Ryan Lilley uses new lease on life to march forward in MMA

"I dropped my last fight via decision but left scratch free," said Lilley. "I anticipate Albert and I will both push forward. It’s going to be a good one. I’ve seen him fight plenty of times. He’s a good guy and comes from a good gym, but his footwork and speed won’t be able to keep up with me. I have angles and can be first and beat him to the punch."

Lilley, who is a MusclePharm athlete, is also looking forward to fighting in his backyard in Los Angeles. The 30-year-old is a Thousand Oaks native, the locale of which was victim to a tragic shooting in 2018 at the Borderline Bar & Grill. That night, Lilley was celebrating his 28th birthday on Nov. 7 last year when he stepped out of an Uber ride to head inside the venue, only to hear gunshots immediately after that ended up killing 12 people and injured 23 others.

Lilley, who was able to escape before walking in the bar, is looking to use his new lease on life and realize his dreams of being a champion against Morales, a six-fight UFC veteran with two wins in Bellator.

"Ryan Lilley is a beast," said Morales. "I have to be ready and fire on all cylinders. I’m going to be ready. He’s been fighting for a long time. He’s been a veteran before I even fought as an amateur. He has a ton of experience as a wrestler and trains under striking coach Bas Rutten. He’s a tough well-rounded competitor."