As UFC Fight Night rolls into Saturday, May 17th, all eyes are on the welterweight showdown between Gilbert Burns and Michael Morales. This matchup pits a seasoned veteran against an undefeated rising star, making it one of the most anticipated fights of the night — and a prime betting opportunity.

Gilbert Burns (22-7) brings elite Brazilian jiu-jitsu and a wealth of Octagon experience. Despite a recent loss to Jack Della Maddalena, Burns remains a top-10 threat with wins over Stephen Thompson, Neil Magny, and Tyron Woodley.

Michael Morales (16-0), the 24-year-old Ecuadorian prospect, has been flawless so far in his UFC career. Known for his athleticism, crisp striking, and durability, Morales is looking to make a statement by toppling a legitimate contender.

 

 

 

UFC Fight Night Predictions & Picks: Saturday, May 17th

This card is stacked with tight matchups and rising talent. Beyond the main event, here are some top predictions and picks to consider:

Best Bets:

  • Gilbert Burns vs. Michael Morales: Pick: Fight to Start Round 4  (-116)
    Morales has the reach and striking volume to win this fight, but his best bet to winning is to maintain the distance.  Burns is going to look to close the distance and I’m expecting him to use a bunch of standing cage control. This fight could start slow so I’m leaning towards the fight getting into the final two rounds.
  • Sodiq Yusuff vs Mairon Santos: Pick: Yuseff ML (+115)
    Yusuff is going to throw more volume and is the more likely fighter to shoot for takedowns.  Santos is going to have to land the bigger strikes to win the fight, and while that is possible, he is also moving up a weight class, so I don’t know how his power will translate. I think Yusuff gets it done easily.
  • Longshot – Tecia Pennington vs Luana Pinheiro: Pick: Pennington ITD (+500)
    Pennington is going to scrap for the full fifteen minutes, while Pinheiro has shown time and time again to be someone who will give up on herself if the fight isn’t going her way.  This is an out-of-character bet on Pennington since she never gets the finish, but she is constantly fighting top 10 girls, so this is a massive step back in competition for her.
     
 

 

How To Bet On My UFC Picks At DraftKings

Betting on UFC Fight Night is simple with DraftKings:

  1. Log In or Sign Up at DraftKings Sportsbook.
  2. Search “UFC” in the sportsbook and scroll to “Fight Night – May 17.”
  3. Click on your picks (e.g., “Yusuff +116”) and add them to your bet slip.
  4. Enter your wager amount and hit “Place Bet.”

DraftKings also offers live betting, allowing you to place bets mid-fight based on momentum and pace shifts.

 

 

 

How to Watch UFC Fight Night, Burns vs. Morales Saturday Night

Catch all the action on Saturday, May 17th:

  • Prelims: Start at 4:00 PM ET on ESPN+
  • Main Card: Begins at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN/ESPN+

The event is available via streaming on ESPN+, so make sure your subscription is up to date. The Burns vs. Morales fight is expected to walk out around 9:30 PM ET, depending on earlier bout durations.

 

 

 

UFC Fight Night Odds & Score $200 Promo At DraftKings

DraftKings is offering an exclusive promo for new users ahead of UFC Fight Night:
Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly.

Here’s how to claim it:

  1. Create a new account on DraftKings Sportsbook.
  2. Deposit a minimum of $5.
  3. Place any $5+ wager on the UFC Fight Night card.
  4. Instantly receive $200 in bonus bets, win or lose!

Current main event odds:

  • Gilbert Burns: +550
  • Michael Morales: -800
  • Over 2.5 Rounds: -160

With value on both sides of the main event, this is a great week for bettors to capitalize on DraftKings’ bonuses and favorable lines.