3 Ways in Which Adriano Moraes Can Emerge Victorious Against Demetrious Johnson Ahead of Their Highly Anticipated Trilogy

On Friday, May 5, in the main event of ONE Fight Night 10, Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes will battle reigning flyweight king Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson in a World Title trilogy fight for the ages. Competing in the headlining attraction on ONE’s groundbreaking North American debut, the Brazilian has plenty to gain if he can defeat the modern-day legend and seal the rivalry in his favor. 

Before the action gets underway at 1stBank Center in Denver, Colorado, we look at three tools that could propel the former ONE Flyweight World Champion to the divisional crown and a pivotal win over “Mighty Mouse.” 

#1 His Dangerous Submission Game 

The former kingpin has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of MMA’s most feared submission threats. With an incredible seven submission victories in ONE, Moraes is an elite BJJ black belt who specializes in choking his opponents unconscious.

And even though he finished Johnson by knockout the first time they met, that doesn’t mean he should shy away from using his vaunted grappling in the rubber match. Look for “Mikinho” to hunt the submission with unbridled aggression any time the two combatants are on the canvas. 

#2 His Fight-Stopping Power 

Despite his grappling roots, the 35-year-old has shown some serious striking power later in his career. Moraes’ knockout of Johnson back in April 2021 was remarkable not only because it was a successful defense of his flyweight crown but also because it was the first time the 13-time MMA World Champion had ever been finished.

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And in their rematch, Moraes dazed the American with a head kick, perhaps finding a weakness in the titleholder’s chin. Simply put, the Brazilian’s new-found power and dynamic striking could be the difference maker in this highly anticipated rubber match. 

#3 His Impeccable Takedown Defense 

Finally, Moraes’ wrestling and takedown defense will need to be on point so that he can control if and when the fight hits the mat. Throughout his illustrious career, Johnson has leaned on a timely takedown to dictate the pace of the fight – something “Mikinho” cannot allow.

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For Moraes, despite his world-class grappling, he doesn’t want to find himself in the bottom position, so watch for him to invest ample energy in defending the takedown and, if he is taken down, quickly working back to his feet.