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Adriano Moraes has humbly conceded defeat in his rivalry with the great Demetrious Johnson.
However, if the retired all-time great ever decides to return to action, the Brazilian said he'd love to go at it again with his familiar nemesis.
'Mikinho' was understandably in high spirits after a terrific performance at ONE 169 last weekend at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Moraes moved closer to the vacant flyweight MMA world title after weathering some resistance from Danny Kingad and submitting him with a slick guillotine choke.
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Shortly after, Nick Atkin of the Bangkok Post asked the 36-year-old veteran if he wanted another crack at Johnson. The former flyweight MMA world champion said in his post-event interview:
"DJ, I love you, man. I’m happy for your retirement. You deserve everything you have. But I’m here for you if you want a fourth dance."
Moraes and Johnson's careers will indeed be forever intertwined after three epic matches in the home of martial arts. 'Mikinho' made history by becoming the only man to knock out 'Mighty Mouse'.
Johnson, though, got the last laugh by emerging victorious in their next two bouts and effectively getting the upper hand in their historic rivalry.
Watch Adriano Moraes' full interview here:
Adriano Moraes expects world title shot next
Adriano Moraes has been the gold standard in the promotion's 135-pound MMA division for the longest time.
After turning back the clock with a vintage performance against the No.3 ranked Kingad, the former flyweight kingpin believes he's due for the throne Demetrious Johnson vacated.
'Mikinho' said in the same interview with Nick Atkin:
"I did my homework. I won the fight, so I think I'm in the finals for this vacant belt. I saw some contenders in the division have their fights coming up, so let's watch these fights and see who's gonna be the next."
The full replay of Moraes' splendid performance against Kingad at ONE 169 is available on demand for Prime Video subscribers in North America.
