The UFC invades Brazil again for Fight Night 144 in Fortaleza. Fights start at 8:00 PM EST, Saturday, February 2. This card is loaded with significant matches- some with title shots at stake and some signaling a changing of the guard….or maybe not. So, who are your winners? Check it out.

Raphael Assuncao (27-5-0) vs Marlon Moraes (27-5-1)

Bantamweight

This main event is a rematch of their 2017 bout in which Assuncao won by split decision. Both are top contenders in the Bantamweight division and the winner should look for a title shot, depending on the fall out of Dillashaw/Cejudo.

Raphael Assuncao is 11-1 since 2011, with his only loss to the Champion TJ Dillashaw in 2016. Since his decision win over Moraes, Assuncao knocked out Matthew Lopez in 2017 and won a unanimous decision over Rob Font.

Marlon Moraes is 16-1 since 2011, with his only loss coming to Assuncao by split decision in 2017. Since his fight with Assuncao, Moreas has beaten former contender John Dodson by decision, and has also won knockout victories over Aljamain Sterling and Jimmie Rivera.

Winner: Marlon Moraes will finish this fight and claim his spot as the #1 contender.

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I am a 1993 graduate from Indiana University. I have been a teacher, athletic director and assistant principal for the past 20 years. I write for Sports Media Pass and Break the Fourth covering the Indiana Hoosiers, MMA, Music and Comics.