“It doesn’t get any better than that” - Demetrious Johnson dissects his finish against Adriano Moraes
Demetrious Johnson captured his first ONE world championship in spectacular fashion, knocking out former titleholder Adriano Moraes with a brutal flying knee in the fourth round of their critically-acclaimed rematch at ONE on Prime Video 1.
More than a year removed from suffering the first knockout of his career in what appeared to be an eerily similar fashion, ‘Mighty Mouse’ exacted revenge in the long-awaited rematch.
Discussing his win against Moraes on The Joe Rogan Experience with the popular podcaster, Demetrious Johnson broke down the maneuver and explained how it was different than the knee Moraes landed on him in April 2021.
“Yes, in a different way, one thousand percent. The distance control, following him, knowing the cage was coming, and just giving everything I had into it. It doesn’t get any better than that. That’s like picture-perfect.”
Johnson added:
“If you look at the slow-mo, I’m in the southpaw position, I’m on the outside lead leg, landing at my left knee in milliseconds. You’re playing with windows of opportunity that are opening and closing like that.”
Following the victory in August, Demetrious Johnson is yet to commit to a return date, at least publicly, but the pound-for-pound great has a list of potential opponents that includes No.2-ranked flyweight Kairat Akhmetov or a possible submission grappling showdown with Mikey Musumeci. ?
Demetrious Johnson on his history-making win over Rodtang Jitmuangnon
Coming off a devastating loss to Adriano Moraes in their first meeting at ONE on TNT 1, Demetrious Johnson responded by making ONE Championship history. The flyweight superstar became one of the first men to compete in a mixed-rules bout, blending the rules of two different combat sports into one epic battle for supremacy.
Stepping into the Circle at ONE: X in March, DJ met flyweight Muay Thai world champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon in a bout that would alternate between the rules of Muay Thai and MMA between rounds. It was a unique concept that made for a thrilling encounter.
Surviving the first round contested under Muay Thai rules, Johnson got the upper hand in the second, taking Rodtang to the mat and submitting him via a rear-naked choke. Sharing the experience of meeting ‘The Iron Man’ inside the Circle, Johnson said:
“It was fun just exchanging with him, and I think having this fight was good for my career and good for my confidence, to come off a loss against Adriano [Moraes] then come back and fight another tough striker.”