Paris – UFC bantamweights Taylor Lapilus and Vince Morales set up one of the more interesting bouts on the night at UFC Paris on Saturday.
Both men have left and made their return to the UFC after successful runs outside of the promotion.
Lapilus (20-4) came into UFC Paris on a 5-2 UFC record dating back to 2015. His return to the UFC came in 2023 going 2-1 in his recent run with wins over Cody Stamann and Caolan Loughran.
Morales (20-4) left the UFC in 2022, rattled off 5 consecutive victories, and made his return against Lapilus at UFC Paris.
Round 1 Lapilus came out with the pressure and landed a nice head kick early. He continued to fire head kicks off as it was clearly part of the game plan. Lapilus held the center of the cage with Morales working on the outside trying to make his way inside. Lapilus even got close to use some quick elbows up top almost like a jab.
Morales had a tough time getting going early in the round with his attacks getting stuffed for the most part. Lapilus continued his flow and peppered Morales all over the right side of his body including a cut up top.
Round 2 felt like the continuation of the first round in the beginning until Morales scored a quick takedown. Lapilus fought his way back to his feet, but he had to deal with Morales on the cage. A couple of nasty elbows forced Morales to back away and Lapilus put the pace back on him immediately.
In the clinch Lapilus landed a heavy knee up top that should have knocked his opponent out, but Morales ate it and kept on going.
Morales shot in for a single leg with 30 seconds left in the round, but Lapilus stuffed it and time ran out.
Round 3 Morales clearly slowed down showing the damage was taking effect. Lapilus meanwhile continued his pace and attacks in a fight he was clearly winning so far. Morales shot in for a takedown, got stuffed, but he stayed on it and tackled Lapilus to the ground.
Lapilus, with his back on the fence, tried to get his guard, gets to his knees instead, and to his feet. Morales looking dejected fired away like he wanted a brawl, but Lapilus landed a spinning back elbow as time ran out.
Official Result: Taylor Lapilus def. Vince Morales via Unanimous Decision (30-27×3)
