{{Short description|Mixed martial arts event in 2025}} {{Infobox MMA event |name= UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Morales |image= UFC Fight Night 256.jpg |promotion= Ultimate Fighting Championship |date= {{start date|2025|5|17}} |venue= UFC Apex |city = Enterprise, Nevada, United States |attendance= Not announced<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/story/sports/ufc/2025/05/18/ufc-fight-night-256-post-event-facts-prelim-winner-history-rare-submission/83687526007/|title=UFC Fight Night 256 post-event facts: Prelim winner makes history with rare submission|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Mike Bohn|date=2025-05-18|access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref> |gate= |previousevent= UFC 315: Muhammad vs. Della Maddalena |followingevent= UFC on ESPN: Gamrot vs. Klein }}
'''''UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Morales''''' (also known as '''''UFC Fight Night 256''''' and '''''UFC Vegas 106''''' and '''''UFC on ESPN+ 114''''') was a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that took place on May 17, 2025, at the UFC Apex in Enterprise, Nevada, part of the Las Vegas Valley, United States.<ref name="Apex">{{Cite web|url=https://www.mk.co.kr/en/sports/11263494|title=Fight Night 259, Qatar → APEX|publisher=mk.co.kr|author=Kang Daeho|date=2025-03-14|access-date=2025-03-14}}</ref>
==Background== Initially, there were reports that the event would take place at the Lusail Sports Arena in Lusail, Qatar.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://as.com/masdeporte/polideportivo/la-ufc-aterrizara-en-qatar-n/|title=The UFC will land in Qatar|publisher=as.com|author=Alonso Gómez|date=2025-02-26|access-date=2025-02-26}} {{in lang|es}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.marca.com/combates-ufc/2025/02/26/ufc-desembarcara-primera-vez-qatar-proximo-17-mayo.html|title=The UFC will land for the first time in Qatar on May 17|publisher=marca.com|author=Irati Prat|date=2025-02-26|access-date=2025-02-26}} {{in lang|es}}</ref> However, the event location was changed to the UFC Apex for unknown reasons.<ref name="Apex"/>
A welterweight bout between former UFC Welterweight Championship challenger Gilbert Burns and undefeated prospect Michael Morales headlined this event.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://athlonsports.com/mma/ufc-vegas-106-gilbert-burns-vs-michael-morales|title=UFC Vegas 106 Adds a High-Stakes Test for Undefeated Prospect – Top 10 Spot in Reach|publisher=athlonsports.net|author=Prince Horton|date=2025-04-11|access-date=2025-04-11}}</ref> The pairing was originally scheduled to be part of UFC 314 and later UFC 315 prior to being moved to this event.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lowkickmma.com/gilbert-burns-fights-against-ko-star-ufc-314/|title=Report – Gilbert Burns books return fight against unbeaten KO star at UFC 314 in Miami|publisher=lowkickmma.com|author=Ross Markey|date=January 9, 2025|access-date=January 10, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2025/02/ufc-315-fight-card-montreal-muhammad-della-maddalenna-shevchenko-fiorot|title=UFC 315 title fights revealed: Belal Muhammad, Valentina Shevchenko set to defend in Montreal|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Nolan King|date=February 19, 2025|access-date=February 19, 2025}}</ref>
A heavyweight bout between former interim UFC Heavyweight Championship challenger Curtis Blaydes and promotional newcomer Rizvan Kuniev was scheduled for this event.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2025/3/11/24383606/third-times-a-charm-curtis-blaydes-vs-rizvan-kuniev-rebooked-for-ufc-qatar-on-may-17|title=Third time’s a charm? Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizvan Kuniev rebooked for UFC Qatar on May 17|publisher=mmamania.com|author=Alexander Behunin|date=2025-03-11|access-date=2025-03-11}}</ref> However, the bout was moved to UFC on ABC: Hill vs. Rountree Jr. on June 21 for unknown reasons.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2025/3/26/24394328/fifth-times-a-charm-curtis-blaydes-vs-rizvan-kuniev-moved-again-to-azerbaijan|title=Fifth time's a charm? Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizvan Kuniev moved (again) to Azerbaijan|publisher=mmamania.com|author=Ryan Harkness|date=2025-03-26|access-date=2025-03-26}}</ref> The pairing was originally scheduled for UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs. Song,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2024/12/13/24320604/curtis-blaydes-return-set-for-ufc-seattle|title=Curtis Blaydes’ return set for UFC Seattle|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Alexander K. Lee|date=2024-12-13|access-date=2025-02-12}}</ref> then shifted to UFC 313 and was eventually cancelled a few hours before the event after Blaydes had to pull out due to an undisclosed illness.