Outside Source
As the only man to defeat legendary flyweight Demetrious Johnson via knockout, the Brasilia, Brazil, native looks to prove that lightning can indeed strike twice.
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Not long ago, the 37-year-old spoke to Sherdog.com in his native Portuguese about exploring free agency after an 11-year stint at One Championship. Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions signed him up almost immediately:
“Everything happened quickly,” Moraes said. “Right after I gave interviews letting people know I was a free agent, the opportunity came up, to be on the MVP card. It’s going to be a great fight. Like every fighter, I too have the dream of being in the UFC one day. But since this great opportunity materialized as I was coming off a loss, it’s my chance to show that I do belong among the best. I think that my opponent presents an excellent opportunity to prove this. Although the purse isn’t the best, nor is it the worst, it’s a great clash on a card full of legends. It will be an honor for me to be part of this event. Without a doubt, a good win will have me knocking on the UFC’s door, ready to take on a ranked opponent.”
The MVP “Rousey vs. Carano” card takes place on May 16 at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. American fans will be able to catch the live broadcast on Netflix. Moraes got ready again at American Top Team, a celebrated champions factory located in sunny Florida.
“For this camp, I did a lot of work with Pedro Munhoz. When [original opponent] Muhammad Mokaev came through here some years ago, he trained a lot with Munhoz, who now works as one of the ATT coaches. I worked on my muay thai, jiu-jitsu, wrestling, MMA and boxing. I want to show up very ready. I aim to score another win, to improve upon my career and legacy.
Moraes was booked to face the dangerous Mokaev, but destiny had other plans. Mokaev was replaced at the last hour by another undefeated, though lesser-known fighter – Longo-Weidman MMA’s Phumi Nkuta. Adjustments have been made.
“Last week, unfortunately, Mokaev had travel visa problems and won’t be able to come to the U.S. to fight this Saturday,” Moraes said. “He was replaced by Nkuta. I’m relieved that this warrior stepped up so I can still fight. Our strategy changed a bit since Phumi is quick and short. He’s similar to Demetrious Johnson. By comparison, Mokaev is a bit taller, closer to my height. He’s slower but a better striker. Both fighters are wrestlers, so not too much has changed. Thankfully, I was already well-prepared. I spent a lot of time training with [former UFC champ] Alexandre Pantoja and [former Rizin Fighting Federation and Bellator MMA champ] Kyoji Horiguchi, who are both short like Phumi. Our objective is the same as always — to win. It doesn’t matter how, though I’ll look to catch him either on the ground or on the feet with my sharp striking and jiu-jitsu. I’m looking for a finish. I’m happy that Phumi came in as a replacement, so my fight wouldn’t be canceled. I’m going to give all I have.”
Some fighters hope that MVP will continue to put on regular MMA cards. But Moraes remains focused on this dream:
“The MVP card is a one-fight deal. So, once it wraps up, everyone will be a free agent again. I’m focused on winning well and then making my UFC dream come true. Every fighter has that dream. Mokaev had that opportunity, but he wasted it. Now is my chance, considering everything I’ve accomplished in the sport. I’m going to give everything I’ve got. I’m all in. I’m very motivated and very happy.”
This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com
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