Michael Morales made a statement Saturday in his biggest fight to date. In the UFC Fight Night 256 headliner, Morales (18-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) ran through former welterweight title challenger Gilbert Burns (22-9 MMA,

Gilbert Burns vs. Michael Morales is a textbook crossroads fight. Burns, the former UFC welterweight title challenger at 38, is on his first losing streak. Morales, a rising contender at 25, has never lost a fight.

A series of power shots put Burns on the mat, and referee Herb Dean had seen enough.