UFC 270: Michael Morales Shows Veteran Composure In PPV Opener

Anaheim, CA – For 22-year-old UFC welterweight Michael Morales his UFC debut coming on a PPV card wasn’t as nerve-racking as many may have believed.

“It doesn’t matter as much being on a different part of the card just because fortunately I’m able to control my thoughts and be focused on the fight. That’s the only thing I can control which is the fight in front of me. I’m very happy for all my team members in the gym because even though the stuff that happened before, they were able to make it here, which is for so many people so hard. Not many can, so, just to be able to share this moment with everyone in the gym was very important,” Morales said through a translator at his post-fight media scrum.

Morales (13-0) defeated Trevin Giles (14-4) in the opening slot of the PPV at UFC 270 on Saturday night. Giles was able to put Morales in some tough spots before the Ecuadorian fighter took control and finished Giles via TKO in the first round.

“At the end everything turned out alright, but yet he was able to to impose some pressure. He connected on a couple shots he had a really good strike there. Thankfully it didn’t, I didn’t get knocked out of my senses, so I everything was fine. So all I had to do was focus on continuing to defend, to turn things around and start going after him. Thankfully nothing happened there.”

“He might have a good jab but he didn’t knock me down. Every fighter is good. He’s a very experienced fighter. Everyone here I have a lot of respect for everyone because these are all high-level fighter so it doesn’t matte who it is. I respect them but we came out on top,” Morales said.

As far was what is next Morales is ready to do whatever the UFC puts in front of him.

“Whatever God wants is what is next. Dana is the boss he’s the one who gives out orders. Wherever he puts me I’m willing to fight against anyone, at anytime, anywhere I’ll fight. I just need to recover from this fight and then i’ll be back at 100% to represent my country Ecuador and Mexico.”

Morales sent a message to his family and friends during the media scrum.

“Mom, I love you! Your son is on television! Expect big things from me! I know you’re crying right now that the whole world is watching us at home, but we’re moving up. Hello to my brothers, to my father, to everyone who is watching. My cousins, my uncles, I have family here with me, hello to them. I love you Mom for giving me life.”

Watch the full UFC 270 post-fight press conference with Michael Morales above. More coverage from the event can be found below.