“It’s Very Rewarding To Have This Opportunity” – Adriano Moraes Fired Up For Trilogy Showdown With Demetrious Johnson

Having faced Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson twice over the past couple of years, Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes knows what to expect when they meet for their rubber match in the main event of ONE on Prime Video 10. The former divisional king will have an opportunity to regain his ONE Flyweight World Title against his American foe in ONE’s first appearance on U.S. soil, set to be broadcasted live from the 1stBank Center in Broomfield, Colorado, on May 5, 2023.

Despite being knocked out in their hotly anticipated rematch this past August, Moraes remains positive about the task at hand.

Adriano Moraes intends to be watchful in his third bout against Demetrious Johnson

“Making this trilogy means a lot to me. It’s an honor for me to be able to make history in MMA facing an athlete like Demetrious Johnson – an athlete I never imagined I would face, and now I’m going to fight him for the third time,” the 34-year-old said.

“It’s very rewarding to have this opportunity, and I’m very happy to be doing this trilogy against one of the best fighters in the world.” Taking on Johnson on his home turf may seem like an intimidating task for some, but “Mikinho” remains unfazed.

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The Florida-based martial artist knows he has the tools to brush away any threats Johnson possesses – even though he understands he must remain sharp throughout the contest.

Adriano Moraes wants to be prepared for the hits he might take in the Circle and in life

Moraes confidence is also bolstered by the fact that he became the first athlete to hand the 13-time MMA World Champion a knockout during their initial meeting. And much like how Johnson bounced back to become the first man to finish the Brazilian earlier this year, Moraes believes his own setback has helped him evolve into a better fighter.

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“It was a big loss for my career. I learned a lot from that defeat. Especially because sharing the cage with one of the best fighters in the world is always a great learning experience. I always like to say that we earn a lot and learn a lot,” the American Top Team and Constrictor Team representative noted.

“So, my biggest lesson is that no matter how much we get beaten up inside the cage, life will definitely hit harder. So, we always have to be prepared.”