Marlon “Magic” Moraes was once one of the most feared bantamweight strikers on the planet, known for his explosive switch kicks and a reign of terror in the World Series of Fighting (WSOF) before challenging for UFC gold.
After hanging up his gloves in 2023 following a stint in the PFL, Moraes transitioned from the cage to a completely new uniform: that of a law enforcement officer in Florida. his financial picture is a mix of his accumulated fight wealth and his steady new career.
In this article, you will know Marlon Moraes’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship details, and his life after fighting.
Marlon Moraes’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Marlon Luiz Moraes |
| Date of Birth | April 26, 1988 |
| Age | 37 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
| Weight | 135 lbs (Bantamweight) |
| Turned Pro | 2007 |
| Retired | 2023 |
| Net Worth | Est. $1.5 Million – $2 Million |
| Current Job | Police Officer (Davie, FL) |
| Wife | Izabella Santiago |
| Children | Rafael and Ryan |
| @mmarlonmoraes |
Early Career
Marlon Moraes began his martial arts journey at the tender age of seven with Muay Thai, later adding Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to his arsenal under the tutelage of Ricardo Almeida and Renzo Gracie.
Growing up in Brazil, he was a natural competitor, winning multiple national Muay Thai championships before transitioning to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in 2007.
His early MMA career was a grind through the regional circuits of Brazil and smaller U.S. promotions. He experienced a rocky start, holding a modest record of 7-4-1 at one point.
However, a move to the United States to train with top-tier coaches changed his trajectory. He found his stride in the World Series of Fighting (WSOF), where he became an unstoppable force.
He went on an incredible 11-fight winning streak in the promotion, capturing and defending the Bantamweight title five times. This dominance earned him a reputation as the best bantamweight outside the UFC, eventually forcing the premier organization to sign him in 2017.
Professional Career
Moraes’s UFC debut in 2017 was highly anticipated, but he lost a split decision to Raphael Assunção. Unfazed, he bounced back with a terrifying run, knocking out Aljamain Sterling with a knee that is still replayed in highlight reels today, and avenging his loss to Assunção with a guillotine choke.
These performances earned him a title shot against Henry Cejudo at UFC 238 for the vacant Bantamweight championship. Despite a strong start, Moraes eventually lost via TKO, marking the beginning of a tough chapter.
His later UFC years were difficult, marked by a series of knockout losses against elite competition like Cory Sandhagen and Rob Font.
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In 2022, he briefly retired before signing with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) for a final run in 2023. Unfortunately, he suffered losses in the PFL, leading to his permanent retirement from the sport in June 2023.
Post-retirement, Moraes didn’t sit idle. In a surprising and admirable career pivot, he attended the police academy and was sworn in as a police officer for the Davie Police Department in Florida in 2024.
He now serves his community, trading 4-ounce gloves for a badge, while maintaining a connection to the sport through training and coaching at American Top Team.
Wife
Marlon Moraes is married to Izabella Santiago. The couple has been together for many years, navigating the highs and lows of a fighter’s life together.
Izabella has been a constant ringside presence and a pillar of support, particularly during the challenging end to his fighting career and his transition into law enforcement.
They have two sons, Rafael and Ryan. The family resides in Florida, where they have lived for over a decade. Moraes frequently speaks about his family being his primary motivation.
In 2020, the family faced a scare when both Marlon and Izabella tested positive for COVID-19, with Izabella requiring a brief hospitalization, though she made a full recovery.
Marlon Moraes’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Marlon Moraes has an estimated net worth of approximately $1.5 Million to $2 Million.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Purse (Est.) |
|---|---|---|
| PFL 4 (2023) | Gabriel Braga | $50,000 |
| UFC Fight Night 123 | Aljamain Sterling | $146,000 ($73k show + $73k win) |
| UFC Fight Night 123 | Performance Bonus | $50,000 |
| WSOF 32 | Josh Hill | $180,000 |
| WSOF 22 | Sheymon Moraes | $140,000 |
Career Earnings
| Year | Promotion | Earnings (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | PFL | ~$50,000 |
| 2022 | UFC | ~$65,000 |
| 2019-2021 | UFC | ~$500,000+ (Peak years) |
| 2017-2018 | UFC | ~$400,000+ |
| 2014-2016 | WSOF | ~$500,000+ |
| Career Total | MMA Earnings | ~$2.5 Million – $3 Million (Gross) |
Endorsements
During his fighting career, Moraes had sponsorships from combat sports brands like Venum and Hayabusa. As a top contender, he also benefited from the UFC’s Reebok and later Venum outfitting pay, which added $30,000-$40,000 annually to his income.
In retirement, his endorsement income has decreased, but he remains a respected figure in the martial arts community, occasionally promoting seminars or local businesses in South Florida.
Career Stats
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| MMA Record | 23-13-1 |
| UFC Record | 5-6 |
| Wins by KO/TKO | 10 (43%) |
| Wins by Submission | 6 (26%) |
| Significant Strikes Landed | 3.37 per min |
| Striking Accuracy | 40% |
| Takedown Defense | 66% |
FAQs
1. What does Marlon Moraes do now?
As of 2025, Marlon Moraes works as a police officer for the Davie Police Department in Florida. He was sworn in back in 2024 after retiring from professional MMA.
2. Why did Marlon Moraes retire?
Moraes retired due to a series of consecutive knockout losses (7 in a row) that raised concerns about his health and durability. He decided to prioritize his long-term well-being and family.
3. What is Marlon Moraes’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is around $1.5 million to $2 million. This wealth was accumulated from his lucrative fight purses in the WSOF and UFC, where he was a champion and title challenger.
4. Who is Marlon Moraes’s wife?
Marlon Moraes is married to Izabella Santiago. They live in Florida with their two sons, Rafael and Ryan.
5. Did Marlon Moraes ever win a UFC belt?
No, he did not win the undisputed UFC belt. He fought Henry Cejudo for the vacant Bantamweight title at UFC 238 in 2019 but lost via TKO in the third round. However, he was the WSOF Bantamweight Champion.
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