Alex
Morono was spitting blood at Daniil Donchenko this past Saturday. |
Getty/UFC
Alex
Morono wants to exit the
UFC on his own terms.
The 24-time Octagon veteran fought valiantly against “The Ultimate
Fighter 33” winner Daniil
Donchenko at
UFC Fight Night 266 this past Saturday, making it to the final
bell despite absorbing a tremendous amount of punishment over the
course of three rounds. Donchenko won a clear-cut unanimous
decision in the welterweight bout.
“If someone makes you bleed, spit it in their face and hit them as
hard as you can,” Morono wrote on Instagram. “I got to make my 24th
walk to the Octagon and, as always, had the time of my life. I
always go in there to win, no matter what, no matter what it takes.
They threw a young, hungry kickboxer my way and we got to throw
down on the biggest stage in the world. Much respect to my opponent
and his team. Despite the odds being stacked against me I was happy
to accept the challenge and am beyond grateful for my team behind
me in preparation and during battle. I didn’t get my hand raised
but I did get to show the MMA community what Houston vets are all
about.”
‘Nowhere I’d Rather Retire’
The 35-year-old Morono has lost his last four Octagon appearances,
but in an ideal world, he’d get to have one more fight before
riding off into the sunset.
“This war horse has some miles on him for damn sure,” Morono wrote.
“If this was my last ride, I’ll go out with my head held high. In a
perfect world, my next fight will be my last. The UFC has been my
home for the last decade. No where I’d rather fight. Nowhere I’d
rather retire. I’m confident and hopeful they’ll give me one last
dance. It’s been a hell of a career. Genuine thank you for all of
the support over the years. Stay tuned for what’s next. Death or
victory.”
Based in Houston, “The Great White” has gone 13-10 with one no
contest over the course of a UFC tenure that began in 2016. Morono
won 11 of his first 15 outings in the promotion while compiling
three- and four-bout winning streaks. His ledger includes victories
over the likes of Joshua
Burkman, Max Griffin,
Donald
Cerrone, Tim Means and
Court
McGee.