M. Moraes (photo) believes that H. Cejudo was lucky against T. Dillashaw. Photo: Reproduction/Youtube ufc
the desire to José Aldo, the most dominant former champion in featherweight history (up to 65,7kg), trying out in the bantamweight category (up to 61,2kg) took many people by surprise. His first opponent also excited fans. Manauara will face the former title challenger, Marlon moraes, who showed satisfaction in exchanging forces with his compatriot in the UFC 245, in December; He preached respect, but guaranteed absolute focus for victory. The statement was made in an interview with 'Combate'.
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“I was asking for a fight for the UFC and, among all the names we talked about, there was the possibility of facing Aldo, but it wasn't a certainty that he would actually move down to bantamweight. The guy is a legend. He's already fought in the top category, he was champion for a long time, and he's going to be in a situation where a victory gives him credibility,” said Marlon.
Moraes, who is a self-confessed fan of Aldo, is looking to have an Ultimate world title on his resume. To do this, he will then have to beat one of his references as an athlete in the sport. Before the commitment, which takes place on December 14th, however, the Friborg native treats his next rival with great respect, showing knowledge of the legacy that the 'People's Champion' has already brought to MMA.
“He is the idol of every Brazilian MMA fighter and, of course, it is an immense pride to have Aldo as an athlete who represents us. Now, it's time to face the guys we watched on television. I’m really happy with this opportunity and I hope to go out there and do my best,” he declared.
Owner of a successful resume, with 22 wins and six losses in his career, Marlon states that he is at a time where the belt is not the priority, despite being close to it. Currently, the Brazilian occupies first place in the division's ranking, but is coming off a recent defeat to the champion, Henry Cejudo (UFC 238, in June).
“I’m not even thinking about the belt. I think we have to think about a big fight. I just got this title opportunity and now I want to come back and fight the best. One day, I want to look back and see the ranking, see everyone and be able to say: 'Wow, I faced all these guys here in the Top 10'”, said Moraes, who continued to show a lot of excitement about sharing the octagon with José. “This It's the fight every fan wants to watch. These are two guys who really look for fights, who like to fight on their feet. I think my style fits well, I'm going to prepare well to go there and seek victory”, said the fighter.
Against Aldo, Marlon will perform his 29th in his career. Before being defeated by Cejudo, the Brazilian had achieved an undefeated series of four victories, including positive results against his compatriot Raphael Assunção, in February this year.
The 'People's Champion', in turn, drops down a division to seek to return to the glory days of his career. Although he has all the merits for his recognition, José has been in a bad phase working for the company. In its last five matches, Manauara was defeated on three occasions, two of them against the current champion, Max Holloway, for the featherweight title.
Regarding Aldo's achievements, Marlon doesn't shy away and makes a point of showing complete respect for his compatriot's history with MMA.
"The José Aldo He's a guy who has nothing to prove to anyone, he's done everything in the sport. He likes challenges too. Going down in weight was a chance he saw and, suddenly, qualifying for a new fight for the belt. I respect his attitude a lot, but, on December 14th, I'm going to go in there, I'm going to put my game forward and I'm going to be the best”, he concluded.
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