15-year professional mixed martial arts veteran, ‘Magic’ Marlon Moraes has ended his professional career this Wednesday evening – with the one-time UFC bantamweight title challenger confirming he is hanging up his gloves with immediate effect.
Marlon Moraes, 33, held the #14 rank in the official bantamweight pile at the time of his retirement from the sport, most recently competing just last month. The Brazilian had featured on the main card of UFC Vegas 50 against surging contender, Song Yadong – suffering a first round knockout loss. The defeat came as Moraes’ fourth consecutive loss via knockout to boot.
Marlon Moraes began his professional career back in 2007
Moraes’ manager, Dominance MMA leader, Ali Abdelaziz confirmed his client’s retirement from active competition to The Underground’s John Morgan, as well as provided a statement from Moraes.
“I want to thank everyone – Sean Shelby, Dana White and the UFC for giving me so many opportunities,” Marlon Moraes wrote. “I want to thank my family, my coaches, my manager, everybody who has been around and been part of my career. I’m still gonna be around the sport helping young guys and helping my friends. I also want to say thank you to Mark Henry, Ricardo Almeida, Frankie Edgar, and Anderson França.”
A native of Nova Friburgo, Moraes entered the UFC back in 2017, enjoying a five-year stint with the Dana White-led organization.
Prior to his Octagon exploits, the Brazilian had landed the now-defunct WSOF (World Series of Fighting) bantamweight crown – landing a further five successful title defenses to boot.
Calling time on his career with a 23-10-1 professional record, Moraes would go on to establish a 5-6 promotional résumé from a total 11 fights under the UFC banner.
Challenging once for vacant bantamweight spoils, Moraes headlined UFC 238 in June 2019 against then-flyweight titleholder, Henry Cejudo – suffering a third round knockout loss.
Moraes’ most recent professional victory came against former featherweight kingpin and compatriot, Jose Aldo – landing a close split decision triumph against the Manaus native in December 2019.
Moraes, a trainee at American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Florida – also holds a highlight-reel high kick knockout victory over current undisputed bantamweight best, Aljamain Sterling.