Following an action-packed preliminary card at the UFC APEX, the main card continued to deliver thrilling moments, highlighted by a standout performance from Michael Morales in the main event. Although the card was reduced to four fights due to the late cancellation of the light heavyweight clash between Rodolfo Bellato and Paul Craig, the first three bouts of the main card went the distance, showcasing the talent of the fighters involved.
In the main event, Michael Morales faced off against former title challenger Gilbert Burns, delivering an explosive finish in the first round. Morales, an undefeated graduate from Dana White’s Contender Series, showcased his striking prowess, securing a TKO victory at 3:39 of Round 1. The 25-year-old Ecuadorian demonstrated composure and skill, quickly capitalizing on an opportunity to hurt Burns and finishing the fight decisively. This victory not only solidifies Morales’s status as a rising star in the welterweight division but also places him on the radar for a potential top ten ranking in the upcoming updates.
The co-main event featured Mairon Santos, a recent winner of The Ultimate Fighter, who moved up to lightweight to battle veteran Sodiq Yusuff. Santos controlled the fight, winning by unanimous decision with scores of 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28. His ability to dictate the pace and land effective strikes showcased his skill set, marking his second victory in the UFC. Santos, now 17-1 overall, continues to make a name for himself in the highly competitive lightweight division.
Nursulton Ruziboev continued his impressive streak at middleweight, earning a unanimous decision victory over Dustin Stoltzfus with scores of 30-27, 29-28, and 29-28. Ruziboev showed resilience after facing an early challenge, including a clash of heads and a submission attempt from Stoltzfus. He demonstrated his striking capabilities and ability to control the fight from top position, marking his fourth consecutive win in the UFC.
The main card opened with an exciting matchup between Melquizael Costa and Julian Erosa. Costa emerged victorious by unanimous decision, with all judges scoring the fight 29-28 in his favor. The bout was filled with action, as Costa landed significant strikes early on, only for Erosa to mount a comeback in the later rounds. Costa's victory marks his third win of 2025 and his fourth consecutive win overall, establishing him as a formidable competitor in the featherweight division.
Here’s a summary of the official results from the main card:
Main Event: Michael Morales defeated Gilbert Burns by TKO (strikes) at 3:39 of Round 1 Co-Main Event: Mairon Santos defeated Sodiq Yusuff by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) Nursulton Ruziboev defeated Dustin Stoltzfus by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) Melquizael Costa defeated Julian Erosa by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)This was a remarkable event held in Las Vegas, showcasing the evolving talent in the UFC. With the welterweight division heating up and rising stars making their mark, fans can look forward to what’s next for these athletes on their journey through the world of mixed martial arts.
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