Albert_Morales
Albert Morales
American mixed martial arts fighter
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.
| Albert Morales | |
|---|---|
| Born | Albert Franklin Morales Blacutt[1] (1991-05-25) May 25, 1991 (age 32) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Other names | The Warrior |
| Residence | Granada Hills, California |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Weight | 135 lb (61 kg; 9.6 st) |
| Division | Bantamweight |
| Reach | 72 in (183 cm)[2] |
| Fighting out of | Reseda, California |
| Team | Carlson Gracie Southbay Black House (2019–present)[3] The movement Gym (formerly) |
| Rank | Brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under André "Alemão" Vanconcellos[2] |
| Years active | 2015–present |
| Mixed martial arts record | |
| Total | 24 |
| Wins | 14 |
| By knockout | 6 |
| By submission | 5 |
| By decision | 3 |
| Losses | 9 |
| By knockout | 2 |
| By submission | 4 |
| By decision | 3 |
| Draws | 1 |
| Other information | |
| Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog | |
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]
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]
- Lights Out Xtreme Fighting
- Lights Out Xtreme Fighting Bantamweight Champion (One time; augural)
- Up Next Fighting
- UNF Featherweight Championship (One time; augural)
| 24 matches | 14 wins | 9 losses |
| By knockout | 6 | 2 |
| By submission | 5 | 4 |
| By decision | 3 | 3 |
| Draws | 1 | |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allan Begosso | LFA 184 | May 17, 2024 | Commerce, California, United States | ||||||
| Win | 14–9–1 | Luciano Ramos | TKO (punches) | LXF 12 | November 18, 2023 | 1 | 2:18 | Long Beach, California, United States | |
| Win | 13–9–1 | Musa Toliver | TKO (punches) | LXF 11 | October 7, 2023 | 1 | 3:30 | Long Beach, California, United States | |
| 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. |
- "State of Nevada. Mixed martial arts show results" (PDF). boxing.nv.gov. March 4, 2017. Retrieved April 25, 2023.
- "Albert Morales - Official UFC Profile". UFC.com. Retrieved November 20, 2016.
- Gabriel Gonzalez (September 20, 2019). "LXF 3: Albert Morales Looking to Win His Way Back to UFC". cagesidepress.com.
- Thomas Gerbasi (2016-09-15). "Morales saved by MMA, hoping for new life in UFC". ufc.com. Retrieved 2016-09-15.
- Staff (2016-08-17). "Albert Morales replaces Manny Gamburyan at UFC Fight Night 94 in Texas". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-08-17.
- 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.
- Dave Doyle (2016-10-18). "Thomas Almeida vs. Albert Morales set for UFC Fight Night 100". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2016-10-18.
- 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.
- Tristen Critchfield (2017-02-23). "UFC 209 lineup finalized with addition of two new bouts". sherdog.com. Retrieved 2017-02-23.
- 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.
- 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.
- "UFC Fight Night 113 results: Brett Johns sweeps short-notice opponent Albert Morales". MMAjunkie. 2017-07-16. Retrieved 2017-07-17.
- Staff (2017-10-16). "Newcomer Benito Lopez says he's fighting Albert Morales at UFC Fight Night 123". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2017-10-16.
- "UFC Fight Night 123 results: Benito Lopez takes decision from Albert Morales in high-flying scrap". MMAjunkie. 2017-12-10. Retrieved 2017-12-10.
- Staff (2018-02-05). "Albert Morales welcomes newcomer Manny Bermudez at UFC on FOX 28". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2018-02-05.
- "UFC on FOX 28 results: Manny Bermudez stays perfect, chokes out Albert Morales in second". MMAjunkie. 2018-02-24. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
- "Dustin Poirier Passing On 'Most Violent' Title Ahead Of Nate Diaz Fight". Retrieved 2018-08-16.
- Steven Marrocco (October 15, 2018). "Proposed Liddell vs. Ortiz 3 lineup features Gleison Tibau vs. Efrain Escudero". mmajunkie.com.
- "Liddell vs. Ortiz 3 results: Gleison Tibau grinds out decision over gritty Efrain Escudero". MMAjunkie. 2018-11-25. Retrieved 2018-11-25.
- "Albert Morales hopes rise to top win title-winning performance". lightsoutfx.com.
- "Albert Morales - Fight News - News - Lights Out XF". www.lightsoutxf.com. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
- "Looking back at LXF 3". socaluncensored.com. September 22, 2019.
- "With James Gallagher out, Patchy Mix meets UFC alum Albert Morales at Bellator 258". MMA Junkie. 2021-04-29. Retrieved 2021-04-29.
- Sherdog.com. "Bellator 258 'Archuleta vs. Pettis' Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring". Sherdog. Retrieved 2021-05-08.
- "LXF 6 RESULTS - News - Lights Out XF". www.lightsoutxf.com. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
- "Albert Morales vs. Terrion Ware, UNF 2 | MMA Bout". Tapology. Retrieved 2022-09-25.
- "Albert Morales vs. Javier Garcia, UNF 5 | MMA Bout". Tapology. Retrieved 2023-03-26.
