Moraes may not yet be a household name in the U.S., but he’s
looking forward to changing that in impressive fashion.
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.
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.”