Welterweights
Alex Morono (22-8, 11-5 UFC) vs. Tim Means (32-14-1, 12-9 UFC)Two reliably exciting welterweights look to keep up that trend in this well-matched fight. Means had a forgettable first UFC run as a lightweight, but he has been a stalwart of the promotion since returning as a welterweight in 2014. “The Dirty Bird” has a reputation as a brawler, but while Means thrives on the violence he brings to the table, there is an impressive level of technique backing up that game. Means looks to draw out and adjust to his opponents’ offense; he just happens to force the issue by trying to lure them into a war. That has resulted in a strong career, even if Means never got over the hump to contender status. A slated main event against Donald Cerrone back in 2016 got scrapped due to some tainted supplements, and Means always seemed to suffer a questionable decision loss when he needed a win the most. A few knockout defeats circa 2019 and 2020 raised some worries that Means’ approach had finally caught up with him, but he has rebounded for a solid stretch of fights, recently racking up three straight wins before losing his last two; even so, he proved to be a tough out against Max Griffin. Now 39 years old, Means looks to turn things around against another crafty vet, albeit a much younger one, in Morono.
Morono has consistently been a fun fighter while also toiling in anonymity for most of his UFC career. “The Great White” is not particularly athletic and can appear awkward, but he has made the most of his tools, fighting behind a solid gameplan every time out and channeling his aggression in a way that forces the issue. In recent years, Morono’s willingness to step in and fight as often as possible has finally paid some dividends, leading to a big 2021 win over Cerrone that kicked off a four-fight winning streak for the Texan. However, Morono’s last fight, a late knockout loss to Santiago Ponzinibbio, did serve as a reminder that for all of his craft, sometimes he is still just vulnerable to getting knocked out by a much better athlete. Means could put Morono in danger thanks to his own level of savvy and the fact that he consistently forces the issue himself. With that said, the bet is that Morono can outmaneuver this late-career version of Means enough to find the biggest moments of offense in this fight and hang on for the win. The pick is Morono via decision.
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Rozenstruik vs. Almeida
Smith vs. Walker
Garry vs. Rodriguez
Ulberg vs. Potieria
Morono vs. Means
The Prelims