Marlon Moraes is a Brazilian former professional mixed martial artist who competed in the Featherweight division of the Professional Fighters League (PFL). He previously competed in the bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and World Series of Fighting (WSOF).
You can follow Marlon Moraes’s biography, personal details, career details, wife, net worth, contract, fight purses, career earnings, endorsements, fight records, achievements, and more here.
Marlon Moraes’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Marlon Luiz Moraes |
| Nickname | Magic |
| Birth Date | April 26, 1988 |
| Height | 5’6″ (168 cm) |
| Weight | 145 lbs (66 kg) |
| Birthplace | Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Turned Professional | 2007 |
| Current Net Worth | $3 million |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife | Izabella Santiago |
| Instagram Profile | @mmarlonmoraes |
Marlon Moraes was born on April 26, 1988, in Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He grew up in a poor neighborhood with hardworking parents who struggled to make ends meet but managed to provide him with good nutrition and education.
He began his martial arts journey at a young age, starting with Muay Thai at 7 and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at 15.
Professional Career
Marlon Moraes began his professional MMA career in 2007 at the age of 18, competing in various Brazilian promotions. In 2012, Moraes signed with the World Series of Fighting (WSOF).
He became the inaugural WSOF Bantamweight Champion and successfully defended the title multiple times, going on an impressive 11-fight winning streak. This success led to his signing with the UFC in 2017, where he faced top-tier competition.
Moraes had several notable victories in the UFC, including wins over Jose Aldo and Raphael Assuncao, and even challenged for the UFC Bantamweight Championship in 2019, though he fell short against Henry Cejudo.
After a series of losses in the UFC, Moraes briefly retired in 2022 but returned to compete in the Professional Fighters League (PFL) later that year.
He participated in the PFL’s 2023 Featherweight tournament but ultimately retired again in June 2023 after three consecutive losses in the promotion.
Wife
Marlon Moraes is married to Izabella Santiago. They have been married for around 15 years.
The couple has 2 sons together: Rafael Moraes, and Ryan Moraes. They are said to reside in Palm Beach Gardens, USA.
Marlon Moraes’s Net Worth Details
Marlon Moraes’s net worth is estimated to be $3 million as of 2025. This wealth has been accumulated through his fighting career, including fight purses, bonuses, and endorsements.
Contract
Moraes’s last known contract was with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) for their 2023 season. Before that, he was under contract with the UFC from 2017 to 2022.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Purse |
| UFC 245 | Jose Aldo | $225,000 |
| UFC 238 | Henry Cejudo | $120,000 |
| UFC Fight Night 123 | Aljamain Sterling | $146,000 |
| WSOF 28 | Joseph Barajas | $80,000 |
Career Earnings
Throughout his career, Moraes earned significant prize money from his fights. In the UFC alone, his reported career earnings exceeded $1 million.
This includes fight purses, win bonuses and performance bonuses. His earnings from WSOF and PFL also contributed substantially to his overall career earnings.
Endorsements
Marlon Moraes has been involved with several endorsement deals during his fighting career. He is expected to have earned additional income through endorsement products from brands such as Reebok and Thorne.
Fight Records
| Stat | Record |
| Total Fights | 37 |
| Wins | 23 |
| Losses | 11 |
| Draws | 1 |
| No Contests | 2 |
| Knockouts | 10 |
| Submissions | 6 |
Achievements
- WSOF Bantamweight Champion
- Multiple successful title defenses in WSOF
- Victories over several former UFC champions and top contenders
- Multiple Performance of the Night bonuses in the UFC
FAQs
1. What is Marlon Moraes’s nationality and what is her primary MMA division?
Moraes is a Brazilian mixed martial artist known for her striking and knockout power, who competed mainly in the bantamweight division at the highest levels of MMA.
2. Where did Moraes begin her professional MMA career and how did she become known?
She started fighting professionally in Brazil before building international recognition in the U.S., especially after capturing the World Series of Fighting (WSOF) bantamweight title.
3. What organization brought Moraes worldwide exposure and championship accolades?
Moraes gained prominence as the WSOF bantamweight champion, where she had multiple title defenses and became one of the promotion’s most dominant and successful champions.
4. How did Moraes perform after joining the UFC bantamweight division?
She made a powerful UFC debut and became a top contender, earning impressive wins over elite fighters and securing a title shot against Henry Cejudo for the UFC bantamweight championship.
5. What are the primary strengths of Moraes’s fighting style?
Moraes is recognized for devastating muay thai, explosive kicks, and knockout ability, as well as agility and quick finishes that make her a constant threat on her feet.
6. Who are some of Moraes’s most notable opponents and victories in MMA?
Moraes notched victories over figures like Aljamain Sterling, Raphael Assunção, and Jimmie Rivera, showcasing her elite striking and tactical movement during his UFC rise.
7. What challenges has Moraes faced in her later UFC and MMA career?
She faced a string of tough losses against other top bantamweights and featherweights, struggled with consistency, and ultimately announced her retirement after a storied career.
8. How do coaches and analysts describe Moraes’s legacy in the sport?
Coaches praise her speed, technical skill, and professionalism, while analysts highlight her as one of the most dangerous finishers in his division during her prime.
9. Has Moraes contributed to MMA or his community outside the cage?
She has been involved in coaching, helping to train younger fighters, and participating in Brazilian martial arts initiatives and charitable events.
10. What is Moraes’s ongoing influence or future role within combat sports?
Moraes plans to remain involved in MMA as a coach and mentor, sharing her experience and expertise with the next generation of fighters and helping the sport grow in Brazil.
