Daniel Marcos

Daniel Aaron Marcos Moreno (born March 7, 1993) is a Peruvian professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Background
Born on March 7, 1993, in Peru. His interest in mixed martial arts began at the age of 21.

Marcos, since the age of nine, played in the San Miguel towers. He wanted to play for "U" (Club Universitario de Deportes), but he couldn't due to financial reasons.

Marcos worked as a mobile phone lines salesman until his coach convinced him to quit his job to pursue mixed martial arts.

Early career
Marcos made his amateur debut in 2015, at the age of 21. After six consecutive victories and no defeats, Marcos began his professional career.

He debuted in professional MMA on September 11, 2015, at the age of 22, at the '300 SPARTA 8' event. Marcos faced, and defeated by technical knockout, Marcos Cubas.

In his early professional MMA career, Marcos fought in Peru, accumulating a 12-0 record with seven finishes, all by TKO or KO. He became the bantamweight champion of 300 Sparta by facing Wanderson Targino on March 10, 2017, where he won the fight by unanimous decision. He subsequently defended the title successfully six times.

Dana White's Contender Series
On September 13, 2022, Marcos faced Brandon Lewis for a UFC contract on Dana White's Contender Series Season 6, Week 8. Marcos won the contract by defeating Lewis via unanimous decision.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Marcos made his promotional debut against Saimon Oliveira on January 21, 2023, at UFC 283. He won the fight by KO in the second round.

Marcos faced Davey Grant on July 22, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 224. He won the fight by split decision.

Marcos was scheduled to face Daniel Santos on November 4, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 231. However, Santos pulled out due to undisclosed reasons and was replaced by promotional newcomer Victor Hugo. However, the bout was scrapped after Hugo weighed in at 138.5 pounds, two and a half pounds over the bantamweight non-title fight limit.

Marcos was scheduled to face Carlos Vera on December 9, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 233. However, the fight was canceled due to visa issues on Marcos's part.

Marcos faced Aori Qileng on February 10, 2024, at UFC Fight Night 236. The fight resulted in a no contest due to repeated accidental low blows.

Marcos faced John Castañeda on June 8, 2024, at UFC on ESPN 57. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Personal life
Marcos married his wife, Katia Ponce, on January 19, 2022, in Peru, and they have 2 children.

Championships and accomplishments

 * 300 Sparta
 * 300 Sparta Bantamweight Champion (One time)
 * Six successful title defenses