Marlon Moraes gets to show the UFC just how good he is on Saturday night, as he takes on Raphael Assuncao at UFC 212 in Brazil. Moraes was outstanding in the World Series of Fighting where he went 11-0 and he defended his bantamweight title five times. Moraes will not get an easy mark in his UFC debut, as he takes on Raphael Assuncao who is 8-2 in his career in the UFC. The bout between Moraes and Assuncao is one of four on the FS1 portion of the preliminary card in advance of the main event, which features Jose Aldo taking on Max Holloway. Moraes is listed as a -178 favorite vs. Assuncao.
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Marlon Moraes (18-4-1, UFC debut)
Moraes has signed a multi-fight deal with the UFC, and he has an immediate chance to make a great first impression. "My dream has always been to be in the UFC," said Moraes to ESPN, "All of the top fighters in my division are here. Now I want to come in and mix it up with them. I know I'm ready."
Moraes has won his last 13 fights including a TKO over Josenaldo Silva in late December of last year. Eight of his last 13 wins have come by knockout or submission. Moraes has not lost since 2011 and he gives a lot of the credit to future UFC Hall of Famer Frankie Edgar.
"It means a lot to have him here supporting me, giving me that strength," Moraes said, "He's been with me not just for this fight, but for my last 13 victories. I have him in training camp helping out with wrestling, jiu-jitsu and stand-up. He just fought, and now it's my turn."
Moraes will be making his UFC debut in Rio de Janeiro, which is only about two hours from his hometown. He will have a lot of family and friends in attendance on Saturday.
Moraes said that while he realizes his debut against Assuncao won’t be easy, he has the edge. "Raphael is a complex fighter, but my biggest advantage is that I'm hungry," Moraes says. "I'm very hungry, and I can't wait to get out there. ... I'm going to bring a unique style -- Marlon Moraes style. I'm going to mix it up with everything. On Saturday I want to put together the best performance of my life, and I think you guys are going to see it."
Raphael Assuncao (24-5, 8-2 UFC)
Assuncao was in line for a title shot after winning seven straight fights in the UFC but an injury slowed him down. He missed almost two years of action and then came back and fought TJ Dillashaw at UFC 200 last year and lost by decision. Assuncao bounced back to defeat Aljamain Sterling in January of this year.
The last five Assuncao fights, and seven of his last ten, have gone to decision. Assuncao is a talented fighter who has very good takedown defense and solid striking ability.
UFC Picks
It is not that often when a fighter making his debut is listed as almost a 2-1 favorite but that is the case with Moraes. I think the odds are well deserved, as Moraes does everything well. He has good striking ability and he is solid on the mat. Assuncao is no slouch, but I think Moraes could contend for the title in this division down the road. I will lay the price and take Moraes to get the win.
UFC 212 takes place on Saturday, June 3 at the Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The feature fight has current featherweight champion Jose Aldo taking on and interim champion Max Holloway. There are five fights on the main pay-per-view card and seven preliminary bouts, with four on FS1 and three on UFC Fight Pass.
Main Card
Jose Aldo -115 vs. Max Holloway
Claudia Gadelha -280 vs. Karolina Kowalkiewicz
Vitor Belfort -149 vs. Nate Marquardt
Paulo Borrachinha -310 vs. Oluwale Bamgbose
Erick Silva -115 vs. Yancy Medeiros
Preliminary Card (FS1)
Marlon Moraes -178 vs. Raphael Assuncao
Antonio Carlos Junior -224 vs. Eric Spicely
Matthew Lopez -215 vs. Johnny Eduardo
Iuri Alcantara -272 vs. Brian Kelleher
Preliminary Card (UFC Fight Pass)
Viviane Pereira -129 vs. Jamie Moyle
Luan Chagas -225 vs. Jim Wallhead
Deiveson Alcantara -170 vs. Marco Beltran
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