Gilbert Burns faces a critical moment in his career. Four years after his unsuccessful bid for the UFC welterweight title, the 38-year-old veteran has hit a rough patch, currently experiencing the first three-fight losing streak of his career. His challenge continues this Saturday as he headlines UFC Vegas 106 against the undefeated prospect, Michael Morales.
For Michael Morales, this represents a significant step up. With a flawless record of 17-0 overall and 5-0 in the UFC, Morales is widely considered a potential future champion. He`s already proven his ability to overcome seasoned opponents, with recent victories over Neil Magny, Jake Matthews, and Max Griffin. A win against Burns could propel him into the top 10 rankings, although Burns, known as “Durinho,” remains a dangerous opponent.
Gilbert Burns vs. Michael Morales Prediction
While Gilbert Burns certainly possesses the skills to win, securing a victory against the undefeated Michael Morales requires many factors to align in his favor. Burns` grappling is a known threat. An early takedown could significantly drain Morales` energy and reduce the impact of his size advantage. Considering this is a five-round contest, Burns would benefit greatly from winning the initial rounds and testing Morales` untested endurance.
Burns also has power in his hands, offering a chance in striking exchanges, though engaging in a pure brawl against Morales is not advisable. Morales demonstrates excellent fundamental striking, characterized by smart footwork and effective feints that set up his more explosive attacks. His athleticism enables him to recover swiftly from difficult situations, including potential takedowns. He has a knack for exploding out of defensive positions and taking control.
Burns has proven he can still compete at a high level, but he appears to have lost a step. The 13-year age gap and the cumulative wear and tear from years of fighting and training are significant factors. A prime Burns from a couple of years ago might make this a coin toss, but today, Morales is the clear favorite. Prediction: Morales via Decision.
Paul Craig vs. Rodolfo Bellato Prediction
Rodolfo Bellato is an exciting fighter to watch. His initial two UFC appearances have been chaotic, showcasing flashes of potential top-15 talent, but also revealing a propensity to absorb considerable damage. It remains to be seen if he adopts a more measured approach against Paul Craig.
For Craig, this fight is crucial for his UFC future. A victory likely secures his spot, while a loss could signal the end of his time with the promotion. His performance against Bo Nickal was uninspired and doesn`t bode well, especially given Nickal`s subsequent challenges. Craig is also known for slow starts, which is a dangerous habit against a fighter like Bellato.
Bellato is expected to come out aggressively, and it`s unlikely Craig will be able to pull off one of his signature comeback wins. Prediction: Bellato via Knockout.
Sodiq Yusuff vs. Mairon Santos Prediction
Mairon Santos is taking a challenging route after his Ultimate Fighter 32 victory. Competing as “The Legend,” he`s on a quick turnaround from a March fight and is moving up a weight class to face the significantly more experienced Sodiq Yusuff. This aggressive scheduling might be a consequence of his close decision win over Francis Marshall, but Santos must be cautious to protect his promising career.
Yusuff appears to be making his move to 155 pounds permanent, which suggests he`s appropriately prepared physically for this division. Yusuff has consistently displayed strong striking skills, even if finishes have been rare. Eliminating a difficult weight cut could significantly improve his performance, allowing him to fight with more energy and aggression from the start.
While being conservative regarding Santos` chances might be prudent, Yusuff has troubled numerous capable opponents. It`s difficult to pick against his experience and apparent readiness for lightweight. Prediction: Yusuff.
Dustin Stoltzfus vs. Nursulton Ruziboev Prediction
Expect fireworks in this matchup. Both Dustin Stoltzfus and Nursulton Ruziboev are fighters known for seeking finishes. While they both have decision wins, their clash tonight is likely to involve aggressive striking exchanges.
This style favors Stoltzfus, who achieved a notable knockout victory against Marc-Andre Barriault last November when Barriault chose to trade punches against the cage. Stoltzfus capitalized on that opportunity with a first-round finish. Ruziboev`s aggressive, forward pressure will create openings, giving Stoltzfus chances to land a fight-ending blow. However, Ruziboev`s precision and intensity are expected to be the deciding factors. He`s likely to land significant strikes standing before potentially finishing the fight on the ground via ground-and-pound or submission. Prediction: Ruziboev.
Julian Erosa vs. Melquizael Costa Prediction
This is excellent matchmaking, featuring two experienced featherweights who have quietly built winning streaks. Julian Erosa is a familiar presence to many fans, known for his durable style over a 15-year career. His versatility, both standing and on the ground, makes him a difficult challenge for anyone.
Melquizael Costa has been active since his 2023 UFC debut, currently holding a three-fight winning streak. A win against Erosa would mark his fourth victory in less than a year. Costa`s fights might not always be aesthetically pleasing, but his resilience and ability to overcome adversity are strong points.
In contrast, Erosa has shown a tendency to struggle in the first round if he`s not on his game, though he also possesses the capability for early finishes. Leaning towards Erosa in this matchup, particularly if the fight extends beyond the initial round. His greater experience at a high level should guide him to a win. Prediction: Erosa via Decision.
