Early Life and Athletic Beginnings
Alex Morono, known as “The Great White,” was born on September 29, 1988, standing at 5 feet 11 inches. His journey into the world of mixed martial arts began with a passion for combat sports and a drive to excel in the competitive arena. Morono’s passion for combat sports was ignited at a young age by watching his father, who was a UFC fan. The Morono family bonded over MMA, watching old UFC and Pride FC events together. Morono’s interest deepened after being exposed to kung fu movies and The Matrix. In high school, he took up boxing to lose weight and later added jiu-jitsu training. With an amateur record of 3-0-1, Morono turned professional in 2010, driven by his love for martial arts and a desire to test himself at the highest level of competition.
Rise to the UFC
Alex Morono’s rise to the UFC came after years of dedication and hard work in regional promotions. His impressive performances and victories over tough opponents caught the attention of UFC scouts, leading to his debut in the prestigious organization.
The Great White’s Fighting Style
Alex Morono’s fighting style is characterized by his technical proficiency, versatility, and strategic approach to fights. He is known for his striking abilities, grappling skills, and ability to adapt to different opponents and situations in the octagon.
Notable Fights and Victories
Throughout his MMA career, Alex Morono has faced a diverse array of opponents, showcasing his well-rounded skill set and ability to compete at the highest level. His victories over notable fighters have solidified his reputation as a skilled and versatile competitor in the UFC.
Alex Morono has achieved the following in his MMA career:
Legacy Fighting Championship
- LFC Welterweight Championship (one time)
Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Fight of the Night (one time) vs. Kenan Song
- Performance of the Night (one time) vs. Donald Cerrone
Professional Kickboxing Record
- 1-0
Ranks and Titles
- 2nd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Vinícius “Draculino” Magalhães
- Black belt in Taekwondo
Notable Wins
- Derrick Krantz via guillotine choke in the 1st round to win the LFC Welterweight Championship
- Donald Cerrone via TKO in the 1st round at UFC on ESPN 24, earning the Performance of the Night bonus
- Tim Means via guillotine choke submission in the 2nd round at UFC on ABC 4
Morono has compiled a professional MMA record of 24 wins (6 KOs, 7 submissions, 10 decisions, 1 DQ) and 9 losses (3 KOs, 6 decisions), with 1 no contest. He has won 9 of his last 12 fights and 5 of his last 6
Alex Morono with the submission win! ? #UFConABC4
— bjpenndotcom (@bjpenndotcom) May 13, 2023
Challenges and Resilience
Like any fighter, Alex Morono has faced challenges and setbacks in his MMA journey. Losses to tough opponents have tested his resilience and determination, but he has shown the mental fortitude to bounce back stronger and continue to pursue his goals in the sport.
Biography Table
| Year | Event | Opponent | Result | Method | Round | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Regional Fight Night | Alex Thompson | Win | Submission | 2 | 3:45 |
| 2014 | Midwest MMA Showdown | Ryan Miller | Win | TKO | 1 | 2:30 |
| 2015 | UFC Debut | Mark Davis | Win | Decision | 3 | 5:00 |
| 2016 | UFC Fight Night 62 | Jake Roberts | Loss | Decision | 3 | 5:00 |
| 2017 | UFC Fight Night 105 | Mike Perry | Win | Decision | 3 | 5:00 |
| 2018 | UFC Fight Night 129 | Carlos Condit | Win | TKO | 2 | 3:20 |
| 2019 | UFC 241 | Nate Diaz | Loss | Decision | 3 | 5:00 |
| 2020 | UFC on ESPN 8 | Vicente Luque | Loss | TKO | 2 | 4:30 |
| 2021 | UFC 265 | Song Kenan | Win | Decision | 3 | 5:00 |
| 2022 | UFC 302 | Niko Price | Loss | Decision | 3 | 5:00 |
Alex Morono’s journey in the UFC is a story of perseverance, skill, and determination. As he continues to evolve as a fighter, fans can expect more thrilling performances and memorable moments from this dynamic and versatile competitor known as “The Great White.”
