Michael Morales

Ecuador

Rise to top continues
WelterweightUFC
May 17, 2025
Morales defeated Gilbert Burns via TKO (punches) at 3:39 of Round 1 at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
In case there was any doubt, Morales is legit. A win over Burns means less at this time than at any point in the past decade-plus, but he was still by far the best opponent Morales had faced to date and he passed the test with flying colors. Entering as a -550 favor, Morales showed his trademark composure in overwhelming Burns on the feet. He did give up one takedown but immediately worked his way back to the feet and finished his opponent moments later. Now a perfect 6-0 in the UFC in addition to picking up a win on Dana White's Contender Series, the company is going to have a difficult time slow playing things with Morales. He's simply too talented.
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Date changes again
WelterweightUFC
April 12, 2025
Morales' scheduled welterweight matchup against Gilbert Burns has been moved to the main event of UFC Apex on May 17, MMAJunkie.com reports.
ANALYSIS
This is the third date for this fight. It was originally scheduled for UFC 314 in April, and then it was bumped to UFC 315 in Montreal on May 10. Now it's been moved to a main event at UFC Apex. Similar to what happened with the previous change of dates, no official reason was provided for the fight being moved.
New date for Burns fight
WelterweightUFC
February 20, 2025
Morales' scheduled welterweight matchup against Gilbert Burns has been moved to UFC 315 on May 10 in Montreal, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
This matchup was originally scheduled for UFC 314 in April, but given the run of additions to that card Wednesday night, company brass likely wanted to beef up its next pay-per-view instead. Morales already has a spot in the rankings in a deep 170-pound division, but a win over a former title contender in Burns could propel him into the top-10. He has momentum on his side, as Burns is on a three-fight losing streak, and Morales sports a spotless 17-0 professional record (5-0 UFC). As a result, he's set to enter as a significant betting favorite, though it can be argued that Burns is easily his toughest test to date.
Draws Burns at UFC 314
WelterweightUFC
January 18, 2025
Morales will fight Gilbert Burns at UFC 314 on April 12, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Morales currently boasts an impressive 17-0 record as a pro and a 5-0 record in the UFC, which gives him a significant momentum advantage over Burns, who has dropped each of his last three fights.
Remains undefeated as pro
WelterweightUFC
August 24, 2024
Morales defeated Neil Magny via TKO (punches) at 4:39 of Round 1 at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
Magny, even at this late stage of his career, was by far the toughest test to date for Morales, and he passed with flying colors. Showing off his power and creativity, Michael exploded from an exchange along the fence and dropped Magny with a spinning elbow. He immediately jumped on top of his fallen opponent and fired off countless follow-up shots until referee Dan Miragliotta finally pulled the plug. The effort would go on to win him a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus. The UFC has slow played things with Morales to date, and rightfully so, but with fight straight wins to begin his time with the company, the 25-year-old top prospect is going to get pushed up the rankings sooner than later.
Agrees to fight Magny in August
WelterweightUFC
July 4, 2024
Morales verbally agreed to take on Neil Magny at a UFC event in Las Vegas on August 24, per Danny Segura of MMAJunkie.USAToday.com.
ANALYSIS
Morales will put his undefeated professional record to the test against Magny on August 24. The six-foot fighter from Ecuador will be tested against the veteran Magny, as he will give up a size and reach advantage to the older American. Morales will hope to use his considerable stopping power to take down his opponent, with 11 of his 16 professional victories coming by KO/TKO, though his two recent decision victories in UFC bouts prove that he can go the distance when necessary.