Marlon Moraes believes there will be a different result to his rematch against Raphael Assuncao at UFC Fortaleza.
UFC bantamweight contender Marlon Moraes predicts his rematch with Raphael Assuncao will have a much different ending than their first encounter. Only a few days away from their main event fight at UFC Fortaleza, ‘Magic’ tells Combate he won’t allow his fellow countryman to beat him again.
In fact, Moraes even pointed out that their first fight, which Assuncao won via split decision, was too close to define a undisputed winner, which is why Marlon believes a rematch is important.
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“It sure didn’t (make it clear who won),” Moraes said. “It was very technical fight, it wasn’t really clear who won. I’m not complaining, I lost and now I have another fight on February 2, that’s my opportunity to make it different. Honestly, if he was fighting for the belt, I couldn’t complain or anything, because he won. Since he isn’t, he will now have to defeat me, which I know he won’t.”
In order not to leave in the hands of the judges and risk another controversial decision, Moraes used his last two fights, knockout wins over Jimmie Rivera and Aljamain Sterling, as an example of why things will be different against Assuncao this time around and promised to justify his nickname, Magic, in the Octagon.
“You will see (Magic Marlon), for sure. We’re preparing a good game plan. Raphael is a great athlete, but this is my time to win and earn my title shot. I’m more prepared than ever,” Moraes said.
Marlon Moraes vs. Raphael Assuncao headlines UFC Fight Night 144 on February 2, in Fortaleza, Brazil.