Matthew Semelsberger ready to go distance vs. Alex Morono at UFC 277, 'but main priority is to finish this fight'

DALLAS – Matthew Semelsberger isn’t planning on battling Alex Morono for 15 minutes, but he’s ready for it.

Semelsberger (10-3 MMA, 4-1 UFC) faces Morono at Saturday’s UFC 277 event, which takes place at American Airlines Center. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ABC/ESPN and early prelims on ESPN+.

Morono (21-7 MMA, 10-4 UFC) has recently fought veterans such as Anthony Pettis and Donald Cerrone, which makes him a dangerous opponent in Semelsberger’s eyes.

“He’s a well rounded, experienced veteran,” Semelsberger told reporters, including MMA Junkie, during Wednesday’s media day. “He’s been in the UFC since 2016, so he’s had tons of fights. He’s fought former champions. He’s fought Donald Cerrone, another OG.

“So he’s got a lot of experience, and he’s got a very solid, well rounded game. So when I heard that I was gonna be fighting him, I was very excited, but at the same time, going back to the nerves, it kind of shot my nerves up. But that’s a good sign to me.”

Two of Semelsberger’s three UFC wins have come by knockout, and the 29-year-old hopes to add another stoppage win over the durable Morono.

“I kind of see it going either or,” Semelsberger said. “Or a mix of the two, and that’s just I’m trying to come from a place of humility because I always want to give respect to my opponents and assume they’re gonna be the toughest, fiercest version that I’m gonna face. So I do truly believe I could go out there and finish it quick, but at the same time, I’m ready to go all three and get the decision if I have to. But main priority is to finish this fight.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 277.