UFC Vegas 106 Staff Picks: Burns Vs. Morales, Belal's Chances & More Predictions

Viktoria Ivanova

5 min read

Post on May 19, 2025

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Gilbert Burns vs. Jorge Masvidal: A Welterweight War

This UFC Vegas 106 main event pits two seasoned welterweights against each other in a clash of styles. Gilbert Burns, known for his relentless pressure and devastating grappling, faces off against the veteran striker, Jorge Masvidal, famous for his counter-punching and knockout power.

Burns' Strengths:

• Wrestling Prowess: Burns possesses elite-level wrestling, consistently taking opponents down and controlling the fight on the mat.
• Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: His BJJ black belt is a significant advantage, allowing him to secure submissions and dominate in ground battles.
• Power Punches: While known for his grappling, Burns also packs serious power in his hands, capable of ending fights quickly.

Burns' Weaknesses:

• Standing Striking Defense: While improved, Burns can be susceptible to powerful strikes if he's caught off guard on the feet.
• Cardio in Extended Fights: In past longer fights, Burns has shown some signs of tiring in the later rounds.

Masvidal's Strengths:

• Elite Striking: Masvidal is a highly skilled striker known for his precise counter-punching and devastating combinations.
• Experience and Fight IQ: His vast experience in the UFC has given him a high fight IQ, allowing him to adapt to different opponents.
• Knockout Power: "Gamebred" has shown the ability to end fights with a single, well-placed strike.

Masvidal's Weaknesses:

• Wrestling Defense: Masvidal's wrestling defense is a potential vulnerability against Burns' relentless takedown attempts.
• Ground Game: He is significantly less skilled on the ground compared to Burns.

Staff Pick: Our staff is slightly leaning towards Burns due to his superior wrestling and grappling capabilities, which could neutralize Masvidal's striking advantage. Masvidal needs to keep the fight standing and land significant strikes early to win. However, Burns' relentless pressure and takedown ability make him the likely victor in a hard-fought battle.

Belal Muhammad's Path to a Title Shot – A Look at his Chances

Belal Muhammad has been on an impressive run, compiling a significant undefeated streak in the welterweight division. His consistent wins have propelled him into title contention, but the road to the belt is far from easy.

Muhammad's Strengths:

• Consistent Wins: His recent string of victories showcases his skill and resilience.
• Well-Rounded Game: Muhammad possesses a balanced skillset, competent in striking, wrestling, and grappling.
• Cardio and Stamina: He is known for his incredible cardio, allowing him to maintain a high pace throughout fights.

Challenges to a Title Shot:

• Competition: The welterweight division is extremely competitive, with several top contenders vying for the title.
• Style Matchups: Certain fighters with elite striking or wrestling might pose significant challenges.
• The Timing: Depending on the title picture, he might have to wait for his opportunity.

Staff Prediction: We believe Belal Muhammad has a strong chance of securing a title shot within the next year. His consistent performance and well-rounded skillset make him a serious threat to the top contenders. However, he'll need to continue his winning streak and potentially overcome some tough opponents to reach his goal.

• Key Factors Affecting Muhammad's Title Aspirations:
  • Winning his next few fights convincingly.
  • Avoiding significant injuries.
  • The current state of the welterweight title picture.

Other Key Fights and Predictions for UFC Vegas 106

Beyond the main event and Belal Muhammad's presence, UFC Vegas 106 boasts several other compelling fights.

• [Fighter A] vs. [Fighter B]: A clash of styles between [Fighter A's style] and [Fighter B's style]. Our staff slightly favors [Fighter A] due to [reasoning].
• [Fighter C] vs. [Fighter D]: An intriguing matchup between two rising prospects. We predict [Fighter C] to win via [method].
• [Fighter E] vs. [Fighter F]: A potential upset brewing here! Our pick is [Fighter E], based on [reasoning].

UFC Vegas 106: Betting Odds and Value Picks

(Disclaimer: Gambling can be addictive. Please gamble responsibly and within your means. If you have a gambling problem, seek help.)

While we don't offer specific betting advice, it's worth monitoring the betting odds for UFC Vegas 106. Based on our staff predictions, certain fights might offer better value bets than others. For example, if the odds for Gilbert Burns are slightly lower than expected, this might present a value opportunity given our staff pick. Always conduct your own research and gamble responsibly.

• Potential Value Bets (based on staff predictions):
  • Gilbert Burns to win by decision or submission.
  • Belal Muhammad to win by decision.

Conclusion:

Our UFC Vegas 106 staff picks lean towards Gilbert Burns securing a victory in the main event against Jorge Masvidal, and see Belal Muhammad continuing his path toward a title shot. Remember, these are just predictions, and several factors can influence the outcome of a fight, including fighter form, injuries, and stylistic matchups. Don't miss the action! Check out our in-depth analysis and UFC Vegas 106 staff picks to get ready for an exciting night of fights. Share your own UFC Vegas 106 predictions in the comments below!