Michael Morales made a strong statement in the UFC welterweight division on Saturday night, stopping veteran Gilbert Burns in the main event of UFC Fight Night. Morales, who remains undefeated, used his post-fight interview to call for a top-five opponent.
Michael Morales Wants the UFC Title
The Ecuador-born athlete made it clear he is targeting a title shot. “I want to fight the top five next. I’m not here to wait around. I want to fight for the belt as soon as possible,” Morales said. “Whoever the UFC puts in front of me, I’ll be ready. I’m young, I’m hungry, and I believe I can be a champion soon.”
The victory over Gilbert Burns, a former title challenger and respected figure in the division, marks the biggest win of Michael Morales’ career. Burns has long been considered one of the toughest tests at 170 pounds, and Morales acknowledged the significance of the matchup.
“I knew Gilbert Burns is a legend, a real warrior, but I came in here to make a statement,” Michael Morales explained. “I trained for every possible scenario, but when I saw the opening, I took it.”
Morales’ performance is expected to have a major impact on the welterweight rankings. By defeating a top contender, he positions himself as a new threat in a division that has seen several changes at the top in recent years. His callout signals his intention to move quickly up the ranks.
“I’m here to fight the best, and I want everyone to know I’m serious about my title run,” Morales stated. The win extends Morales’ unbeaten record to 18-0 with a seventy-two per cent knockout win rate. This puts him in the conversation for a future top-five opponent. With his latest victory, Morales has established himself as a contender to watch, and his next fight could determine whether he gets his chance at UFC gold.
