After an 18-month layoff, former ONE flyweight champion Adriano Moraes is set to return to action against Danny Kingad at ONE 169, while reflecting on his trilogy with Demetrious Johnson, who has retired from MMA but remains a potential future opponent if he decides to come back.
After an unexpected 18-month hiatus, former ONE flyweight champ Adriano Moraes is set to return. He’s got a fight lined up against Danny Kingad on Friday at ONE 169. Exciting times!
Moraes’ absence followed a trilogy with Demetrious Johnson, where he made history by being the first to finish the former UFC champion. Yet, in their subsequent bouts, Johnson claimed victory. Interestingly, Johnson held onto his last win over Moraes for more than a year before announcing retirement in September.
Despite their rivalry, Moraes speaks highly of Johnson. “I was happy for him,” Moraes shared with MMA Fighting. He believes Johnson achieved greatness and retired at the pinnacle of his career.
Moraes admires Johnson’s legacy in the flyweight division. “He opened the division for us,” he said, reminiscing about being a fan from the start. Their trilogy was monumental for both fighters’ legacies.
Even as Moraes wishes Johnson well, he can’t shake off the feeling that “Mighty Mouse” might return to the cage. It’s a sport where retirements often seem temporary, after all.
“For me, it doesn’t matter [if we fight again],” Moraes mused. He’s focused on his path but suspects another encounter could happen if he regains the belt.
When asked about Moraes’ comments, Johnson laughed—not mockingly—but with clarity on his decision to retire. Waiting over a year post-fight allowed him to confirm his resolve to hang up the gloves.
“That was the whole point [about waiting],” Johnson explained to MMA Fighting. He compared himself to Donald Cerrone, who keeps busy with various pursuits outside fighting.
For now, it seems Johnson is content with his decision. He’s not eyeing a return and has relinquished the ONE flyweight title.
Ideally, Moraes would be fighting for that title on Friday, but that’s not how ONE Championship planned it this time around.
“I don’t know [why this fight isn’t for the title],” Moraes admitted. It’s out of his hands and up to the organization’s leadership.
As an athlete, Moraes remains ready for whatever comes next. He’s previously defended his belt against Kingad and believes it should be on the line again. But we’ll see what unfolds!