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2025/02/ufc-313-card-curtis-blaydes-vs-rizvan-kuniev-shifted-from-seattle|title=Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizvan Kuniev shifted from Seattle to UFC 313 in Las Vegas|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Mike Bohn|date=2025-02-12|access-date=2025-02-12}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmanews.com/news/ufc/ufc-313-fights-canceled-including-blaydes/|title=Two UFC 313 fights canceled hours before the event, including Curtis Blaydes' return|publisher=mmanews.com|author=Harvey Leonard|date=2025-03-08|access-date=2025-03-08}}</ref>
A middleweight bout between Park Jun-yong and Ismail Naurdiev was scheduled for this event.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mk.co.kr/en/sports/11250334|title=Park Jun-yong will face Ismail Nourdiev (29, Austria/Morocco) in a middleweight (84kg) match at the UFC Fight Night Qatar on May 17.|publisher=mk.co.kr|author=Kang Daeho|date=2025-02-26|access-date=2025-02-26}}</ref> However, for unknown reasons, the bout was rescheduled to UFC on ABC: Hill vs. Rountree Jr. on June 21.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmanews.com/features/matchmaking-bulletin/ufc-latest-fights/|title=Latest UFC fight announcements featuring Rose Namajunas, Paul Craig, and more|publisher=mmanews.com|author=Harvey Leonard|date=2025-03-23|access-date=2025-03-23}}</ref>
A light heavyweight bout between Johnny Walker and Azamat Murzakanov was scheduled for this event.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2025/03/ufc-news-johnny-walker-vs-azamat-murzakanov|title=UFC books Johnny Walker vs. Azamat Murzakanov|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Mike Bohn|date=2025-03-12|access-date=2025-03-13}}</ref> However, the bout was moved to UFC 316 for unknown reasons.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2025/04/01/dvalishvili-vs-omalley-2-pena-vs-harrison-official-for-ufc-316/|title=Dvalishvili vs. O’Malley 2, Peña vs. Harrison Official For UFC 316|publisher=cagesidepress.com|author=Eddie Law|date=2025-04-01|access-date=2025-04-01}}</ref>
Serghei Spivac and Shamil Gaziev were expected to meet in a heavyweight bout at the event.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://allboxing.ru/news/20250228-0920/sergey-spivak-i-shamil-gaziev-mogut-provesti-boy-17-maya|title=Sergey Spivak and Shamil Gaziev may fight on May 17|publisher=allboxing.ru|author=Kirill Ivanov|date=2025-02-28|access-date=2025-02-28}} {{in lang|ru}}</ref> However, the bout was moved to UFC 316 due to undisclosed reasons.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://athlonsports.com/mma/ufc-serghei-spivac-vs-shamil-gaziev-fight-announced-ufc-316|title=UFC 316 fight card levels up – heavyweights join the main card|publisher=athlonsports.com|author=Prince Horton|date=2025-04-01|access-date=2025-04-01}}</ref>
A heavyweight bout between Hamdy Abdelwahab and The Ultimate Fighter: Team Peña vs. Team Nunes heavyweight winner Mohammed Usman was scheduled for this event.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.yardbarker.com/mma/articles/brother_of_former_ufc_champion_fighting_to_save_his_career/s1_17615_41822744|title=Brother of former UFC champion fighting to save his career|publisher=yardbarker.com|author=Michael Aldon|date=2025-02-26|access-date=2025-02-26}}</ref> However, the bout was moved to UFC on ABC: Hill vs. Rountree Jr. for unknown reasons.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmanews.com/features/matchmaking-bulletin/ufc-new-title-fights/|title=UFC Matchmaking Bulletin: New Fights For O'Malley, Garry, Kape, And More|publisher=mmanews.com|author=Harvey Leonard|date=2025-04-06|access-date=2025-04-06}}</ref>
Promotional newcomer Aaron Pico was briefly expected to make his debut in a featherweight bout against Movsar Evloev at this event.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bloodyelbow.com/2025/04/06/ufc-fans-confused-as-top-prospect-reported-to-make-debut-against-number-four-ranked-contender/|title=UFC fans confused as top prospect reported to make debut against number-four ranked contender|publisher=bloodyelbow.com|author=Donagh Corby|date=2025-04-06|access-date=2025-04-06}}</ref> However, on an interview, Pico revealed that although it was close to being signed, the bout did not come to fruition.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2025/04/aaron-pico-ufc-debut-fight-almost-movsar-evloev|title=Now signed to UFC, Aaron Pico reveals just how close he came to fighting Movsar Evloev|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Farah Hannoun and Mike Bohn|date=2025-04-09|access-date=2025-04-09}}</ref>
