Colby Thicknesse secured a unanimous decision victory over Vince Morales at UFC Perth on May 1, 2026. This win marks a pivotal moment in Thicknesse’s UFC career, moving him closer to establishing himself in the bantamweight division.
Before this fight, Thicknesse held a record of 1-1 in the UFC. He was looking to build on his previous win against Josias Musasa in September 2025. Morales, on the other hand, faced Thicknesse while struggling with a three-fight losing streak.
The judges scored the bout 29-28 across the board, reflecting a competitive matchup. Thicknesse expressed mixed feelings about his performance afterward: “I’m happy I won. But I wasn’t happy with the performance.” This sentiment highlights the pressure fighters feel even after securing victories.
Thicknesse trains at the Freestyle Fighting Gym in Australia and boasts an impressive professional MMA record of 8-1, including four finishes. His journey through the ranks continues as he aims for greater challenges.
Morales has struggled recently, now holding a UFC record of 3-8 overall. His last victory came in August 2024, making this loss particularly tough. The fight showcased Thicknesse’s potential to rise through the bantamweight ranks.
Looking ahead, Thicknesse has his sights set on more seasoned opponents. He remarked, “If I go out there and stop him, and make it look good, there’s a real possibility that I can start calling out more veteran guys, like Cody Garbrandt.” This ambition reflects his desire to make a name for himself in an increasingly competitive division.
The MMA community eagerly watches to see how this victory will impact Thicknesse’s future matchups and whether he can capitalize on this momentum.
