 2020.
  22. ^ Behunin, Alex (August 4, 2021). "Vince Morales interview". Youtube. Alex Behunin. Retrieved August 5, 2021.
  23. ^ Behunin, Alex (May 8, 2021). "Drako Rodriguez vs. Vince Morales Set For UFC 265". Cageside Press. Retrieved May 10, 2021.
  24. ^ Behunin, Alex (August 7, 2021). "UFC 265 Results: Vince Morales Snaps Skid, Defeats Drako Rodriguez". Cageside Press. Retrieved August 8, 2021.
  25. ^ Behunin, Alex (October 6, 2021). "Vince Morales vs. Louis Smolka Set For December 4 UFC Event". Cageside Press. Retrieved October 7, 2021.
  26. ^ Anderson, Jay (December 4, 2021). "UFC Vegas 44: Vince Morales Stuns Louis Smolka Early". Cageside Press. Retrieved December 5, 2021.
  27. ^ Behunin, Alex (March 5, 2022). "Liudvik Sholinian Out, Vince Morales Will Face Nathaniel Wood At UFC London". Cageside Press. Retrieved March 7, 2022.
  28. ^ Nolan King (March 16, 2022). "Nathaniel Wood in need of UFC Fight Night 204 opponent after Vince Morales withdraws due to illness". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  29. ^ "UFC London: No replacement for Nathaniel Wood, bout against Vince Morales to be rescheduled". MMA Junkie. March 17, 2022. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
  30. ^ Behunin, Alex (April 16, 2022). "Vince Morales vs. Jonathan Martinez Set For May 21 UFC Event". Cageside Press. Retrieved April 16, 2022.
  31. ^ Anderson, Jay (May 21, 2022). "UFC Vegas 55: Jonathan Martinez Chews Up the Legs of Vince Morales En Route to Decision Win". Cageside Press. Retrieved May 22, 2022.
  32. ^ Drake Riggs (September 27, 2022). "Vince Morales set to take on recent Contender Series winner Jose Johnson at UFC Vegas 65". mmamania.com. Retrieved September 27, 2022.
  33. ^ Ricky Calls Out Vince's Big Mouth, Subscriber Giveaway + Recovery Tactics - Just Cuz Ep 13, November 4, 2022, retrieved November 12, 2022
  34. ^ Poli, John Eric (November 11, 2022). "Miles Johns talks short notice opportunity at UFC Vegas 65". Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  35. ^ Dewar, Val (November 19, 2022). "UFC Vegas 65: Miles Johns Defeats Vince Morales In Uneventful Bout". Cageside Press. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  36. ^ Shelton, Cole (January 19, 2023). "UFC parts ways with 11 fighters | BJPenn.com". | BJPenn.com. Retrieved January 19, 2023.
  37. ^ "XMMA – The Future of Fighting". Retrieved April 28, 2023.
  38. ^ "XMMA 6: Bash at the Beach | MMA Event". Tapology. Retrieved April 28, 2023.
  39. ^ AlexBehunin (May 4, 2023). "Highlights! Ex-UFC Fighters Shine At XMMA 6". MMAmania.com. Retrieved May 28, 2023.
  40. ^ 格闘技情報を毎日配信！, eFight 【イーファイト】 (December 31, 2023). "【RIZIN】元谷友貴、"朝倉海のスパー相手"元UFCモラレスに悔しい判定負け". eFight【イーファイト】格闘技情報を毎日配信！ (in Japanese). Retrieved February 19, 2024.
  41. ^ "UFL 5 Weigh in Results | MMA UK". August 30, 2024.
  42. ^ "UFL 5: Phoenix vs. Vegas Full Results". August 31, 2024.
  43. ^ Olivier Angelini (September 18, 2024). "Taylor Lapilus affrontera l'Américain Vince Morales à l'UFC Paris 3" (in French). boxemag.com. Retrieved September 18, 2024.
  44. ^ Eddie Law (September 28, 2024). "Taylor Lapilus Puts On Striking Clinic, Earns Decision Over Morales". cagesidepress.com. Retrieved September 28, 2024.
  45. ^ Elias Cepeda (July 11, 2019). "Ricky Simón gave up a lot to fight Urijah Faber at UFC Sacramento". Yahoo Sports. Retrieved June 14, 2020.
  46. ^ Nolan King (July 10, 2019). "Family first, fighters second: Cousins Vince Morales, Ricky Simon live out dream at UFC Sacramento". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved June 14, 2020.
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