Sergey Morozov Record: 19-5-0

Regional rise

Before the UFC, Morozov stacked notable wins on the M-1 circuit, including a unanimous-decision victory over Rafael Dias in 2016. His most instructive setback came in February 2018, when he was submitted by a third-round rear-naked choke against the then-unbeaten Movsar Evloev – a future UFC contender – a loss that did little to slow his climb toward a championship and a UFC contract.

UFC career

Morozov's UFC debut in January 2021 was a brutal welcome: he was submitted by a second-round rear-naked choke against the unbeaten Umar Nurmagomedov. He bounced back immediately, taking a unanimous decision over Khalid Taha in July 2021. After a second-round rear-naked-choke loss to the durable Douglas Silva de Andrade at UFC 271 in February 2022, Morozov closed his Octagon run with two strong decision wins – over Raulian Paiva in June 2022 and Journey Newson that December – to finish at 19-5.

Fighting style

Morozov is a pressure-based bantamweight whose game is built on power and volume. His record skews toward finishes: eight of his 19 wins came by knockout and another three by submission, giving him a 58 percent finish rate and a reputation as a genuine threat to end fights from anywhere. He pairs heavy hands – including a spinning backfist among his finishing arsenal – with a solid wrestling and grappling base that lets him control rounds when the knockout doesn't come. His vulnerability has been against elite grapplers: three of his five career losses came by rear-naked choke, the recurring puzzle against the division's best submission specialists.

Career highlights

• M-1 Challenge Bantamweight Champion — won and defended a major regional title to earn his UFC contract.
• Heavy-handed finisher — eight knockouts and a 58 percent finish rate built on power striking and a relentless pace.
• UFC resilience — answered each Octagon setback with a decisive win, including victories over Khalid Taha, Raulian Paiva and Journey Newson.