Niko Price and Alex Morono at the UFC 302 official weigh-in. Photo by Dylan Napoleone/Cageside Press
UFC veterans Niko Price and Alex Morono rematched on Saturday’s UFC 302 main card.
In their first bout seven years ago, Price beat Morono by TKO, but the victory was called off after he tested positive for marijuana. As a result, both fighters likely came into this bout with something to prove. Price and Morono are veterans of 16 and 20 UFC fights, respectively, and while they’re still a long way from winning the belt, they’re both fighters who can fight “anytime, anywhere.” History repeated itself in this bout, with Price winning by decision rather than knockout.
I hope the drug test doesn’t scare you off.
Morono started well in the stand-up, but Niko Price caught a kick quickly and took Morono down. However, a frustrated guard allowed Alex to land a reverse crucifix on Niko and then take his back. Price shook him off and got on top, forcing Morono to use the fence to get up, where he was hit with an uppercut. Morono earned respect again with a spinning hook kick that landed partially on Price’s collarbone, then a three-piece. Despite being on the back foot, Alex landed most of his clean shots on Niko’s chin in the final two minutes, and may have had a slight advantage in the first round.
Morono seemed to have a slight lead at the start of the second round, landing more and cleaner strikes with his clumsy striking style against Price’s big swings and explosive movements that Alex could match. But he couldn’t keep up with it all, catching a right hand after two minutes and getting taken down by Niko while countering. Morono went for the arm multiple times from full guard but couldn’t lock in the submission and tried to get to his feet. Alex went for a takedown but Price came up and landed some slicing elbows that probably sealed the round for him.
Price came out aggressive in the third round, but Morono responded with some hard punches, and the fight became a brawl. Both fighters traded heavy attacks in the third round, and the pace was too fast to keep up. Niko made his presence felt with a monster uppercut and a takedown in the middle of the round. Alex got to his feet with some impressive moves, coming forward, but he quickly began to tire. Price, on the other hand, showed no signs of losing energy and continued to attack with a vengeance. Niko came out on top in the final minute, finishing the bout with a scream of victory.
In fact, Price was back on winning track, winning by decision on all three scorecards, with all judges scoring the bout 29-28.
Official result: Niko Price defeats Alex Morono via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
