Tag: adriano moraes

ONE Championship Announces Fight For Title Vacated After Demetrious Johnson’s Retirement

ONE Championship has announced that on March 23 at ONE 172, the promotion will crown a new flyweight champion in the co-main event of the evening. The title has been left vacant ever since Demetrious Johnson announced his retirement at the Ball Arena in Denver this past September at ONE 168. Following several high stakes […]

ONE Championship has announced that on March 23 at ONE 172, the promotion will crown a new flyweight champion in the co-main event of the evening. The title has been left vacant ever since Demetrious Johnson announced his retirement at the Ball Arena in Denver this past September at ONE 168.

Following several high stakes contests at flyweight, the two top contenders that will battle for the gold have emerged. Brazil’s Adriano Moraes is a multiple time flyweight champion in ONE and was the inaugural holder of the title back in 2014. In his latest title reign, he ended his trilogy of fights with Geje Eustaquio before becoming the first man to finish Johnson in 2021 which kickstarted their trilogy of fights.

Moraes recently returned to the win column in Johnson’s absence by beating Danny Kingad at ONE 169 in November via a submission in the second round. “Mikinho” is now set to face off with Japan’s Yuya Wakamatsu who is sure to receive an incredible amount of support at the Saitama Super Arena on March 23.

Wakamatsu previously challenged Moraes for the flyweight title in 2022 at ONE: X where he was submitted in the third round. After suffering back-to-back defeats, “Little Pranha” has won three in a row including a dominant victory at the start of December over Gilbert Nakatani.

This huge card is set to be headlined by arguably the biggest fight in the history of the promotion as Rodtang Jitmuangnon faces off with Takeru Segawa in a kickboxing super fight that has been building ever since their matchup at ONE 165 earlier this year fell through due to an injury to the Thai superstar. There is sure to be a lot more top Japanese talent on the card for what will be ONE’s biggest event to date.

Israel Adesanya congratulates Demetrious Johnson after successful defense of ONE flyweight title

Demetrious JohnsonIsrael Adesanya congratulated Demetrious Johnson for his successful defense of the ONE flyweight world championship Friday night at ONE Fight Night 10. ‘Mighty Mouse’ returned to the ONE Circle for a highly anticipated trilogy bout with division rival and eight-time titleholder Adriano Moraes. After 25-minutes of action, Johnson was announced as the winner via unanimous […]

Demetrious Johnson

Israel Adesanya congratulated Demetrious Johnson for his successful defense of the ONE flyweight world championship Friday night at ONE Fight Night 10.

‘Mighty Mouse’ returned to the ONE Circle for a highly anticipated trilogy bout with division rival and eight-time titleholder Adriano Moraes. After 25-minutes of action, Johnson was announced as the winner via unanimous decision. While the contest didn’t deliver the highlight reel knockouts that made their first two meetings so iconic, Johnson’s skills were on full display en route to a decisive world title defense.

Following Demetrious Johnson’s win, ‘The Last Stylebender’ took to Twitter, congratulating the multi-time world champion while simultaneously taking a friendly jab at the general consensus flyweight GOAT.

“A true master of the arts,” Adesanya tweeted. “Blessed to have witnessed him from the blue cage to the big stage!! Closing the show in spectacular fashion…or not lol. The All Mighty Mouse!!”

Will Demetrious Johnson Walk Away After His ONE Fight Night 10 Title Defense?

Demetrious Johnson scored his 25th career win with the victory over Adriano Moraes. Traded from the UFC in exchange for former ONE world champion Ben Askren in 2018, ‘Mighty Mouse’ has amassed a 6-1 record inside the ONE Circle, his only loss coming against Moraes in their ONE on TNT 1 meeting in 2021.

Going into the bout, speculation ran rampant that it could be Johnson’s final fight before hanging up his gloves for good. Speaking with ONE commentator Mitch Chilson following the match, ‘Mighty Mouse’ was non-committal one way or another regarding his retirement, saying that he would need to discuss things with his wife before making any rash decisions.

Following his win, Johnson engaged in a face off with Kairat Akhmetov, the No. 2 ranked flyweight contender in ONE Championship. Earlier in the evening, Akhmetov earned a dominant unanimous decision victory over Australian striker Reece McLaren to solidify his spot at the next man in line for DJ’s 26 pounds of ONE Championship gold.

