5 Best Marlon Moraes performances in the UFC

#2. Aljamain Sterling

UFC 273: Volkanovski v The Korean Zombie Zombie

Aljamain Sterling is now a household name for MMA fans. While formerly controversial as the champion, he did his part to let the doubters know that he's not an easy fight for anyone. Many thought that Petr Yan would pick up where he left off in their first meeting, but 'Funk Master' silenced a ton of people with a performance that saw him win a split decision.

Prior to the title, Sterling was still competing against the biggest names in the division. Going into the Marlon Moraes fight, the Serra-Longo fighter has lost twice, both by split decision. 'Magic', however, is a fan of the finish and that's no secret.

The Brazilian showed his power early on, stunning Sterling and sending him to the mat. This initiated a grappling exchange where many thought Sterling would be more comfortable. This didn't last long. As the fighters stood back up, Moraes threw his famous switch kick. Unfortuantely for 'Funk Master', it was timed perfectly and the knee caught him on the chin as he came in to close the distance. This remains Sterling's only loss via finish and the best highlight tied to Marlon Moraes' career.

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#1. Raphael Assuncao rematch

'Magic' Marlon in victory(Image from @mmarlonmoraes via Instagram)

When Brazil's Marlon Moraes entered the UFC in 2017, he premiered against Raphael Assuncao and lost via split decision. Both fighters went their own way afterwards and gathered more wins to work their way to the title.

With both fighters gathering great wins, they were slated against each other in 2019 for a highly anticipated rematch. the 33-year-old didn't get the nod in the first meeting, but he didn't let the previous shortcomings affect him much, if at all. He looked as confident as one could be in a high stakes bout like this.

Lowkicks were thrown early and often from 'Magic'. The kicks seemed to have Assuncao apprehensive. Not yet at the midway point of the first round, the former title challenger connected with two right hands that put his opponent down. Settling in the guard of his opponent, it seemed that the 33-year-old may have missed his chance to finish the fight. That wasn't the case, as 'Magic' is more than a striker. As his opponent worked his way back up, 'Magic' locked in a guillotine choke and became the second fighter to submit Assuncao.