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In a thrilling display of grappling mastery, Vince Morales secured a victory with a unique twist on the Peruvian necktie, claiming the UFL bantamweight title. Morales’ latest win highlights his evolving skill set and adds another finish to his impressive five-fight win streak, four of which have ended by knockout or submission.
Morales, now boasting a record of 16-7, had a roller-coaster tenure in the UFC, marked by victories over Louis Smolka, Drako Rodriguez, and Aiemann Zahabi. However, back-to-back defeats in 2022 against Miles Johns and Jonathan Martinez led to his departure from the premier MMA organization. Since then, Morales has been on a mission to reinvent himself, and his latest performance showcases just how far he's come.
The bout against Hunter Azure, who entered the fight with an 11-4 record, was a testament to Morales’ relentless pursuit of excellence. Azure, a former UFC fighter himself, claimed the UFL bantamweight title earlier this year with a knockout win over Amun Cosme. Despite Azure’s ambitions to return to the UFC, Morales had different plans.
The third-round finish stunned the crowd as Morales locked in a rarely-seen variation of the Peruvian necktie. In a message shared with MMA Fighting, Morales described the innovative adjustment he made to the traditional submission.
“So far, I haven’t seen anyone hit any variation of the Peruvian necktie like that one,” Morales wrote. “The main thing is instead of the hamstring going across the back of the head, the shin goes up against the neck to apply pressure on the carotid. More so like the D’Arce meets a Peruvian using the legs.”
This strategic modification not only showcased Morales’ creativity but also demonstrated his deep understanding of grappling dynamics.
Azure, who was eliminated in the opening round of The Ultimate Fighter 31 bantamweight tournament earlier this year, found himself in a precarious position as Morales executed the submission. Unable to escape, Azure was forced to tap out, marking his second defeat since his UFC run ended in 2021.
For Morales, this victory is a significant step forward in his post-UFC career, solidifying his status as a formidable competitor in the bantamweight division. As he continues to refine his skills and evolve as a fighter, fans can expect more thrilling performances and inventive techniques from the seasoned veteran.
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