Last weekend, on the main card of the UFC’s action-packed stop in Fresno, California, former World Series of Fighting bantamweight champion Marlon Moraes stepped into the Octagon with long-time UFC bantamweight contender Aljamain Sterling. In this fight, Moraes came out in the biggest way possible, flatlining his opponent with a switch-kick-turned-knee early in the first round.
While this win stands out as one of the most impressive – if not the most impressive – of Marlon Moraes career thus far, it’s clear that it wasn’t all sunshine and daisies for him. The win itself was so violent that he was clearly worried for Sterling’s wellbeing in the moments after the finish.
In the new footage at the top of this post (h/t MiddleEasy) Moraes can be seen pacing nervously around the cage as his vanquished foe is examined by concerned looking officials and physicians. The guilt and worry he feels after having won so violently is quite evident, and really has to be seen.
Shortly after the fight, Moraes took to Twitter to share his elation with the news that Sterling was ok.
Thank God for the win but way more importantly praying that Aljamain is fine and 100 % healthy !! This game is nothing compared to our health . Must respect for him and his amazing team !
— Marlon Moraes (@MMARLONMORAES) December 10, 2017
Once he was recovered, Aljamain Sterling also posted on social media, congratulating Marlon Moraes on the impressive victory.
Hats off to Marlon. Thought I timed the TD perfectly and he was able to land a nasty knee. Sucks to be the nail, but this is the fight game. I’m ok for all those asking 🙏🏾
— Aljamain Sterling (@FunkMaster_UFC) December 10, 2017
Who do you want to see the surging Marlon Moraes take on in his next Octagon appearance?
This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 12/12/2017.