UFC Fight Night: Gilbert Burns vs. Michael Morales – Betting Preview & Tips

The UFC returns home to the Apex in Las Vegas this Saturday with a compelling welterweight main event for a UFC Fight Night.

Former title challenger Gilbert Burns steps back into the Octagon looking to steady the ship against rising undefeated phenom Michael Morales.

Gilbert Burns vs Michael Morales: ‘The Veteran’ Meets ‘The Prospect’

A stalwart of the UFC roster since 2014, Burns has competed across two divisions during his 11-year run, but it was at welterweight where he found title contention. His crowning moment came in early 2021, when he challenged then-champion Kamaru Usman. Though Burns fell short via third-round TKO, the Brazilian proved he belonged at the elite level after almost stopping Usman himself.

Since that title bout, Burns has faced a murderer’s row of top welterweights but hasn’t seen the consistency he once displayed. He enters Saturday’s bout on a three-fight skid, with losses to Belal Muhammad, Jack Della Maddalena (now champion), and Sean Brady. 

Now 38, Burns knows that another setback could derail his future at the top of the UFC rankings, making this fight a potential crossroads in his storied career.

Still, Burns’ elite grappling, championship experience, power and toughness make him a dangerous test for any opponent, especially one climbing the ranks.

Standing across from Burns will be 25-year-old Ecuadorian standout Michael Morales, one of the most promising welterweight prospects on the UFC roster. A graduate of Dana White’s Contender Series in 2021, Morales has lived up to the hype with a perfect 5-0 UFC record and a 17-0 overall professional record.

With each fight, Morales has shown a blend of composed striking, fight IQ, and physicality that separates him from typical prospects. His most recent outing was a first-round TKO of the always-durable Neil Magny. This earned him a Performance of the Night bonus and cemented him as a serious contender-in-the-making.

Tale of the Tape

Gilbert Burns (22-8) – Odds: 6.00

Age: 38

Height: 5ft10

Reach: 71”

Weight: Welterweight

Style: BJJ

Stance: Orthodox

Michael Morales (17-0) – Odds: 1.14

Age: 25

Height: 6ft

Reach: 79”

Weight: Welterweight 

Style: Striker

Stance: Orthodox

Burns vs Morales: Analysis

For Burns, this is a must-win fight to remain relevant among the division’s elite. A fourth consecutive loss could spell the beginning of the end for his run in the UFC. And he certainly has the tools to spring an upset. 

Not only is he the much more experienced man, he has a clear advantage on the ground given that he is a former ADCC bronze medalist. But, he must first navigate the long limbs and extreme power that Morales possesses on the feet.

For Morales, this is his moment to prove he belongs in the conversation with the division’s best. A win over a respected veteran like Burns would elevate his profile immensely and fast-track his push towards the top ten. While he has a clear youth and reach advantage, this is his first big UFC fight of his young career, and we’ve seen this sort of matchup a lot over the years. But this one does feel different considering Burns has been in poor form over the last couple of years.

Gilbert Burns vs Michael Morales: Prediction