“The biggest trade in MMA” - Adriano Moraes admits he was delighted when Demetrious Johnson came over to ONE Championship
First-ranked ONE Championship flyweight MMA contender and former longtime ONE flyweight MMA world champion 'Mikinho' Adriano Moraes of Brazil has fond memories of Demetrious Johnson's arrival in the world's largest martial arts organization.
Of course, Moraes now shares a storied history with 'Mighty Mouse', having faced off with the legend in an epic trilogy in ONE Championship.
Johnson arrived in the promotion via the most high-profile trade in all of sports history, and the first ever in combat sports. 'Mighty Mouse' was traded to ONE Championship from the UFC in exchange for former ONE welterweight king Ben Askren a few years ago.
Speaking to Party Starter Radio in a recent guest appearance, Moraes talked about the trade and what it felt like hearing about it.
'Mikinho' stated:
"Unfortunately, fighters from different organizations couldn’t fight each other. But in 2019, the biggest trade in MMA happened - Ben Askren went to UFC and we received Demetrious Johnson in ONE Championship. This time, I said, 'if one of the greatest of all time came to ONE Championship, it’s because I have to be here. So I’m going to wait for my time to make it happen.'"
Moraes would fight Johnson three times, winning once, which was a feat in itself. Now with Johnson retired, Moraes is looking to reclaim his lost gold.
Adriano Moraes to face Danny Kingad in epic rematch at ONE 169 on Prime Video
'Mikinho' Adriano Moraes is set to face no.3-ranked ONE Championship flyweight MMA contender 'The King' Danny Kingad of the Philippines.
The two lock horns at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug on Prime Video, which broadcasts live from the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, Nov. 8.
Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live and absolutely free on Amazon Prime Video. Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding the event as it happens.