UFC FIGHT NIGHT 232: Morales vs. Matthews 11/18/23 – On Saturday night at UFC Fight Night 232 in Las Vegas, Nevada, all eyes will be turned toward UFC APEX to see the much-awaited Welterweight bout between Michael Morales and Jake Matthews. Here in this UFC weekly picks, we take an in-depth approach, using fighter statistics, strengths, and recent performances to predict their outcome. Each fight promises an intense showdown between striking prowess and grappling expertise that should make for a thrilling matchup. As excitement builds, we delve deeper into each fighter’s credentials to determine who will emerge victorious from this high-stakes matchup.
UFC FIGHT NIGHT 232: Morales vs. Matthews 11/18/23 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 5:00 PM ET |
| Where: | UFC APEX, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
Michael Morales Analysis
Michael Morales enters this fight boasting an undefeated record of 15-0-0 and showing his dominance in the welterweight division. With an average fight time of 11:19 minutes demonstrating endurance and tactical acumen throughout bouts. Standing 6 feet tall with a reach advantage of 79 inches, Morales can use distance effectively against his opponents. Morales has proven his striking capabilities are an integral component of his arsenal. Averaging 5.17 Significant Strikes per Minute with 48% striking accuracy, Morales has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to out-strike opponents despite taking 3.54 strikes per minute in returns – giving his striking defense an admirable 48% defense rating.
Morales averages 1.66 takedowns every 15 minutes with an accuracy rate of 45%. His takedown defense, an impressive 91% figure, illustrates his ability to maintain control and resist opponents’ grappling attempts while remaining under his own control. His submission average per 15 minutes however stands at zero indicating a preference for striking over submissions. His most recent win against Griffin showcased Morales’s impressive array of skills; using both striking precision and defensive grappling techniques to secure victory.
Jake “The Celtics Kid” Matthews Analysis
Jake Matthews brings with him a 19-6-0 fight career. His average fight time matches Morales at 11:11 minutes, suggesting they engage in similar pacing fights. Matthews stands slightly shorter at 5’11”, however, has a reach of 73 inches that may play into this matchup’s strategy. Matthews’ striking statistics reflect an impressive strike rate per minute of 3.27 with an accuracy rate of 45%. Although these numbers may seem lower compared to Morales’ numbers, what really stands out is Matthews’ impressive 60% strike defense percentage indicating his ability to mitigate damage effectively.
Matthews displays an average of 1.71 takedowns every 15 minutes with 41% takedown accuracy; his takedown defense, however, was less robust at 61% and could pose a vulnerability against Morales’ striking skills. Furthermore, Matthews had more submission-oriented approaches compared to Morales at an average submission average per 15 minutes rate of 0.7. Matthews’ recent victory against Flowers highlighted his balanced fighting style, seamlessly blending striking and grappling techniques for victory.
Michael Morales vs. Jake Matthews Stats
| Morales | Matthews | |
| Wins/Losses/Draws | 15-0-0 | 19-6-0 |
| Average Fight Time | 11:19 | 11:11 |
| Height | 6′ 0″ | 5′ 11″ |
| Weight | 170 lbs. | 170 lbs. |
| Reach | 79″ | 73″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| Strikes Landed per Min. | 5.17 | 3.27 |
| Striking Accuracy | 48% | 45% |
| Strikes Absorbed per Min. | 3.54 | 2.33 |
| Defense | 48% | 60% |
| Takedowns Average/15 min. | 1.66 | 1.71 |
| Takedown Accuracy | 45% | 41% |
| Takedown Defense | 91% | 61% |
| Submission Average/15 min. | 0.0 | 0.7 |
Michael Morales vs. Jake Matthews Betting Pick
Michael Morales appears to have the edge in our UFC fight night when considering both fighters. His undefeated streak, superior reach, and higher striking output make him a formidable opponent; furthermore, his striking and grappling stats (particularly takedown defense ) suggest he could control the pace of this bout while foiling Matthews’ grappling attempts – making Michael Morales our pick for this fight night bout.
Jake Matthews’ experience and defensive prowess make him an unpredictable opponent, but Morales could outwit them thanks to her reach and striking rate. Expect him to use both aspects to manage distance effectively before using his striking skills against Matthews to secure victory and secure an emphatic victory for her side.
Free Pick: Michael Morales -310
UFC Fight Night 232 will feature an exciting welterweight battle between two skilled fighters. Michael Morales looks poised to continue his winning streak while Jake Matthews may find it challenging to cope with Michael Morales’s reach and striking volume. Our sports matchup analysis suggests that Morales may emerge victorious as this contest showcases the deep strategic depth of mixed martial arts while remaining safe from Matthews’ counterattacks.