Could Marlon Moraes face either Cody Garbrandt or Dominick Cruz next?
Despite being the #1 ranked fighter in the bantamweight division, Moraes will be sitting back and waiting for either Petr Yan or Jose Aldo to be crowned the 135-pound champion this weekend.
The 32-year-old hasn’t fought since his win over Aldo at UFC 245 back in December 2019, and Moraes is clearly frustrated over not being able to compete inside of the octagon. The former WSOF Bantamweight Champion called out former UFC Bantamweight Champions Dominick Cruz and Cody Garbrandt, claiming that both men have turned down the opportunity to fight him:
Cruz hasn’t responded to Moraes; however, Garbrandt did and stated that a deal was already made for October, and that Moraes is simply trying to act tough for the internet. Moraes has yet to respond to Garbrandt’s claims.
The bantamweight did get an opportunity at the title back at UFC 238; however, he ultimately lost the bout via TKO to Henry Cejudo. There’s no word on whether he’s next in line for a title shot following the Yan/Aldo match-up, or if he’ll truly fight Garbrandt in October.