Michael Morales Calls Out Ian Machado Garry After UFC Vegas 106 KO Win
Michael Morales might have been incredibly nervous on Saturday night when he faced former UFC welterweight title challenger Gilbert Burns in the main event of UFC Vegas 106. Still, he contained that uneasiness, ultimately putting Burns away in the first round. After the fight, the undefeated Morales set his sights on Ian Machado Garry, another rising star in the UFC's welterweight division.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MAY 17: Michael Morales of Ecuador reacts after a victory against Gilbert Burns ... More of Brazil in a welterweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on May 17, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
"I've talked about Ian (Machado) Garry a lot," Morales said via an interpreter following his win over Burns. "That's the fight I've always wanted to fight, but I know that he won his last fight and he's looking up at the rankings, so that might not happen.
"The biggest thing is being healthy and recovering from a couple of strikes that I had and to be in Guadalajara, and I think that fight, if they're able to make it, I would love to fight whoever in Guadalajara.
'I think at this point, taking advantage of opportunties, and being grateful for opportunities, (I would like to fight) the sixth, the fifth, the fourth in the rankings.'
Morales entered UFC Vegas 106 as the No. 12 fighter in the official UFC welterweight rankings, while Burns checked in at No. 8. Morales will move up a few notches when those rankings are updated this week. As for Machado Garry, he is No. 6 in those rankings following his April decision win over Carlos Prates.
As for the Guadalajara card. That event, UFC 320, is scheduled to take place on September 13 at Arena Guadalajara in Mexico. That event, also known as UFC Noche, does not have any bouts officially booked.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MAY 17: (R-L) Gilbert Burns of Brazil punches Michael Morales of Ecuador in a ... More welterweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on May 17, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
'Sure man, I was (expletive) my pants," Morales said. "They don't call him 'Durinho' for nothing. Whoever has to be in the cage with that guy, they would feel the nerves. He's a guy who has fought for a title, the people that he has fought throughout his career. It was important for me to prove to him that the tough guy tonight was me.'
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MAY 17: Michael Morales of Ecuador reacts after a victory against Gilbert Burns ... More of Brazil in a welterweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on May 17, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
I wrote the following about Morales's performance on Saturday. With his win he moved to 18-0 as a pro. His stoppage of Burns also earned the 25-year-old his second consecutive 'Performance of the Night' bonus.
"Michael Morales was 17-0 and a massive betting favorite when he walked to the Octagon for his matchup with veteran competitor and former welterweight title challenger Gilbert Burns. As soon as the fighters engaged, it was clear that Morales was the bigger man. However, Burns had a massive advantage in experience, making his pro debut when Morales was just 12 years old. Well, that experience did not help Burns as Morales's size and power proved to be too much for Burns.
"Morales looked calm and composed against Burns, and when he hurt his opponent with a right hook around Burns's guard, he followed up with a flurry of punches that left the referee no choice but to wave things off before the four-minute mark of the first stanza.
'Morales might only be 25, but he'll join the UFC welterweight elite with his win over Burns.'
We will have more on what's next for Michael Morales, Ian Machado Garry and UFC 320 (UFC Noche) as news breaks.
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