Michael Morales Demonstrates His Power by Knocking Out Gilbert Burns
The welterweight world witnessed a significant change this Saturday, as the undefeated Michael Morales achieved an impressive knockout victory over Gilbert Burns in the first round in Las Vegas.
Morales (18-0) finished Burns (22-9) with strikes at 3 minutes and 39 seconds of the first round in the main event of UFC Fight Night, held at the Apex. Morales punished Burns repeatedly with his uppercut, culminating the fight with a series of strikes next to the cage.
At 25 years old, Morales consolidates his record in the UFC with an impressive 6-0, including four knockout victories.
Every fight is tough, but I was very nervous in the locker room,” Morales confessed through an interpreter. “They told me: ‘Believe in yourself, believe in what you can do, believe in your potential.’ We worked hard and we achieved it. My mother and my grandmother told me to hit hard and the rest would be easy.”
Michael Morales
This victory represents a significant milestone for Morales, who entered the fight as number 12 in the UFC welterweight rankings. Burns, positioned at number 8, remains a prominent figure in the division. Morales, originally from Ecuador and now representing Mexico, had never before faced an opponent of Burns’ caliber. Furthermore, this was his first main event appearance in the UFC.
However, Morales showed his mettle from the start of the fight. He connected an early right hand and, shortly after, hurt Burns with his uppercut. Burns attempted a takedown, achieving one temporarily, but Morales got up calmly and sealed the victory with a sequence of punches.
Burns, 38, has accumulated four consecutive defeats, all against elite opponents. His previous defeats were against Belal Muhammad, Jack Della Maddalena, and Sean Brady. Morales aspired to prove his worth by competing at the same level and achieved it convincingly.
Morales dedicated his victory to his mother, who was present at the event. His last two victories have been by knockout in the first round, including a triumph over Neil Magny in August, where he was awarded the “Performance of the Night” award.
