One of the best bantamweights in the world outside the UFC is outside no more. Former WSOF 135-pound champion Marlon Moraes has officially been signed by the promotion and will make his debut in his home country of Brazil, taking on top contender Raphael Assuncao at UFC 212 on June 3rd in Rio.
MMA Fighting was the first to report the news.
Moraes (18-4-1, 11-0 WSOF) picked up World Series of Fighting’s bantamweight title back in 2014, successfully defending it five times before deciding to give up the belt and leave the promotion for greener pastures. The 28-year-old is on a thirteen-fight winning streak overall.
Assuncao (24-5, 8-2 UFC is coming off a split decision win over Aljamain Sterling at UFC on Fox 23 in January. He has won eight out of his last nine overall, with his only loss coming to T.J. Dillashaw. He is currently ranked at number three in the official UFC rankings.
UFC 212 will be headlined by a UFC featherweight title unification bout between Jose Aldoand Max Holloway.
More News
UFC269: Venezuelan Julianna Peña Submits Brazilian Amanda Nunes, Becomes the new UFC World Champion
Oliveira, Poitier Make Weight for UFC World Title
Hot UFC269: this Saturday Oliveira vs Poirier Ready for War in Las Vegas