UFC Fight Night 144 (Assuncao vs Moraes 2): Odds and Predictions

• Raphael Assuncao takes on Marlon Moraes in a rematch at UFC Fight Night 144
• Can Assuncao keep his winning streak alive?
• Will Jose Aldo turn back the clock and beat Renato Moicano?

The UFC is off to Brazil for the first time in 2019.

In the main event, it will be a bantamweight fight between two top contenders in Raphael Assuncao and Marlon Moraes at UFC Fight Night 144. The stakes are high as the winner will most likely be getting the next title shot against current champion, T.J. Dillashaw.

The fights will take place on Saturday, February 2nd in Fortaleza, Brazil.

Raphael Assuncao vs Marlon Moraes Odds

Fight Record and Recent History

Raphael Assuncao (27-5) is riding a four-fight winning streak with his last loss coming to current champion, T.J. Dillashaw at UFC 200. Since the loss to Dillashaw, Assuncao has been on a rise in the bantamweight rankings. He is currently on a four-fight winning streak with wins over Marlon Moraes, Aljamain Sterling, Matthew Lopez, and Rob Font.

Since joining the UFC, Assuncao is 9-2 and has a win over Dillashaw in their first fight. Assuncao is looking to keep his winning ways alive when he takes on Marlon Moraes.

Marlon Moraes, (21-5-1) is currently on a three-fight winning streak, with his last loss coming to Assuncao at UFC 212. Since the loss, Moraes finished his last two fights, both by knockout in the first round. Moraes has arguably looked as good as ever and will look to avenge his loss to Assuncao in Brazil.

Raphael Assuncao vs Marlon Moraes Tale of the Tape

In their first fight, Assuncao proved to be the better fighter. However, that was nearly two years ago and it will be interesting to see if Moraes has made improvements.

Overall, the striking has to go to Assuncao as he has a striking accuracy of 41% compared to Moraes 34%. The grappling should be rather similar. However, I don’t see either of them planning on using it. I see this as a standup fight, in what could result in a knockout win for someone. In the end, I see this going all five rounds, with Assuncao coming out on top by decision, and going 2-0 against Moraes.

Pick: Raphael Assuncao (+180)

Jose Aldo vs Renato Moicano Odds

The co-main event will be another fight between two Brazilians.

Jose Aldo will return to the Octagon to take on streaking top contender, Renato Moicano. Aldo last fought in July in which he defeated Jeremy Stephens. Meanwhile, Moicano was supposed to fight at UFC 231 but after his opponent pulled out, he was the backup fighter for the title fight. Now, he gets to fight a legend of the sport in Aldo.

Jose Aldo vs Renato Moicano Tale of the Tape

Like the main event, this fight has title implications on the line. If Moicano can get past Aldo, he will most likely be getting the next title shot against Max Holloway. However, if Aldo wins, he has said he doesn’t want another title fight, and most likely won’t get one anyway because he is 0-2 against the champion. With that, if Moicano wants a title shot, he needs to get a win over Aldo.

If Moicano can get past Aldo, he will most likely be getting the next title shot against Max Holloway.

In the end, like the main event, I see this fight going the distance with Moicano edging out a decision win.

Pick: Renato Moicano (-160)

Demian Maia vs Lyman Good Odds

Lyman Good will have his toughest fight to date when he takes on former title challenger, Demian Maia. Ultimately, Maia has been on a slide, and the losing streak will continue as Good will beat the Brazilian in Brazil.

Pick: Lyman Good (+145)

Johnny Walker vs Justin Ledet Odds

Johnny Walker made quick work of Khalil Rountree in his UFC debut and I expect the same from Walker in this fight.

Pick: Johnny Walker (-275)