Adriano Moraes’ Best Finishes in ONE Championship

Former ONE Flyweight World Champion Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes has competed against the cream of the crop throughout this 10-year tenure in ONE Championship, and he boasts an impressive 10 wins from his 14 appearances in the Circle. 

Throughout that dominant run, the Brazilian MMA superstar has amassed plenty of highlight-reel finishes while consistently showcasing his vast arsenal of weapons and ability to end a fight in many different ways.

Before “Mikinho” challenges reigning flyweight king Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson for the throne in a trilogy bout for the ages in the main event of ONE Fight Night 10 on Friday, May 5, we take a look at some of his best finishes in ONE.

Crushing Kingad’s Title Hopes With A Rear-Naked Choke

Moraes sealed another successful World Title defense against Danny “The King” in November 2017 in trademark style – via a vicious submission choke.

Kingad charged at the defending king from the opening bell of their bout at ONE: LEGENDS OF THE WORLD, attacking with his unorthodox wushu kicks and punches. 

The Brazilian was patient in his response, but he eventually caught a low kick and shot for a takedown. 

Read more: Adriano Moraes’ Incredible Journey From Abandoned Orphan to MMA World Champion

On the canvas, “Mikinho” easily passed his rival’s guard and gained control from top position. 

Kingad defended bravely and fought to get back on his feet. But as he did so, Moraes saw an opening to slide his arm under the Filipino’s neck, and he secured a rear-naked choke for the win at 4:45 of the opening round. 

Guillotine Choke Forces Wakamatsu To Tap 

In his most recent promotional win, at ONE X in March last year, Moraes earned a third-round guillotine choke win over Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu to retain the flyweight gold once again.

Both men were slow to step into action when the fight began. But after they received a warning for lack of engagement in the second frame, “Mikinho” turned up the heat to ensure he closed the gap to his Japanese foe at all costs.

Wakamatsu’s defense was solid. But just as he decided to drop his guard and reply with strikes of his own, Moraes sniffed out a guillotine choke that left “Little Piranha” down and out at 3:58 of round three.

Stinging Knee Puts Demetrious Johnson To Sleep 

“Mikinho” has produced spectacular highlight-reel finishes against some of the world’s top flyweights. But none could top his masterful KO of Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson at ONE on TNT I in April 2021. 

After finishing strong in round one, Moraes was in cruise control at the start of the second stanza. Johnson knew he needed to do more to close the distance and stay in the fight, but his attempt to do so led to him being handed the first knockout of his storied career.

Just as “Mighty Mouse” attempted to catch a knee from Moraes, the defending World Champion countered with a right uppercut that sent him to his knees. 

Read more: 3 Ways Adriano Moraes Can Upset Demetrious Johnson at ONE Fight Night 10

Sensing blood in the water, “Mikinho” poured in with a barrage of strikes, and a final flying knee to the jaw turned off the MMA great’s lights to hand the Brazilian superstar the historic win at 2:24 of the second round.