UFC Fight Night Morono vs Buckley Odds, Picks, and Predictions: Buckley Picks Apart Opponent

Alex Morono vs. Joaquin Buckley is a welterweight bout featured on this weekend’s UFC Fight Night undercard from The Apex in Las Vegas.

Buckley continues his welterweight campaign after dropping down from middleweight as he hopes to go 2-0 in his new surroundings to the detriment of journeyman Morono.

UFC odds have Buckley a narrow -170 favorite, and Morono is a +142 underdog. Here are my free picks for Morono vs. Buckley at UFC Fight Night from Las Vegas.

Alex Morono vs Joaquin Buckley fight odds

Alex Morono vs Joaquin Buckley method of victory odds

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook on October 7, 2023.

Alex Morono vs Joaquin Buckley picks

Fight prediction: Buckley ML

Joaquin Buckley looks to have made the right tactical decision to move down to welterweight after it was obvious he was too small for middleweight. In his last fight, he scored a second-round knockdown via a head kick of Andre Fialho. Another capable veteran is ready to test Buckley’s mettle. 

Alex Morono has seen it all over his long career and can do a little bit of everything. He’s a volume striker and smart grappler who isn’t afraid to go for submission attempts. Though we’ve seen Morono’s ceiling — and he’s arguably past his prime at this stage of his career — he looked good in submitting Tim Means with a guillotine choke last May. 

This bout figures to be close depending on where the battle primarily happens. Morono is not going to be able to strike with Buckley, though he can defend himself and weather an early storm. The power differential is too high and Buckley’s faster delivery means he’ll be on target when the two opt to trade strikes. If the fight hits the ground or stays relegated to clinches, however, then Morono’s chances for victory significantly increase. 

There is a lot of talent to invest in with Buckley, and I feel that as capable as Morono is, he’s being positioned as a passable test. I’m taking Buckley to continue his renewed run at welterweight with a win.

Prediction: Buckley moneyline (-170 at DraftKings)

Fight best bet: Over 1.5 rounds

Though Morono has the reputation of being a well-rounded veteran, Buckley’s drop to welterweight makes him dangerous in every aspect. Buckley knocked Fialho down and managed to score two takedowns in that fight, and his athleticism gave him an advantage in the striking game.

Morono has stayed above the lower-tier fighters for some time, but just two fights ago, Santiago Ponzibibbio blasted him out in three rounds. It took Ponzibbibio some time to work through Morono’s high guard, and that might be the case with Buckley.

At this stage of their respective careers, Buckley looks to have more to offer and his youthful talents should overtake Morono’s experience. Morono won’t be able to get Buckley in a favorable position unless he takes some risks to close the distance. Once he gets there Buckley could still overpower him, even if they do take the fight to the ground.

Buckley is evolving, but Morono has enough to make him work for a win. That said, the best bet for this fight is that it goes Over 1.5 rounds.

Pick: Over 1.5 rounds (-145 at DraftKings)

Alex Morono vs Joaquin Buckley betting preview

Buckley’s win over Fialho last May served as his debut win at welterweight and the end of a two-fight skid at middleweight. Since joining the UFC in 2020, Buckley has won four Performance of the Night awards and can score some devastating knockouts.

Morono turned pro in 2010 and has been a mainstay fighter for the UFC since 2016. During that time, he’s faced the likes of Khaos Williams, Donald Cerrone, Anthony Pettis, and Tim Means. The Houston native possesses a second-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.

This fight comes down to Buckley’s talents against Morono’s resourcefulness. Morono has statistical advantages in significant strikes landed per minute and striking accuracy. In contrast, Buckley has a four-inch reach advantage and lands takedowns at a higher rate compared to his submission-minded opponent.

Alex Morono vs Joaquin Buckley tale of the tape

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