Demetrious Johnson defends title, defeats Adriano Moraes in decision victory trilogy fight – ONE Fight Night 10 Highlights

Demetrious Johnson defends title beats Adriano Moraes in decision win ONE Fight Night 10 ONE ChampionshipFormer UFC flyweight champion, Demetrious Johnson has closed the chapter on his trilogy of fights with Brazilian maestro, Adriano Moraes in the winning corner again, landing a unanimous decision victory over the former ONE Championship titleholder in the main event of ONE Fight Night 10 in Broomfield, Colorado. Johnson, who had suffered his first-ever knockout […]

Demetrious Johnson defends title beats Adriano Moraes in decision win ONE Fight Night 10 ONE Championship

Former UFC flyweight champion, Demetrious Johnson has closed the chapter on his trilogy of fights with Brazilian maestro, Adriano Moraes in the winning corner again, landing a unanimous decision victory over the former ONE Championship titleholder in the main event of ONE Fight Night 10 in Broomfield, Colorado.

Johnson, who had suffered his first-ever knockout loss in the sport of mixed martial arts against Moraes courtesy of a stunning knee knockout defeat back in April 2021, managed to return to the favor to Moraes in an immediate title rematch last August — turning in his own highlight-reel knee KO victory.

And returning to the Chatri Sityodtong-led promotion tonight in the United States debut for ONE Championship, clinch work and counter striking proved to the name of the game for Kentucky veteran, Demetrious Johnson, who prevailed with a unanimous decision victory against Moraes to nab the pair’s trilogy title rubber-match.

Linked with a retirement from professional mixed martial arts following tonight’s headliner with Moraes regardless of result, Johnson, who failed to make clear his future intentions in the immediate aftermath of ONE Fight Night 10, called for more money, however following the night’s curtain closer.

Below, catch the highlights from Demetrious Johnson’s decision win over Adriano Moraes

Demetrious Johnson says ONE Fight Night 10 fight could be his last: ‘It could be, I’ve been doing this for 18 years’

Demetrious JohnsonDemetrious Johnson‘s next fight inside the ONE Circle could end up being his last. On May 5, ‘Mighty Mouse’ will head to the 1stBank Center in Colorado for ONE Fight Night 10 on Prime Video. The event will serve as ONE Championship‘s long-awaited North American debut and feature some of the biggest names in combat […]

Demetrious Johnson

Demetrious Johnson‘s next fight inside the ONE Circle could end up being his last.

On May 5, ‘Mighty Mouse’ will head to the 1stBank Center in Colorado for ONE Fight Night 10 on Prime Video. The event will serve as ONE Championship‘s long-awaited North American debut and feature some of the biggest names in combat sports. Headlining the historic evening will be Demetrious Johnson who puts his ONE flyweight world championship on the line against three-time titleholder Adriano Moraes in a highly anticipated trilogy bout.

Originally planning to continue fighting for another four years, Demetrious Johnson suggested that the light at the end of the tunnel is far closer than he expected. In an interview with The Score, ‘Mighty Mouse’ revealed that his “four more years” estimate was definitely not going to happen.

“That’s not f*cking happening,” Johnson said. “I’ll tell you that: That’s not happening. F*ck no.”

In fact, ONE Fight Night 10 could very well be the last chance fans have to see Demetrious Johnson in action. Asked if his third meeting with Adriano Moraes could be his last, ‘Mighty Mouse’ said:

“It could be,” Johnson said. “You never know.”

After dominating inside the Octagon for seven years, Demetrious Johnson was sent to ONE Championship in a historic trade between the two promotions. ‘Mighty Mouse’ immediately made waves, winning the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix tournament, earning an opportunity to challenge then-flyweight champion, Adriano Moraes. Coming up short in his first world title opportunity in April 2021, Johnson would finally capture the 26 pounds of ONE gold, scoring a brilliant fourth-round flying-knee knockout against Moraes in their August 2022 rematch.

With the two flyweight icons deadlocked at 1-1, ONE Fight Night 10 has set the stage for one of the greatest trilogies in combat sports history.

Demetrious Johnson is Ready to Slow Down and Enjoy Life with His Family

With all the success he has achieved after nearly two decades of dominance, Demetrious Johnson revealed that many of his close friends question why he continues to fight. Well, the answer is quite simple.

“I talk to my close friends who don’t do mixed martial arts and they’re like, ‘What else are you trying to prove?’” Johnson said. “And I’m like, ‘I’m trying to get this money, I’m trying to get this bag.’”

