“I’m Going to Start Off Where I Left Off” – Demetrious Johnson Predicts a Dominant End to Trilogy Against Adriano Moraes

The third chapter of the legendary rivalry between Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson and Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes unfolds in the main event of ONE Fight Night 10 on Prime Video on May 5. 

Johnson is set to put his ONE Flyweight World Title on the line in the heated rubber match, and he plans to leave the Circle with the belt still over his shoulder.

In a recent appearance on Liam “Hitman” Harrison’s podcast, The Kickin’ It, the American superstar laid out how he foresees the bout going when ONE Championship touches down in the U.S. for the first time at 1stBank Center in Denver, Colorado.

Johnson said: 

“With the third fight, I can see him probably being more patient, trying to pick his shot and wait for me to over-extend. And that’s the thing about fighting – you have to come to fight. That’s why I love watching you fight. Every time you fight [it’s toe-to-toe].

“We’re looking forward. I told the team, “We’re going to go into this fight.” It’s round six. We did two rounds in the first time. Then we did four. So yeah, it’s round six or round seven. So, I’m going to start off where I left off.”

The iconic rivalry between Demetrious Johnson and Adriano Moraes

The two flyweight dynamos have shared the spoils in the first two outings. With one win apiece, the hype could not be higher for their third meeting. 

In the first duel in 2021, “Mikinho” handed the MMA GOAT the first knockout of his career via a devastating flying knee to retain the flyweight crown.

“Mighty Mouse” then turned the tables when they ran it back at ONE on Prime Video 1 in August last year, putting Moraes to sleep with a flying knee of his own to win the coveted strap.

Read more: “I’m Just Going To Go out There and Try To Be the Best Demetrious Johnson” – “Mighty Mouse” Primed for Moraes Trilogy Clash

The rivalry has been a roller-coaster, but Johnson outlined that it’s all part of the game while speaking with Harrison. 

‘Mighty’ confident ahead of the fight

And as he reflected on his past two fights with his Brazilian foe, he credited the opportunities that ONE Championship has afforded him and his team’s ability to put together such a strong game plan for Moraes.

The flyweight king shared:

“I think, you know, seeing all the greats in the sport go on to do that. I’ve been in this career of mixed martial arts for a long time, and the longer you stay at the party, you might end up drunk. “

“In that first fight, Adriano got a knockout. Then coming back fighting against Rodtang – fighting Rodtang, one of the most dangerous strikers on the feet – I felt his power. I took a clean shot, and I knew I could take a shot [from Moraes].

“Then coming back to fight Adriano the second time, I was like, “Okay.” We knew what was going to happen.”

Read more: “I’m Going To Tap Extremely Fast” – Demetrious Johnson Reveals Why He Wouldn’t Want To Enter Deep Waters Against Mikey Musumeci

Johnson is clearly in good spirits after his career-defining win against Moraes last year. All eyes will be on him to repeat history at ONE Fight Night 10: Johnson vs. Moraes III on Friday, May 5.