Double the Moraes. Probably double the violence, too.
World Series of Fighting bantamweight champion Marlon Moraes will defend his title against Sheymon Moraes (no relation) in the co-main event of WSOF 22 on Aug. 1 in Las Vegas, WSOF executive vice president Ali Abdel-Aziz confirmed with MMAFighting.com on Tuesday night. Sherdog was the first to report the booking.
Marlon Moraes (14-4-1) has won nine straight and is regarded as one of the best 135-pound fighters in the world regardless of organization. The Brazilian, who now trains with Frankie Edgar in New Jersey, is coming off his first title defense, a unanimous decision win over Josh Hill in February. Marlon Moraes, 27, won the belt against Josh Rettinghouse in March 2014.
Sheymon Moraes (7-0) is one of the top prospects at bantamweight in the world. He won his WSOF debut against Gabriel Solorio by split decision last December. Three of his last five fights have ended by violent knockout. Sheymon Moraes, 24, is a native of Brazil who now trains at Black House in Los Angeles.
WSOF 22 will be headlined by a highly anticipated welterweight title fight between champion Rousimar Palhares and Jake Shields. The event will take place at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino.