Thiago Moises to Defend Lightweight Crown Against Zach Freeman at RFA 44

Resurrection Fighting Alliance announced this week that its reigning lightweight champion Thiago Moises will put his title on the line against Zach Freeman in the main event of RFA 44. The event will go down on Sep. 30 at the St. Charles Convention Center in St. Charles, Mo., just outside St. Louis.

Moises is looking to successfully defend his belt for the second time when he squares off with “The Altar Boy.” The Brazilian electrified the MMA community when he won the title back at RFA 35 when he submitted David Castillo via the ultra-rare helicopter armbar. He knocked out Jamall Emmers at RFA 38 for his first defense.

“It’s great be back fighting in St. Louis where I made my RFA debut,” stated Moises. “The people are great and I am excited to give them a good show, finish the fight in the first round, and sign with UFC.”

Local fighter Freeman said that he passed up a few offers in order to fight for the RFA gold near his hometown.

“I turned down a lot of other offers and opportunities to fight for the RFA lightweight title,” Freeman said. “The glory behind winning an RFA title means so much to me. Thiago will be the toughest fight of my career and I will be the toughest fight of his career. This will be the biggest win of my career and it will be in front of my family, friends, and hometown fans.”

In the RFA 44 co-feature, Nick Urso and Ken Porter will square off at flyweight, while four-time UFC veteran Josh Sampo will collide with Kevin Gray at 125 pounds in another main card bout.

RFA 44 will be televised live on AXS TV beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. A full undercard will be announced soon.