With Ramiz Brahimaj pulling out of the fight mid-month, Michael Morales instead welcomed promotional newcomer Adam Fugitt to the octagon at UFC 277 on Saturday.
The welterweight pairing was the final early prelim at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX.
The fight would make it into the third round before Morales sealed the deal, extending his win streak to 14.
Fugitt opened up the fight with a few kicks but Morales did counter him with a straight right. Fugitt was staying busy with his legs keeping Morales on the outside. Morales was lunging in with the bigger shots but the unbeaten welterweight prospect wasn’t landing anything clean. He did catch Fugitt slipping with a nice right hand. That forced Fugitt to change levels and get Morales to the mat.
Morales was doing well defensively and eventually elevated Fugitt enough to get back to his feet. Morales wanted to get back at Fugitt but ate two big left hands from him instead. Morales wasn’t respecting the power of Fugitt going right at him walking through clean punches from Fugitt to end the round.
The second superman punch thrown by Michael Morales started the second round. Morales was getting more confident on the outside with his left jab and right hand. Fugitt was still pressing forward and landing but nothing was seeming to faze Morales. Morales landed two cracking right hands but Fugitt was showing a strong chin. Not shaken, Fugitt was still throwing a lot of kicks and left hands. With that said Morales was landing more. He landed another good right hook forcing Fugitt to curl up for a moment.
In the final round, Fugitt shot in for a takedown early. He didn’t get it but did land a big left hook. Morales responded with another right hand forcing Fugitt to engage on another takedown. It didn’t happen and Morales finally dropped him with a one-two. Fugitt got up but took another right and he fell, after which the ref stepped in.
Watch out WW division – @MichaelMMA21 has 𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐃! #UFC277 pic.twitter.com/5foyFv9zhK
— UFC (@ufc) July 30, 2022
At just 23, Michael Morales is now 14-0, and one to watch at 170 pounds.
Official Result: Michael Morales def. Adam Fugitt by TKO, Round 3, 1:09
