Marlon Moraes Wants A New Contract & A Title Shot

Marlon Moraes headlined UFC Fight Night Fortaleza, defeating Raphael Assuncao via first round submission.

The bantamweight contender wants two things to happen before fighting again, which is a new UFC deal and a shot at the bantamweight gold.

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“First of all, I want a new contract, and the first fight has to be for the title,” he said after the event (via MMA Junkie). “The time has come. I’m ready. I’m in my prime. I can’t wait more. It’s my time to fight for the belt and to win.”

TJ Dillashaw is the UFC Bantamweight Champion and he recently suffered a first round knockout loss to UFC Flyweight Champion Henry Cejudo in the main event of UFC Fight Night Brooklyn.

Moraes credits Assuncao for helping him evolve as a fighter, especially since Moraes lost the first bout against the fellow Brazilian.

“Yeah, competing against a guy like Raphael, he’s a veteran,” Moraes said. “Not a veteran in age, but he’s got more than 30 fights. He had only lost before to T.J. Dillashaw by a decision. He’s a guy who pushes you and motivates you to train. I evolved a lot fighting him that time and this time. I think now, I’m really prepared to be the champion.”

There are only two fighters ahead of Moraes in the UFC Bantamweight Division rankings that Moraes hasn’t fought, which are former UFC Bantamweight Champion Dominick Cruz and former UFC Bantamweight Champion Cody Garbrandt.