Sergey Morozov (fighter)

Sergey Morozov (Сергей Морозов; born June 14, 1989) is a Kazakhstani mixed martial artist who competes in the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Morozov is the former M-1 Bantamweight Champion.

Background
Having played football since the age of seven years old, he enrolled in the Youth Sports School, studied there, played until the age of 17. Then, at the age of 17, he joined the Aktobe-Zhas team, which played in the First League. He played there for two seasons, before leaving because of character issues - uncompromising, nasty, fighting.

In December 2021, Morozov converted to Islam.

Early career
Starting his professional career in 2008, Morozov compiled a 16-4 record, spending most of his time on the Russian regional scene, with most off his bouts coming with M-1 Global Challenge, where he spent five years and is the former M-1 Bantamweight Champion. In his attempt for the championship against Movsar Evloev on February 22, 2018 at M-1 Challenge 88, losing by rear-naked choke in the third round. After winning the next three bouts, he captured the championship against Aleksandr Osetrov at M-1 Challenge 102, winning by TKO in the third round. He defended the title against Josh Rettinghouse at M-1 Challenge 105, winning the bout via unanimous decision.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Morozov was initially scheduled to face Umar Nurmagomedov on October 24, 2020 at UFC 254, but Nurmagomedov pulled out due to an illness. The pairing was then rescheduled for UFC 257 on January 24, 2021. However, the bout was yet again rescheduled the second time on January 20, 2021 at UFC on ESPN: Chiesa vs. Magny. Morozov lost the fight via fight via submission in round two.

His second fight in UFC was scheduled on July 17, 2021, facing Khalid Taha at UFC on ESPN 26. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Morozov faced Douglas Silva de Andrade on February 12, 2022 at UFC 271. After dominating the first round, Morozov was choked unconscious via a rear-naked choke submission in the second round. The bout earned the Fight of the Night bonus award.

Morozov faced Raulian Paiva on June 25, 2022, at UFC on ESPN 38. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Morozov faced Journey Newson on December 17, 2022 at UFC Fight Night 216. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Championships and accomplishments

 * Ultimate Fighting Championship
 * Fight of the Night (One time) vs. Douglas Silva de Andrade
 * M-1 Global
 * M-1 Bantamweight Championship (One time)
 * One successful title defense
 * MMAjunkie.com
 * 2022 February Fight of the Month vs. Douglas Silva de Andrade