ONE returns to American TV screens with two of their biggest stars in very compelling matchups.
ONE Championship managed to snag some international superstars in recent years, and this upcoming April we’ll be seeing two former UFC champs in action.
The Asia-based organization announced on social media that former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson and former UFC and Bellator lightweight champ Eddie Alvarez will both be fighting on April 7th, live on TNT.
Adriano Moraes Demetrious Johnson
Eddie Alvarez Iuri Lapicus
Rodtang vs. Jacob Smith
We’re bringing the HEAT on 7 April with THREE blockbuster fights — live on TNT! @adrianomkmoraes @MightyMouse @Ealvarezfight #WeAreONE #ONEChampionship pic.twitter.com/U49JGHvkvR— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) January 22, 2021
Johnson (30-3, 1 draw) signed with ONE after his controversial loss to Henry Cejudo, making his debut with them in 2019. As part of a newly-formed tournament, he sunk an absolutely brutal choke on the very talented Yuya Wakamatsu and went on to clear the field with wins over Tatsumitsu Wada and Danny Kingad. Having won the tournament, he’ll now be challenging for the flyweight title against Adriano Moraes.
Moraes (18-3) cut his teeth mostly in Shooto Brasil and has been a submission threat with an ever-improving overall game. The Constrictor Team standout has had quietly racked up some impressive wins against some very good international talent, and this will be his most high-profile fight to date. This is his third stint as ONE flyweight champ, and his submission style could pose some threats to Johnson in this bout.
Eddie Alvarez (30-7) also departed the UFC for greener pastures after his contract expired and signed with ONE with some heavy expectations. He started off with an unfortunate debut loss to Timofey Nastyukhin that was followed up by a sensational win in a nail-biter against Eduard Folayang, both in 2019. His opponent will be Iuri Lapicus, another submission dynamo that challenged Christian Lee for the lightweight belt back in October, falling short.
Finally, Muay Thai devastator Rodtang Jitmuangnon will return to action against British talent Jacob Smith. More fights are to be announced soon.