Marlon Moraes is coming out of retirement.
Following his last outing in March, the former UFC bantamweight title challenger and former World Series of Fighting champion announced his retirement from MMA. Six months later, “Magic” is preparing to step back into the cage under the PFL banner, and will compete in the 2023 season.
ESPN first reported the news, highlighting that the details of the deal are still being finalized.
“Guys, I wanna announce I’m coming home where I started,” Moraes wrote on Twitter. “I wanna thank the legend Ray Sefo & PFL MMA. Get ready for some firework.”
Guys I wanna announce I’m coming home where I started, I wanna thank the legend Ray Sefo & @PFLMMA get ready for some firework
— Marlon Moraes (@MMARLONMORAES) September 16, 2022
The 34-year-old Moraes (23-10-1) competed in the bantamweight division during his 11-fight stretch with the UFC. Now, he will return to the promotion that has WSOF roots, to fight in the featherweight tournament with a shot at a $1 million prize.
The last win Moraes recorded in the UFC was a split decision nod against former featherweight king Jose Aldo at UFC 245 in December 2019. Moraes then went through a rough patch, losing his next four outings, all by stoppage.
Looking for a fresh restart, Moraes will enter the next PFL season along with fellow UFC veterans who recently signed with the PFL, Shane Burgos and Thiago Santos.
Now I get to fight on the same card @KaylaH 💥💥
— Marlon Moraes (@MMARLONMORAES) September 16, 2022
