UFC on ESPN 73: Schnell vs. Morales takes place on November 8, 2025, featuring a key flyweight showdown between comeback veteran Matt Schnell and gritty Sacramento prospect Joseph Morales. Both men look to break into the division’s top 15 and solidify their standing in one of the UFC’s most action-packed weight classes.
Matt Schnell
Matt Schnell (17–9, 1 NC) enters this fight as one of the flyweight division’s most entertaining veterans. A former LFA champion, Schnell is known for his fluid grappling, opportunistic submissions, and knack for delivering wild, back-and-forth performances. He holds the second-most triangle choke finishes in UFC history (3) and has earned Fight of the Night honors in thrillers against Su Mudaerji and Brandon Royval.
After a turbulent 2023–24 stretch that saw three straight losses and brief retirement talks, Schnell returned in April 2025 with renewed composure—defeating Jimmy Flick by unanimous decision while displaying improved striking defense and pacing. His skill set revolves around slick boxing combinations, dangerous triangles from guard, and a veteran’s ability to capitalize on chaos.
Matt Schnell – Last 5 Fights:
Win vs. Jimmy Flick – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC on ESPN 66, April 26, 2025
Loss vs. Cody Durden – Submission (Ninja Choke) – UFC FN: Burns vs. Brady, September 7, 2024
Loss vs. Steve Erceg – KO (Punch) – UFC FN: Rozenstruik vs. Gaziev, March 2, 2024
Loss vs. Matheus Nicolau – KO (Punches) – UFC on ESPN: Thompson vs. Holland, December 3, 2022
Win vs. Su Mudaerji – Technical Submission (Triangle Choke) – UFC on ABC 3, July 16, 2022
Schnell’s keys to victory are maintaining range behind his jab, using movement to frustrate Morales, and staying dangerous off his back. His guard is among the most active in the division, capable of producing quick finishes if Morales overcommits in scrambles. Experience and composure will be his biggest assets in high-pressure moments.
Joseph Morales
Joseph Morales (13–3) brings relentless aggression and durability, shaped by his training under Team Alpha Male. Known for his wrestling base and constant forward pressure, Morales blends strong clinch attacks, heavy hooks, and a surprisingly crafty submission game. His UFC experience includes bouts against elite competition such as Deiveson Figueiredo, helping him develop into a gritty, well-rounded competitor.
Morales’ offensive rhythm is built around grinding exchanges—mixing short combinations with level changes and cage pressure. He thrives in close quarters, forcing opponents to defend takedowns and endure steady ground-and-pound. While his grappling can overwhelm less experienced foes, it also exposes him to risks against submission specialists like Schnell.
Joseph Morales – Last 5 Fights:
Win vs. CJ Vergara – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC FN: Blanchfield vs. Barber, June 14, 2025
Win vs. Allan Nascimento – Decision (Split) – UFC on ESPN 61, February 22, 2025
Loss vs. Tagir Ulanbekov – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC FN: Holloway vs. Allen, April 15, 2024
Win vs. Charles Johnson – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC FN: Fiziev vs. Gamrot, September 30, 2023
Win vs. Victor Altamirano – Submission (RNC) – UFC FN: Ortega vs. Rodriguez, July 15, 2023
Morales’ keys will be to maintain constant pressure, avoid lingering in Schnell’s guard, and control the pace through clinch work. If he can keep Schnell on his back foot and outwork him with volume, he has a strong path to victory.
Fight Breakdown
This matchup presents a compelling contrast: Schnell’s dynamic submission threat versus Morales’ forward-marching pressure and grit. Schnell’s creativity and timing make him a danger in every position, while Morales’ durability and pace can wear down opponents over time.
Expect Morales to open aggressively, looking to clinch and force exchanges along the fence. Schnell will aim to counter with sharp combinations and capitalize on overextensions with submissions. The key variable is Schnell’s durability—if he survives Morales’ early push, his opportunistic grappling could swing momentum decisively.
Prediction
Morales’ pressure may test Schnell early, but the veteran’s experience, composure, and slick submission instincts should prevail once the fight hits the mat. Look for Schnell to catch a scrambling Morales in a choke during a heated exchange.
Prediction: Matt Schnell def. Joseph Morales via Submission (Round 2)
A win would mark a strong step in Schnell’s late-career resurgence, while an upset by Morales would signal the arrival of a new contender in the flyweight division.