Daniel Rodriguez ("D-Rod")
* Age: 37 (Dec 31, 1986)
* Height: 6'0" / 182.88 cm
* Weight: 170 lbs / 77.11 kg
* Association: 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu
* Record: 17-5
Fight Style: Daniel Rodriguez is known for his knockout power, with 47% of his victories coming by KO/TKO (8 KOs). He has solid submission skills as well, holding 4 submission victories. His aggressive striking has brought him notable wins over Kevin Lee and Jingliang Li, but he's coming off a two-fight losing streak against Kelvin Gastelum and Ian Garry.
Rodriguez - Last 5 Fights:
* Loss vs. Kelvin Gastelum (UFC on ABC 6, Jun 22, 2024) - Decision (Unanimous)
* Loss vs. Ian Garry (UFC on ABC 4, May 13, 2023) - TKO (Head Kick and Punches)
* Loss vs. Neil Magny (UFC Fight Night 214, Nov 5, 2022) - Submission (Brabo Choke)
* Win vs. Jingliang Li (UFC 279, Sep 10, 2022) - Decision (Split)
* Win vs. Kevin Lee (UFC on ESPN 30, Aug 28, 2021) - Decision (Unanimous)
Alex Morono ("The Great White")
* Age: 34 (Aug 16, 1990)
* Height: 5'11" / 180.34 cm
* Weight: 170 lbs / 77.11 kg
* Association: Fortis MMA / Gracie Barra The Woodlands
* Record: 24-10
Fight Style: Alex Morono is a well-rounded fighter with a balanced record of 6 KO/TKO wins and 7 submission victories. His grappling is his key strength, particularly his guillotine choke, but he has also shown toughness in standing exchanges. Morono’s recent performances have been mixed, with a win over Court McGee but losses to Niko Price and Joaquin Buckley.
Morono - Last 5 Fights:
* Loss vs. Niko Price (UFC 302, Jun 1, 2024) - Decision (Unanimous)
* Win vs. Court McGee (UFC Fight Night 240, Apr 6, 2024) - Decision (Unanimous)
* Loss vs. Joaquin Buckley (UFC Fight Night 229, Oct 7, 2023) - Decision (Unanimous)
* Win vs. Tim Means (UFC on ABC 4, May 13, 2023) - Submission (Guillotine Choke)
* Loss vs. Santiago Ponzinibbio (UFC 282, Dec 10, 2022) - TKO (Punches)
Fight Breakdown: Rodriguez will look to use his reach and striking power to keep Morono at bay. His knockout ability gives him a significant threat if the fight stays standing. However, Morono’s versatility in grappling and submissions could be a challenge for Rodriguez if he can close the distance and bring the fight to the ground.
Prediction: Rodriguez’s striking power gives him a clear advantage if he can keep the fight standing. However, Morono’s ability to adapt and his grappling skills could be key in neutralizing Rodriguez’s offense. This fight could go either way, but Morono’s experience and ground game give him a slight edge.
Prediction: Alex Morono by Decision.
