[autotag]Alex Morono[/autotag] and [autotag]Daniel Rodriguez[/autotag] meet Saturday on the main card of UFC Fight Night 244 at UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.
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Alex Morono vs. Daniel Rodriguez UFC Fight Night 244 preview
Morono (24-10 MMA, 13-7 UFC) has traded wins and losses over his last six fights. In his most recent outing in June, Morono dropped a unanimous decision to Niko Price. Before that, Morono was on the right side of a unanimous decision against Cour McGee in April. … Rodriguez (17-5 MMA, 7-4 UFC) has his back against the wall as a loser of three straight. His most recent outing was a unanimous decision loss vs. Kelvin Gastelum in June. “D-Rod’s” last victory was a split decision over Li Jingliang in September 2022.
Alex Morono vs. Daniel Rodriguez UFC Fight Night 244 expert pick, prediction
Filling out the main card is a welterweight bout between Morono and Rodriguez.
Although I’m a big fan of Morono, I can see why he’s the underdog in this spot.
Aside from having more miles on him than Rodriguez, Morono has traditionally struggled against southpaws on the feet, going 1-2 against UFC-level lefties. Even in Morono’s lone southpaw win against Tim Means, “The Dirty Bird” was piecing him up on the feet before Morono was able to pull out a hail-mary submission win.
So long as Rodriguez can avoid the same fate, I suspect he should have the edge in exchanges here.
This fight going the distance wouldn’t shock me, but I’ll pick somewhat begrudgingly take Rodriguez to clip a tiring Morono for a TKO win late into Round 2.
Alex Morono vs. Daniel Rodriguez UFC Fight Night 244 odds
The oddsmakers and the public favor the older fighter, listing Rodriguez -215 and Morono +172 via FanDuel.
Alex Morono vs. Daniel Rodriguez UFC Fight Night 244 start time, how to watch
Morono and Rodriguez are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 7:35 p.m. ET (4:35 p.m. PT). The fight will stream on ESPN+.
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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 244.