Las Vegas played host to another electric night of fights at the UFC APEX on May 17, 2025, as UFC Fight Night: Burns vs Morales delivered a mix of technical battles, explosive finishes, and statement-making performances. Let’s break down the outcomes and key stats from each fight, analyzing what they mean for the fighters and their divisions.
Main Event: Michael Morales defeats Gilbert Burns by TKO (strikes) at 3:39 of Round 1
Michael Morales, the undefeated prospect from Ecuador, made a massive statement by dismantling former title challenger Gilbert Burns in the first round. Morales showcased patience and precision, taking the center of the Octagon and waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Once he hurt Burns, he swarmed with calculated aggression, breaking free from Burns’ clinch attempts and finishing the fight with a second barrage of strikes.
Key Stats:
Strikes Landed: Morales overwhelmed Burns with pinpoint accuracy, landing 75% of his significant strikes.
First-Round Finishes: This marks Morales’ second consecutive first-round stoppage, solidifying his reputation as a dangerous finisher.
Takeaway: Morales is a developing problem in the welterweight division. His composure in his first main event and ability to finish a veteran like Burns should put the top contenders on notice.
Co-Main Event: Mairon Santos defeats Sodiq Yusuff by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Mairon Santos, the recent Ultimate Fighter winner, stepped up to lightweight and delivered a dominant performance against Sodiq Yusuff. Santos dictated the pace, landed cleaner shots, and showcased excellent defensive grappling by quickly working back to his feet after takedown attempts.
Key Stats:
Striking Differential: Santos out-landed Yusuff by a significant margin, showcasing his sharp hands and ability to control exchanges.
Weight Class Transition: Despite moving up a division, Santos looked physically strong and comfortable at lightweight.
Takeaway: Santos proved he’s not just a TUF winner but a legitimate prospect capable of competing with seasoned veterans. His adaptability and fight IQ make him one to watch in the lightweight division.
Melquizael Costa defeats Julian Erosa by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
The main card opener between Costa and Erosa delivered the action fans expected. Costa came out sharp, landing big shots and wobbling Erosa multiple times in the first round. While Erosa rallied in the later rounds, Costa’s early dominance and consistent output earned him the unanimous decision.
Key Stats:
Winning Streak: Costa has now racked up three wins in 2025 and four straight victories overall.
Significant Strikes: Costa landed 60% of his significant strikes, showcasing his precision and aggression.
Takeaway: Costa is establishing himself as a must-watch competitor in the featherweight division. His ability to mix aggression with technical sharpness makes him a dangerous matchup for anyone.
Other Notable Results:
Gabe Green defeats Matheus Camilo by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:43 of Round 2
Green’s grappling prowess was on full display as he secured a second-round submission victory. His ability to capitalize on openings and finish fights makes him a threat in the division.
Jared Gordon defeats Thiago Moises by KO (right hand) at 3:37 of Round 1
Gordon delivered a highlight-reel knockout, showcasing his power and timing. This win could propel him into bigger matchups in the lightweight division.
Luana Santos defeats Tainara Lisboa by submission (americana) at 4:59 of Round 1
Santos demonstrated her grappling dominance with a last-second americana submission, proving she’s a force to be reckoned with in the women’s divisions.
Denise Gomes defeats Elise Reed by TKO (strikes) at 0:30 of Round 2
Gomes wasted no time in the second round, overwhelming Reed with strikes to secure a quick TKO victory.
HyunSung Park defeats Carlos Hernandez by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:26 of Round 1
Park’s submission skills shined as he locked in a rear-naked choke early, continuing his rise in the flyweight division.
Tecia Pennington defeats Luana Pinheiro by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Pennington’s experience and technical striking earned her a hard-fought decision victory, keeping her in the mix among the top strawweights.
Final Thoughts
UFC Fight Night: Burns vs Morales showcased the depth and talent across multiple divisions. From Michael Morales’ breakout performance to Mairon Santos’ impressive transition to lightweight, the night was filled with moments that will shape the future of the UFC. As always, the data doesn’t lie—these fighters are evolving, and the divisions are heating up.
Stay sharp, fight fans. If you’re not studying tape, you’re just guessing.