Former Foe Favors Adriano Moraes To Prevail Over Demetrious Johnson Again

ONE Championship laid out the date for the long-anticipated rematch between flyweight champion Adriano Moraes and Demetrious Johnson, and it is happening on August 26.

In April 2021, Moraes successfully defended his world title against Johnson in stunning fashion when he caught the mixed martial arts (MMA) icon with a flying knee that led to the fight-ending flurry from “Mikinho” and the American’s first-ever knockout loss.

While fans are fawning over which of the two has the better chance of winning, Team Lakay’s Geje Eustaquio is also keeping an eye on the proceedings.

The former king of the flyweight division recently went on an interview to break down the fight and had this to say.

“I expect fireworks from both warriors. Both of them are fire-tested and both of them are legends. I expect nothing but a full display of mixed martial arts,” said Eustaquio, who had a three-fight rivalry with Moraes for the flyweight belt.

During the same interview, Eustaquio gave his former foe a ton of encouragement going into his second fight with one of the best flyweights in the world.

“Adriano, you have to remember that when all of them doubted you to win against 'DJ,' you proved them all wrong by giving him his first career KO. You have to stay on that mentality and I wish you a safe and healthy competition,” he mentioned.

When it comes to predicting what Moraes’ game plan will be, Eustaquio stressed that the Brazilian must be unpredictable in the rematch with Johnson because of the American’s own dynamic motor.

Eustaquio has not fought stepped foot inside the Circle since his 2020 victory over Min Jong Song at ONE: Inside the Matrix 3, but he is ready to challenge Moraes again if he comes out victorious.

“If you are still the champion of our division then, there’s no escape brother. We will soon meet again. I’ll keep racking up victories and gamble on the title shot one more time,” he stated “God bless, brother.”

Moraes and Johnson will be the headlining fight of ONE Championship’s return to U.S. primetime under their partnership with Amazon Prime Video and will happen on August 26 at 9:00 PM ET.