Adriano Moraes says a rematch against Demetrious Johnson “makes sense” after ONE on TNT 1
ONE Championship flyweight champion Adriano Moraes has made it clear that he’s open to running things back with Demetrious Johnson.
In the main event of ONE on TNT I exactly one week ago, the 31-year-old Moraes scored a shocking second-round knockout victory over “Mighty Mouse”. After dropping Johnson with an uppercut, Moraes landed a brutal yet legal knee to a grounded opponent to close the show and successfully defend his title.
Looking ahead, Moraes certainly has options when it comes to his next title defense, but given Johnson’s standing as one of the best fighters in the history of the sport, the champion wouldn’t be opposed to a rematch.
“I know Demetrious Johnson is the greatest of all time,” Moraes told MMAJunkie. “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.”
In terms of “Mighty Mouse’s” legacy, Moraes may be right that he’s deserving of another crack at the belt. Before last week, Johnson had won 16 of his previous 17 bouts. Additionally, he defended his UFC flyweight title a record-setting 11 consecutive times and was 3-0 under the ONE Championship banner before falling short against Moraes.
The champion also credits “Mighty Mouse” for the role he played in building the flyweight division.
“Thank you to him to open the doors for us at the flyweight division,” Moraes said. “Every athlete in the flyweight division should be thankful to Demetrious Johnson for opening the doors to us.”
Ultimately, Adriano Moraes will leave what’s next for him up to ONE Championship executives, but another fight between him and Johnson is something the Brazilian feels “makes sense”.
“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.”
