Unmissable Showdown: Gilbert Burns vs Michael Morales at UFC Fight Night

Get ready for an electrifying night of action at UFC Fight Night: Burns vs Morales, hosted at the iconic UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada. Scheduled for May 17, 2025, the main card kicks off at 11:00 PM ET. This highly anticipated welterweight clash is set to keep you on the edge of your seat as two determined combatants face-off in the Octagon.

In one corner, we have the seasoned veteran Gilbert Burns, hailing from Brazil and ranked #8 in the welterweight division. With a professional record of 22 wins, including 6 knockouts and 9 submissions, against 8 losses, Burns is eager to bounce back after a string of recent setbacks. Despite his experience and proven capability, the odds seem to be stacked against him, offering an enticing +500 betting line on DraftKings.

In the opposite corner stands Michael Morales, an undefeated striker from Ecuador ranked #12. Morales, boasting a perfect 17-0 record with 12 victories coming via knockout, has quickly gained attention as one of the division's hottest rising stars. With his impressive 92% takedown defense and high striking accuracy, Morales enters the fight as a formidable favorite, listed at -700 odds by several bookmakers.

The stakes are high, and both fighters have compelling narratives heading into this bout. With Burns aiming for redemption and Morales striving to maintain his unblemished record, this duel promises intense exchanges and relentless action, making it a must-watch event for MMA enthusiasts and betting aficionados alike.

Live odds

All the fighter matchups and live odds for Burns vs Morales can be found on the Burns vs Morales event page.

Comprehensive Betting Guide: Analyzing UFC Fight Night: Burns vs Morales

Prepare yourself for a thrilling night of mixed martial arts action as UFC Fight Night: Burns vs Morales takes center stage at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas on May 17, 2025. The main event features a high-stakes showdown between Gilbert Burns and Michael Morales in the welterweight division. Use this comprehensive guide to navigate the entire fight card and make informed betting decisions.

Main Event Breakdown: Gilbert Burns vs Michael Morales

The headline bout of the evening sees seasoned veteran Gilbert Burns facing off against the rising star Michael Morales. Gilbert Burns, ranked #8 in the division, is known for his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu prowess, boasting 9 submission victories in his MMA career. Despite his experience, Burns comes into this fight as a substantial underdog, with odds of +500 on platforms like DraftKings. This reflects his recent run of three consecutive losses against top-tier opponents, including Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena.

In contrast, Michael Morales is an undefeated force in the octagon, with a 17-0 record. Ranked #12, he is a striker who has secured 12 of his wins via knockout. Morales' impressive striking prowess, combined with his 92% takedown defense, positions him as the overwhelming favorite, with odds as short as -700. While Burns offers attractive underdog odds, Morales' unbeaten record and dominant performances make him a more secure pick for bettors seeking consistency.

Co-Main Event: Rodolfo Bellato vs Paul Craig

In the light heavyweight division, Rodolfo Bellato faces Paul Craig in what promises to be a captivating matchup. Bellato, a versatile fighter from Brazil, is favored with odds of -500 across several bookmakers. With a record of 12-2-1, Bellato combines striking and grappling effectively, securing 7 victories by knockout.

Paul Craig, known for his submission skills, comes into the fight as a +380 underdog on DraftKings. With a record of 17-9-1, Craig has 13 submission wins and is always a submission threat. Bettors looking for an upset might consider Craig, given his ability to pull off surprising finishes. However, Bellato’s well-rounded game and standing as the favorite make him a cautious yet promising pick.

Sodiq Yusuff vs Mairon Santos

Moving to the lightweight division, Sodiq Yusuff clashes with Mairon Santos. Yusuff, entering as an underdog with odds ranging around +110, aims to rebound from recent losses against top opposition. His striking background is formidable, with 6 knockouts and no submissions in a 13-4 career record.

