At UFC 238, Marlon Moraes has the chance to become UFC Bantamweight Champion.
Only Henry Cejudo stands in his way in fact, the Flyweight titleholder that in just 32 seconds, finished former 135 pound champion TJ Dillashaw. That win positioned Cejudo for a shot at Bantamweight gold and after Dillashaw's USADA infraction, Moraes was the clear contender to take his place. With the vacant title on the line, Moraes is incredibly confident about the Cejudo clash.
"We all got holes and matchups make champions and I think Henry Cejudo is a great matchup for me,” Moraes told MMA Junkie Radio. “I’m very confident in all I see him doing in the cage. Of course, he beat a legend, Demetrious Johnson. He beat, in my opinion, another guy that can be a legend in the future – T.J. Dillashaw, he’s a great martial artist.
“But we didn’t get to see much his last fight. I think T.J. got what you need to beat Henry. I think it was a fluke, it was just a matter (of) day. That was Henry’s day. But I worked hard. I’m well prepared for this fight. And I don’t want no flukes. I’m going out there. Perform, perform well and win. And leave no doubt who’s the best 135-pounder now.”
Nonetheless, Moraes' focus remains squarely on his own performance, hoping to seize the moment and secure UFC gold. “It’s the chance to show to everybody and prove one more time where I belong. I think I proved to everyone I’m the No. 1 contender right now. I’m getting this shot and I got the keys. I got the keys, I got the tools. The preparation couldn’t be better. I feel better than ever. Weight is good. It’s just a matter of time. Go out there next week, perform, perform well and finish Henry Cejudo.”
Moraes is currently riding a four fight win streak, most recently submitting Raphael Assuncao in February 2019. Prior to that, Moraes scored two other first round finishes, knocking out Jimmie Rivera and Aljamain Sterling respectively.
Credit to MMA Junkie for their transcript of Moraes comments.
UFC 238 takes place this Saturday night at the United Center. The event airs on ESPN+ PPV and also features Valentina Shevchenko vs. Jessica Eye and Tony Ferguson vs. Donald Cerrone.
