The octagon was at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on Saturday for the UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Morales fight card. The event was headlined by a welterweight bout between No. 8 ranked Gilbert Burns and No. 12 ranked Michael Morales.
Burns, a former title challenger, hoped to snap a three-fight losing streak while the undefeated Morales looked to remain unbeaten and jump into the Top 10 rankings with a win.
Morales took the center of the cage while Burns circled on the outside. Burns landed first with an outside leg kick. Morales returned the favor and followed it with a right hand. Morales connected with a clean right hand. Burns responded with a right hand. Morales established his jab as the opening round played out. He pressed forward and landed a combination. Burns quickly changed levels and looked to get the fight to the ground.
Morales defended the takedown attempt and landed on the break. He unleashed punches on a hurt Burns. Burns fell to the canvas and Morales poured on the punches. Burns rose to his feet but was met with more punches. He went down a second time. Morales didn’t let him off the hook forcing referee Herb Dean to stop the fight.
The official time of the stoppage was 3:39 of the first round.
