Alex Morono rode an early knockdown to a decision victory at UFC Vegas 44, beating Mickey Gall almost exclusively on the feet.
Welterweights Alex Morono and Mickey Gall opened up the UFC Vegas 44 main card on Saturday, bumped up from the prelims after Matt Brown dropped out of his fight with Bryan Barberena. Both men entered the night off wins earlier this year. Gall was seeking his second straight victory, Morono his third.
Morono quickly took the center of the Octagon out of the gate. Gall landed a right hand for the first significant strike of the bout. A close range exchange took place with three strikes landing for Morono. A left hook then found the mark for Morono. After an exchange of jabs, a short left hand dropped Gall. Morono quickly got in top position and began throwing punches, but Gall was alert and active with his legs to threaten submissions. Morono postured up and landed a big shot, then returned to his feet. A wild exchange occurred at the very end of the round as Gall let his hands go.
Drops him 😳
Letting the hands loose early! #UFCVegas44 pic.twitter.com/JjHWcC0B3d
— UFC (@ufc) December 5, 2021
Gall landed a right hand early on then ate one from Morono. A combination snuck through for Morono as Gall was fairly quiet on the feet. On cue, Gall unloaded a trio of wide hooks to back Morono up. Gall caught Morono once more. Gall began pumping out a jab and Morono answered with his own. Hooks then landed on both sides. Gall shot for a takedown late, but Morono cleanly stuffed it. Right before the end of the round, Morono landed a big left hook.
Gall opened the final round with a right hook and Morono quickly answered with a big one himself. Morono pumped out a jab then landed a combination on Gall. Gall began letting his hands go, but Morono was firing haymakers right back whenever Gall opened up. Morono kept Gall at the end of his jab and on the back foot after a wild combination to close out the fight.
Alex Morono def. Mickey Gall by Unanimous Decision (30-27 x3)