However, ‘Mighty Mouse’ realizes that money isn’t everything. Every time he travels to fight or dives head-first into a 12-week training camp, he’s missing out on precious time with his children.

“Right now, the kids are at the beach, having a good time, enjoying life, feeding seals, and that’s stuff that I’m missing,” Johnson said. “My kids will only be nine, eight, and four once. I think after this fight, I’ll decide what I want to do. I want to compete in IBJJF in my Gi and work toward my black belt. … But I don’t want to fight for two more years. I have no interest. When I hear two more years, I’m like, ‘Ew, that sounds horrible.’”

Debuting as an amateur in 2006, Johnson transitioned to professional MMA in 2009. Fighting under the King of the Cage and WEC labels, ‘Mighty Mouse’ made his UFC debut at UFC 126 in 2011. Originally competing as a bantamweight, Johnson became the promotion’s first-ever flyweight titleholder, running through Ian McCall and Joseph Benavidez to capture UFC gold. He successfully defended the title an unprecedented 11 times before dropping a split decision to former two-division champion Henry Cejudo.

It was then that Johnson was traded to ONE Championship where he picked up right where he left off.

“I’ve been doing this for 18 years – ever since I was 18 years old,” Johnson said. “At some point, if you stay at the party for too long, you end up drunk. I don’t want to get drunk.”

Demetrious Johnson/Adriano Moraes 3 Headlines US ONE Card, Twitter Reacts

ONE Championship is heading to American soil for the first time and bringing with it a blockbuster flyweight trilogy between MMA legend Demetrious Johnson and Adriano Moraes. Having long expressed interest in taking the Circle to the United States, Asi…

ONE Championship is heading to American soil for the first time and bringing with it a blockbuster flyweight trilogy between MMA legend Demetrious Johnson and Adriano Moraes. Having long expressed interest in taking the Circle to the United States, Asia’s largest martial arts promotion is set to get its ball rolling in the combat sports-loving…

Continue Reading Demetrious Johnson/Adriano Moraes 3 Headlines US ONE Card, Twitter Reacts at MMA News.

Demetrious Johnson vs. Adriano Moraes 3 headlines ONE Championship debut in Colorado on May 5.

Demetrious JohnsonChatri Sityodtong-led promotion, ONE Championship are set for their first outing in the United States, with an official press release confirming how the promotion will host a ONE on Prime Video card on May 5. at the 1st. Bank Center in Broomfield, Colorado.  Demetrious Johnson headlines ONE Championship’s on-ground debut in the United States Atop […]

Demetrious Johnson

Chatri Sityodtong-led promotion, ONE Championship are set for their first outing in the United States, with an official press release confirming how the promotion will host a ONE on Prime Video card on May 5. at the 1st. Bank Center in Broomfield, Colorado. 

Demetrious Johnson headlines ONE Championship’s on-ground debut in the United States

Atop the card as per a press release, an undisputed flyweight title trilogy rubber match between champion, Demetrious Johnson, and former champion, Adriano Moraes will feature on the May 5. card.

“ONE makes it’s U.S on-ground debut on May 5 at the 1stBank Center in Colorado, headlined by Demetrious Johnson vs. Adriano Moraes 3!” ONE Championship tweeted. “Sign up NOW for priority access to pre-sale tickets.” 

Twice meeting back in August and April of last year, former undisputed UFC flyweight best, Johnson suffered a stunning second round knockout loss to Moraes in the pair’s first matchup last year – dropping the first KO loss of his gold-laden professional mixed martial arts career.

Back in August, Kentucky favorite, Johnson managed to clinch the undisputed flyweight crown from Brazil native, Moraes – landing a stunning, highlight-reel knee knockout finish of his own at ONE on Prime Video 1. 

At ONE Championship X back in March of this year, Demetrious Johnson submitted Muay Thai icon, Rodtang Jitmuangon with a second round submission in a special rules matchup in Kallang, Singapore. 

20-4 as a professional, Brasilia native, Moraes managed to originally win the ONE Championship flyweight crown back in 2014, landing the inaugural division crown.

Searching for his fourth reign as the undisputed flyweight champion, Moraes has landed an impressive 10 submission wins to go with a further four knockouts, as well as becoming the first to hand Johnson a defeat in ONE Championship – and the first to finish the US fighter with strikes in his decorated mixed martial arts career.