Thiago Moises calling for second-round knockout in RFA 44 title defense

When Thiago Moises made his RFA debut, he was coming off his first career loss. Since that defeat, he has become one of the promotion’s most impressive competitors, rattling off three straight finishes and picking up the lightweight title.

Moises (8-1) will make the second defense of his title Friday when he faces Zach Freeman (8-1) in the main event of RFA 44. The event takes place at St. Charles Convention Center in St. Charles, Mo. The main card will air on AXS TV.

The circumstances of Moises’ RFA bouts have not been ideal, coming on short notice or in late-replacement situations. But he has still managed to pick up the victory each time out.

“In my RFA debut, I faced Javon Wright on three weeks’ notice,” Moises told MMAjunkie. “His previous opponent got hurt. I won that fight via rear-naked choke in the second round. Next time, I was scheduled to be in the co-main event at RFA 35. But this time, David Castillo’s adversary got hurt, and I was asked to come in as a replacement with three day’s notice. It was for the lightweight belt. I accepted immediately. I didn’t think twice. I was very well trained.Then, last time around, my opponent got sick and I faced Jamall Emmers instead. But I don’t see that as a problem. I train at American Top Team and at 011 MMA Team in Sao (São) Paulo, with the best possible trainers and training partners. I’ll always be ready for whoever is in front of me.

“Then, last time around, my opponent got sick and I faced Jamall Emmers instead. But I don’t see that as a problem. I train at American Top Team and at 011 MMA Team in Sao Paulo, with the best possible trainers and training partners. I’ll always be ready for whoever is in front of me.”

With any regional champion, fan focus quickly turns to questions of when the call will come from the UFC.

Moises’ ability to finish opponents makes that call more likely. His helicopter armbar submission of Castillo to win the belt made the highlight rounds and a fourth finish in four fights could land him in the octagon.

For his part, Moises said he isn’t rushing things and trusts the call will come when it’s supposed to.

“I believe that everything happens at the right time,” Moises said. “If I didn’t get a contract, it’s because it wasn’t supposed to happen yet. It’s close. After this fight or the next time, I’ll get my UFC contract. I’ll make a lot of noise in their lightweight division when my time arrives.”

As with his previous RFA bouts, the circumstances aren’t ideal. A Missouri native, Freeman will enter the event with a home field advantage.

Moises has gotten so used to fighting away from home, he said he has no issue with the situation and even took a moment to call his shot.

“I always fight away from home,” Moises said. “I’m always fighting in the United States. I usually fight on my opponent’s turf. So I’m used to it. It makes no difference to me. I’ve watched his videos. He’s tough. He fights standing and on the ground and has good takedowns. He’s pretty complete. But I’m ready to win by knockout in the second round.”

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