Albert Morales

Albert Morales
BornAlbert Franklin Morales Blacutt[1]
(1991-05-25) May 25, 1991 (age 33)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Other namesThe Warrior
ResidenceGranada Hills, California
Height5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Weight135 lb (61 kg; 9.6 st)
DivisionBantamweight
Reach72 in (183 cm)[2]
Fighting out ofReseda, California
TeamCarlson Gracie Southbay
Black House (2019–present)[3]
The movement Gym (formerly)
RankBrown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under André "Alemão" Vanconcellos[2]
Years active2015–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total27
Wins17
By knockout8
By submission5
By decision4
Losses9
By knockout2
By submission4
By decision3
Draws1
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Albert Morales (born May 25, 1991) is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the Bantamweight division. He has also competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and of Bellator MMA.

Background

Born and raised in Southern California, Morales began training in mixed martial arts in 2013 at the age of 21. He turned to a strict training regimen in hopes of overcoming a checkered background and criminal ways. Albert Morales is of Belizean descent and proudly waves Belizean flag at UFC weigh in events.[4]

Mixed martial arts career

After four amateur fights, Morales made his professional debut in January 2015. He compiled an undefeated record of 6 - 0 on the regional scene in Southern California, including two stoppage victories for Bellator MMA and a decision win World Series of Fighting.

He signed with the UFC on the heels of a first round finish of Mario Israel at RFA 38 in June 2016.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Morales made his promotional debut on September 17, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 94 where he was tabbed as a short notice replacement for Manvel Gamburyan to face Alejandro Pérez.[5] The fight was scored a majority draw.[6]

Morales next faced Thomas Almeida on November 19, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 100.[7] He lost the fight via TKO in the second round.[8]

Morales faced promotional newcomer Andre Soukhamthath on March 4, 2017 at UFC 209.[9] He won the back-and-forth fight by split decision.[10]

Morales was tabbed as a short notice replacement for Mitch Gagnon to face Brett Johns on July 16, 2017 at UFC Fight Night 113.[11] He lost the bout by unanimous decision.[12]

Morales faced Benito Lopez on December 9, 2017 at UFC Fight Night 123.[13] He lost the back-and-forth fight by unanimous decision.[14]

Morales faced promotional newcomer Manny Bermudez on February 24, 2018 at UFC on Fox 28.[15] He lost the fight via submission in the second round.[16]

On August 14, 2018, it was announced that Morales was released from UFC.[17]

Post-UFC career

Morales faced James Barnes at Golden Boy Promotions' inaugural MMA event on November 24, 2018.[18] He lost the fight via an armbar.[19] Subsequently, Morales decided to change his camp to Black House.[20]

Morales next fought Carlos Puente Jr. at CXF 17 on March 9, 2019. He won the fight via first round submission.

Lights Out Xtreme Fighting

In early 2019, Morales signed with Shawne Merriman's new promotion Lights Out Xtreme Fighting. Morales headlined the inaugural LXF 1 event against Alfred Khaskakyan on May 11, 2019.[21] The bout was for the inaugural LXF Bantamweight Championship, however Khaskakyan missed weight, making him ineligible for the title. Morales lost the fight via first-round knockout.

Morales made his sophomore appearance in the promotion against Ron Scolesdang in a bantamweight title eliminator bout at LXF 3 on September 21, 2019.[3] He won the fight via first-round knockout.[22]

Morales got his second change at the LXF Bantamweight Championship against Ryan Lilley at LXF 4 on November 15, 2019.[20] He claimed the title with a third-round doctor stoppage.

Morales was expected to defend his title in a rematch against Ryan Lilley at LXF 5 on March 13, 2020. However, the event was tentatively rescheduled to be held on April 24, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[23]

Bellator MMA

Morales, as a replacement for James Gallagher, faced Patchy Mix at Bellator 258 on May 7, 2021.[24] He lost the bout via arm-triangle choke in the third round.[25]

Return to Lights Out Xtreme Fighting

Morales faced Victor Henry at LXF 6 on October 30, 2021. He lost the bout via rear-naked choke in the second round.[26]

Up Next Fighting

Morales faced Ryan Lilly at UNF 1 on May 21, 2022. He won via unanimous decision in the three round main event.[27]

Morales faced Terrion Ware for the UNF Featherweight Championship on August 20, 2022 at UNF 2. He won the bout via arm-triangle choke in the third round.[28]

Defending his belt for the first time against Javier Garcia on February 25, 2023 at UNF 5, Morales lost the bout and belt via unanimous decision.[29]

