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UFC Vegas 96 takes place Saturday, so it's time to break down the top fights, plus make DFS picks and predictions for the key matchups on the card.
The most intriguing MMA bets, top DFS picks across multiple sites and predictions for this weekend's UFC Vegas 93 card are live before Saturday's event, courtesy of Chris Olson.
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New date for Burns fight
Morales' scheduled welterweight matchup against Gilbert Burns has been moved to UFC 315 on May 10 in Montreal, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
This matchup was originally scheduled for UFC 314 in April, but given the run of additions to that card Wednesday night, company brass likely wanted to beef up its next pay-per-view instead. Morales already has a spot in the rankings in a deep 170-pound division, but a win over a former title contender in Burns could propel him into the top-10. He has momentum on his side, as Burns is on a three-fight losing streak, and Morales sports a spotless 17-0 professional record (5-0 UFC). As a result, he's set to enter as a significant betting favorite, though it can be argued that Burns is easily his toughest test to date.
This matchup was originally scheduled for UFC 314 in April, but given the run of additions to that card Wednesday night, company brass likely wanted to beef up its next pay-per-view instead. Morales already has a spot in the rankings in a deep 170-pound division, but a win over a former title contender in Burns could propel him into the top-10. He has momentum on his side, as Burns is on a three-fight losing streak, and Morales sports a spotless 17-0 professional record (5-0 UFC). As a result, he's set to enter as a significant betting favorite, though it can be argued that Burns is easily his toughest test to date.
Draws Burns at UFC 314
Morales will fight Gilbert Burns at UFC 314 on April 12, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Morales currently boasts an impressive 17-0 record as a pro and a 5-0 record in the UFC, which gives him a significant momentum advantage over Burns, who has dropped each of his last three fights.
Morales currently boasts an impressive 17-0 record as a pro and a 5-0 record in the UFC, which gives him a significant momentum advantage over Burns, who has dropped each of his last three fights.
Remains undefeated as pro
Morales defeated Neil Magny via TKO (punches) at 4:39 of Round 1 at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
Magny, even at this late stage of his career, was by far the toughest test to date for Morales, and he passed with flying colors. Showing off his power and creativity, Michael exploded from an exchange along the fence and dropped Magny with a spinning elbow. He immediately jumped on top of his fallen opponent and fired off countless follow-up shots until referee Dan Miragliotta finally pulled the plug. The effort would go on to win him a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus. The UFC has slow played things with Morales to date, and rightfully so, but with fight straight wins to begin his time with the company, the 25-year-old top prospect is going to get pushed up the rankings sooner than later.
Magny, even at this late stage of his career, was by far the toughest test to date for Morales, and he passed with flying colors. Showing off his power and creativity, Michael exploded from an exchange along the fence and dropped Magny with a spinning elbow. He immediately jumped on top of his fallen opponent and fired off countless follow-up shots until referee Dan Miragliotta finally pulled the plug. The effort would go on to win him a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus. The UFC has slow played things with Morales to date, and rightfully so, but with fight straight wins to begin his time with the company, the 25-year-old top prospect is going to get pushed up the rankings sooner than later.
Agrees to fight Magny in August
Morales verbally agreed to take on Neil Magny at a UFC event in Las Vegas on August 24, per Danny Segura of MMAJunkie.USAToday.com.
ANALYSIS
Morales will put his undefeated professional record to the test against Magny on August 24. The six-foot fighter from Ecuador will be tested against the veteran Magny, as he will give up a size and reach advantage to the older American. Morales will hope to use his considerable stopping power to take down his opponent, with 11 of his 16 professional victories coming by KO/TKO, though his two recent decision victories in UFC bouts prove that he can go the distance when necessary.
Morales will put his undefeated professional record to the test against Magny on August 24. The six-foot fighter from Ecuador will be tested against the veteran Magny, as he will give up a size and reach advantage to the older American. Morales will hope to use his considerable stopping power to take down his opponent, with 11 of his 16 professional victories coming by KO/TKO, though his two recent decision victories in UFC bouts prove that he can go the distance when necessary.
Remains undefeated as pro
Morales defeated Jake Matthews via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
Morales remains perfect, both as a professional and with the UFC. Some thought the -325 favorite line for Morales was a bit high, but it ended up being nowhere near high enough. This fight wasn't close. Matthews hung in there and tried to match Morales blow-for-blow in what was a striking battle, but it simply didn't work. Michael was faster, hit harder, and looked more fluid in his movements. Given that Morales is just 23 years of age, one would think struggles are forthcoming, but we haven't really seen any yet nearly two years deep into his UFC run. You don't want to push Morales too fast, but it's clear as day he is ready for a step up in competition.
Morales remains perfect, both as a professional and with the UFC. Some thought the -325 favorite line for Morales was a bit high, but it ended up being nowhere near high enough. This fight wasn't close. Matthews hung in there and tried to match Morales blow-for-blow in what was a striking battle, but it simply didn't work. Michael was faster, hit harder, and looked more fluid in his movements. Given that Morales is just 23 years of age, one would think struggles are forthcoming, but we haven't really seen any yet nearly two years deep into his UFC run. You don't want to push Morales too fast, but it's clear as day he is ready for a step up in competition.