Michael Morales has his sights set on fighting in Mexico following his impressive stoppage victory over Gilbert Burns on Saturday night.
Morales (18-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) continued his strong start in the UFC by defeating former title challenger Gilbert Burns (22-9 MMA, 15-9 UFC) in the main event of UFC Vegas 106—a win that will likely push the Ecuadorian into the welterweight division’s top 10.
The victory over Burns marks the most significant moment of Morales’ career thus far and puts him closer to the title conversation. However, during Saturday’s post-fight press conference, the 25-year-old said he isn’t overly concerned about who the UFC pairs him with next.
Morales, who lives and trains in Tijuana, expressed a strong desire to compete at UFC Noche, which is scheduled to take place in Guadalajara, Mexico, on September 13.
"I've been calling out Ian Garry a lot," Morales said through an interpreter. "That's the fight I've been wanting, but I know that he won his last fight against Prates and continues to move up the rankings. I just simply want to take advantage of this fight that I came out healthy, recover from a few bumps, and wait to get the opportunity to fight in Guadalajara, if possible.
“I'll fight anyone. I just want to train, recover well from all the hits, and if I have to fight against No. 4 or 5 or 6, I'll do it. I will make the most of whatever opportunity God gives me."
Saturday’s loss marked the fourth straight defeat for Gilbert Burns. Despite the Brazilian’s recent skid, Michael Morales admitted after the fight that he had quietly been dreading the idea of stepping into the Octagon with such a seasoned and dangerous opponent.
"Yeah, like always, I was sh*tting myself," Morales said. "They don't call him 'Durinho' for nothing. He's a fighter that fought for a title, that fought very tough people. Obviously, if you get in the cage with someone with that history, you're going to be very scared. He's a killer, he's a wall I had to get through and break, and I did it. Tonight I showed that I'm harder. I'm very happy with this great victory."
