UFC Vegas 106`s complete fight card has been unveiled. The event is set to take place on May 17 at the UFC APEX facility in Las Vegas, headlined by a welterweight showdown between Gilbert Burns and Michael Morales.
This matchup was originally scheduled for UFC 315 a week earlier but was shifted to serve as the main event for this Fight Night card. The pairing features two fighters currently on divergent paths in the division based on their recent performances.
Gilbert Burns, a perennial contender in the 170-pound division and former title challenger, is looking to rebound from a challenging stretch. He has lost his last three fights, though these defeats came against top-tier opponents: current champion Belal Muhammad, top contender Jack Della Maddalena, and highly-ranked Sean Brady.
To get back into the win column, Burns faces the tough task of being the first fighter to defeat Michael Morales. The undefeated prospect boasts a perfect 17-0 professional record, including five consecutive wins since joining the UFC ranks.
In his most recent Octagon appearance last August, Morales made a strong statement by finishing veteran welterweight Neil Magny with a first-round knockout, which earned him a Performance of the Night bonus.
The co-main event for UFC Vegas 106 shifts focus to the light heavyweight division. Paul Craig is scheduled to make his return to 205 pounds to face Rodolfo Bellato.
Craig is moving back up to light heavyweight after a brief stint competing at middleweight. He has spent the majority of his career in the 205-pound division and holds a notable prior victory over the current light heavyweight champion, Magomed Ankalaev.
Rodolfo Bellato enters this fight with an impressive history of finishing opponents, having secured stoppages in 11 of his 12 professional wins. His UFC tenure includes a debut victory over Ihor Potieria, followed by a draw against Jimmy Crute in his most recent bout.
Complete UFC Vegas 106 Fight Card:
- Main Event: Gilbert Burns vs. Michael Morales
- Co-Main Event: Paul Craig vs. Rodolfo Bellato
- Julian Erosa vs. Melquizael Costa
- Sodiq Yusuff vs. Mairon Santos
- Jared Gordon vs. Thiago Moises
- Gabe Green vs. Matheus Camilo
- Dustin Stoltzfus vs. Nursulton Ruziboev
- Luana Pinheiro vs. Tecia Pennington
- Elise Reed vs. Denise Gomes
- Hyun Sung Park vs. Carlos Hernandez
- Luana Santos vs. Tainara Lisboa
Marcus Blakely