Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at former Legacy FC welterweight champion Alex Morono as he takes on Australian Kyle Noke at UFC 195 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Alex “The Great White” Morono Hometown: Houston, Texas Age: 25 Height: 5’11” Reach: 72” Weight Class: Welterweight Camp: Gracie Barra Woodlands Career Record: 11-3 Key Wins: Derrick Krantz Key Losses: None Background A BJJ brown belt with a background in kickboxing, Alex Morono is the most notable fighter to come out of Gracie Barra Woodlands. He recently won the Legacy FC welterweight title earlier this month. Of his 11 career wins, only one of them has come via decision. Strengths
- Good variety in his striking
- Strong kicking game
- Decent footwork
- Active off his back
Weaknesses
- Poor head movement
- Not a great athlete
- Lacks physical strength to compete with UFC welterweights
- Takedown defense needs serious work
- Can be controlled on the ground
Matchup with Kyle Noke Alex Morono gets his UFC debut on short notice against veteran Kyle Noke. These fighters actually have a similar style. Both prefer to strike and are at their best when they can control the fight with their leg kicks. While their styles may be similar, their level of skill and ability is much different. Kyle Noke is a quality veteran who has been in the UFC for over five years. Morono, on the other hand, has fought regional level competition in Legacy. Noke is the taller fighter and has a four inch reach advantage. Range striking will see a clear edge to the Australian. The main reason why I prefer Noke in this bout is physical strength. On the feet, Morono can be pushed against the cage. In the grappling, Morono has been taken down by his opponents in nearly every fight he has been involved in. Furthermore, he can be controlled on the ground. Noke is physically tough and has only been knocked out once in his entire career. Striking, strength, and experience advantages are all reasons why Kyle Noke is the deserved favorite in this bout and should win on Saturday night. UFC Ceiling Alex Morono is a fun fighter to watch. He’s a striking first fighter with an active guard when on the ground. In order to turn himself from simply a fun fighter to a UFC caliber welterweight he needs to make a few changes. For starters, he needs to move camps. Currently he’s the best fighter at a small camp; classic big fish in a small pond. He really needs to work on his defensive wrestling in order to have any level of success in the UFC. He’s been outmuscled by opponents on the regional scene, he’ll certainly be pushed around in the world’s biggest MMA promotion. If he doesn’t make the necessary improvements, it will be a quick stay in the UFC for Morono. Fight Film Check out Alex Morono in one of her most recent fights: Alex Morono vs. Marcus Andrusia Alex Morono vs. Valdir Araujo