Michael Morales made a statement Saturday in his biggest fight to date.
In the UFC Fight Night 256 headliner, Morales (18-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) ran through former welterweight title challenger Gilbert Burns (22-9 MMA, 15-9 UFC) and picked up a TKO victory at 3:39 of Round 1. The fight took place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Morales imposed his will on Burns, who briefly took the fight to the ground. Before long, Morales was back up as he stalked the longtime Brazilian UFC veteran. Morales stunned Burns with a punching combination. Burns tried to survive – and did. But that was only temporary. Morales again stunned Burns, who covered up until referee Herb Dean stepped in.
Morales, 25, maintains his perfect professional record. He has now defeated Trevin Giles, Adam Fugitt, Max Griffin, Jake Matthews, and Neil Magny in the UFC in addition to Burns.
Burns, 38, falls into a four-fight losing skid consisting of defeats to Morales, Sean Brady, Jack Della Maddalena, and Belal Muhammad.
Full UFC Fight Night 256 results
- Michael Morales def. Gilbert Burns via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 3:39
- Mairon Santos def. Sodiq Yusuff via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
- Nursulton Ruziboev def. Dustin Stoltzfus via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
- Melquizael Costa def. Julian Erosa via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Gabe Green def. Matheus Camilo via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 3:43
- Jared Gordon def. Thiago Moises via KO (punch) – Round 1, 3:37
- Yadier del Valle def. Connor Matthews via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 2:54
- Luana Santos def. Tainara Lisboa via submission (Americana) – Round 2, 4:59
- Denise Gomes def. Elise Reed via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 0:30
- Hyun Sung Park def. Carlos Hernandez via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 2:26
- Tecia Pennington def. Luana Pinheiro via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
