It is quite unusual for the UFC to set up newcomers against difficult opponents while they are still finding their feet. However, Thiago Moises claims that a win against Michael Johnson comes as a welcome change of pace.
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Moises just bagged his first finish in the UFC with a quick submission in the second round. An ankle lock took him over the edge against Johnson at UFC Jacksonville.
Ahead of UFC Jacksonville, Moises was almost certain that the UFC would approach him for a fight. Considering the number of events they had planned for the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena. Therefore, he decided to stay in shape and when the UFC came knocking on his door, Thiago Moises did not hesitate.
However, facing a seasoned veteran like Johnson was a serious concern for Moises, who is fresh off the boat in the promotion.
The Brazilian recalls his debut in the UFC where he took on Beneil Dariush, another seasoned fighter in the UFC lightweight division.
Moises’ entire journey with the UFC has been an uphill journey and it doesn’t seem like his journey is going to get any easier.
“Since I’ve got here I’ve got nothing but tough fights. First fight on few weeks notice I fought Beneil Dariush. I heard Anthony Pettis wants to go back to the lightweight division. I would like to welcome him back,” said Thiago Moises following his win over Michael Johnson.
Thiago Moises and his future in the UFC
The stakes for Moises were through the roof with this fight, as this fight marks the last fight on his current contract with the UFC. And only a win would propel the Brazilian to an extension on his contract. Something that he so clearly desires.
Moises went on to sign with the UFC following a KO win over Gleidson Cutis at Dana White’s Contender Series. However, his stint in the UFC has not been the most successful so far.
Starting with a loss right off the bat, Moises has only won one of his first three fights in the promotion. The judges’ scorecards handed him a victory via unanimous decision over Kurt Holobaugh in the preliminaries at UFC 237.
The 25-year-old is 2-2 in the UFC now. And it seems like his impressive performance against ‘The Menace’ has certainly earned him a spot at the table. It would be interesting to witness Moises take on Anthony Pettis one of the finest, the lightweight division has to offer.
Do you think Moises deserves a shot at Pettis?
