On the eve of UFC Fortaleza, Marlon Moraes warns: 'This is my time'

M. Moraes is on a three-fight winning streak in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @mmarlonmoraes

Marlon moraes will measure forces with Raphael Assunção in the main fight of UFC Fortaleza, next Saturday (02). The winner of the fight must be accredited to be the next challenger for the bantamweight title against TJ Dillashaw. 'Magic' occupies fourth place in the category's ranking and is on a run of three victories, two of which were by knockout. On the eve of the duel, the Friborg native recognized his rival's qualities, but stated that this is his time to win and have the chance to compete for the Ultimate title.

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“Raphael is a great athlete, but this is my time to win and have my chance to fight for the belt. I’m more prepared than ever”, assured Marlon in an interview with the Combate channel website.

The meeting between the compatriots at UFC Fortaleza will be a rematch. In the first fight, Assunção got the better of Moraes by split decision at UFC 212 in June 2017. At the time, Marlon was making his Ultimate debut after becoming bantamweight champion at the World Series of Fighting (WSOF). After almost two years, the Friborg native stated that he is more experienced and will emerge victorious on Saturday (02).

“I don't think it (makes a difference), I think I'm more experienced because I'm fighting, improving by training, learning. I think there's nothing to it, there's no excuse, and it's about going there now and making February 2nd my day. Unfortunately, when we fought, it wasn’t,” said Moraes.

Regardless of the rivalry inside the octagon, Marlon said he has nothing against Raphael. He believes they are both professional fighters who are doing their job in the same division and pursuing their dreams.

“As a person, nothing against him. But we are two athletes, in the same category, with the same dreams, and he has his family, his team, he fights for them and I fight for mine, I won't let him, I don't want him to take what I can provide it to the people I like and are on my side”, concluded the former WSOF champion.