UFC Fight Night: Matt Schnell vs Joseph Morales Preview & Prediction

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Matt Schnell faces Joseph Morales in a pivotal flyweight co-main event clash.

Matt Schnell vs Joseph Morales facts

What time are Matt Schnell and Joseph Morales expected to walk out?

Where is UFC Fight Night: Bonfim vs Brown? UFC Apex, Enterprise, USA

Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night: Bonfim vs Brown? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC Fight Night

What TV channel is UFC Fight Night: Bonfim vs Brown on? UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN+

Where can I stream UFC Fight Night: Bonfim vs Brown? UK – TNT Sports subscribers can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and discovery+ / USA – ESPN+ & UFC Fight Pass

UFC on ESPN 73: Bonfim vs Brown main card

Gabriel Bonfim vs Randy Brown (Welterweight)

Matt Schnell vs Joseph Morales (Flyweight)

Muslim Salikhov vs Uros Medic (Welterweight)

Chris Padilla vs Ismael Bonfim (Lightweight)

Christian Leroy Duncan vs Marco Tulio (Middleweight)

UFC on ESPN 73: Bonfim vs Brown prelims

Hyder Amil vs Jamall Emmers (Featherweight)

Ricky Simon vs Raoni Barcelos (Bantamweight)

Mayra Bueno Silva vs Jacqueline Cavalcanti (Women’s Bantamweight)

Josh Hokit vs Max Gimenis (Heavyweight)

Miles Johns vs Daniel Marcos (Bantamweight)

Tecia Pennington vs Denise Gomes (Women’s Strawweight)

Jackson McVey vs Zachary Reese (Catchweight - 195 lb)

Matt Schnell: Veteran grappler seeking to reassert himself among flyweight elite

Matt “Danger” Schnell (17-9, 1 NC) returns to the Octagon looking to steady his footing in the ever-competitive flyweight division. A mainstay in the UFC since 2016, Schnell has fought a who’s who of ranked contenders — including Alexandre Pantoja, Brandon Royval, and Matheus Nicolau — showcasing both his technical grappling and willingness to engage in chaotic brawls. His 2022 submission win over Sumudaerji remains one of the division’s most memorable comebacks, underscoring both his heart and finishing instincts.

Despite recent setbacks to rising talents like Tatsuro Taira and Nicolau, Schnell remains a proven threat with high-level submission skills and a wealth of Octagon experience. His style is built around slick jiu-jitsu transitions, opportunistic scrambles, and a willingness to bite down and swing when pressured — though that tendency has at times exposed his durability. Known for always finding himself in dogfights, Schnell’s blend of grit, speed, and grappling pedigree makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone not prepared to match his pace.

Joseph Morales: Returning prospect aiming for a statement win

Joseph “Bopo” Morales (13-2) enters this matchup riding a wave of momentum after reestablishing himself as a legitimate contender on the regional circuit. The Sacramento native, who trains under the Team Alpha Male banner, has put together an impressive three-fight winning streak featuring two submission finishes — including victories over Askar Askar and David Duran. Since his earlier UFC stint, Morales has shown notable improvement in composure, wrestling setups, and defensive awareness.

A fast-paced fighter with a slick ground game, Morales thrives in transitions and scrambles. He looks to take the fight to the mat early, where his submission arsenal becomes a major factor. While he may not have faced the same level of competition as Schnell, Morales’s recent form and confidence suggest a rejuvenated athlete ready to test himself against a seasoned veteran

Matt Schnell vs Joseph Morales prediction

This co-main event pits experience against momentum — a seasoned UFC campaigner in Schnell versus a resurging prospect in Morales. On paper, Morales carries the grappling chops and speed to make this a competitive fight, especially in the early exchanges. However, Schnell’s battle-tested résumé and experience against elite-level opponents give him a crucial edge in poise and adaptability.

Expect Morales to push an aggressive pace early and hunt for takedowns, but Schnell’s veteran savvy and submission awareness should help him stay composed under pressure. If the fight extends beyond the opening round, Schnell’s ability to mix striking and grappling, coupled with his composure in wild exchanges, could prove decisive.