Brazil’s Thiago Moises enters UFC Vegas 12 off a win over Michael Johnson, and looking to put together two wins in a row for this first time since 2018. After trading wins and losses across his last couple of fights, Moises has a big opportunity against Bobby Green — a resurgent fighter in 2020.
Moises (13-4) recently got over a bout with COVID-19, but is feeling better these days. The lightweight did endure a couple of symptoms, namely the headaches, fatigue, and losing his sense of smell.
The Brazilian is “really really happy with this fight,” he said of the match-up with Green during this week’s UFC Vegas 12 media day. “We’re excited. Bobby is a great opponent, so I’m very excited to fight him.”
As he should be. Green is on a three fight win streak in 2020. A win over him could do a lot for Moises’ own standing. But there’s another reason for the Sao Paulo, Brazil native to be excited for this Saturday’s card: he’s sharing it with legendary countryman Anderson Silva. It’s expected that Silva’s fight against Uriah Hall will be his last.
“It’s an honor for me, to fight the same day as Anderson Silva, especially the day that is going to [be] his last fight,” said Moises. “He did so much for MMA and MMA [in] Brazil. Big fan of for him. Just extra energy, you know, for going out there and performing at my highest level.”
The 25-year old Moises even shared his favorite Silva moment, which was “when he beat Forrest Griffin, who is a great fighter. And he made it look easy.” Consider this: Moises was all of 14 years old when that fight took place. Probably watching it on TV. Now, he’s sharing a card with the legend. It’s a long way to have traveled, no doubt.
Watch the full UFC Vegas 12 virtual media day press scrum with Thiago Moises above.