Championships and accomplishments

  • Lights Out Xtreme Fighting
    • Lights Out Xtreme Fighting Bantamweight Champion (One time; augural)
  • Up Next Fighting
    • UNF Featherweight Championship (One time; augural)

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
27 matches 17 wins 9 losses
By knockout 8 2
By submission 5 4
By decision 4 3
Draws 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 17–9–1 Francisco Rivera TKO (punches) UNF 21 November 30, 2024 1 4:44 Commerce, California, United States
Win 16–9–1 Jesse Strader Decision (unanimous) UNF 20 September 28, 2024 3 5:00 Commerce, California, United States
Win 15–9–1 Emran Tara Khail TKO (punches) LXF 14 February 16, 2024 1 4:24 Long Beach, California, United States Won the vacant LXOF Bantamweight Championship.
Win 14–9–1 Luciano Ramos TKO (punches) LXF 12 November 18, 2023 1 2:18 Long Beach, California, United States Catchweight (140 lb) bout.
Win 13–9–1 Musa Toliver TKO (punches) LXF 11 October 7, 2023 1 3:30 Long Beach, California, United States Catchweight (140 lb) bout.
Loss 12–9–1 Javier Garcia Decision (unanimous) UNF 5 February 25, 2023 3 5:00 Commerce, California, United States Lost the UNF Featherweight Championship.
Win 12–8–1 Terrion Ware Submission (arm-triangle choke) UNF 2 August 20, 2022 3 1:28 Commerce, California, United States Won the UNF Featherweight Championship.
Win 11–8–1 Ryan Lilley Decision (unanimous) UNF 1 May 21, 2022 3 5:00 Burbank, California, United States Return to Featherweight.
Loss 10–8–1 Victor Henry Submission (rear-naked choke) LXF 6 October 30, 2021 2 1:46 Burbank, California, United States For the LOP Bantamweight Championship.
Loss 10–7–1 Patchy Mix Submission (arm-triangle choke) Bellator 258 May 7, 2021 3 2:40 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
Win 10–6–1 Ryan Lilley TKO (doctor stoppage) LXF 4 November 15, 2019 3 0:03 Burbank, California, United States Won the LXF Bantamweight Championship.
Win 9–6–1 Ron Scolesdang TKO (punches) LXF 3 September 21, 2019 1 4:50 Commerce, California, United States LXF Bantamweight title eliminator.
Loss 8–6–1 Alfred Khashakyan TKO (punches) LXF 1 May 11, 2019 1 3:58 Burbank, California, United States For the inaugural LXF Bantamweight Championship.
Win 8–5–1 Carlos Puente Jr. Submission (rear-naked choke) CXF 17 March 9, 2019 1 1:30 Los Angeles, California, United States
Loss 7–5–1 James Barnes Submission (armbar) Golden Boy Promotions: Liddell vs. Ortiz 3 November 24, 2018 3 4:09 Inglewood, California, United States
Loss 7–4–1 Manny Bermudez Submission (guillotine choke) UFC on Fox: Emmett vs. Stephens February 24, 2018 2 2:33 Orlando, Florida, United States
Loss 7–3–1 Benito Lopez Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Ortega December 9, 2017 3 5:00 Fresno, California, United States
Loss 7–2–1 Brett Johns Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Nelson vs. Ponzinibbio July 16, 2017 3 5:00 Glasgow, Scotland
Win 7–1–1 Andre Soukhamthath Decision (split) UFC 209 March 4, 2017 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 6–1–1 Thomas Almeida TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Bader vs. Nogueira 2 November 19, 2016 2 1:37 São Paulo, Brazil
Draw 6–0–1 Alejandro Pérez Draw (majority) UFC Fight Night: Poirier vs. Johnson September 17, 2016 3 5:00 Hidalgo, Texas, United States Pérez was deducted 1 point due to hitting Morales after the end of round 2.
Win 6–0 Mario Israel KO (punch) RFA 38 June 3, 2016 1 0:20 Costa Mesa, California, United States
Win 5–0 Anthony Paredes Decision (unanimous) WSOF 28 February 20, 2016 3 5:00 Garden Grove, California, United States Return to Bantamweight.
Win 4–0 Kurt Weinrich Submission (triangle choke) WFC 16 January 23, 2016 1 2:31 Sacramento, California, United States Featherweight debut.
Win 3–0 David Suruy Submission (triangle choke) BAMMA USA 17 October 2, 2015 1 0:59 Commerce, California, United States
Win 2–0 John Yoo TKO (punches) Bellator 137 May 15, 2015 3 1:37 Temecula, California, United States
Win 1–0 Fabian Gonzalez Submission (rear-naked choke) Bellator 132 January 16, 2015 2 3:12 Temecula, California, United States Bantamweight debut.

