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UFC Fight Night: Royval vs. Taira - Daniel Rodriguez vs. Alex Morono Preview

On October 12, 2024, UFC Fight Night: Royval vs. Taira brings a thrilling welterweight bout between Daniel "D-Rod" Rodriguez and Alex "The Great White" Morono at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, NV. Both fighters have proven their durability and versatility, making this matchup a highly anticipated battle between two well-rounded competitors. With Rodriguez’s technical striking and Morono’s ability to mix up his attacks, this fight could go the distance, and both men will be looking to secure a pivotal victory in their division.

As always, KingPin Pro is your #1 source for MMA predictions and analysis. Check out my Razak Alhassan vs Josh Fremd Article Prediction for more fight breakdowns from this event.

 

Fighter Backgrounds

Daniel Rodriguez

Daniel Rodriguez (17-5-0) fights out of Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas and is known for his technical boxing and knockout power. The 37-year-old stands at 6'1" with a 74-inch reach and fights in a southpaw stance. Rodriguez has secured eight knockouts and four submissions in his career, showing his ability to finish fights both on the feet and on the ground. Despite recent setbacks against elite competition like Ian Machado Garry and Neil Magny, Rodriguez remains a dangerous striker who can turn the tide of a fight with his crisp punches and combinations.

Rodriguez’s ability to control the pace of a fight and use his range effectively has been one of his biggest strengths. His win over Li Jingliang via split decision at UFC 279 demonstrated his toughness and tactical approach, especially against high-level strikers. Rodriguez will look to outbox Morono, use his reach to keep the fight at a comfortable distance, and exploit any openings Morono leaves in striking exchanges.

Alex Morono

Alex Morono (24-10-0) hails from Fortis MMA and is a well-rounded veteran with a wealth of experience in the UFC. The 34-year-old fighter stands at 5'11" with a 72-inch reach and utilizes an orthodox stance. Known for his tenacity and ability to mix up striking and grappling, Morono has six wins by knockout and seven submissions, making him a versatile threat wherever the fight goes.

Morono has faced a wide array of talented fighters throughout his career, including victories over veterans like Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone and Mickey Gall. His most recent fight saw him lose a unanimous decision to Niko Price at UFC 302, but before that, he secured a solid win over Court McGee. Morono’s game plan against Rodriguez will likely involve mixing in takedowns and strikes, keeping Rodriguez guessing, and preventing him from finding his rhythm in the stand-up exchanges.

Fighting Styles and Strengths

Daniel Rodriguez

Rodriguez’s primary weapon is his boxing, which he uses to great effect. He has a strong jab, sharp combinations, and the ability to throw punches from a variety of angles. His southpaw stance often gives his opponents trouble, especially when he switches stances mid-fight to confuse them. Rodriguez likes to control the center of the Octagon and press forward, using his reach to keep opponents at bay while picking them apart with precise punches.

Rodriguez’s striking volume and accuracy make him a constant threat on the feet. However, he has been shown to struggle against fighters who can pressure him with grappling and takedown attempts, which could be an area Morono looks to exploit. If Rodriguez can keep the fight standing, he has the tools to outstrike Morono over the course of three rounds.

Alex Morono

Morono is a versatile fighter who can mix up his striking and grappling, making him a dangerous opponent in any area of the fight. He’s aggressive in his stand-up, throwing looping punches, overhand rights, and kicks from various angles. His grappling is equally impressive, with a solid submission game that he uses to threaten his opponents both on the mat and from scrambles.

Morono’s experience in long fights makes him a tough competitor to put away, and his ability to adapt mid-fight allows him to adjust his strategy based on how the bout is unfolding. Against Rodriguez, Morono will likely look to close the distance, avoid Rodriguez’s range, and mix in grappling to wear him down. If he can get Rodriguez to the ground, Morono’s submission skills could become a major factor in the later rounds.

Recent Performances and Fight Analysis

Daniel Rodriguez

Rodriguez’s recent losses to Ian Machado Garry and Neil Magny exposed some vulnerabilities in his defense, particularly against high-pressure opponents who can mix in takedowns and submission threats. However, his striking remains sharp, and his ability to bounce back from adversity makes him a formidable opponent. Against Morono, Rodriguez will need to focus on keeping the fight standing and avoiding grappling exchanges where Morono could capitalize on his submission game.

Alex Morono

Morono has been through several wars inside the Octagon, and his durability is one of his defining traits. His recent loss to Niko Price was a back-and-forth battle, but Morono’s win over Court McGee showcased his ability to stick to a game plan and outwork his opponent over three rounds. Morono’s best path to victory against Rodriguez is to disrupt his striking rhythm and mix in takedowns and clinch work to tire him out.

Odds and Betting Information

Fight Outcome	Odds
Over 2.5 Rounds	-200

The betting line for this fight favors the fight going the distance, with odds of -200 for the fight to go over 2.5 rounds. Both Rodriguez and Morono are durable, with a history of fights going the distance, making this an intriguing bet for those looking for a long, competitive bout.

Keys to Victory

Daniel Rodriguez

• Control the Distance: Rodriguez needs to use his reach and superior boxing to keep Morono at bay and avoid getting drawn into clinch or grappling exchanges.
• Avoid Takedowns: Rodriguez’s path to victory lies in his striking, so he must defend takedowns and prevent Morono from dragging the fight to the mat.

Alex Morono

• Mix Strikes and Grappling: Morono needs to blend his striking and grappling to keep Rodriguez guessing. If he can score takedowns and control the fight on the ground, he will increase his chances of winning.
• Wear Rodriguez Down: Morono’s cardio and durability will be crucial in this fight. He needs to make Rodriguez work hard in every exchange and look to capitalize as the fight progresses.

 

Prediction