MMA Preview – Donald Cerrone vs Alex Morono at UFC Vegas 26
DONALD CERRONE VS ALEX MORONO FACTS
When is UFC Vegas 26? Sunday 9th May, 2021 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Vegas 26? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Vegas 26? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC events
What channel is UFC Vegas 26 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC Vegas 26? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
DONALD CERRONE VS ALEX MORONO LOWDOWN
Another year, another year of dustups for the legend Donald Cerrone (36-15(2)). He walks out for his 37th UFC fight and has averaged nearly four fights a year since his pro debut in 2006 which is freaky to maintain at the age of 38 after going through so many wars. It may be starting to catch up with him after going without a win in his last five. He went on a four-fight skid getting knocked out by Tony Ferguson, Justin Gaethje and Conor McGregor and losing a unanimous decision to Anthony Pettis but reeling off those names only makes you realize he is still fighting the best fighters in the world. Cerrone then hoped to bounce back against Niko Price back in September but they fought to a draw which later got over turned to a ‘no contest’ due to Price testing positive for marijuana.
Alex Morono (18-7(1)) keeps Cerrone on the card as he was originally scheduled to fight Diego Sanchez, but the UFC decided to cut him for reasons we are sure we will hear about soon. Anyway, this has opened the door for Morono to step up for his biggest ever fight. He fought three times last year and 2020 could not have started any worse. Khaos Williams assassinated him with a first round knockout to snap a three-fight win streak but he responded with a unanimous decision over Rhys McKee. However, he felt the difference in calibre as he then took on Pettis who swayed all three judges.
DONALD CERRONE VS ALEX MORONO PREDICTION
This will certainly be a more even contest than Sanchez. Morono is in his physical prime and he is incredibly well-rounded. He is also taking on an ageing veteran who has not won in five fights and his motivation for this will understandably be less for this fight than his previous glamour ties.
Morono is a black belt in Taekwondo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu so he will bring it to Cerrone wherever the fight goes. The key for Morono is to be aggressive and force the pressure. He will not bring anything to the table Cerrone has not seen before so he needs to start strong and a good tactic would be to target the weakened mid-section of Cerrone. His cardio may also be an issue with a short training camp so expect a strong first round.
However, unless Morono can hurt Cerrone early ‘Cowboy’ should be too good and too experienced to get caught. If he is motivated, he should hurt Morono starting with his jab and then opening up with his ferocious kicks and smooth combinations. This is a great opportunity for Morono and he can easily capitalise on an unfocused Cerrone but we are backing the veteran who can win the fight in a variety of ways.
Prediction: Cerrone via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value Bet: Morono via Decision
