“I remember it like it was yesterday” - Adriano Moraes shares one of his favorite ONE Championship moments

Adriano Moraes has molded himself into one of the fighters most synonymous with ONE Championship.

Since making his promotional debut in 2013, Moraes has fought in a world championship fight for ONE an astonishing 11 times and he isn't done as yet. 'Mikinho' is scheduled for his 12th promotional world title fight this May.

Before he makes that walk, Adriano Moraes reflected on his 10-year journey with the company when speaking to the South China Morning Post, saying he’s got nothing but love for his time:

“I have a lot of good memories. Because it’s a long journey, a lot of really good memories, a lot of really good moments inside the ONE Circle and off-site too.”

For example, Moraes specifically recalled a company-sponsored athlete retreat to the Philippines, where he was able to strengthen his relationship with fellow fighters:

“Our first ONE athlete retreat was amazing in Boracay. I remember it like it was yesterday. We traveled to Boracay. It was an amazing trip with the whole team. I made a lot of friends that I still have today. That’s one of the best memories that I had. And the fights, the guys that are supposed to be your enemies become your friends. It’s funny how the times go and the real heroes stay. I appreciate it.”

The next memory for Adriano Moraes to create will come in the form of something new for the entire promotion: an event in the United States. Moraes will fight current flyweight world champion Demetrious Johnson in the main event in an attempt to regain the title he used to hold.

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Adriano Moraes believes his grappling is a key weapon to defeating Demetrious Johnson

Despite winning the first fight with Demetrious Johnson by knockout, he believes it’s his ground work that could aid him in the trilogy bout against 'Mighty Mouse.'

The Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt touted his skills over Johnson (also a BJJ black belt) and had this to say to the South China Morning Post.

“Yes, of course. In both fights, I put my jiu-jitsu to work, and I did well. You can check it out in my second fight, I was doing good in my jiu-jitsu. I finished the first round on the mount. The second round, I was passing the guard already and ready to go to the submission.”

With those remarks, it’ll be interesting to see if Adriano Moraes utilizes takedowns as a major part of his strategy for their third fight. The two have split a pair of fights, each finishing the other with a knee knockout.

For Adriano Moraes, beating Demetrious Johnson would make it the third time he’s pulled off a rare feat in ONE Championship.