Superstar Cody Bollinger replaces Josh Hill, Faces Reigning Bantamweight Champ Marlon Moraes in World Series of Fighting 13 Main Event

LAS VEGAS, Sept. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- With undefeated Canadian contender Josh Hill forced to withdraw from a planned title fight with reigning World Series of Fighting bantamweight (135 pounds) champion Marlon Moraes (13-4-1) of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. via Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, submission ace Cody Bollinger (16-2) of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. has agreed to step up on short notice and face Moraes in the headlining bout of the World Series of Fighting 13 event at Sands Bethlehem Event Center in Bethlehem, Penn. on Saturday, Sept. 13, live on NBC Sports Network (NBCSN).

Moraes and Bollinger will meet in a 140-pound catchweight contest, and while World Series of Fighting officials initially expected the contest to be a non-title affair, Moraes is so confident in his chances, he's promised to send Bollinger the bantamweight title belt should "The Cali Cowboy" prove victorious.

"I don't know how we can make it official, but as far as I'm concerned, this is a title fight," said a fired up Moraes.  "Anytime I'm fighting, I'm fighting as a champion and I'm defending my belt.  I don't know how everybody else will see it but, to me, this is my next title fight and, if Cody wins, I'll send him my belt.  If I'm going to be a champion, I have to beat everybody I fight."

"This is an amazing opportunity that came my way from a first-rate fight promotion, and I plan on making my fans proud," said Bollinger.  "I will be ready to go at it full force come fight time, shock the world and put an end to Marlon's win streak."

Tickets for World Series of Fighting 13: Moraes vs. Bollinger are on sale at Ticketmaster.com.

Doors to the venue open at 5 p.m. ET, with a full preliminary card getting underway at 6 p.m. ET. The live, NBCSN-broadcast main card kicks off at 9 p.m. ET.

Brazilian striking specialist Moraes has staked his claim as one of the biggest superstars of World Series of Fighting, a process that started nearly two years ago when he upset former WEC champion Miguel Torres by split decision. He then registered three additional wins against top competition. 

Meanwhile, the 23-year-old Bollinger fought most recently in July, earning a first-round submission win over Pablo Alfonso.

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SOURCE World Series of Fighting