“She helps me a lot” - Brazilian star Adriano Moraes looks back on how his adoptive mother shaped his identity
Former ONE flyweight MMA world champion Adriano Moraes says he owes a lot to his adoptive mother for the triumphs he has achieved not only as fighter but also in life in general.
'Mikinho' reiterated this ahead of his scheduled return to action on Nov. 8 at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. 'Reug Reug' at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. In a series of quote cards posted by ONE Championship on Instagram, the Brazilian star shared how his mother's support propelled him to be where he is now.
The post read:
"My birth mother left me on the streets [of Brazil] after I was born. I was placed in an orphanage and was adopted when I was 3 years old. My [adoptive] mother took me in and took care of me like her own flesh and blood. I talk to my mother everyday. She helps me a lot to keep my thoughts positive."
Check out the post below:
His mother's unwavering support will be one of the things Adriano Moraes will be banking on as he tries to get back on the winning track in his scheduled match at ONE 169. He will take on Filipino Danny Kingad in a flyweight MMA rematch of their first encounter seven years ago, where he won by submission in the opening round.
ONE 169 will be aired live and for free in U.S. primetime to North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.
Adriano Moraes says motivation now goes beyond being world champion
Adriano Moraes says at this stage of his illustrious career, his motivation is no longer solely focused on becoming world champion.
He opened about this in an interview with Sports Illustrated as he girds for his return to action at ONE 169 on Nov. 8, highlighting that while "world champion" still has a significant ring for him, he is competing for something bigger now.
'Mikinho' said:
"Like you said, I have been the champ for a long time, I have eight belts of ONE Championship. I think it's not the belt that motivates me anymore."
Among that the things that drives Adriano Moraes right now is being at his best to be an inspiration to many, particularly to his daughter, who he wants to teach the value of hard work and dedication in achieving one's dreams.