While Marlon Moraes is a significant favorite over Brandon Hempleman at this Saturday’s World Series of Fighting 4 event, there’s one thing neither Moraes nor oddsmakers can prepare for: “Hot Rod’s” element of surprise. Entering his promotional debut against one of the most highly touted bantamweight prospects in the game today, few are giving Hempleman a chance of getting his hand raised against an opponent riding an impressive four-fight win streak. As for Hempleman (9-1), he views his under-the-radar profile as an advantage and believes his lack of notoriety will be advantageous against Moraes (10-4-1) come fight night, particularly in the striking department. “I think he’s going to underestimate (my striking), so he better be ready for it,” Hempleman told MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio). “There’s not a lot of video on me.” Having fought his first 10 professional bouts in regional promotions throughout the United States and Europe, Hempleman has quietly worked his way up to the opportunity he will get Saturday at Citizens Bank Arena in Ontario, Calif. Moraes is a fighter who has received a lot of attention since defeating Miguel Torres and Tyson Nam in his first two WSOF appearances, and Hempleman has been keeping a close eye on his opponent’s body of work. “I think (his standup) is good,” Hempleman said.
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