UFC 322: Brady vs. Morales takes place on November 15, 2025 and delivers a classic clash of styles at 170 pounds. American submission specialist Sean Brady looks to continue his resurgence against undefeated Ecuadorian knockout artist Michael Morales. With both fighters riding strong momentum and aiming to climb into welterweight title contention, this matchup serves as a pivotal test for the division’s next wave of elite talent.
Sean Brady
Sean Brady (18–1) enters UFC 322 as one of the most suffocating grapplers in the welterweight division. After suffering his lone career defeat to Belal Muhammad, Brady rebuilt himself with impressive wins over Kelvin Gastelum, Gilbert Burns, and a dramatic guillotine finish against former champion Leon Edwards. His game revolves around chain wrestling, punishing top control, and a deep submission arsenal that allows him to threaten constantly from dominant positions. Brady thrives in high-pressure situations where he can exhaust opponents, drain their confidence, and force them into mistakes on the ground.
Sean Brady – Last 5 Fights:
Win vs. Leon Edwards, Submission (Guillotine Choke), UFC Fight Night, Mar 22, 2025
Win vs. Gilbert Burns, Decision (Unanimous), UFC Fight Night, Sep 7, 2024
Win vs. Kelvin Gastelum, Submission (Kimura), UFC Fight Night, Dec 2, 2023
Loss vs. Belal Muhammad, TKO (Punches), UFC 280, Oct 22, 2022
Win vs. Michael Chiesa, Decision (Unanimous), UFC Fight Night, Nov 21, 2021
Keys: Brady must pressure Morales immediately, force exchanges in the clinch, and complete takedowns before Morales can settle into a striking rhythm. Once he secures top position, his control and submission threat become major advantages. Morales has not yet faced a wrestler with Brady’s intensity, which could be a decisive factor.
Michael Morales
Michael Morales (18–0) has emerged as one of the most dangerous young strikers in the welterweight division. The Ecuadorian standout possesses a rare blend of speed, power, and composure, highlighted by first-round knockout wins over Gilbert Burns and Neil Magny. Morales uses his long frame effectively, firing a sharp jab and powerful right hand that can shut down opponents moving forward. His defensive wrestling has held up well against mid-level competition, but UFC 322 presents his first encounter with a relentless, top-tier grappler.
Michael Morales – Last 5 Fights:
Win vs. Gilbert Burns, KO (Punches), UFC Fight Night, May 17, 2025
Win vs. Neil Magny, KO (Punches), UFC Fight Night, Aug 24, 2024
Win vs. Jake Matthews, Decision (Unanimous), UFC Fight Night, Nov 19, 2023
Win vs. Max Griffin, Decision (Unanimous), UFC Fight Night, Jul 2, 2023
Win vs. Adam Fugitt, KO (Punches), UFC 277, Jul 31, 2022
Keys: Morales must maintain distance and avoid backing up in straight lines. His jab and counter right hand can punish Brady for any predictable entries. If Morales consistently sprawls on early takedown attempts and forces prolonged striking exchanges, he carries the knockout power to change the fight instantly.
Fight Breakdown
This fight hinges on whether Brady can close the distance without absorbing damaging counters. Brady will attempt to walk Morales down, press him to the fence, and rely on single legs and bodylocks to bring the fight into his world. Morales will look to circle, jab, and strike in combination while punishing Brady for every failed shot. Brady holds clear advantages on the mat, while Morales controls the danger on the feet. The fighter who dictates where the majority of the bout takes place will almost certainly come out on top.
Prediction
Brady may face early adversity against Morales’ speed and power, but his pace, pressure, and grappling depth give him more avenues to win. Morales has the tools to score a highlight knockout, but Brady’s experience and ability to force ground exchanges tilt the matchup in his favor.
Prediction: Sean Brady def. Michael Morales via Submission (Round 2)
A victory reestablishes Brady as one of the division’s elite contenders. A Morales upset would instantly elevate him into the welterweight title conversation and mark a breakout moment for Ecuadorian MMA.