Lightweight Champ Thiago Moises Gets New Opponent for RFA 38 Main Event

Resurrection Fighting Alliance on Wednesday announced that lightweight champion Thiago Moises will have a new opponent when he steps into the cage next week.

Moises was scheduled to defend his belt against Ernest Chavez on June 3 in the main event of RFA 38. However, Chavez had to withdraw from the contest due to illness, the promotion announced, and Moises will instead lock horns with late replacement Jamall Emmers. A collegiate wrestler before turning to MMA, Emmers has won eight of his last nine bouts, with his last two fights being wins in the Tachi Palace Fights promotion.

Moises is no stranger to title fights falling apart and having a last-minute replacement compete for the gold. At February’s RFA 35, Moises was the fill-in, and he wound up submitting David Castillo via second-round armbar to capture the title.

“Moises took full advantage of a similar situation in February due to a last-minute injury to a fighter in the main event of RFA 35,” stated RFA President Ed Soares. “He got elevated to the main event and won the RFA lightweight title. Jamall Emmers is now looking to do the same thing. This will be a great title fight between two young, hungry, and talented prospects.”

RFA 38 “Moises vs. Emmers” takes place at The Hangar at the OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa, Calif. The main card will be televised live on AXS TV at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.