The Second Act: Joseph “Bopo” Morales’ Journey to Redemption
The story of Joseph Morales is a compelling narrative about seizing a second chance and proving that belief in oneself can overcome any setback. Born on August 22, 1994, in Clovis, California, Morales represents the high-level talent cultivated at the legendary Team Alpha Male gym in Sacramento. Known by the nickname “Bopo,” a family moniker, his career is characterized by an exceptional foundation in grappling and a tireless work ethic, demonstrating what it means to dedicate one’s life to the pursuit of championship status.
Built on the Ground: The Submission Artist
Morales began his professional MMA journey in 2014, quickly making a name for himself in regional circuits like Global Knockout, where he secured the Flyweight Championship. His impressive professional record of 14 wins and 2 losses (14-2-0) highlights his dominance, especially on the mat. With seven professional submission victories, including three rear-naked chokes and three triangle chokes, Morales established himself as a certified submission artist in the Flyweight division. He earned his first UFC contract in 2017 and made an immediate splash by winning his debut via a first-round rear-naked choke, earning a Performance of the Night bonus. This early success positioned him as a top prospect.
The Return: The Ultimate Fighter Triumph
Morales’s initial UFC run ended after two tough losses, leading to a period of doubt and a hiatus from the promotion. However, this was not the end of his story; it was merely an intermission. Recognizing the value of a second chance, he successfully returned to competition in the regional scene and later entered the 33rd season of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF). Spurred by being overlooked in the initial fighter draft, Morales used the underdog status as motivation. He navigated the tournament with skill and focus, defeating two opponents before securing his place in the final. In a high-stakes final at UFC 319 in August 2025, Morales delivered a statement win, submitting Alibi Idiris with a second-round triangle choke to become the TUF 33 Flyweight Tournament Winner and reclaiming his spot on the UFC roster. This victory validated his years of dedication and proved his commitment to the highest standard of the sport.
The Future: The Climb Begins in the Co-Main Event
Joseph Morales is wasting no time making the most of his hard-earned return. He is immediately scheduled for a high-profile matchup against veteran Matt “Danger” Schnell. This pivotal Flyweight clash will serve as the co-main event for UFC Fight Night: Bonfim vs. Brown on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. This fight is precisely the kind of test Morales needs: a chance to prove that the lessons learned from his first UFC stint have made him a complete, world-class fighter. A dominant performance over a tough, ranked veteran like Schnell would be the launching pad for Morales’s serious ascent into the official Flyweight rankings and toward his ultimate goal of becoming a UFC champion.
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