UFC returns to the APEX with a thrilling bout between elite welterweights as former title challenger and No. 8 ranked Gilbert Burns faces off against undefeated rising star and No. 12 ranked Michael Morales. In the co-main event, an entertaining light heavyweight bout will see Paul Craig lock horns with Rodolfo Bellato. UFC FIGHT NIGHT: BURNS vs MORALES  takes place Saturday, May 17 in Las Vegas, Nevada and will be available exclusively on ESPN+ (English and Spanish). The prelims start at 4pm ET/1pm PT, followed by the main card at 7pm ET/4pm PT.

Burns’ back is to wall after losing three straight at 38 years of age. Simultaneously, he’s lost to the three best fighters at 170 pounds right now, so it’s not like his losses are inexcusable. Morales serves as a step back in competition, which is kind of crazy given his status as a fast-rising contender. The Ecuadorian prospect is 13 years younger than “Durinho,” and he’s already picked up five wins to kick off his UFC career. He’s clearly a tremendous athlete, but his skills are still a work-in-progress, which makes this five-round main event slot an interesting test of his current abilities.

Burns may be a former Lightweight, but physicality is a big part of his game. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace has long been a considerable punching threat and quality wrestler, allowing him to attack on three levels. Outside of his grappling mastery, there’s not a ton of subtlety to his game, which is part of his issue as age has set in. This is a match up where experience and misdirection are key. Morales is a tank of a Welterweight, so exchanging him in a firefight or trying to run him over with a double would be ill-advised. A little more tact will be necessary, but given Morales’ low hand position and inexperience on his back, one successful setup could pay off in a huge way. An important aspect of this bout is confidence. Burns cannot be defensive and avoid exchanges — that’s how he ends up reactive, low-volume, and stopped along the cage. He has to be willing to throw in combination and stand his ground, which will help convince Morales to throw in return and leave him more open to takedowns.

The co-main event takes place in the light heavyweight division, as Rodolfo Bellatowelcomes Scottish veteran Paul Craig back to the 205-pound ranks.  Through 15 professional fights, Bellato is unbeaten any time he doesn’t share the age with Vitor Petrino, who has handed his compatriot the only two losses of his career. Last time out, the DWCS grad battled the returning Jimmy Crute to a majority draw in a grimy back-and-forth battle at UFC 312 that extended his overall unbeaten streak to five.  Fighting out of Xtreme Couture, Camilo is a 24-year-old Brazilian with a 9-2 record and currently riding a six-fight winning streak. He holds a submission win over DWCS alum Dorian Ramos, and should benefit from training alongside a host of experienced, talented UFC fighters as he prepares to make the walk for the first time this weekend.