Demetrious Johnson’s Epic Flying Knee Wins ONE’s 2022 MMA Knockout Of The Year
Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson and Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes‘ second battle was the most anticipated rematch in ONE Championship history, but few would have predicted the jaw-dropping end to their contest on August 26.
After being knocked out for the first time in his 14-year MMA career by Moraes in their initial encounter, the legendary American returned the favor with a strikingly similar stoppage to claim the ONE Flyweight World Title in the main event of ONE on Prime Video 1.
Just like his Brazilian foe had done to him at ONE on TNT I in April 2021, Johnson uncorked a wicked knee that separated “Mikinho” from his senses. Not only did that earn “Mighty Mouse” the gold and a US$50,000 performance bonus, but it also secured him ONE’s 2022 MMA Knockout of the Year award.
The flyweight GOAT could have been excused for being gun-shy when standing across the Circle from the only man who has ever finished him in an MMA fight, but that didn’t seem to faze him one bit.
Although defending titleholder Moraes started strong with crisp strikes, takedown defense, and top control in the first two frames, Johnson never stopped going after him.
That persistence helped the American turn the tide in the third round.
“Mighty Mouse” cut off the Circle well and found a home for his hands, but Moraes survived and tried to stifle him against the fence in the fourth stanza. However, once Johnson got back out in the open, he went on the hunt.
The American faked a knee from southpaw and stepped into an orthodox stance, and then he landed a chopping right cross that sent his Brazilian rival reeling. “Mikinho” backpedaled and stumbled into the Circle Wall, where Johnson timed a flying left knee to perfection.
That strike crunched into Moraes’ jaw and dropped him to the canvas. Sensing it was game over, the flyweight GOAT strolled off before the referee even had a chance to intervene, leveling the scores with a KO win each.
After taking the ONE Flyweight World Title from Moraes and adding it to his legendary list of accomplishments, Johnson will put it on the line in a rubber match with the Brazilian at ONE on Prime Video 10 – the promotion’s first live event on U.S. soil on May 5, 2023.
