UFC Fight Night: Burns vs Morales Preview

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UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Morales

The UFC returns to the Apex this weekend for a welterweight clash, featuring a card filled with future stars. Gilbert Burns is coming back from injury to face the undefeated killer Michael Morales. This is Morales’ biggest test to date—and his first main event. Will he rise to the occasion, or crumble under the pressure?

Main Event – Gilbert Burns (22-8-0) vs. Michael Morales (17-0-0)

#8-ranked Gilbert Burns looks to get back into the win column as the undefeated Michael Morales aims to break into the top 10. Morales has sharp, aggressive boxing, with 12 finishes on the feet, and will need to be on point Saturday night as Burns is no joke. A black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Burns has nine submission wins to his name. Don’t count him out on his feet either—he’s one of the few fighters to have dropped Kamaru Usman. The winner here could be in line for a top-5 matchup.

Co-Main Event – Rodolfo Bellato (12-2-1) vs. Paul Craig (17-9-1)

Light heavyweight Rodolfo Bellato is coming off a close fight that resulted in a draw, while

Paul Craig returns to the division after a stint at middleweight. No matter the round or time left on the clock, you can never count Paul Craig out—he will submit you in the opening seconds or the final moments. But he’ll have his hands full with Rodolfo, a strong striker who’s also well-rounded. Can Rodolfo avoid the submission threat?

Sodiq Yusuff (13-4-0) vs. Mairon Santos (16-1-0)

Nigerian standout Sodiq "Super" Yusuff returns to the Octagon for the first time since UFC 300 to face Mairon Santos, who remains undefeated in the UFC. This will be Santos’ toughest test so far.

Dustin Stoltzfus (16-6-0) vs. Nursulton Ruziboev (35-9-2, 2 NC)

Middleweight kickboxer Dustin Stoltzfus takes on boxer Nursulton Ruziboev in a kickboxer vs. boxer matchup. Expect fireworks as I can't see this hitting the mat.

Julian Erosa (31-12-0) vs. Mequizael Costa (23-7-0)

Veteran Julian Erosa returns after a win over Darren Elkins just over a month ago. It’s a quick turnaround as he takes on Mequizael Costa, who also fought recently, winning his last bout in late March. Both fighters are stepping in hungry and in form.