UFC Vegas 106 Predictions: Expert Picks & Analysis Of Burns Vs. Morales Fight

Felix Dubois

4 min read

Post on May 19, 2025

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Gilbert Burns' Strengths and Fighting Style

Gilbert Burns is a force to be reckoned with in the welterweight division. His well-rounded skillset and aggressive fighting style make him a dangerous opponent for anyone.

Burns' Aggressive Grappling

Burns' wrestling pedigree is undeniable. His takedown accuracy and control are elite. He's a relentless pressure fighter who constantly seeks to take the fight to the ground.

• Dominant takedowns: His fights against Demian Maia and Tyron Woodley showcase his exceptional takedown ability.
• Ground-and-pound mastery: Once on the ground, Burns is incredibly effective at controlling his opponents and unleashing devastating ground-and-pound.
• Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu prowess: A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, Burns possesses a dangerous submission game, always threatening with chokes and submissions. His ground game is a significant advantage.

Burns' Striking Prowess

While his grappling is his primary weapon, Burns' striking has significantly improved over the years. He possesses powerful boxing with good accuracy and knockout potential.

• Improved striking accuracy: His recent fights display a refined striking technique, incorporating more calculated power shots.
• Knockout power: Burns has demonstrated the ability to end fights with devastating strikes, as seen in several of his past victories.
• Striking statistics: Analyzing his significant strikes landed and striking accuracy reveals a consistently improving striker.

Jorge Masvidal's Strengths and Fighting Style

Jorge Masvidal is a UFC legend known for his electrifying "street fighter" style and his knack for spectacular finishes.

Masvidal's "Street Fighter" Style

Masvidal's fighting style is unique and unpredictable. He's a master of counter-punching, patiently waiting for openings before unleashing devastating strikes.

• The "3-piece and a soda": His iconic knockout of Ben Askren perfectly encapsulates his ability to deliver unexpected, fight-ending blows.
• Experience against elite competition: Masvidal has faced and defeated some of the best fighters in the UFC, showcasing his resilience and adaptability.
• Exceptional durability: He has consistently demonstrated his ability to absorb significant punishment and continue fighting.

Masvidal's Weakness Analysis

Despite his strengths, Masvidal's age and potential vulnerabilities against elite wrestlers are noteworthy.

• Struggles against wrestlers: His past losses reveal difficulties against opponents who can effectively control the fight on the ground.
• Age and wear and tear: While still incredibly skilled, Masvidal's age might be a factor in his ability to endure Burns' relentless pressure.
• Burns' style presents a challenge: Burns' aggressive grappling could exploit Masvidal's potential weaknesses, making this a dangerous matchup for the veteran.

Fight Prediction and Analysis

This UFC Vegas 106 fight is a fascinating stylistic clash. Let's examine the predictions and potential outcomes.

Weighing the Odds

Current betting odds (check reputable sportsbooks for the latest lines) will likely favor Burns due to his superior wrestling and grappling skills, creating a significant advantage against Masvidal.

Expert Picks and Reasoning

Several MMA analysts predict a Burns victory, citing his grappling dominance as the key factor. However, Masvidal's knockout power means an upset is always possible. (Include links to reputable MMA prediction sites and articles here)

Potential Fight Scenarios

• Burns by Decision: If Burns can successfully take Masvidal down and control him on the ground, a dominant performance and decision victory is likely.
• Burns by Submission: Burns' submission skills pose a significant threat, and a submission victory is a definite possibility.
• Masvidal by Knockout: Masvidal's counter-punching ability could create an opportunity for a quick knockout, especially if Burns rushes in recklessly.
• Close Decision either way: It is possible the fight could be a closely contested battle decided by a split decision.

Our prediction: While Masvidal’s striking is dangerous, Burns’ superior wrestling and grappling give him a significant edge. We predict a Burns victory, likely via decision or submission.

Conclusion

UFC Vegas 106's main event between Gilbert Burns and Jorge Masvidal promises an exciting clash of styles. Burns' aggressive grappling and improved striking present a significant challenge to Masvidal, whose counter-punching ability and durability remain his greatest assets. Our analysis suggests a victory for Burns, but Masvidal's knockout power makes this fight unpredictable. Who do YOU think will win UFC Vegas 106? Share your Burns vs. Morales predictions in the comments below! Stay tuned for our post-fight analysis of UFC Vegas 106! Check back for more UFC predictions and fight breakdowns!