Former UFC bantamweight title contender Marlon Moraes is in talks to have his first fight this year. Combate’s Raphael Marinho reports that the UFC wants Moraes to fight Cory Sandhagen on October 10th. Marinho also reports that the fight will serve as the main event. Both fighters have yet to officially sign the bout agreement.
Moraes is coming off a split decision win over José Aldo at UFC 245 on December 14th. Some people believe Aldo should’ve won, including UFC president Dana White. Ranked number one in the bantamweight division Moraes has had a hard time finding opponents. MMA Junkie’s Farah Hannoun reported on July 4th that Moraes was “Frustrated” not having a fight. Now Moraes will have the opportunity to get a definitive win against Sandhagen.
Sandhagen is looking to get back into the win column. He lost his last fight by submission via rear-naked choke against Aljamain Sterling at UFC 250 on June 6th. The fight was billed as the winner would be the number one contender for the bantamweight championship. Sandhagen is still ranked fourth in the division. A win over Moraes could put Sandhagen back into being in a number one contender fight.