Michael Morales has one request following his KO win over Gilbert Burns at UFC Fight Night 256.
LAS VEGAS – Michael Morales just has one request following the biggest win of his UFC career.
The Ecuadorian star didn’t call for a name or bonus after knocking out former UFC title challenger Gilbert Burns (22-9 MMA, 15-9 UFC) in the main event of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 256. Instead, Morales (18-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) made an open invitation for a specific event – this year’s Noche UFC card in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Morales, who trains out of Tijuana, wants his next fight to be at Noche UFC, which is scheduled for Sept. 13.
“I’ve been calling out Ian Garry a lot,” Morales said though an interpreter at the UFC Fight Night 256 post-fight press conference. “That’s the fight I’ve been wanting, but I know that he won his last fight against Prates and continues to move up the rankings. I just simply want to take advantage of this fight that I came out healthy, recover from a few bumps, and wait to get the opportunity to fight in Guadalajara, if possible. I’ll fight anyone. I just want to train, recover well from all the hits, and if I have to fight against No. 4 or 5 or 6, I’ll do it. I will make the most of whatever opportunity God gives me.”
Morales is one of the most promising contenders today at 170 pounds, and his quick stoppage win over Burns proved that. Although it was a seamless win, Morales admits he was a very nervous, given Burns’ stature in the sport.
“Yeah, like always, I was sh*tting myself,” Morales said. “They don’t call him ‘Durinho’ for nothing. He’s a fighter that fought for a title, that fought very tough people. Obviously, if you get in the cage with someone with that history, you’re going to be very scared. He’s a killer, he’s a wall I had to get through and break, and I did it. Tonight I showed that I’m harder. I’m very happy with this great victory.”
