Alex Morono and Matthew Semelsberger face off on Saturday in the prelims in a welterweight bout at UFC 277 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. These are two fighters who could climb up the rankings quickly if they were to win a couple more fights.
Alex Morono comes into this fight with a 21-7 record overall and he has won three fights in a row. Morono’s last fight came against Mickey Gall in December of 2021 and he won that fight by unanimous decision. Three fights ago against Donald Cerrone it was late in the first round that he was able to win by knockout. Morono is averaging 5.21 significant strikes per minute while absorbing 3.93 significant strikes per minute. He is averaging 0.35 takedowns every 15 minutes and is successful on 25 percent of the attempts. He also stops 53 percent of his opponent's takedown attempts.
On the other side of this matchup is Matthew Semelsberger who sits with a 10-3 record overall and he has won two fights in a row. His last fight came against AJ Fletcher in March of 2022 he was taken down four times, but still outstruck his opponent 40-34 to secure the unanimous decision victory. Semelsberger is averaging 5.01 significant strikes per minute while absorbing 4.55 significant strikes per minute. He is averaging 0.99 takedowns every 15 minutes and he is successful on 100 percent of his takedown attempts. He also stops 42 percent of his opponent's takedown attempts.
Morono is a very good technical fighter, but too many of his opponents get lulled into his fight style and end up losing. Semelsberger is too smart of a fighter to let that happen, and he is the more explosive fighter here. Look for Semelsberger to fight this one at his pace and his power will end up being too much. Back Semesberger to secure the victory here.
AUTHOR: Shane Mickle
Mitch's Take...
