For his first fight of 2016, World Series of Fighting bantamweight champion Marlon Moraes went out and did what he’s done for the last five years, he won.
In just over 70 seconds, Moraes quickly dispatched Joe Barajas to defend his title for the third time and pick up his eleventh win in a row.
“I had a good fight back in February,” Moraes told MMAWeekly.com. “I was expecting a long fight. I was ready for five rounds, but the fight ended quickly. The reason that fight ended quick was because I trained hard. I was ready.”
While Moraes doesn’t believe he has anything to prove to other people, he always is striving to best represent himself and those who support him as best as possible.
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“I don’t think about other people,” he said. “I think about me. I think about my team. I know the fans like watching me fighting. I want to go out there and perform like I always do.”
For his next 135-pound title defense, Moraes (16-4-1) will rematch Josh Hill (14-1) in the main event of WSOF 32 on Saturday in Everett, Wash.
“I feel like I’ve improved a lot,” said Moraes. “I have stepped up my game. (Hill) even helped me. He showed me a couple of mistakes that I was making. I’m excited. It’s one more fight and one more chance to show everybody what I can do.
“It’s a new fight. He’s changed, I’ve changed, and we’re two new fighters. We’re going to go out there and it’s a new thing. I’m not even thinking back. I’m thinking forward. I’m thinking about my future and not my past.”
Though he’s had years of continued success and is one of WSOF’s flagship fighters, Moraes is as determined as ever to continue to be the best fighter he can be.
“I’m really hungry,” said Moraes. “You have no idea how hungry I am and excited for this fight, how excited to show everybody how good I am and the things I can do now.
“I’m very happy right now. I love the promotion; I love what they are doing for me. I’m excited to be working for WSOF and putting on great shows. Let’s go show everybody where we belong. Let’s show everyone we are a big show and are great fighters. Together we can go far.”
