Burns vs Morales best bets headline a welterweight clash which will take place for this UFC Fight Night on Saturday night. Now will "prospect" Bo Nickal or Reinier de Ridder win this fight?
We try to pick a winner and more ahead of Saturday, May 17, when the UFC heads back to Las Vegas. Expect a solid card that gets fans and bettors cranked up.
- What: UFC Fight Night From Des Moines
- When: Saturday, May 3, 2025
- Start Time: 4 p.m. EDT (preliminary bouts), 7 p.m. EDT (main card)
- Where: Las Vegas, Nevada
- Venue: UFC Apex Center
- Where to Watch: ESPN+
- Main Card: Burns vs. Morales - the main event of the fight night
The 25-year-old Michael Morales rolls into UFC Fight Night with an overall record of 17-0-0. The Ecuadorian fighter comes off a demolition of Neil Magny. It earned Morales the performance of the night last August. Experts and fans like the prospect's chances of becoming an eventual world champion in this division. One thing is certain. Morales has left an impression in the division already. Dana White and the UFC executives are pushing the young fighter.
After 12 wins by knockout via mostly punches, it makes anyone wonder why Gilbert Burns would take on such a fight.. The former wrestler who earned some major accolades can grapple with the best of them. Furthermore, his punching power holds the potential for submissions that way. Morales has drawn notice from the right people in the industry.
Next, Gilbert Burns enters UFC Fight Night with a career record of 22-8-0. Unlike Morales, the veteran has been in big fights many times before. The 38-year-old from Brazil gets called "Durinho". Burns may be looking at the sunset of his career after this bout.
Now, the questions arise. Will Morales run right over Burns like many pundits are expecting? Morales appears to simply be a machine who can grapple, punch, and move better than the older Burns.
UFC Fight Night Main Card: Bo Nickal vs. Reinier de Ridder Betting Lines
This match will again mark both fighters fight on winning streaks. Usually, the records here almost tilt to the more experience fighter. However, the odds remain honed in on Nickal. Updated online UFC betting lines for Nickal vs. de Ridder suggest that Nickal could get back to his submission/KO ways.
Please be aware to watch these UFC Fight Night odds right until the time one makes their wagers. Our UFC Fight Night online betting lines are accurate entering Thursday, May 15. This allows the best online UFC betting sites time to account for shifts ahead of the opening bell on May 17th.
Michael Morales Heavily Favored To Win Over Gilbert Burns
Michael Morales remains a fascinating watch early in his UFC career. Usually, fighters like this do not make quite the splash that Morales has. It is why Morales is heavily favored to win over Gilbert Burns on Saturday. Also, Burns vs Morales bets were not surprised by such lopsided numbers. It may even be tough to call the Ecuadorian fighter a prospect anymore. Honestly, that #12 ranking is probably old. He is more likely in the Top 5 given Tapology's recent ranking of 7th.
The Ecuadorian has shown the ability to last three rounds as his two fights before the Magny bout went to the scorecards. Morales dominated both fights and honestly, he might have been able to take out those opponents if the fights had gone beyond the three round limit. His one slight weakness may be defense at only 52%. However, he delivers 5.42 significant strikes per minute. That is a lot!
Now, the fighter could get a title shot as early as 2026. This is Morales' first main event and the feeling is he will not disappoint. Again, it feels like Morales is getting served up a fighter who is getting this bout as a sign of respect. Does Morales get a little nervous at first with the stature of Burns or does he go for the kill as soon as possible?
The good news is that Morales excels in takedown defense at 92%. Burns' biggest asset right now may be the ability to get his opponent on the mat. Morales looks like a 150 pound fighter with the power of a 170-pounder. This figures to end well for Morales.
Does Gilbert Burns Even Have A Chance Here?
Height is a two-inch difference between him and Morales but the reach difference is a substantial eight inches. Simply, does Gilbert Burns even have a chance here? On paper, that does not seem possible. Although the Brazilian fighter has seen everything, he has not quite faced an opponent this young, fast, and powerful all at the same time. Morales is a little more raw than a potential champion but may not be far off.
Now, the best online UFC betting apps list Burns as a +550 to +600 underdog. The one advantage Burns has is his ability to last in fights. However, he will have to fight the perfect fight and keep Morales out of range.
If Burns can stay upright, he might have the chance at a decision over Morales.
UFC Fight Night Picks for Burns vs Morales
Burns vs Morales bets wonder about several potential props. The Under of 3.5 rounds is likely too easy at -135. No one would be surprised at the alternate under of 2.5 rounds The fight to start Round 3 stands at -200 right now. One could try light wagers on Round 2 (+400) or Round 3 as the winning round.
Take Morales with the KO/TKO/DQ at -150 for starters and the Under of 2.5 rounds at -120. Good luck!
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