Moraes Finally Stops Seven-Fight Skid in Brazilian Return
Marlon Moraes, a former WSOF champion and UFC bantamweight title challenger, snapped a seven-fight losing streak on Friday at Liga Monstro Combate 2 in Sao Paulo. The 38-year-old had not won since 2019, suffering knockout losses in each of his previous seven bouts across the UFC and PFL. His return marked his first MMA appearance in over three years.
Moraes built his reputation as one of the sport's premier bantamweights during a dominant WSOF run, going undefeated with the promotion and defending his title five times before joining the UFC in 2017. His promotional debut was a loss, but four consecutive wins earned him a shot at the vacant belt against Henry Cejudo at UFC 238, where he fell in the third round.
Following a rebound victory over Jose Aldo at UFC 245 in December 2019, Moraes endured a brutal stretch of seven straight knockout defeats split between the UFC and PFL. His return at Liga Monstro Combate 2 came after a grappling appearance in November and a previously scheduled GFL bout that never materialized, with Friday's unanimous decision over Maximilliano Perez marking his first win in nearly seven years.
Moraes's victory could offer a meaningful narrative for aging fighters who have endured prolonged losing streaks, demonstrating that competitive careers need not end on a string of defeats. His return to a regional Brazilian promotion may also draw attention to smaller events seeking recognizable names to boost visibility. For fans, the outcome could reinforce that comebacks are possible even after extended layoffs, though the level of opposition suggests the win's broader significance may remain limited to personal redemption rather than signaling a return to elite competition.