One of the most experienced fighters in the welterweight division, Gilbert Burns, is set to headline UFC Vegas 106 this Saturday at the Apex. At the age of 38, the former title challenger has established himself as a veteran in the sport, yet he remains determined to climb back to the top of the 170-pound rankings. To maintain his position as the No. 8 ranked welterweight, Burns must successfully defend against a rapidly rising prospect.
Burns has been mentally preparing for this fight for an impressive nine months. His intuition about facing Michael Morales began last August, after witnessing Morales deliver a spectacular first-round knockout of Neil Magny, which improved the Ecuadorian's undefeated record to 17-0. Burns, who is no stranger to facing Magny himself—having submitted him at UFC 283—recognizes the challenges that Morales presents.
“I was watching the fight when he beat Neil Magny, and the way he beat Neil Magny, first round, freaking spinning elbow and stuff, I’m just like, ‘They’re gonna offer me this guy,’ and I already started training for him,” Burns shared in an interview with Simon Head for UFC.com. He emphasized the importance of preparation against Morales, describing him as a fighter with "solid wrestling, good boxing, and athleticism." Burns believes that Morales deserves a shot in the top 10 of the welterweight division, stating, “A lot of guys would be like, ‘Oh, I don’t want to fight back down the rankings. I’ll fight anyone. I want to get in that win column again. And Michael Morales, it’s your turn.”
Despite his impressive victory over Magny, Burns has faced challenges in his recent fights, winning just one of his last four bouts. Following a significant win against Jorge Masvidal, which nearly secured him a second welterweight title shot, he encountered setbacks against top-tier fighters such as Belal Muhammad, Jack Della Maddalena, and Sean Brady. Each of these defeats has impacted Burns' momentum in the division.
Notably, his loss to Muhammad was affected by an injury, while he experienced a late comeback defeat against Della Maddalena. Despite these challenges, Burns remains optimistic about his capabilities and is focused on regaining his winning streak. “First things first, he’ll need to fight down the rankings and return to the winner’s circle at Morales’ expense,” he stated, underscoring his determination as he prepares for UFC Vegas 106.
As Gilbert Burns prepares to face Michael Morales at UFC Vegas 106, the stakes are high not only for his career but also for the welterweight division. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the veteran can prove his worth against the rising star, potentially paving the way for another shot at the title. With a rich background and a fierce determination, Burns is ready to show that he still has much to offer in the world of UFC welterweight competition.
