UFC Veteran Alex Morono Hopes for 'One Last Dance' Before Retirement

The 24-time Octagon fighter has lost his last four bouts but wants to go out on his own terms.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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UFC welterweight Alex Morono, a 24-fight veteran of the promotion, is hoping to get one more fight in the Octagon before retiring. Despite losing his last four bouts, the 35-year-old Houston native says he wants to 'go out with his head held high' and have a chance at 'one last dance' in the UFC, the organization he has called home for the past decade.

Why it matters

Morono's desire to retire on his own terms after a long and successful UFC career resonates with many veteran fighters who want to control the timing and circumstances of their exit from the sport. His story also highlights the challenges older fighters face as they try to prolong their careers against younger, hungrier competitors.

The details

In his most recent fight at UFC Fight Night 266, Morono fought valiantly against Daniil Donchenko, the winner of 'The Ultimate Fighter 33', despite absorbing significant punishment over three rounds and ultimately losing by unanimous decision. Morono has gone 13-10 with one no contest over the course of his UFC tenure that began in 2016, including victories over notable fighters like Joshua Burkman, Max Griffin, Donald Cerrone, Tim Means and Court McGee.

  • Morono made his 24th walk to the Octagon at UFC Fight Night 266 this past Saturday.
  • Morono has lost his last four Octagon appearances.

The players

Alex Morono

A 35-year-old UFC welterweight veteran who has competed in the Octagon 24 times since 2016, compiling a 13-10 record with one no contest. He is hoping to get one more fight in the UFC before retiring.

Daniil Donchenko

The winner of 'The Ultimate Fighter 33' who defeated Morono by unanimous decision in their welterweight bout at UFC Fight Night 266.

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What they’re saying

“If someone makes you bleed, spit it in their face and hit them as hard as you can. I got to make my 24th walk to the Octagon and, as always, had the time of my life. I always go in there to win, no matter what, no matter what it takes.”

— Alex Morono, UFC Fighter (Instagram)

“This war horse has some miles on him for damn sure. If this was my last ride, I'll go out with my head held high. In a perfect world, my next fight will be my last. The UFC has been my home for the last decade. No where I'd rather fight. Nowhere I'd rather retire. I'm confident and hopeful they'll give me one last dance. It's been a hell of a career.”

— Alex Morono, UFC Fighter (Instagram)

What’s next

Morono is hopeful that the UFC will grant him one more fight before he retires, allowing him to go out on his own terms after a decade-long career with the promotion.

The takeaway

Alex Morono's story resonates with many veteran fighters who want to control the timing and circumstances of their exit from the sport. His desire to retire on his own terms after a long and successful UFC career highlights the challenges older fighters face as they try to prolong their careers against younger, hungrier competitors.