Adriano Moraes Believes He Can Be ‘The New Face Of MMA In The United States’
Adriano Moraes has been one of the most popular MMA fighters in Asia since he first claimed the ONE Flyweight World Title in 2014.
Now, he plans to become one of the biggest names in North America.
The longtime divisional king gave American fans a taste of his immense talent when he became the first man to knock out the MMA GOAT, Demetrious Johnson, at “ONE on TNT I” in April 2021.
And with their upcoming World Title rematch set for ONE on Prime Video 1: Moraes vs. Johnson II on Friday, August 26, he’ll have another huge platform to cement his status as a superstar.
Their second battle will headline ONE Championship’s historic first card on Prime Video, and with an enormous new reach across the United States and Canada, Moraes is thrilled to be featured in the headline attraction.
He said:
“I believe this partnership between ONE and Prime Video will be fantastic for MMA fans and everyone who loves martial arts. And for me, it will be an honor to [compete in] the main event on the first Prime Video broadcast. I am very grateful once again.”
Although Moraes was born and raised in Brasilia, Brazil, he now calls the U.S. his home.
The flyweight king trains with some of the best athletes in the sport at American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Florida, and has already gained a following in the country.
If he can defeat Johnson for a second time, “Mikinho” believes he can follow in the footsteps of his fighting countrymen who have become household names in “The Land of Opportunity.”
Moraes said:
“I have been an ATT athlete for seven years. I have lived in the United States for seven years. It is already my second home. They welcomed me very well here, and I have a lot of fans here in America.
“I’m a very disciplined MMA and jiu-jitsu athlete, and that’s why I believe I can be the new face of MMA in the United States. I am always waiting for new opportunities, and I always ask God to show me the way. If that’s His will, I’ll take it, for sure.”
Adriano Moraes Aiming For Second Finish Against Demetrious Johnson
Taking the step toward being “the new face of MMA in the United States” depends on whether Adriano Moraes can make lightning strike twice against Demetrious Johnson at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
Johnson had never been finished in his illustrious career until the pair fought for the ONE Flyweight World Title at “ONE on TNT I” in April 2021, but the Brazilian’s stunning knee shattered the illusion that the American legend could not be stopped.
The Brazilian is determined to finish “Mighty Mouse” once again in their highly anticipated rematch at ONE on Prime Video 1: Moraes vs. Johnson II, but this time, he thinks he can make the top-ranked flyweight contender tap out.
The Brazilian said:
“Demetrious Johnson is a very smart guy, very tough, and I know he’s coming in very hungry for this rematch. I’m training a lot. I want to show my evolution as an athlete, so I believe I can get a submission in the fourth round.”
