Sergio Moraes criticizes Martin after ‘boring’ loss at UFC Wichita: ‘He fights to score points’

UFC welterweight Sergio Moraes was frustrated by his unanimous decision loss to Anthony Rocco Martin at UFC Wichita, last Saturday. Not so much because of the defeat, but because of the way he lost. In a interview with Combate, the 36-year-old expressed his thoughts and disapproval on his opponent’s approach to the fight.

A Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt with nine finishes in 14 professional careers, Moraes did acknowledge he made mistakes in the fight, but was ultimately disappointed with Martin’s gameplan, which Sergio interpreted as point fighting.

“I ended up making some mistakes. It’s what I always say, those guys don’t fight to finish the fight, they fight to score points. That’s the kind of fight that bugs me the most. Kick, run, get out, don’t come at me, do nothing. It’s hard. The fight gets boring, lukewarm. I end up having to expose myself to something I’m not used to doing. I need to improve some aspects and then get back to the gym to train.”

Previously on a two-fight winning streak, with victories over Ben Saunders and Tim Means, Sergio Moraes (14-4-1) hadn’t lost since a knockout defeat to now champion Kamaru Usman, in September 2017.

For Martin, the win over Moraes marked his fourth straight, making him undefeated since returning to welterweight at the start of 2018. Now training out of American Top Team, Martin hopes to return to the Octagon soon, for the UFC’s upcoming fight card in Minneapolis, Minnesota this June.