“My Greatest Victory, and at the Same Time, My Greatest Defeat” – Adriano Moraes Fired Up for Rubber Match Versus Demetrious Johnson

Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes is aiming for another historic victory when he challenges Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson for the ONE Flyweight World Title in their heated trilogy bout at ONE’s U.S. debut show, ONE Fight Night 10, on Friday, May 5.

But while he dreams of leaving the 1stBank Center in Denver, Colorado, with 26 pounds of gold wrapped around his waist once again, the former divisional king is well aware of the challenge that Johnson will present to him. 

As a result, Moraes is putting everything into his training camp to ensure he brings their legendary series to 2-1. And a win on enemy territory gives him further motivation to regain the coveted crown.

He told ONE: 

“I was the first World Champion of ONE’s flyweight category. I’m glad to be one of the pillars of the division and to be in the main event of the first ONE Championship event in the U.S. It will be very significant to beat him here.”

Adriano Moraes is leaving no stone unturned for the trilogy

Moraes suffered a devastating knockout in his rematch with Johnson at ONE on Prime Video 1 last August.

But revenge is a dish best served cold, and after months of training and building himself up, the Brazilian superstar feels ready to take the fight to his old foe again.

He added:

“Because it is a trilogy, the preparation is more detailed because we know each other well, but it is intense training the same way [as with any other opponent].

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

Johnson is widely regarded as the MMA GOAT, and he has defeated an impressive list of opponents on his way to winning 13 flyweight crowns.

However, “Mikinho,” a skilled athlete in all areas of MMA, is confident he has the tools to defeat Johnson a second time.

The decisive trilogy

Both men have secured a win in their rivalry and have suffered the only knockouts of their careers to one another, so the rubber match is guaranteed to be a barnburner. 

Not many fighters get to establish a connection like Moraes has with “Mighty Mouse.” And as he prepares for his third meeting with the American legend, he is aware of how special their main event match on May 5 will be.

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

He said:

“I consider Johnson the biggest rival of my career. He is considered the best in the world and also in the history of this division. He was my greatest victory, and at the same time, my greatest defeat.”