Sérgio Ricardo de Moraes (born July 23, 1982) is a Brazilian mixed martial artist who formerly competed in the welterweight and middleweight division's for the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Moraes made his United States debut in June 2009 for Bellator Fighting Championships.
[3] In the opening elimination fight, he defeated former Muay Thai World Champion Thiago Rela by submission due to a heel hook from the 50/50 guard, midway through round 1 to get into the TUF house.
Moraes fought fellow TUF Brazil alumnus Renée Forte on October 13, 2012, at UFC 153.
[5] After being outstruck for much of the bout, Moraes rallied back in the third round and defeated a visibly exhausted Forte by submission due to a rear naked choke.
[7] Moraes was expected to face Zak Cummings on November 30, 2013, at The Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale.
However, Cummings and Moraes had to pull out of the event due to injury and were replaced by Sean Spencer and Drew Dober respectively.
[8][9] Moraes was expected to face Peter Sobotta on April 11, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 64.
[20] Moraes was expected to face Michael Graves on November 19, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 100.
[28] A rescheduled bout with Kamaru Usman eventually took place on September 16, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 116.
[30] Moraes was scheduled to face promotional newcomer Abubakar Nurmagomedov on February 3, 2018, at UFC Fight Night: Machida vs.
[35] Moraes faced Anthony Rocco Martin on March 9, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 146.