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“I’m always striving for perfection”: Johnson focused on performance in Moraes rematch
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Demetrious Johnson (right) faces Adriano Moraes in the main event of ONE Fight Night 1 in Singapore, on Aug. 27. (ONE Championship)
T
he much-anticipated rematch between MMA-icon Demetrious Johnson and longtime ONE flyweight world-champion Adriano Moraes will take centerstage at ONE Fight Night 1: Moraes vs. Johnson II on Aug. 27, and fans are guaranteed a barnburner.
Johnson will be seeking redemption after being handed his first knockout defeat by the Brazilian brawler in April 2021, and he knows he will have his work cut out for him against an opponent who is laser-focused on cementing his legacy by scoring a second victory against the MMA GOAT.
“It’s another tough [fight]. He’s a great athlete. He always comes prepared. He’s always in great condition. And then on that day, I’m just going to go out there and fight and see [what happens],” Johnson said.
“I mean, at the end of the day, I have nothing to lose. I’ve just lost, damn it. We’ve both proven so much in the sport of mixed martial arts. For me, my challenge is I haven’t beat him yet. So I have a challenge in front of me. I have to go prove I can beat this man."
All safe bets were on “Mighty Mouse” ahead of the pair’s first meeting at “ONE on TNT I”, but longtime flyweight-king Moraes made short work of the US veteran before shocking the world by knocking his lights out in the second round.
Since the defeat, Johnson has reflected on which of the skills in his arsenal he believes will help him take down “Mikinho” in their rematch -- and he landed on his grappling.
Read Also: 5 elite skills that make Demetrious Johnson the MMA GOAT
In true champion spirit, “Mighty Mouse” has put all of his attention into that area to ensure he is entering the Circle on Aug. 27 with the best weapons possible.
“As I said, I’m working my ground game, working on my stand-up. I’m making sure when I step in the Circle in Singapore, I’m the best version of myself. That’s what I’m always striving for. I’m always striving for perfection, and I just hope that I go out there and execute and don’t make any mistakes," Johnson said.
“Every fight that I fight from here on out is always going to be my biggest fight, whether it’s for a World Title or not."
In the meantime, download the ONE Super App to catch all the action at ONE 160: Ok vs. Lee at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, on Aug. 26.
This article was published in collaboration with ONE Championship.
