First impressions are important to Marlon Moraes. When he joined the Ricardo Almeida Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy in Robbinsville, New Jersey, six years ago, UFC legend Frankie Edgar was immediately blown away by the Brazilian's raw potential.
"I just knew he was a killer," Edgar says of his teammate. "There are certain intangibles that you just can't teach. He has them -- speed, athleticism, the fighter's mindset. He had all of that on day one."
Moraes hopes to make a similar statement to fans on Saturday in Rio de Janeiro as he takes on Raphael Assuncao at UFC 212 in his first fight with the promotion.
"My dream has always been to be in the UFC," said Moraes, who signed with the promotion in April after a long tenure with the World Series of Fighting. "All of the top fighters in my division are here. Now I want to come in and mix it up with them. I know I'm ready."
Moraes, though, is anything but a newcomer. He has won 13 consecutive fights, his most recent loss coming in 2011. He successfully defended the World Series of Fighting bantamweight title belt five times.
In his most recent TKO win against Josenaldo Silva, Moraes displayed powerful kicks and lightning-quick punches that had his opponent on the mat within minutes of the opening bell. Eight of his 13 wins in a row have come either by submission or knockout.
Moraes hasn't tasted defeat since moving to New Jersey. He places much of the credit on the mentorship of Almeida, coach Mark Henry and especially Edgar, who will be joining the team in Brazil later this week.
"It means a lot to have him here supporting me, giving me that strength," Moraes says of the future UFC Hall of Famer. "He's been with me not just for this fight, but for my last 13 victories. I have him in training camp helping out with wrestling, jiu-jitsu and stand-up. He just fought, and now it's my turn."
The Nova Friburgo, Brazil, native is particularly excited to make his UFC debut in Rio de Janeiro, which is only about two hours from his hometown. Many family members and friends are set to make the trip to see him compete on the biggest stage.
However, it won't be an easy first test with the UFC. The organization paired him with a dangerous bantamweight in Assuncao, who ranks as the No. 3 contender in the division. The fellow Brazilian has won eight of his last nine matchups, the most recent being a split-decision victory against Aljamain Sterling in January.
"Raphael is a complex fighter, but my biggest advantage is that I'm hungry," Moraes says. "I'm very hungry, and I can't wait to get out there. ... I'm going to bring a unique style -- Marlon Moraes style. I'm going to mix it up with everything. On Saturday I want to put together the best performance of my life, and I think you guys are going to see it."
Despite the talent and skill set that Assuncao brings, Edgar is confident his friend and teammate will come away with his hand raised in the Octagon. And it won't be the last time.
"If Marlon fights at his pace, I think it's pretty much a foregone conclusion he's going to get that win," Edgar says. "He can do it all. He really has no holes. He's one of the most athletic, quick guys I've ever trained with, and I'm excited for his UFC debut this weekend. The sky is the limit."