Exclusive: Albert Morales Reveals New UFC Contract, Says Ground Game Is A Perishable Skill

Albert Morales only has one win in his four fight UFC run, but the chips are still falling in his favor.

Morales, who is 1-2-1 in the company was granted a fight near his home in California, and told Fightful's James Lynch that it was a matter of luck that everything worked out so well. 

"It came at the perfect time. It's going to be amazing. Actually a lot of my friends and family, they kind of know the deal that UFC (doesn't give me tickets). They aren't really hitting me up, they know they have to go through Ticketmaster," Morales joked. 

Morales lost  his last fight to Brett Johns, something he credits to neglecting his ground game a bit.

"I put it on the backburner. It's a perishable skill. We knew what (Johns) was going to do, he said what he was going to do. I learned a lot these last four fights. I'm not invincible. Every fight, I know I have a chance of winning, but I rushed into it," said Morales.

During his interview with Fightful, Morales also revealed that he's been given a new contract by the UFC at a time he was concerned he may be on the chopping block.

"I got a new contract with the UFC, I got another big deal," said Morales. "That's the biggest thing, I'm confident as hell. After the last loss, it hit me pretty hard. I came to the realization that I might not be signed to the UFC anymore. It took me to a place where I said if I don't get signed, it's no big deal. I would come back with the head of every champions and bring them to Dana like 'here you go.' When my manager tells me we get to fight Benito, and they're going to throw you a new contract, words can't explain how much I appreciate the UFC and my managers.

In the full interview, Albert Morales (7-2-1) discusses his upcoming fight against Benito Lopez (8-0) at UFC FIght Night 123 on Dec. 9. Albert also talks about his loss to Brett Johns in his last fight, competing close to home and signing a new contract with the UFC.