With one fight remaining on his current World Series of Fighting contract, bantamweight champion Marlon Moraes plans to test the free agent market following his next bout, and he says he’s open to taking fights outside of his normal weight class.
Reigning World Series of Fighting bantamweight champion Marlon Moraes is one of the top fighters in the division, as well as one of the best fighters currently not in the UFC. That could very well change pending how free agency works out for the Brazilian, who has just one fight remaining on his WSOF contract, which saw him earn an $80,000 show purse last month. In an interview with MMA Fighting, Moraes outlined his plans for what he’ll do once his contract is expired.
“I’m a WSOF fighter now, and I have one fight left in my contract. After this fight, I will see what I want to do,” he said. “I’m happy here, so after my next fight I will talk to my family, my manager and my team to see what’s best for the team. I don’t fear anything. That’s what life is all about. If you don’t risk, you can’t win. I don’t fear taking risks.”
Moraes’ most recent fight ended in a leg kick TKO victory over Joseph Barajas, giving him three consecutive successful title defenses (it could’ve been 4 had Cody Bollinger not missed weight). He’s been with WSOF since their first event, which featured his split decision win over former world #1 bantamweight and WEC champion Miguel Torres. While Moraes’ most likely title defense would come against Chris Gutierrez, he’s open to his next fight taking place at 145 or even 155 lbs.
“I told them my focus is not to take anyone’s belt,” said Moraes. “I’m the bantamweight champion. But if they think I deserve a super fight, that’s what I want. I’m anxious. I hope they get my next fight done soon.
“I’m at 160 pounds now, but weight doesn’t matter too much. I would fight at either featherweight or lightweight, no problem. It would be cool to have two belts. I would have more opportunities to fight more often.”
WSOF already has a two-division champion in Dave Branch, who possesses the middleweight and light heavyweight belts. Of course, UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor tried to become the lightweight champion before he ended up with a welterweight fight (and eventual loss) vs. Nate Diaz at UFC 196. Moraes sees Conor’s defeat as a sign of his weaknesses in his wrestling and grappling, of which he believes he’s better than McGregor in both categories.
“McGregor has a lot of holes in his wrestling and jiu-jitsu, and that was evident when he fought a bigger athlete,” said the Brazilian. “I’m really fast, and I can use this speed. And my takedown defense and jiu-jitsu are superior to his. It’s a matter of strategy. For him, fighting a bigger guy wasn’t a good choice because he doesn’t have a good grappling, and a heavier guy can easily use that advantage over him, like Nate did. He had the opportunity and submitted him.”
Whether Moraes’ upcoming fight is a title defense or a move up to 145 or even 155 (Gaethje vs. Moraes anyone?), the MMA world will be keeping a watchful eye on how his foray into free agency plays out. He would certainly be a valuable addition and instant contender in either Bellator’s or UFC’s respective bantamweight divisions.