UFC 282 is set to be the last PPV event on the 2022 UFC schedule coming this Saturday, December 10. In the feature bout of the main card, following a late-notice drop out by former UFC champion Robbie Lawler, Alex Morono (22-7) is stepping in to replace him and take on Santiago Ponzinibbio (28-6) in a catchweight bout.
Read further for more information and Morono vs Ponzinibbio stats; breaking down the fight to see what the best betting trends are to follow.
A final prediction of this great matchup will be given for those who plan on betting on UFC 282.
Morono vs. Ponzinibbio Stats
Alex Morono Stats
Morono has had 16 total fights in the UFC, making him a very solid veteran of this promotion. He averages 11:37 of fight time in those 16 appearances.
His measurables include a 72” reach to go with his 5’11 frame at 170 lbs. This fight is at catchweight because he was not cutting down to welterweight before getting the late-notice call from the UFC to step in.
Alex Morono has some impressive striking statistics. He averages 5.36 strikes landed per minute, while absorbing 4.01.
Morono’s Fighting Style
This means he fights at a very high pace and throws a lot of volume in the striking aspect of fights. His striking accuracy is currently at 47%.
He is clearly not dependent on wrestling, only averaging 0.32 takedowns per 15 minutes over his UFC tenure.
Along with that, he has a 51% takedown defense and only 0.3 submission attempts per 15 minutes.
Santiago Ponzinibbio Stats
Ponzinibbio has 15 total UFC fights under his belt at the age of 36. He has a very similar frame to Morono, standing in at 6’0” and usually weighing in at 170 lbs with a 73” reach.
This is also a short-notice fight for Ponzinibbio, so expect him to be quite happy not cutting down to 170 lbs this week.
Entertaining Style of Fighting
Being known for his entertaining style of fighting, Ponzinibbio puts up solid numbers with 5.00 strikes landed per minute, and he absorbs 4.77 strikes per minute as well.
Both fighters’ numbers suggest that this will be a fun scrap to watch for the fans.
In this ufc fight schedule he lacks grappling stats as well, only averaging 0.56 takedowns per 15 minutes ata 31% success rate.
Ponzinibbio’s takedown defense is a solid 60%, and he has no submission attempts in the UFC. This is going to be an MMA striking match 100%, if you were to predict the outcome via Morono vs Ponzinibbio stats.
Morono vs. Ponzinibbio Betting Trends
- UFC odds have Morono as the +155 underdog in this fight, with Ponzinibbio being a -180 betting favorite.
- This is the 9th time that Morono has been a betting underdog in his UFC career.
- Morono is 8-2 in his last 10 UFC appearances.
- Ponzinibbio is 2-3 in his last 5 UFC appearances.
- UFC bettors who fade the public have profited since UFC 261.
Morono vs. Ponzinibbio Betting Prediction
This is a very tough fight to predict because of how close it is. Both men are extremely durable and very good in the striking department. UFC picks can go so many ways because of the unpredictable nature of the sport.
After breaking down betting trends and the Morono vs Ponzinibbio stats, the final prediction is Ponzinibbio to win on Saturday night. He is going to be in better shape than Morono, and the volume is going to end up being too much.
Who to Bet On?
Morono is very durable, but if he isn’t in the best shape, his chin might have some issues holding up against the explosive striking of Ponzinibbio.
Looks for this one to be a great fight for the fans, as both of these guys always bring it when they step into the octagon.
UFC Pick: Ponzinibbio (-180)
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