"I never would have imagined" - Adriano Moraes looks back at his 'idols becoming rivals' moment with Demetrious Johnson

Adriano Moraes worked tirelessly to reach the level of a fighter he looked up to for most of his career. Once the opportunity presented itself, 'Mikinho' capitalized on his superstar-making moment and became the only fighter to knock out his longtime idol, Demetrious Johnson.

Moraes was admittedly inspired by Johnson's incredible run and was grateful for the American's contributions in bringing more attention to MMA's smaller weight classes.

Once 'Mighty Mouse' took his talents to the world's largest martial arts organization back in 2018, the Brazilian knew his path would inevitably cross with the living legend.

The former flyweight MMA world champion said in a recent interview on Party Starter Radio:

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"So you travel together and have this kind of journey and you meet a lot of legends around the world. When I fought Demetrious Johnson, I was following his career for as long as I can [remember]. I never would have imagined I was going to be fighting against him one day. I had a trilogy against him."

Adriano Moraes has indeed come a long way after three incredible wars with the now-retired MMA icon.

The 36-year-old veteran will look to move closer to the belt that Johnson vacated on Nov. 8, when he'll run it back with Danny Kingad at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Adriano Moraes says beating Demetrious Johnson was a 'life-changing' moment

Adriano Moraes may have lost his trilogy with the great Demetrious Johnson, but he still takes solace in being the only fighter to finish him in his legendary career.

'Mikinho' has recorded plenty of amazing victories over the years, but no doubt his earth-shattering knockout over 'DJ' in their first encounter in 2021 tops it all.

Moraes said in the same interview:

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"It changed my life completely, because with that knockout, I got to draw my new contract with ONE Championship, and that was a life changer."

Here's Adriano Moraes' full interview:

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