The United Fight League returns to action on Friday, August 30 with UFL 5 set to take place in Chandler, AZ – and former UFC talent Vince Morales will be in the main event, challenging for bantamweight gold.
Morales (15-7) will face champ Hunter Azure with the promotion’s 135lb title on the line; the fight is also the last in a Team vs. Team event, with Team Phoenix facing off against Team Las Vegas, the latter of which Morales heads up.
On the format, Morales told Cageside Press recently that “I think as far as a spectator, I think it’s really enticing. It’s definitely something different for the MMA scene right now. Hopefully it stands out in that facet as well. I think it’s a step in the right direction in terms of trying to separate yourself from the pack, so I’m excited to see what UFL’s going to continue to do like this.”
The UFL has certainly turned some heads in its brief existence. The promotion launched promising health care to fighters under contract, as well as shares. The Team format is another twist. And Morales is quite happy leading Team Las Vegas.
“Just to be the anchor and the one to bring it home, feels right for me. I think it settles in my mindset properly,” he stated. As for the Azure match-up, “it’s a good fight,” Azure added. “The whole event, Team Vegas vs. Team Phoenix is dope. My last fight here in Vegas actually felt like a hometown fight, so it’s cool that now I’m leaving to represent Vegas. I’m with it.”
Winning a regional title like the UFL bantamweight championship would be a big step, but Morales is still looking to get back to the big show. As big as a win this Friday would be, “at the same time that it’s an honor, I want the UFC belt. That’s the most prestigious in our MMA world.”
“This one, for me, it’s a step in the right direction. Going up against somebody who’s a former UFC vet as well, and a tough fight in and of itself, these are the kind of fights that I like,” continued Morales. “I think they bring the best out of me. All that going in there, the belt’s a bonus. I don’t care if it’s ten rounds, one long one hour round or a ten second fight. I’m going in there to beat this dude though.”
Watch our full interview with UFL 5’s Vince Morales above.
