5 Best Marlon Moraes performances in the UFC

Marlon Moraes UFC 266: Moraes v Dvalishvili
Marlon Moraes UFC 266: Moraes v Dvalishvili

#4. Jose Aldo

Marlon Moraes v Jose Aldo
Marlon Moraes v Jose Aldo

Former champion, featherweight GOAT, lethal striker -- Jose Aldo is a lot of things. Among that list is 'a very, very difficult fight'. Following his loss to Henry Cejudo for the vacant bantamweight strap, the UFC and Marlon Moraes collectively decided that they wanted him to be thrown straight back into the fire.

Aldo entered the fight following a decision loss to Alexander Volkanovski and figured that he'd try his luck at bantamweight. The two championship-hopefuls put on a great fight and made it clear that despite previously losing, they're not to be taken lightly.

Primarily a striking fight as expected, the American Top Team standout showed more patience in this bout, something that he lacked in the Cejudo bout. Along with the intangilbes, some new tricks were on display as Moraes executed a great toss in the first round of the fight. Patience and counter-striking proved to be enough and saw 'Magic' win via split decision against the future Hall of Famer. Although the decision was controversial, a performance like this against the likes of Jose Aldo is incredibly impressive.


#3. Jimmie Rivera

UFC 203: Jimmie Rivera entering the octagon
UFC 203: Jimmie Rivera entering the octagon

It doesn't get much more perfect than this. Marlon Moraes took his first UFC headline position by the reigns as he was slated against another surging fighter in Jimmie Rivera. Having only one loss on his record at the time, Rivera was undefeated for about 10-years and 5 UFC showings.

Opposite of Rivera was Marlon Moraes, who was granted this fight after two impressive victories. Although the two had five rounds to work, he must've had somewhere to be and got things done very quickly. As this bout was nearing the 30-second mark, 'Magic' threw a lightning-quick switch kick to the head of his opponent which sent him to the mat.

'El Terror' tried to recover but the follow-up shots thwarted attempts to get back on his feet. Only 33-seconds in the Brazilian put the bantamweight division on notice.

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