Brazilian flyweight star Adriano Moraes (20-4) is excited to finally fight in his adopted home country.
“Mikinho” is set to face legendary divisional king Demetrious Johnson (24-4-1) in a bid to reclaim his ONE flyweight world title on May 5. The blockbuster trilogy showdown will headline ONE Fight Night 10 at the 1STBANK Center in Colorado.
The pair stand at 1-1 in their epic rivalry and incredibly, both fights have been decided by knockouts of the knee variety.
Moraes now plies his trade at Florida powerhouse gym American Top Team, and the affable 34-year-old couldn’t resist a joke when pressed about his life in the ‘States.
“I love to pay cheap in gasoline and ride a lot by car. This is one of the things I like most here in the United States,” he quipped.
“I’ve been living here in the United States for eight years. I am very happy to live here. I love to be here, the rules of the country. Things here become easier.”
The move has proven to be a fruitful one for Moraes, who has enjoyed three reigns as the ONE flyweight world champion.
The high-level coaching and training afforded to him in the U.S. have allowed the Brazilian to sharpen up his skills, thus allowing him to become one of the greatest flyweights in the sport today.
But it’s also his life outside of the ONE circle that has been enriched in North America.
“(I moved here for) opportunities as an athlete. Having a gym as big as ATT and the support they give to us is amazing,” he said.
“The price of things too, security, and leisure is very good. (It) improves our quality of life.”
Moraes has claimed ONE world titles in countries such as Cambodia, China, and the Philippines in his storied run with the world’s largest martial arts organization.
But the chance to now add the United States to that list in front of his friends and family is one that the 20-4 Brazilian is relishing.
“After I moved to the United States, it became my second home. I’ve fought jiu-jitsu a few times here, but I never fought MMA (here),” he said.
“It will be great to fight MMA in my second home and, who knows, become champion here, too.”
