UFC 277 video: Michael Morales beats down Adam Fugitt en route to stoppage

Michael Morales improved his finishing percentage once again Saturday when he stopped promotional newcomer Adam Fugitt with punches at UFC 277.

The stoppage came at 1:09 of Round 3, the final round of their three-round welterweight bout on the prelims at American Airlines Center in Dallas.

Despite only being 23, Morales (14-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) already has two finishes in as many UFC appearances. This one played out in a similar method to his previous one. Morales tagged Fugitt (8-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC) with a combination that sat his opponent down.

Fugitt briefly recovered back up to his feet and tried to clinch Morales in range. However, Morales moved in and out of the pocket and dropped Fugitt again. Referee Herb Dean saw enough and dove in to save Fugitt, who still grabbed for a leg despite his disorientation.

Morales now has 12 finishes in 14 professional fights. His other UFC win came by knockout against Trevin Giles in January.

Meanwhile, Fugitt had a four-fight winning streak snapped. The UFC 277 bout he took on short notice after Ramiz Brahimaj withdrew due to injury.

The up-to-the-minute UFC 277 results include:

• Michael Morales def. Adam Fugitt via TKO (punches) – Round 3, 1:09

• Joselyne Edwards def. Ji Yeon Kim via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)

• Nicolae Negumereanu def. Ihor Potieira via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 3:33

• Orion Cosce def. Blood Diamond via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Story originally appeared on MMA Junkie