Mixed martial arts icon Demetrious Johnson has lost only twice in the last 10 years of his career, but One flyweight world champion Adriano Moraes is determined to make it three.
The two superstars will face off in a heated rematch at One Fight Night 1: Moraes v Johnson II on Aug 27 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
Moraes was the last man to take "Mighty Mouse" down, handing him his first-ever knockout defeat in the process, and the Brazilian is hoping to finish the American once again but this time in a different way. "Demetrious Johnson is a very smart guy, very tough, and I know he's coming in very hungry for this rematch. I'm training a lot. I want to show my evolution as an athlete, so I believe I can get a submission in the fourth round," he said.
This will be Moraes' second title defence this year.
The longtime king defeated Yuya "Little Piranha" Wakamatsu in March, finishing his rival in round three via submission, and the Brazilian jiu-jitsu expert is looking to make another statement against fan-favourite Johnson.
With the card airing live in US primetime, "Mikinho" wants to make sure all eyes are on him, and he promises a new future for MMA in North America. "I have been an ATT athlete for seven years. I have lived in the United States for seven years. It is already my second home. They welcomed me very well here, and I have a lot of fans in America," Moraes said.
"I'm a very disciplined MMA and jiu-jitsu athlete, and that's why I believe I can be the new face of MMA in the United States. I am always waiting for new opportunities, and I always ask God to show me the way. If that's His will, I'll take it, for sure."
Johnson has long been renowned as the mixed martial arts GOAT, but if Moraes can defeat him yet again, he will go down in history as one of the most dangerous flyweights of all time.
The pressure of going 2-0 against an MMA legend while headlining one of the most important cards in One's history may cause the average fighter to become intimidated.
But Moraes is no ordinary fighter, and he is looking forward to being part of such a great day for the promotion that helped him become a star.