A few days before the fight for the bantamweight belt, Marlon Moraes minimizes Henry Cejudo's victory over TJ Dillashaw

M. Moraes (photo) believes that H. Cejudo was lucky against T. Dillashaw. Photo: Reproduction/Youtube ufc

With just a few days left for the opportunity to fulfill his dream of becoming Ultimate champion, the Brazilian Marlon moraes provoked Henry Cejudo stating that his next opponent was lucky in his lightning victory over TJ Dillashaw, in January. In a recent interview with the program 'MMA Junkie Radio', the Friborg native commented on the qualities of his opponent and expectations regarding the duel that will take place this Saturday (8), in Chicago (USA).

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“We didn’t get to see much of his last fight. I think TJ had what he needed to defeat Henry. I think it was a fluke. It was a one day thing. It was Henry’s day”, said the Brazilian.

Confident, the athlete from Nova Friburgo (RJ) revealed that he feels prepared for the duel against Cejudo for the bantamweight title (under 61,2kg), which was vacated by Dillashaw himself after the North American was caught taking an anti-doping test. in March this year.

“I worked hard. I'm well prepared for this fight. And I don't want any luck. Performance, performance and victory. I will leave no doubt as to who is the best fighter among bantamweights,” said Moraes.

Henry Cejudo became flyweight champion (up to 56,7kg.) in August last year, when he surprised the world and defeated Demetrious Johnson who, to this day, holds the record for title defenses (11 in total). After the victory, the UFC promoted the opportunity for Dillashaw, then bantamweight champion, to try to dethrone Cejudo in the lower division. The duel in January frustrated TJ's plans, as he was defeated in just 32 seconds. This time, Henry is the one trying his luck in a different category.

“We all have fights against people who can make us champions, and I think Henry is a great opportunity for me. I'm very confident in everything I'll do in the Octagon. Of course he beat a legend (Demetrious Johnson). He beat, in my opinion, another guy who could be considered a legend in the future (TJ). He is a great martial artist”, reported Marlon.

At 31 years old, Moraes is having a great time within the UFC. For the duel, the Brazilian will take with him a sequence of four consecutive victories in the organization. The athlete debuted in Ultimate in 2017, in a defeat to his compatriot Raphael Assunção. Since then, the Friborg native has not been defeated, even achieving a triumph over Raphael himself in a rematch that took place in February of this year, in Fortaleza.

His opponent on Saturday, Cejudo, in turn, debuted for the UFC in 2014 and has already fought 10 times for the organization, winning on eight occasions. His last defeat came in 2016, when he was defeated by Joseph Benavidez in a split decision by the judges. Like Moraes, the American currently has four consecutive victories in his career.

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