Getty Images
NEW YORK – On a Saturday night at UFC 322 that was filled with early, exciting knockouts for welterweights, Michael Morales did not want to be left out when the lights shone brightest. Morales (19-1), 26 years old, recorded his third consecutive first-round win by stopping No. Sean Brady (No. 2) was knocked out by TKO after a barrage of punches in Madison Square Garden, New York. The win catapulted No. Ecuador’s native, who was ranked 8th in the world, is now in title contention. Morales said to UFC CEO Dana White who was cageside during his postfight interview: “Boss Dana, My belt, My belt.” Morales towered his opponent, who had a height advantage of 3 inches and a reach advantage of 7 inches, from the beginning. Brady (18-2), who hails from Philadelphia and is known for his relentless style of wrestling, didn’t go for the takedown. He paid for this.
Brady, despite a quick jab and accuracy early on in the fight, was clearly hurt by Morales’ right hand. Brady then pump-faked an attempt at a takedown, and instantly ate a second left hook.
Brady was dropped by a left hand after he received a second looping right. Blake Grice, the referee, intervened at 3:27 in the first round to end the fight. “We knew it.” [Brady] Morales is now 7-0 since his UFC debut in 2022, with five knockouts.
Brady came into the fight on a three-fight winning streak, which included a fourth-round submit against former champion Leon Edwards. It was his first defeat since a TKO second-round against future champion Belal Muhammad 2022.
2025-11-16 04:26:54
Discover more from sportscraper.co.uk
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
