Joseph Morales did not leave himself much wiggle room in what turned into a white-knuckle affair.
The Team Alpha Male rep on Tuesday put himself within arm’s reach of an Ultimate Fighting Championship contract with a three-round split decision over Imanol Rodriguez in “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 33 flyweight semifinals at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Two of the three assigned judges sided with Morales, who awaits Idiris Alibi in the 125-pound final.
“I planned on being in the finale. I did it,” Morales said.