Mairon Santos, relatively new to the UFC with a 16-1 record, carries odds of -146 on FanDuel as the favorite. Known for his defensive skills with a 70% strike defense, Santos presents a challenging matchup for Yusuff. Given the close odds, this fight presents a closer call for bettors, but Santos’ momentum and defensive capabilities provide an edge.

Middleweight Highlight: Dustin Stoltzfus vs Nursulton Ruziboev

In the middleweight division, Dustin Stoltzfus takes on Nursulton Ruziboev. Stoltzfus comes in as a significant underdog with odds of +240. Having earned 16 wins with a balanced mix of submissions and decisions, Stoltzfus seeks to upset the well-regarded Ruziboev.

Ruziboev, favored at -295, possesses a wealth of experience, wielding an impressive record of 35-9-2, with a notable 25 first-round finishes. His well-rounded fighting record, which includes 20 submission victories, makes Ruziboev a solid favorite and a potentially rewarding choice for bettors aiming for reliability.

Featherweight Clash: Julian Erosa vs Melquizael Costa

In an intriguing featherweight clash, Julian Erosa faces Melquizael Costa. Erosa enters as the underdog, sporting odds of +172 on various platforms. With a wealth of experience shown by his 31-12 record, Erosa's dynamic striking and grappling skills always keep him in the fight.

Costa, an emerging contender with a 23-7 record, is the favorite at -225 odds, thanks to his effective striking and high finish rate. While Erosa’s odds are enticing for bettors seeking a high-risk wager, Costa’s recent form and consistent performances make him a strategically safer option.

Key Betting Trends and Recommendations

1. Favorites with Strong Streaks: Michael Morales offers stability as an undefeated favorite, while Nursulton Ruziboev’s substantial record and strong finish rate make him a robust pick.

2. Live Underdog Potential: Gilbert Burns at +500 offers significant upside for those betting on experience and potential redemption. Paul Craig’s submission skills also make him a compelling underdog option at +380.

3. Close Odds: For Sodiq Yusuff vs Mairon Santos, the narrow odds indicate a closely contested fight. Bettors should weigh Santos' edge in striking defense against Yusuff's striking power.

4. Avoid High-Risk Bets: Elise Reed against heavily favored Denise Gomes doesn't present favorable odds for an upset, where Gomes' -500 odds highlight her dominance.

By considering these insights, you can approach the UFC Fight Night with strategic confidence. Whether staking on a reliable favorite or speculating on a promising underdog, every bout presents unique opportunities. Use this guide to enhance your betting experience on this action-packed card.

Final Betting Thoughts: Strategic Picks for UFC Fight Night: Burns vs Morales

As fight night approaches, it's time to finalize strategies and cement your choices for a betting edge. Here are a few fighters to consider when placing your bets for this exciting card.

1. Michael Morales: With an unblemished 17-0 record, Morales stands out as the safest bet on the card. His striking prowess and exceptional takedown defense make him a reliable betting choice and a potential cornerstone of any wagering strategy.

2. Nursulton Ruziboev: Boasting an impressive record of 35 wins, Ruziboev is anticipated to use his comprehensive skill set to secure a victory over Dustin Stoltzfus. With 25 first-round finishes, he offers both reliability and the ability for a quick win, adding potential value to parlays.

3. Mairon Santos: Favored in a closely matched fight with Sodiq Yusuff, Santos’ defensive skills and recent momentum make him a strategic pick. His odds provide a balance between risk and reward, appealing to those looking for mid-level stability.

For those seeking value in riskier ventures, Gilbert Burns presents an intriguing long-shot option with odds of +500. His veteran status and skill in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu should not be underestimated.

Remember to monitor live odds at UFC Bet Companion to capitalize on any last-minute shifts or opportunities. Whether opting for solid favorites or taking calculated risks on underdogs, UFC Fight Night: Burns vs Morales promises action-packed excitement for all bettors. Unleash your betting strategy and enjoy the thrilling encounters on offer!