“I’m one of the best flyweights in the world” - Former champ Adriano Moraes has a lot left in the tank after submitting Danny Kingad 

Adriano Moraes talked about his desire to prove he's "one of the best athletes in the world."

At ONE 169, Moraes secured his twelfth win in ONE Championship with a second-round submission against Danny Kingad. Heading into the Kingad rematch, the former eight-time ONE flyweight MMA world champion wanted to showcase he has plenty of gas left in the tank despite being 36 years old.

Following his impressive performance at ONE 169, Moraes participated in a post-fight interview with the Bangkok Post. 'Mikinho' had this to say about his desire to regain a world title in ONE Championship:

"For sure, [fights] for the ONE flyweight world championship belt is a thing that motivates me a lot because I just want to show my skills, I just want to show that I am one of the best athletes in the world. Please don’t take me out. I’m one of the best flyweights in the world."

Moraes' win against Danny Kingad was one of four finishes that took place at ONE 169. The replay of the Nov. 8 event can be seen for free by North American and Canadian viewers with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.

Check out Adriano Moraes' entire post-fight interview with the Bangkok Post below:

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Adriano Moraes awaits opponent for vacant ONE flyweight MMA world title

Earlier this year, Demetrious Johnson vacated his ONE flyweight MMA world title when he officially announced his retirement from the sport. Adriano Moraes' impressive submission against Danny Kingad made him a clear-cut option for the inevitable vacant title bout, but who should he fight?

No. 2-ranked Yuya Wakamatsu is scheduled to fight promotional newcomer Gilbert Nakatani on Dec. 6 at ONE Fight Night 26. If Wakamatsu emerges victorious, he will hold a three-fight winning streak, making him a primary option to face Moraes for the vacant flyweight MMA world title.

Wakamatsu also has a history with Moraes. The world-class flyweights fought in March 2022, with Moraes winning by third-round submission.

Meanwhile, No. 4-ranked Reece McLaren is another potential opponent for Moraes. The action-packed Aussie is coming off a split-decision win against Hu Yong in May. McLaren has proven to be an entertaining fighter, making him an intriguing matchup for the former eight-time flyweight king.