DALLAS – While many critics harp on UFC fighter pay, Alex Morono isn’t one of them.
The UFC welterweight veteran returns this Saturday when he takes on Matthew Semelsberger in the preliminary card of UFC 277. Morono (21-7 MMA, 10-4 UFC), who’s currently on a three-fight winning streak, revealed he’s now on his fifth UFC contract, and he’s been more than happy with the type of purses he’s been getting for his fights.
“I’m one of the few fighters who’s cool with the fighter pay,” Moreno told reporters at Wednesday’s UFC 277 media day. “They’re paying me good money – so much that when I don’t win, and I haven’t experienced that in a while and don’t plan on experiencing that anytime soon, but it hurts my stomach not collecting that other half of the pay. So that’s good incentive.
“In MMA, winning is everything. It really is. If you’re training, preparing and fighting to do nothing but win, then you’re going to be fighting at a disadvantage.”
Morono’s 2021 consisted of three consecutive wins. During that stretch, he defeated notable names such as Donald Cerrone and Mickey Gall. He also received a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus for his stoppage of Cerrone.
Meanwhile, Semelsberger (10-3 MMA, 4-1 UFC) is coming off back-to-back wins over Martin Sano Jr. and A.J. Fletcher. Prior to that, he had lost to Khaos Williams.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 277.