A light heavyweight bout between Paul Craig and former interim LFA Light Heavyweight Champion Rodolfo Bellato was scheduled to take place as the co-main event.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmanews.com/news/ufc/paul-craig-lhw-return-ufc-vegas-106/|title=Paul Craig booked for light heavyweight return at UFC Vegas 106 after Bo Nickal loss|publisher=mmanews.com|author=Harvey Leonard|date=2025-03-19|access-date=2025-05-17}}</ref> However, during the broadcast, it was announced that the bout was cancelled as a result of Bellato having a herpes infection and was eventually rescheduled for UFC on ESPN: Usman vs. Buckley one month later.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2025/5/17/24432340/paul-craig-vs-rodolfo-bellato-scrapped-at-last-minute-from-ufc-vegas-106|title=Paul Craig vs. Rodolfo Bellato scrapped at last minute from UFC Vegas 106|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Damon Martin|date=2025-05-17|access-date=2025-05-17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2025/5/18/24432448/rodolfo-bellato-herpes-being-pulled-from-ufc-vegas-106-co-main-event-never-thought-paul-craig|title=Rodolfo Bellato reacts being pulled from UFC Vegas 106 co-main event - 'Never thought herpes would take me out'|publisher=mmamania.com|author=Alexander Behunin|date=2025-05-18|access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2025/5/22/24435474/paul-craig-rodolfo-bellato-rescheduled-ufc-atlanta-june|title=Paul Craig vs. Rodolfo Bellato rescheduled for UFC Atlanta after herpes scrapped previous fight|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Guilherme Cruz|date=2025-05-22|access-date=2025-05-23}}</ref>
==Results== {{MMAevent}} {{MMAevent card|Main card (ESPN+)}} {{MMAevent bout |Welterweight |Michael Morales |def. |Gilbert Burns |TKO (punches) |1 |3:39 | }} {{MMAevent bout |Lightweight |Mairon Santos |def. |Sodiq Yusuff |Decision (unanimous) (30–27, 30–27, 29–28) |3 |5:00 | }} {{MMAevent bout |Middleweight |Nursulton Ruziboev |def. |Dustin Stoltzfus |Decision (unanimous) (30–27, 29–28, 29–28) |3 |5:00 | }} {{MMAevent bout |Featherweight |Melquizael Costa |def. |Julian Erosa |Decision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 29–28) |3 |5:00 | }} {{MMAevent card|Preliminary card (ESPN+)|header=no}} {{MMAevent bout |Lightweight |Gabriel Green |def. |Matheus Camilo |Submission (face crank) |2 |3:43 | }} {{MMAevent bout |Lightweight |Jared Gordon |def. |Thiago Moisés |KO (punches) |1 |3:37 | }} {{MMAevent bout |Featherweight |Yadier del Valle |def. |Connor Matthews |Submission (rear-naked choke) |1 |2:54 | }} {{MMAevent bout |Women's Bantamweight |Luana Santos |def. |Tainara Lisboa |Submission (keylock) |2 |4:59 | }} {{MMAevent bout |Women's Strawweight |Denise Gomes |def. |Elise Reed |TKO (punches) |2 |0:30 | }} {{MMAevent bout |Flyweight |Park Hyun-sung |def. |Carlos Hernandez |Submission (rear-naked choke) |1 |2:26 | }} {{MMAevent bout |Women's Strawweight |Tecia Pennington |def. |Luana Pinheiro |Decision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 29–28) |3 |5:00 | }} {{MMAevent end|notes=yes}} <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/event/ufc-fight-night-may-17-2025|title=UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Morales|publisher=Ultimate Fighting Championship|access-date=2025-04-13}}</ref>
== Bonus awards == The following fighters received $50,000 bonuses.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2025/5/17/24432199/official-bonuses-winners-ufc-vegas-106-results-espn-burns-morales-gomes-costa-erosa-gordon|title=Bonuses! Michael Morales cleans up with $50K for Burns smashing - UFC Vegas 106|publisher=mmamania.com|author=Dan Hiergesell|date=2025-05-17|access-date=2025-05-17}}</ref> *'''Fight of the Night: Melquizael Costa vs. Julian Erosa''' *'''Performance of the Night: Michael Morales''' and '''Denise Gomes'''
== See also == *2025 in UFC *List of current UFC fighters *List of UFC events
== References == {{Reflist}} {{UFC Events}} {{2025 in mixed martial arts}}
Category:UFC Fight Night Category:2025 in UFC Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship events in Enterprise, Nevada Category:2025 in sports in Nevada Category:May 2025 sports events in the United States