Overview
The UFC showdown between veteran Gilbert Burns and rising prospect Michael Morales will take place on 2025-05-18 at 5:00 KST at UFC APEX in Las Vegas, USA. Burns, with his experience and grappling prowess, faces off against the undefeated Morales, who’s shown striking dominance and exceptional takedown defense.
Team Key Players
Gilbert Burns
A seasoned fighter in the welterweight division, Burns has racked up 22 wins with 6 KOs and 9 submissions. He boasts high grappling IQ and solid submission average (0.46 per minute), though his takedown success is just 38%. His weakness lies in absorbing damage (3.57 strikes per minute), and he’s coming off three consecutive losses.
Michael Morales
Morales is a fast-rising contender with an unblemished 17–0 record, featuring 12 KOs. His strengths include a high knockdown average (0.92) and elite takedown defense (92%). He lands more strikes per minute (5.42) and takes fewer (3.42), making him a clear threat in stand-up exchanges.
Match Pick
Match Prediction: Over 2.5 rounds
Despite Morales’ finishing power, Burns’ durability and grappling ability may extend the fight. With both fighters capable of enduring rounds, this bout is likely to go deep.
