The UFC returned to the Apex in Las Vegas for another Fight Night card, headlined by a five-round welterweight fight between former title challenger and No. 8-ranked Gilbert Burns and rising No. 12-ranked contender Michael Morales.

Michael Morales def. Gilbert Burns via TKO (strikes) at 3:39 of Round 1

Undefeated welterweight prospect Michael Morales gets a statement win in his first UFC main event, stopping Gilbert Burns with a first-round TKO. Morales (18-0) remained undefeated, finishing the veteran Burns (22-9) with a flurry of strikes at 3:39 of the opening round.

Morales took the center of the Octagon early and patiently chose his shots, repeatedly hurting Burns with uppercuts. After hurting Burns, Morales swarmed with punches along the fence. Although Burns briefly clinched to recover, Morales broke free and unleashed another barrage, dropping Burns and forcing the stoppage.

Morales improves to 6-0 in the UFC with four knockouts, including back-to-back first-round finishes. With the biggest win of his career over a top-10 opponent, Morales is expected to enter the division’s Top 10 when the rankings are updated next week.

UFC Fight Night: Burns vs Morales Results

• Michael Morales def. Gilbert Burns via TKO (strikes) at 3:39 of Round 1
• Mairon Santos def. Sodiq Yusuff via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
• Nursulton Ruziboev def. Dustin Stoltzfus via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
• Melquizael Costa def. Julian Erosa via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Gabe Green def. Matheus Camilo via submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:43 of Round 2
• Jared Gordon def. Thiago Moises via KO (right hand) at 3:37 of Round 1
• Yadier del Valle def. Connor Matthews via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:54 of Round 1
• Luana Santos def. Tainara Lisboa via submission (americana) at 4:59
• Denise Gomes def. Elise Reed via TKO (strikes) at 0:30 of Round 2
• HyunSung Park def. Carlos Hernandez via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:26 of Round 1
• Tecia Pennington def. Luana Pinheiro via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)