Adriano Moraes' most defining moment of his career came in April 2021 when he achieved the unthinkable — being the first fighter to knock out the legendary Demetrious Johnson.
The first clash of their rivalry headlined ONE on TNT I, with Moraes delivering a spectacular knee strike in the second round to retain the ONE flyweight MMA world title. The Brazilian star’s stunning victory made headlines across the globe, as it marked the first time Johnson was finished in his career.
In a recent Instagram post, ONE Championship shared a detailed breakdown of how 'Mikinho' orchestrated his masterpiece:
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Throughout the bout, Adriano Moraes used his height and reach advantage to keep Johnson at bay, circling the American from the outside.
When Johnson tried to close the distance, Moraes landed a precise uppercut followed by a knee, sealing the deal with a barrage of ground-and-pound in the second round.
Moraes celebrated his monumental triumph until their rematch at ONE Fight Night 1 in August 2022. This time, Johnson evened the score, delivering a fourth-round knee strike to dethrone the Brazilian and claim the flyweight MMA crown.
Their trilogy concluded at ONE Fight Night 10 — ONE Championship's on-ground debut in Norht America — in May 2023, where Johnson edged Moraes with a unanimous decision after five hard-fought rounds.
Adriano Moraes gets a chance to reclaim flyweight MMA crown
Following Demetrious Johnson’s retirement announcement in September 2023, Adriano Moraes now has a golden opportunity to reclaim his spot atop the division.
The Brazilian will face a familiar adversary in Yuya Wakamatsu for the vacant ONE flyweight MMA world championship.
Both men first crossed paths at ONE X in March 2022, where Moraes submitted Wakamatsu in the third round to successfully defend the belt.
Their high-stakes second showdown is set to happen at ONE 172, emanating live from the iconic Super Saitama Arena in Japan on March 23.