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
When did Marlon Moraes start his MMA career?
Marlon Moraes began his professional MMA career in 2007.
What was Marlon Moraes’s most significant title win?
Moraes’s most significant title win was becoming the inaugural WSOF Bantamweight Champion.
How many times did Moraes compete for a UFC title?
Moraes competed for the UFC Bantamweight Championship once, against Henry Cejudo in 2019.
What is Marlon Moraes’s fighting style?
Moraes is known for his explosive striking, particularly his powerful kicks, combined with a well-rounded skillset including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
When did Marlon Moraes retire from MMA?
Marlon Moraes retired from MMA in 2023 after his final fight in the PFL.
What is Moraes’s overall fight record?
His overall professional record was 23 wins, 11 losses, 1 draw, and 2 no contests.
Who was Marlon Moraes’s toughest opponent?
Some of his toughest opponents included Henry Cejudo and José Aldo, both former UFC champions.
Did Marlon Moraes ever compete in other combat sports?
Yes, before MMA, Moraes competed in Muay Thai, winning multiple national championships in Brazil.
What weight classes did Moraes compete in during his career?
Moraes primarily competed as a Bantamweight but finished his career in the Featherweight division.
