3 Key Challenges Demetrious Johnson Will Need to Tackle Against Adriano Moraes to Avenge His First KO Loss

ONE Flyweight World Champion Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes and mixed martial arts icon Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson are set to face off once again in the main event of ONE on Prime Video 1: Moraes vs. Johnson II on August 26.

The highly anticipated rematch for the flyweight strap is guaranteed to be a barnburner between two of the finest MMA competitors on the planet.

Moraes knocked out the 12-time MMA World Champion with a wicked knee to the head in their first meeting in April 2021, and he predicts lightning will strike twice when he meets the American veteran again.

That may prove to be much easier said than done, however, and the Brazilian superstar will have to utilize every aspect of his game inside the Singapore Indoor Stadium to see off Johnson again.

Here, we take a look at three things “Mikinho” can implement to score another emphatic victory over “Mighty Mouse” when they meet on August 26.

His Relentless Stamina 

The ONE Flyweight World Champion is known for his endless gas tank and constant pace.

Moraes can maintain the same level of intensity in the final rounds of his bouts as the opening frames, and he has a track record of scoring victory from there. The longtime flyweight king has gone into the fifth round of a World Title contest five times – and won from there on three occasions.

Should Johnson show a more well-rounded arsenal than last time when countering Moraes’ takedowns, “Mikinho” could be in for a long night.

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However, he doesn’t have to worry about his stamina at any stage, and that energy could play a role in this heated rematch.

His Long Range

One of the most noticeable differences between the two stars is their height and reach.

Moraes’ advantages in both of these sectors punished the MMA icon in their first meeting. If Johnson hasn’t figured out how to enter the World Champion’s range without getting tagged, the Brazilian will take full advantage.

Moraes will be hoping to hurt Johnson in the stand-up department with a couple of quick strikes from distance before he goes to his bread and butter on the ground.

His Resolute Grappling Game

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Moraes thrives on the canvas, and he knows that this is where he stands the best chance of scoring a second win over Johnson at ONE on Prime Video 1.

“Mighty Mouse” has a reputable level of grappling skill, but given how potent Moraes’ BJJ is, the American legend will undoubtedly have his work cut out for him.

If “Mikinho” can shrug his way to a back-control position from the clinch or transition quickly to get Johnson’s back on the canvas, his rival will be in big trouble.

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He can hunt for submissions in the blink of an eye, and he believes he possesses all the tools needed to finish Johnson once again on the global stage.