WATCH NOW
Watch on the app
Ecuador’s Michael Morales Just Had His Biggest UFC Moment Yet
Who Is Michael Morales? Meet the Ecuadorian Fighter Taking Over UFC
Michael Morales just gave Ecuador another reason to scream his name. On Saturday night at UFC Vegas 106, “El Araña” did precisely what he’s been doing since his debut: dominate. But this time, it wasn’t just another win but the moment he officially broke into the big leagues. Morales knocked out Gilbert “Durinho” Burns in the first round and climbed into the UFC welterweight top 10. Yes, top 10.
The fight wasn’t just any main event. It was a huge night for Ecuador, with fans glued to their screens, following every jab, kick, and move from the guy born in Pasaje. Morales made his walk to the octagon with “Dançalao” by Jombriel blasting in the background, a nod to his roots and a signal that this was personal.
View this post on Instagram
At first, Morales was patient. Burns was looking to close the distance quickly, aiming for that powerful right hook he’s known for. But with a 21-centimeter reach advantage, Morales used every inch to his benefit. He kept Burns at a distance, blocked his head kicks, and began to land jabs that made the Brazilian step back. That’s when the opportunity presented itself.
Just one clean uppercut. That’s all it took to change the game. Burns felt it, and Morales didn’t hesitate to capitalize on it. He launched into a barrage that forced the referee to call the fight. Another first-round TKO for the Ecuadorian, and possibly his most significant one yet.
View this post on Instagram
This fight had a special element outside the octagon, too. For the first time, Morales had his mom, Katty Hurtado, there to watch. She finally got her visa and made the journey to the UFC Apex. After the win, he dedicated his victory to her. ‘El Araña’ with his mom in the front row? That’s what you call a full-circle moment.
Michael Morales was born in 1999 in Pasaje, Ecuador. He’s been training since he could walk: both his parents were judokas, and his mom was his first coach. He started practicing judo at 5, switched to wrestling at 10, and by 14, he was in Machala learning MMA under Víctor Vallejo. During his training, he even worked at a boat factory to support his dream.
View this post on Instagram
In 2021, he made the big leap and moved to Tijuana to train at Entram Gym. That same year, he signed with UWC and shortly after landed on Dana White’s Contender Series. He beat Nikolay Veretennikov and walked out with a UFC contract.
Since then, Morales has been on the rise. He made his debut at UFC 270 in 2022 with a TKO win over Trevin Giles. Later that year, he defeated Adam Fugitt. In 2023, he added wins over Max Griffin and Jake Matthews to his record. In 2024, he TKO’d Neil Magny in just one round and snagged a Performance of the Night bonus. And now, in 2025, he’s taken down Gilbert Burns, making it clear: he’s not just rising, he’s ready.
View this post on Instagram
At just 25 years old, Michael Morales is proving that Ecuador has a future UFC champ in the making. His impressive record, distinctive fighting style, and unmatched discipline really set him apart. Now he’s broken into the top 10 rankings, with six UFC victories and a growing legion of fans cheering him on. Morales isn’t a promising prospect anymore, he’s a bonafide contender. And judging by Saturday night’s performance, the path to the welterweight title might just run through Pasaje.
for the latest updates from LatiNation