CHICAGO – Marlon Moraes insists Henry Cejudo’s antics have no shaken him in advance of Saturday’s bantamweight title fight at UFC 238.
Cejudo (14-2 MMA, 8-2 UFC), the UFC flyweight champ, has turned up what he calls the “cringe” in advance of his vacant 135-pound title clash with Moraes. “The Messenger” has been very outspoken toward Moraes (22-5-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC), but the Brazilian insists he’s unbothered.
“He’s not under my skin,” Moraes told MMA Junkie during a media scrum at UFC 238 open workouts. “I’ve been built for a long time for this moment. He’s not under my skin. He’s wrong if he thinks he’s under my skin. I’m going to be as cold as I’ve ever been. I’m going to be better than I’ve ever been, and Saturday I’m going to be a new champion.”
UFC 238 takes place at United Center in Chicago. Moraes vs. Cejudo headlines the pay-per-view main card, which follows prelims on ESPN and ESPN+/UFC Fight Pass.
Moraes, who is a former WSOF (now PFL) titleholder, has been chasing the UFC belt for a long time. He’s gone 17-1 during his past 18 fights, and his avenged his only loss in that stretch. He’s been on He’s been focused and motivated in pursuit of his goal, and now that he’s on the doorstep, said nothing will get in his way.
“He’s a good wrestler, he’s been improving every fight,” Moraes said of Cejudo. “He showed his last couple his striking is getting way better and I’m excited. I’m excited to put on a show and prove I’m the best.”
For more on UFC 238, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.
