Demetrious Johnson says age has not been a factor in his career
On May 5th, Demetrious Johnson will make history once again as one of the two men headlining ONE Championship’s first event in the United States. The promotion will invade the 1stBank Center in Broomfield, Colorado with ONE on Prime Video 10.
In the main event of the evening, Demetrious Johnson will defend the ONE flyweight world championship for the first time against the man he took it from in spectacular fashion, Adriano Moraes. When ‘Mighty Mouse’ defends his throne against Moraes, he will do so in a city that sits one mile above sea level.
Addressing the difficulties that may come with fighting at a higher altitude at his particular age, Demetrious Johnson said:
“Now, being 36, I understand how to fight and how to pace myself while pushing the pace."
He added:
“We haven’t crossed that bridge yet. I’m still trying to figure it out, [but] I’m not too worried about it. I’m gonna train my ass off and go out there and fight.”
For the first time ever, fans in North America will have the chance to see ONE Championship’s incredible production firsthand as the promotion brings the biggest names in combat sports to America. You can find all the details on the event and learn how to purchase tickets right here.
Demetrious Johnson knows that Adriano Moraes thrives in world title rematches
When Adriano Moraes steps into the Circle on May 5th, it will be in a somewhat familiar position. ‘Mikinho’ has lost the ONE flyweight world title twice before dropping it to Demetrious Johnson in August. In both instances, he was able to work his way back to the world title by defeating both men who took it from him:
“You look at Geje Eustaquio and Kairat Akhmetov,” said Johnson. “[Moraes is] used to this. He’s used to losing the belt and then getting the opportunity to get it back – and he usually gets it back. He’s been here before and that’s the biggest thing that I see.”
After winning the inaugural flyweight world title in 2014, Moraes dropped the belt via split decision to Kairat Akhmetov at ONE: Dynasty of Champions close to a year later. Moraes would defeat two contenders before getting his chance to fight Akhmetov again for the world title in August 2017 - nearly two years after their initial meeting. There, ‘Mikinho’ claimed a convincing unanimous decision victory to reclaim the gold.
In June 2018, Moraes would suffer another tight split-decision loss, this time to Filipino stalwart Geje Eustaquio. However, Moraes wouldn’t have to wait nearly as long this time, regaining the crown seven months later at ONE: Hero’s Ascent in January 2019.
Will he reclaim the ONE flyweight world title for the third time on May 5th?