LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – Marlon Moraes suffered his sixth stoppage loss in a row.
2022 PFL Featherweight champion Brendan Loughnane continued to roll tonight (Sat., Apr. 1, 2023) during the 2023 PFL regular season debut as he stopped former UFC Bantamweight title challenger Moraes with leg kicks in the second round inside The Theater at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Watch the stoppage below:
Brendan Loughnane stops Marlon Moraes with leg kicks#2023PFL1
pic.twitter.com/byEJT6rOJY— MMA Mania (@mmamania) April 2, 2023
In the first round, Moraes found success with his offense; however, after eating several calf kicks, he was dropped twice and was saved by the bell. Between rounds, he was seen by the cageside doctor; however, he was able to continue.
Loughnane chops down Moraes but lets him get back up!#2023PFL1 LIVE NOW
ESPN & ESPN+
https://t.co/jPNvomD5xg pic.twitter.com/i8exo21NYg— PFL (@PFLMMA) April 2, 2023
Knowing he could take one or two more leg kicks, Moraes came out swinging to try and finish the fight but could not.
Marlon Moraes comes out fast to start 2nd round!#2023PFL1 LIVE NOW
ESPN & ESPN+
https://t.co/jPNvomD5xg pic.twitter.com/4J2oq3jaUR— PFL (@PFLMMA) April 2, 2023
The loss to Loughnane is Moraes’ sixth in a row, and while he wasn’t knocked unconscious this time, he was beaten by one of his best skills – leg kicks. On the other hand, Loughnane has won five straight, with his last two wins coming via TKO.
His next opponent has not been named, but he has predicted he will face the last man to defeat him later on this year for $1 million – Movlid Khaybulaev, who was also victorious tonight.
For more PFL 1 2023 news and notes, be sure to hit up our comprehensive archive right here and for complete results of PFL 1 2023