Three Potential Opponents For Demetrious Johnson After a Jaw Dropping Knockout Win Over Adriano Moraes

Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson claimed the flyweight crown with a majestic performance against Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes in the main event of ONE on Prime Video 1 on August 26. 

The 36-year-old MMA icon evened the score in his rivalry with the Brazilian superstar and became the first man to finish him in the process – with earning the coveted crown being the icing on the cake.

The victory was a testament to why many around the world dub Johnson the MMA GOAT.

Demetrious Johnson will have the entire ONE Flyweight roster coming after his title

Now, the American superstar will look to cement that legacy by successfully defending his belt against an extremely stacked flyweight division.

While the new divisional king rests and prepares his next move, we take a look at the potential opponents who could stand opposite him in his first World Title defense.

#1 Kairat Akhmetov 

There may not be a fighter more deserving of a shot at the flyweight gold than Kairat “The Kazakh” Akhmetov.

The #2-ranked contender has accumulated five wins on the trot since 2018, over the likes of Reece McLaren, Tatsumitsu Wada, and Danny Kingad.

Despite all of those victories coming by decision, “The Kazakh” has looked comfortable every time.

He has the grappling skills to hang with Johnson, so fans should expect this one to be a close matchup between two live wires on the canvas.

Akhmetov also has fire in his fists, so he would put up a decent contest against “Mighty Mouse” in this area as well.

#2 Adriano Moraes

With two absolute thrillers against Johnson under his belt, it would only be right to give Adriano Moraes a trilogy fight.

“Mikinho” is the most successful flyweight athlete in the history of ONE, having held the World Title on three occasions.

He also has taken out the entire division in his tenure and looked remarkably dominant doing so.

A third showdown between Johnson and Moraes would also bring the added benefit of being arguably the most anticipated fight ever seen in the promotion.

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With one win apiece – both ending with highlight-reel finishes – fans can expect another epic contest between two of the finest stars in the division should this one play out.

#3 Reece McLaren

Reece “Lightning” McLaren may be considered a dark horse when weighing up potential opponents for the new ONE Flyweight World Champion.

But with the Australian firecracker returning to the winner’s circle with a delightful submission win over “The Hunter” Xie Wei this past June, he could certainly make a case for himself. 

McLaren is a former ONE Bantamweight World Title challenger with a solid list of finishes in the flyweight division to accompany his latest triumph. 

The Australian firecracker has submitted Anatpong Bunrad, Gianni Subba, and Gurdarshan Mangat, and he earned his first knockout inside the Circle against Aleksi Toivonen in October 2020.

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If he gets a shot at the gold, fans can bet that the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt will bring his A-game against an experienced and tricky athlete like Johnson.