Sheymon Moraes (11-4) is back in action at PFL 1 this Friday. He will be making his debut with the company, after fighting for the UFC for three years. The Brazilian is set to face Brendan Loughnane, who is on an impressive five-fight win streak and has all of the momentum behind him.
Moraes has not fought since July 13, 2019, when he was knocked out in the first round by Andre Fili. Following the loss to Fili, which was his second in his row, the UFC released the featherweight. After being released, Moraes contemplated retirement, despite being at the young age of just 29.
During PFL 1 media day this week, Moraes spoke about his release and noted that, “he almost stopped fighting.” A media member would ask him to expand on just why he nearly hung up the gloves.
“Well, when I got released, I didn’t make enough money, and my head stayed kind of confused with a lot going on,” Moraes said. “The pandemic started, you know, and I didn’t feel motivated to train. My son started to grow up, and I had to try and start to make money.”
Eventually, Moraes decided to get back in the gym and give it one more go.
“After I took a long break, I just stopped by the gym, to see if this was still inside of me. I went during the sparring day, and ‘I said I’m going to do three rounds; I’m going to do my best; if someone knocks me out – I’m done. If I did well, without eight months of training – I’m back, I’m gonna train and keep going.'”
Moraes smiled and said, “I’m here.”
Watch the full PFL 1 2021 media day interview with Sheymon Moraes above. This year’s PFL 1 card takes place live in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on Friday, April 23. The event airs on ESPN+ and ESPN 2.
