There are several big matchups on the horizon for ONE Championship in 2020. None are bigger than the flyweight fight which will see Demetrious Johnson challenge Adriano Moraes for his title.
Moraes’ ONE Championship record has been spoiled by three split decision defeats. But he is the reigning flyweight champion and has firmly established himself as the most dominant fighter in the division.
If the Brazilian can successfully defend his title against Johnson, people will be forced to acknowledge that he might just be the best flyweight on the planet,
“I’ve been waiting for this legend versus legend fight, me and DJ, to see who is the best flyweight in the world. I have the chance to show the world, my friends, and my family what I have been working so hard for,” Moraes said.
Flyweight great
There is no question that Johnson is the greatest flyweight in the history of the sport. No one has come close to his record of making 11 consecutive defences of the UFC 125lbs title.
Johnson won three fights out of three for ONE Championship in 2019. Meanwhile Moraes only fought once as he waited to see who would emerge victorious from the Flyweight Grand Prix,
“I’ve never been out of the cage for so long but I am not scared about the time off. I’ve been keeping busy this year. I have done some BJJ tournaments while I have been waiting for the winner of the Grand Prix.”
The Brazilian, who is based in Florida, has stayed in shape by helping several teammates prepare for bouts,
“I am here at ATT and I am training with a lot of the best guys in my weight division, so I help them in their camps. When I help people to improve, I improve myself, too. I am better than I was.”
Career defining
The fight against Johnson will be a career defining bout for Moraes. It will presumably take place on a ONE Championship card in the next six months although the date and venue have not been confirmed.
Moraes hails from Brazil but now calls the U.S. home. He is hoping to get the opportunity to fight in both countries in the coming years,
“I’m happy that ONE Championship is going to come to the USA, and maybe have an event in Brazil. I work for ONE, so I will fight anywhere, but I have a dream to fight in Japan, maybe Brazil, and the United States.”
Moraes knows that his next challenge will be his greatest yet. The Brazilian is going up against a flyweight legend and looking to prevent Johnson from becoming the first fighter to win titles with both the UFC and ONE Championship.
He has had plenty of time to prepare for the bout and believes that when the time finally comes to face Johnson he will be ready to defend his belt and defeat a legend,
“I know who my next opponent is going to be, and I am already working hard to have a good match against him. In 2020, you’re going to have the best version of Adriano Moraes.”
