Gabriel Braga remained undefeated while sending former UFC title challenger Marlon Moraes into retirement.
In the final preliminary bout of 2023 PFL 4 at Overtime Elite Arena in Atlanta, Braga (11-0) made quick work of Moraes (23-13-1) by landing a crushing right hand. The punch came moments after a sharp combination wobbled Moraes, and the featherweight fight was over officially at 3:02 of the first round.
Check out video of the finish below (via Twitter):
From Challenger Series to the 2023 #PFLPlayoffs!
We will see you in San Antonio Gabriel Braga!#PFLRegularSeason LIVE NOW
🇺🇸 ESPN+
🌎 https://t.co/jPNvomD5xg pic.twitter.com/piD8M6pUkV— PFL (@PFLMMA) June 9, 2023
Braga’s first-round finish was worth six points in the featherweight standings. After a split decision win over Jesus Pinedo in April, Braga currently holds first place in the division with nine points, although his standing may change by the completion of the event.
On the other side, Moraes decided to call it a career after his seventh straight loss.
“I wish I had better performances here, but guys, I gave it all my heart,” Moraes said during his post-fight interview in the cage. “I trained hard. I can look myself in the mirror every day and be proud of myself. … I can’t be sad today. Man, I’m happy. I have a beautiful wife, two kids. I’m a happy man, you know?”
Dang, who is cutting onions in the arena. 😭😭 Thank You Marlon! #PFLRegularSeason LIVE NOW
🇺🇸 ESPN+
🌎 https://t.co/jPNvomD5xg pic.twitter.com/TwNpeaJ2Bt— PFL (@PFLMMA) June 9, 2023
“Magic” earned a shot at the vacant UFC bantamweight title at UFC 239 on June 8, 2019, but lost in the third round to Henry Cejudo. The final victory of Moraes’ career came in a split decision win over former UFC champion Jose Aldo at UFC 245 in December 2019.
Moraes began his professional career in 2007. Throughout his 37-fight career, he competed under the World Series of Fighting, UFC, and PFL banners. He became WSOF bantamweight champion in 2014 by defeating Josh Rettinghouse, a title he held until his UFC debut in 2017.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for PFL 2023, Week 4.
