Champ Marlon Moraes expects war today with 'deserving' WSOF 34 challenger Josenaldo Silva

After four successful title defenses and 12 straight wins, WSOF champ Marlon Moraes now faces a relatively unknown promotional newcomer in Josenaldo Silva.

But that doesn’t mean the champ is in any way less serious about it. In fact, bringing in a 17-fight winning streak of his own, ex-Jungle Fight champion “Naldo” Silva (25-4) is, as far as Moraes (17-4) is concerned, a fully qualified and worthy title challenger.

“We are well aware of ‘Naldo’s’ qualities,” Moraes told MMAjunkie. “He is a great athlete with an excellent record.

“There are many tough athletes in WSOF, but (the promotion officials) know their job, and they’re always looking for the best. I think they chose well and are giving the opportunity to a deserving guy who comes in with an impressive win sequence. (Tonight) everyone will see a bantamweight dispute at the highest level.”

The title fight opens the main card of today’s WSOF 34 event, which takes place at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The main card airs on NBC, beginning at 4 p.m. ET (1 p.m. PT), following prelims on NBCSN and MMAjunkie.

Ranked No. 5 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA bantamweight rankings, 28-year-old Moraes comes in on the heels of his 12th career finish – a second-round knockout of two-time title challenger Josh Hill in July. Silva, in turn, is coming off back-to-back decision wins that are in no way the norm on a finish-filled pro record that includes 15 knockouts.

Their combined backgrounds are encouraging to the current titleholder, who sees firecracker potential in today’s network-televised main-card opener.

“Everyone knows I’m a striker too,” Moraes said. “So expect a war in the cage. It’s going to be a great fight, the way the fans enjoy.”

After today’s appointment, Moraes’ future remains somewhat of a question mark. Although he won’t give out the exact number of fights left in his recently re-signed WSOF contract, free agency is not that far into the future.

The champ has been courted by other promotions before and, especially with a win today, is likely to get some calls again. Still, Moraes doesn’t want to look to far ahead into his future.

“My plans are to achieve this victory,” Moraes said. “That is the main plan. After the fight, since I’m so close to home, I’ll spend time with my son and wife.”

And, with all the hard work already done, Moraes’ strategy to achieve said plan seems quite straightforward.

“I will bring the best Marlon that anyone has ever seen,” Moraes said. “I am very excited about this challenge. I’m bringing the best me (today). I expect another victory.”

For more on WSOF 34, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.