Jose Aldo vs Marlon Moraes — Fight recap

Marlon Moraes defeated Jose Aldo via split decision after three rounds on December 14, 2019, in a striking-heavy contest that saw both bantamweights land nearly identical significant strike counts. Aldo connected on 58 of 147 significant strikes (39%), while Moraes landed 59 of 137 (43%), with the Brazilian challenger edging the striking volume in the head with 48 landed compared to Aldo's 39.

Moraes secured one takedown in two attempts and maintained minimal control time at just 20 seconds, but his slightly cleaner striking accuracy and activity across the rounds proved decisive with referee Marc Goddard and one judge siding with the challenger. The loss marked a significant moment for the former featherweight champion, signaling a challenging period in his bantamweight tenure and raising questions about his ability to compete with the division's rising contenders.