Adriano Moraes credits Demetrious Johnson for building the flyweight division and is certainly open to a rematch with him.
Moraes (19-3) defended his flyweight title when he became the first man to finish former UFC champion Johnson at ONE on TNT I. The Brazilian connected with an uppercut in Round 2, followed by a legal knee to a downed Johnson that put him away. It was undoubtedly Moraes’ biggest win of his career, and he has nothing but respect for Johnson (30-4-1), who inspired him to pursue his path as a flyweight.
“Thank you to him to open the doors for us at the flyweight division,” Moraes told MMA Junkie Radio. “Every athlete in the flyweight division should be thankful to Demetrious Johnson for opening the doors to us. …
“The flyweight division was created just because of Demetrious Johnson and Joseph Benavidez. As a big fan of MMA and, of course, I practice this sport, I know that. I remember that time when they created the flyweight division, they both were the fighters to fight for the first UFC flyweight belt, so when I saw that, I decided to drop down to flyweight. That’s why I made my stories in the flyweight division because DJ and Joseph Benavidez started the division. So that’s why a lot of flyweight athletes need to be thankful to have these two big warriors of the flyweight division open these doors for us.”
Moraes is looking to take some time off before returning to action at least one more time before the end of the year. He knows plenty of hungry contenders await, but if ONE Championship wants to book an immediate rematch, he’d be happy to oblige.
“I know Demetrious Johnson is the greatest of all time,” Moraes said. “I think if the company thinks he deserves a rematch, of course we’re gonna give him a rematch. But we have a lot of killers here in the flyweight division who I think deserve the shot. For me, I’m gonna keep my focus on my path. I’m gonna rest a little bit and come back to the gym and start all over again, and let’s see what’s gonna happen. The flyweight division here in ONE Championship is so dynamic, there are a lot of fighters, so I don’t know what’s gonna happen.”
He continued, “Let’s see after this, Moraes vs. Johnson 2. I think it makes sense, he deserves it, he’s the GOAT and let’s go. I can’t wait.”
ONE champion Adriano Moraes willing to give ‘GOAT’ Demetrious Johnson rematch
