Marlon Moraes, overcome with emotions, announced his retirement following his loss at PFL 4, expressing that he had given his all to the fight. The manner in which Moraes made this decision perfectly reflected his fighting style.
During a press conference in Atlanta, Moraes revealed that it was a do-or-die situation for him. In the first round, he suffered a defeat at the hands of Gabriel Vargas, marking his seventh consecutive stoppage loss and prompting his retirement at PFL 4. While he had previously retired in March 2022 after being knocked out by Song Yadong in his final UFC fight, Moraes returned to compete in the PFL. Unfortunately, he ended his MMA journey with a 0-3 record in the PFL.
Prior to his fight with Vargas, Moraes understood that a loss would mark the end of his career. Despite this, he had no regrets, knowing that he had given his all in preparation and training.
“I poured my heart into this, and I was well aware that this time, it’s up to me,” Moraes stated. “Deep down, I told myself that I would give it my everything, prepare extensively, and enter the ring to finish strong. Even if I didn’t achieve that, I knew I had given everything to this sport.”
Expressing gratitude for everything he had accomplished, Moraes acknowledged his mistakes and their consequences, but he emphasized that he had never shied away from a challenge.
Concluding his career with a record of 23-13-1 across 37 professional fights, Moraes notably earned a shot at the UFC bantamweight title against Henry Cejudo at UFC 239 in June 2019, which coincidentally fell on the exact same day as his final fight.
When asked about his legacy, Moraes kept it simple, stating, “I gave it my all, and I didn’t fake anything. That’s it, man. I was always a dangerous fighter, and anyone who faced me knew it.”
Regardless of the outcome, Moraes was known as one of the most thrilling fighters in mixed martial arts. His aggressive style ensured that chaos was always on the horizon whenever he stepped into the cage, leading to unforgettable stoppage victories.
Among his many accomplishments, Moraes considered his knockout win against the current UFC bantamweight champion, Aljamain Sterling, in December 2017 at UFC Fight Night 123, as the highlight of his career.
“I cherish every knockout,” Moraes admitted. “But defeating Sterling was a significant one. That’s the one I remember, and I hold it dear.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about retirement in mixed martial arts
What led to Marlon Moraes’ retirement after PFL 4?
Marlon Moraes’ retirement after PFL 4 was a culmination of his recent string of stoppage losses and the realization that he had given his all to the sport. The defeat in the first round by Gabriel Vargas marked his seventh consecutive loss, prompting his retirement announcement.
Did Marlon Moraes previously retire before PFL 4?
Yes, Marlon Moraes had previously announced his retirement in March 2022 after being knocked out in his final UFC fight. However, he later returned for an opportunity to compete in PFL, which ultimately led to his retirement decision after going 0-3 in the league.
What was Marlon Moraes’ mindset going into his final fight at PFL 4?
Marlon Moraes entered his final fight at PFL 4 with the understanding that a loss would mean the end of his career. Despite this, he had no regrets and was determined to give everything he had, both in preparation and in the fight itself.
What is Marlon Moraes’ career record and notable achievements?
Marlon Moraes concludes his MMA career with a record of 23-13-1 over 37 professional fights. He notably earned a shot at the UFC bantamweight title against Henry Cejudo at UFC 239 in June 2019. Throughout his career, Moraes established himself as an exciting fighter with a kill-or-be-killed style.
Which knockout win does Marlon Moraes consider the highlight of his career?
Among his many knockouts, Marlon Moraes holds his victory over Aljamain Sterling at UFC Fight Night 123 in December 2017 as the most memorable. This particular knockout stands out to him as a significant achievement in his career.
More about retirement in mixed martial arts
- Marlon Moraes announces retirement after PFL 4 loss
- Marlon Moraes’ retirement and career record
- Marlon Moraes’ UFC record and achievements
- Marlon Moraes’ knockout win over Aljamain Sterling
