At the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, former lightweight champion, Anthony Pettis returns against Alex Morono. At UFC Vegas 17: Thompson vs. Neal, both welterweights can steal the show in their featured preliminary bout. Pettis (23-10) is coming off a decision win over Donald Cerrone, but many thought the decision was controversial. On the other hand, Morono (18-6) is coming off a decisive win over Rhys McKee.
Since both athletes are coming in with momentum, it stands to reason that success here will put them in a prime position after the smoke clears. Especially with a name like Pettis, should Morono pull it off, it will propel him into a much bigger name. Reminiscing about his former glory, it would appear the former lightweight champion is ready to throw down.
🎥⌚️‼️ https://t.co/MVbP07YINF
— Anthony Pettis (@Showtimepettis) December 17, 2020
UFC Vegas 17: Morono’s thoughts
After speaking with Morono, he indicated that he had been training primarily with the headliner, Neal. Stabled at Fortis MMA, the 30-year old welterweight is getting excellent training in preparation for one of the biggest fights of his career. Also, when being asked about his weight cut, he responded with,
“I’ve made damn near the same cut for about a decade now, and they get easier every time, especially as I get older, I’ve become a bit leaner,” Morono said.
Once UFC Vegas 17 is over, the welterweight division will have another contender gunning for the title.
Training out of Roufusport MMA Academy with head coach Duke Roufus, Pettis has had an impressive late-career surge. Prior to his welterweight success, the lightweight great was struggling stylistically with wrestlers. However, in this matchup, neither athlete is big on takedowns. Not to mention, Pettis has a legendary ground game, which could ultimately sway the fight in his direction.
The evolution Morono shows in his striking will likely be the story of this fight. Either way, the sharpness of Pettis’s Taekwondo and kickboxing technique will be a huge hurdle for Morono.
Keep it locked in at AllAccessMMA.com for your latest mixed martial arts stories! The action kicks off on UFC Fight Pass on Dec.19 at 4:00 PM ET.
