Marlon Moraes says his next fight has to be for the title

It’s hard to argue that there is a bantamweight on the UFC roster who has been more impressive than Marlon Moraes as of late.

The ‘magical’ former World Series of Fighting king has absolutely torn through his top 10 opposition in his last three outings.

Starting with a devastating knee to Aljamain Sterling before head kicking Jimmie Rivera, Moraes recently capped things off with some redemption by submitting Raphael Assuncao in their main event rematch at UFC Fortaleza.

As obvious as the next title shot should be for the top 135-pound contender, Henry Cejudo may have thrown a wrench in that possibility when he quickly defeated the current champion, TJ Dillashaw, at UFC Brooklyn.

“I do want to talk about the contract but my first fight has got to be for the belt,” Moraes told MMANews when speaking of getting a new deal and what will be next for him. “My next fight’s the title shot. If it’s not a title shot, no new contract.”

Having done essentially everything he’s needed to do, it makes sense for Moraes to only want a championship bout next.

“If it’s not for the belt, I’m not fighting,” Moraes said. “I’m grateful for everything. Since I signed with the UFC, my main goal has never been to be a millionaire. I never asked for money. I never asked for much. They always took care of me but my goal is to be a champion.

“I want the belt. I’m not asking for anything. I think I’ve earned it. I just want to get what I earned.”

Open to a clash with either Dillashaw or Cejudo after a possible rematch, Moraes doesn’t care who it’s against as long as he’s fighting for the title when makes his next walk to the Octagon.

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 2/12/2019