ONE Flyweight World Champion Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes believes American MMA GOAT Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson has what it takes to get past Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon in their special rules super-fight set for ONE X: Grand Finale.
Despite scoring a memorable knockout over Johnson at ONE on TNT last year, “Mikinho” still views the American athlete as one of the toughest opponents he has ever faced in his career. Moraes understands how sharp Johnson can be across all areas of his game, especially the latter’s speed and fight IQ.
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Because of that, the division king is confident that the top-ranked star can weather the storm in the opening round and put a stop to the contest in the second frame – set to be contested under MMA rules – inside the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Saturday, 26 March.
“I Believe DJ will survive Rodtang’s Muay Thai in the first round and will submit him in the second round. I believe the fight will unfold this way. My prediction is DJ by submission in the second round,” the 32-year-old Brazilian offered.
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Johnson and Rodtang’s special rules contest will consist of four three-minute rounds. The odd-numbered rounds will be judged under Muay Thai rules, while the even-numbered stanzas will take place under an MMA ruleset. Should both athletes withstand each other’s specialty, the contest will end in a draw.
Adriano Moraes is excited about Demetrious Johnson vs. Rodtang Jitmuangnon special rule fight
It’s the first-ever time ONE has locked in a contest of this nature, and Moraes further adds why this fight will stand out from the rest of the fights confirmed for the organization’s 10-year anniversary event.
“Rodtang is a Muay Thai superstar, an athlete on the rise. I believe DJ was smart to accept [the bout] because this fight will bring a lot of visibility to the event and to him,” Moraes said.
“The special rules [fight] is something new in ONE Championship, so it will attract more people interested in this fight. It’s a fight that really excites me. I’m looking forward to seeing this fight. I am very happy to be part of this card. I’ll be able to watch this fight live.”
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Before that exciting matchup gets underway, Moraes will defend his flyweight crown against #2-ranked flyweight contender Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu.
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Download the ONE Super App for more updates and breaking news on ONE X, which emanates live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Saturday, 26 March.