See also

References

  1. ^ "State of Nevada. Mixed martial arts show results" (PDF). boxing.nv.gov. March 4, 2017. Retrieved April 25, 2023.
  2. ^ a b "Albert Morales - Official UFC Profile". UFC. Retrieved November 20, 2016.
  3. ^ a b Gabriel Gonzalez (September 20, 2019). "LXF 3: Albert Morales Looking to Win His Way Back to UFC". cagesidepress.com.
  4. ^ Thomas Gerbasi (2016-09-15). "Morales saved by MMA, hoping for new life in UFC". UFC. Retrieved 2016-09-15.
  5. ^ Staff (2016-08-17). "Albert Morales replaces Manny Gamburyan at UFC Fight Night 94 in Texas". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-08-17.
  6. ^ Ben Fowlkes (2016-09-17). "UFC Fight Night 94 results: Albert Morales and Alejandro Perez battle to bizarre majority draw". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-09-17.
  7. ^ Dave Doyle (2016-10-18). "Thomas Almeida vs. Albert Morales set for UFC Fight Night 100". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2016-10-18.
  8. ^ Brent Brookhouse (2016-11-19). "UFC Fight Night 100 results: Thomas Almeida crushes Albert Morales for second-round TKO". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-11-19.
  9. ^ Tristen Critchfield (2017-02-23). "UFC 209 lineup finalized with addition of two new bouts". sherdog.com. Retrieved 2017-02-23.
  10. ^ Simon Samano (2017-03-04). "UFC 209 results: Albert Morales spoils Andre Soukhamthath's UFC debut with decision win". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2017-03-04.
  11. ^ Jim Edwards (2017-06-27). "Brett Johns gets new opponent for UFC Glasgow". champions.co. Archived from the original on 2017-12-08. Retrieved 2017-06-29.
  12. ^ "UFC Fight Night 113 results: Brett Johns sweeps short-notice opponent Albert Morales". MMAjunkie. 2017-07-16. Retrieved 2017-07-17.
  13. ^ Staff (2017-10-16). "Newcomer Benito Lopez says he's fighting Albert Morales at UFC Fight Night 123". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2017-10-16.
  14. ^ "UFC Fight Night 123 results: Benito Lopez takes decision from Albert Morales in high-flying scrap". MMAjunkie. 2017-12-10. Retrieved 2017-12-10.
  15. ^ Staff (2018-02-05). "Albert Morales welcomes newcomer Manny Bermudez at UFC on FOX 28". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2018-02-05.
  16. ^ "UFC on FOX 28 results: Manny Bermudez stays perfect, chokes out Albert Morales in second". MMAjunkie. 2018-02-24. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
  17. ^ "Dustin Poirier Passing On 'Most Violent' Title Ahead Of Nate Diaz Fight". Retrieved 2018-08-16.
  18. ^ Steven Marrocco (October 15, 2018). "Proposed Liddell vs. Ortiz 3 lineup features Gleison Tibau vs. Efrain Escudero". mmajunkie.com.
  19. ^ "Liddell vs. Ortiz 3 results: Gleison Tibau grinds out decision over gritty Efrain Escudero". MMAjunkie. 2018-11-25. Retrieved 2018-11-25.
  20. ^ a b "Albert Morales hopes rise to top win title-winning performance". lightsoutfx.com.
  21. ^ "Albert Morales - Fight News - News - Lights Out XF". www.lightsoutxf.com. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  22. ^ "Looking back at LXF 3". socaluncensored.com. September 22, 2019.
  23. ^ "LXF 5 Postponed Due To Coronavirus, To Be Rescheduled At A Later Date". lightsoutxf.com.
  24. ^ "With James Gallagher out, Patchy Mix meets UFC alum Albert Morales at Bellator 258". MMA Junkie. 2021-04-29. Retrieved 2021-04-29.
  25. ^ Sherdog.com. "Bellator 258 'Archuleta vs. Pettis' Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring". Sherdog. Retrieved 2021-05-08.
  26. ^ "LXF 6 RESULTS - News - Lights Out XF". www.lightsoutxf.com. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
  27. ^ "UNF 1 results Up Next Fighting".
  28. ^ "Albert Morales vs. Terrion Ware, UNF 2 | MMA Bout". Tapology. Retrieved 2022-09-25.
  29. ^ "Albert Morales vs. Javier Garcia, UNF 5 | MMA Bout". Tapology. Retrieved 2023-03-26.