UFC Vegas 106 Predictions: Will Gilbert Burns End Morales' Streak?

Luna Greco

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, renowned for his aggressive and dominant fighting style. His skillset is a potent mix of brutal power, relentless pressure, and exceptional grappling.

Aggressive Pressure and Wrestling

Burns’ fighting style is characterized by relentless forward pressure. He consistently pushes the pace, forcing his opponents onto the back foot and dictating the rhythm of the fight. His wrestling is a cornerstone of his game, allowing him to control the fight on the ground and inflict significant damage.

• Wrestling Dominance: His victories over Demian Maia and Tyron Woodley showcase his exceptional takedown ability and ground control.
• Striking Accuracy and Power: While primarily known for his grappling, Burns possesses surprisingly accurate and powerful striking, capable of ending fights decisively. His knockout of Dan Hooker is a testament to this.
• Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Prowess: A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, Burns is a submission threat throughout the fight, constantly looking for opportunities to secure a tap.

Improved Striking and Power

While his wrestling and grappling remain formidable, Burns' striking has significantly improved in recent years. He’s become more calculated and precise in his striking, showcasing increased power and a refined technique.

• Knockout Power: His recent knockout victories highlight the increased power in his strikes.
• Technical Refinement: He displays improved footwork, combinations, and timing, making his striking a more consistent threat.
• Strategic Striking: Burns intelligently mixes his striking with his wrestling, using strikes to set up takedowns and create openings.

Jorge Masvidal's Strengths and Fighting Style

Jorge Masvidal, known as "Gamebred," is a veteran with a reputation for his incredible fighting spirit, effective counter-striking, and knockout power.

"Gamebred" Fighting Spirit and Counter-Striking

Masvidal’s fighting style revolves around his exceptional counter-striking ability and an unwavering fighting spirit. He's incredibly patient, waiting for the right moment to unleash devastating counter-blows.

• Highlight-Reel Knockouts: His victories over Ben Askren and Darren Till, both ending in spectacular knockouts, exemplify his ability to deliver game-changing strikes.
• Boxing Prowess: Masvidal's boxing is crisp and precise, displaying exceptional timing and accuracy in his counter-punches.
• Octagon Experience: His vast experience gives him an edge in navigating high-pressure situations and adapting to different fighting styles.

Durability and Heart

Masvidal possesses remarkable durability and an unbreakable spirit. He has consistently absorbed significant punishment and battled back to victory, demonstrating an unmatched heart and resilience.

• Overcoming Adversity: He has shown his ability to overcome adversity in numerous fights, showcasing his incredible mental toughness.
• Absorbing Punches: His chin has proven remarkably strong, allowing him to withstand heavy blows from elite strikers.
• Unbreakable Will: Masvidal's fighting spirit is legendary, making him a dangerous opponent regardless of the situation.

Head-to-Head Breakdown and Prediction

Matchup Analysis

This UFC Vegas 106 matchup presents an intriguing stylistic clash. Burns' relentless pressure and wrestling will test Masvidal’s durability and counter-striking abilities. Masvidal's counter-striking and experience might be enough to keep Burns at bay, but Burns' superior wrestling could significantly impact the fight.

• Takedown Threat: Burns' wrestling gives him a significant advantage in controlling the fight and potentially securing a submission.
• Counter-Striking Opportunities: Masvidal needs to be precise and patient to land his counter-strikes while avoiding Burns’ takedowns.
• Judges' Scorecards: The fight could potentially go to the judges' scorecards, depending on how effectively each fighter can implement their game plan.

Prediction and Justification

Based on the analysis, our UFC Vegas 106 prediction is a victory for Gilbert Burns. While Masvidal is a formidable opponent, Burns' relentless pressure, exceptional wrestling, and improving striking give him a considerable advantage. We predict Burns will secure a decision victory by dominating the grappling exchanges and consistently controlling the pace of the fight. However, a knockout cannot be ruled out if Burns connects with one of his powerful strikes. An upset is always possible in MMA, but based on current form and styles, Burns appears to have the edge.

Conclusion

Both Gilbert Burns and Jorge Masvidal bring exceptional skills and fighting hearts to the UFC Vegas 106 main event. Burns' relentless pressure and dominant grappling, combined with improved striking, pose a significant challenge to Masvidal's counter-striking and resilience. While Masvidal’s experience and power are undeniable, our prediction favors Burns for a decision victory.

We reiterate our prediction: Gilbert Burns will win via decision. But what are your predictions for the Gilbert Burns vs. Jorge Masvidal fight? Share your UFC Vegas 106 fight predictions in the comments! Let's discuss who will win this exciting UFC Vegas 106 main event!