Vitalii Yakymenko vs Marcello Morelli Result, Score & Stats

✨ Yakimenko steps in for his first KSW title defense riding the momentum of two impressive performances: first, he stopped Rogerio Bontorin in the third round, then went the full five rounds with Sebastian Przybysz to edge a split decision. Morelli, after losing to Przybysz himself, has also bounced back—knocking out Patryk Surdyn in the opening round before earning a convincing decision over Verleson Martins.

But the champion has already proven he can reach another level against the division’s elite. Yakimenko can keep a high pace for all five rounds, seamlessly mixing up his striking and grappling, never relying on a single path to victory. Morelli is dangerous on the feet and has a noticeable size advantage, but his last title shot against Przybysz ended in a submission loss—while Vitaliy went the distance with the same opponent. My pick: Vitaliy Yakimenko to win.