“This Trilogy Would Make Perfect Sense” – Dominant Flyweight Champion Adriano Moraes Aims to Settle Scores With Kairat Akhmetov

ONE Flyweight World Champion Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes is in the form of his life right now. The Brazilian has all but cleared out the organization’s flyweight division over the past couple of years.

At ONE X, the 33-year-old divisional king took out Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu via a guillotine choke in the third round. Before that, “Mikinho” shocked the world when he became the first athlete to knockout MMA GOAT Demetrious Johnson.

The sky seems to be the limit for the talented star, but he is more than ready to leave the Circle with more highlight-reel performances.

One name Moraes has in mind for his next appearance on the global stage is a familiar foe – #2-ranked Kairat “The Kazakh” Akhmetov.

“I believe that Kairat Akhmetov is closer now because we fought twice with one win each, so, this trilogy would make perfect sense. But the decision is up to ONE Championship,” he said.

Akhmetov wrestled the World Title from Moraes’ shoulder in the pair’s first meeting. The tables turned when they clashed in a rematch, though.

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“Mikinho” put in one of his most memorable displays to win and unify the flyweight gold. It was a tough challenge, but the American Top Team standout did enough to take home a clear-cut unanimous decision.

Is Adriano Moraes-Kairat Akhmetov 3 on horizon?

A trilogy would live up to its expectation – given their respective form. Like Moraes, Akhmetov has been on a tear in ONE in his last four outings.

The former division king has taken out Ma Hao Bin, Reece McLaren, Dae Hwan Kim, and Danny Kingad. After struggling with injuries and a couple of setbacks in recent years, the Kazakh athlete is back at his best.

Despite naming Akhmetov as a potential contender, Moraes isn’t entirely sure whether or not his old foe has done enough.

“After the victory against Wakamatsu, I eliminated the top four in the rankings. So, I don’t know who will be the next to fight for the belt.”

For now, Moraes can only wait to see who he draws next. However, one thing is certain – the Brazilian will put on a show inside the Circle.

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