Undefeated Over the Past Two Years, Marlon Moraes Ready for WSOF Bantamweight Title Shot

After kicking off the year with a bang, it only seems fitting that World Series of Fighting bantamweight Marlon Moraes would end it the same way.

In March, Moraes picked up his second victory for the WSOF with a first-round knockout of Tyson Nam, and then followed that up with a unanimous decision over Brendan Hempleman in August, but it was his win WSOF 6 that Moraes really shined, knocking out Carson Bebee just 32 seconds into their fight.

“I’m so happy,” said Moraes. “I worked so hard for two months and I am so blessed with this victory.

“I didn’t expect it (to end so quickly), but all credit to my team and my coaches, they help me every day. I am so thankful to have those guys in my life.”

While he hadn’t anticipated the fight ending as fast as it did, Moraes was prepared for Bebee’s style of attack, which lead to the opening that he exploited to get the knockout.

“We had been working a lot to face a guy who comes hard with takedowns,” said Moraes. “I tried to pivot and as I was pivoting I got him with a couple good shots in the beginning. He comes hard and I keep going and just went 1-2 (combination) to the jaw.”

With four wins in four fights for the WSOF (and an overall record of 12-4) Moraes has earned a bantamweight title shot early next year.

“This is what Ray (Sefo, WSOF president) said, that my next fight is going to be for the title in March,” said Moraes. “I’m going to work so hard to get this. I’m training with the best guys in the world, and I want to fight the best guys in the world. It doesn’t matter who they’re going to find for me, I’m going to be ready.”

By finishing out 2013 undefeated for the year, Moraes has proven he can finish just as strong as he starts, and is looking to keep things going next year.

“This year was perfect for me,” he said. “I had a problem with my family, with my dad in Brazil, but he’s so healthy now. My career is growing. I have the best team, the best coaches and I’m so happy right now.

“I just want to thank the fans, the World Series of Fighting, and MMAWeekly for interviewing me. I just want to tell you guys that I can’t promise every fight will be a victory, but I will give 100-percent and I’m going to put on a great show for you guys.”