“I didn't know I had such a big fan base” - Adriano Moraes says American fans embraced him after Demetrious Johnson trilogy
Adriano Moraes was surprised to have the support of so many American fight fans following his iconic trilogy with Demetrious Johnson.
After splitting their first two fights with a pair of highlight-reel knockouts, Moraes and 'Mighty Mouse' met for a third and final time at ONE Fight Night 10 in Denver, Colorado.
Though the bout didn't produce another epic KO, the two flyweight icons went toe-to-toe in a 25-minute war that ultimately saw Johnson emerge as the winner, retaining his ONE flyweight MMA world championship in the process.
Looking back on their classic clash in The Mile High City, 'Mikinho' was surprised to see so many fans in the U.S. showering him with praise and support despite going up against one of the country's most beloved mixed martial artists. Speaking to Combate, Moraes said:
"It was a very tough fight and It was really cool to see the American audience, you know. I didn't know I had such a big fan base here."
Adrian Moraes meets a hungry Danny Kingad in potential flyweight title eliminator
Adriano Moraes has not competed since coming up short in his threequel with 'Mighty Mouse,' but that changes on Friday, Nov. 8 when 'Mikinho' returns to the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok for a high-stakes rematch with Danny Kingad.
With Demetrious Johnson's recent retirement—leaving the ONE flyweight MMA world title vacant—ONE 169 presents a perfect opportunity for Moraes to climb back into the title picture and take a giant step toward his ninth title reign.
But to get there, he'll have to go through a bound-and-determined Kingad who still has high hopes of one day hoisting 26 pounds of ONE Championship gold over his head.
Who leaves The Land of Smiles with their hand raised and one step closer to a shot at the ONE flyweight MMA crown?
Fans in the United States and Canada can watch ONE 169: Malykhin vs. ‘Reug Reug’ live on Amazon Prime Video on Friday, Nov. 8 in U.S. primetime.