UFC APEX Hosts Exciting Showdown: Burns vs Morales on May 17

LAS VEGAS, NV — The UFC makes its return to the APEX center this Saturday, May 17, 2025, with an action-packed 12-fight card featuring a thrilling welterweight main event between Gilbert Burns and Michael Morales.

This event marks Burns’ first appearance since September, as he attempts to turn around his fortunes after suffering three consecutive losses against top contenders in the division. The 38-year-old Brazilian is eager to prove himself against the undefeated Morales, who aims to take another significant step up in the rankings.

“I can’t afford to lose, it’s three already,” Burns stated in a recent interview, highlighting the stakes involved. He faces a legitimate threat in Morales, a 25-year-old prospect from Ecuador, who remains perfect through his first five UFC fights.

Morales last competed in August 2024, scoring a first-round stoppage over Neil Magny, which earned him his first Performance of the Night bonus. With 12 of his 17 career victories coming by knockout, Morales enters the fray confident and ready to test himself against a seasoned veteran.

The co-main event showcases light heavyweight action, as rising star Rodolfo Bellato welcomes Scottish veteran Paul Craig back to the division. Bellato is unbeaten in his last five outings and is excited to face Craig, who has struggled recently with a series of losses.

In addition to the heavyweight clashes, the card features several intriguing matchups, including Sodiq Yusuff against TUF winner Mairon Santos in the lightweight division. Yusuff returns after dropping two fights, whereas Santos looks to build on his recent success from the reality show.

Other notable bouts include Julian Erosa taking on Melquizael Costa and Dustin Stoltzfus facing Nursulton Ruziboev in the middleweight division. The preliminaries kick off at 4 PM ET, followed by the main card at 7 PM ET, available on ESPN+.

This weekend promises a riveting night of fights, showcasing the next generation of UFC talent. Fans won’t want to miss these exciting matchups that could shape the future of the welterweight and light heavyweight divisions.