Adriano Moraes and Demetrious Johnson have shared one of the best flyweight rivalries in MMA history, with the Brazilian thrilled that ‘Mighty Mouse’ has played such a pivotal role in his story.
The pair exchanged brutal blows over the course of three exhilarating fights.
Adriano Moraes and Demetrious Johnson will forever be linked
On November 7, Adriano Moraes will make his eagerly anticipated return to the cage against Danny Kingad in the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
The fantastic clash serves as a massive moment for the former champion, with ‘Mikinho’ looking to bounce back from two consecutive defeats to Demetrious Johnson.
During three blockbuster bouts, Moraes and ‘Mighty Mouse’ created something special, in front of MMA fans from around the globe.
In their first encounter, the Brazilian shook up the world, rendering the legend unconscious with a thunderous knee, before ‘DJ’ returned the favor in the rematch.
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The pair eventually settled their differences in a trilogy bout, with Johnson walking away with the bragging rights via unanimous decision.
The series of epic fights has become a piece of history that only enhanced the legacies of both men, with Moraes overjoyed that he got the opportunity to feature in such a tremendous rivalry.
In an exclusive interview with Bloody Elbow, the Brasilia native enthused: “It’s amazing because he’s one of the greatest of our time, and I was the first man to finish him. To become part of his legacy and to make him part of mine as a flyweight athlete is a dream come true.
“I think it’s every flyweight athlete’s dream to fight Demetrious Johnson one day, and I did it three times. So, it’s fantastic for me.
“When they remember Demetrious Johnson, they’re going to remember me too. If he does good, then I do too.”
Adriano Moraes’ mom adopted him after he was abandoned on the streets
While Moraes has achieved so much, nothing makes him happier than speaking about his beloved mother.
After being abandoned by his biological parents, and spending three years at the orphanage, the born-fighter met a wonderful woman who adopted him and gave him an opportunity to become the humble warrior he is today.
Moraes’ mom showered him with love, and helped him develop the courage necessary to set foot in the cage and do sensational things.
Now, the athlete has a baby of his own, and is so excited to introduce the pair to one another.
The 35-year-old explained: “I love to speak about my mom. My mom is an angel sent from God to my life. She supports me every single time, whether I win or lose. She’s always by my side.
“I’m really happy because now I have my daughter, and my mom is going to come to meet her for the first time.
“This is a dream coming true for me, for my daughter to meet her grandmother, it’s a magical thing. I can bring her here to Florida, where I live.
“She hates travel, but she’s going to come because we have a baby, and she’s excited to know her.”
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