FILIPINO mixed martial arts fighter Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio and Brazilian Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes makes ONE Championship history today as they make a go in round three of their trilogy, the first for the promotion.
Headlining “ONE: Hero’s Ascent” at the Mall of Asia Arena, reigning ONE world flyweight champion Eustaquio collides anew with former champ Moraes in a virtual decider in their five-year rivalry.
Mr. Eustaquio (11-6) won their last encounter in June 2018 that allowed him to snatch the flyweight gold from Mr. Moraes (17-3). The win was also a payback for the Team Lakay stalwart who was the recipient of a submission defeat at the hands of the Brazilian in September 2014.
In the lead-up to their third encounter, the two combatants said they welcome the opportunity to settle things between them and solidify their position as the best in the division.
“This Friday night, me and Adriano will make history in the first-ever trilogy bout in ONE Championship. It’s going to be an exciting fight and everybody should come and watch,” said Mr. Eustaquio, 29, during the press conference and faceoff for Hero’s Ascent early this week.
“I look to have a better finish this time around. If I have the chance to knock him out or submit him I will go for it. Me and my team have prepared for this and I’m ready to defend my title,” added the Filipino champ, who beat Mr. Moraes by split decision in their last fight.
For Mr. Moraes, 29, the about-to-take-place bout would see him as a different fighter, vowing to be better than in his last outing.
“The Adriano that fought Geje in the last match, I can say with confidence that it wasn’t me. I wasn’t myself in that bout. This time, I have prepared very well for this third bout. Whatever happens, I am ready to give my best. This is going to be a good fight. I am looking forward to it,” Mr. Moraes said.
TRICKY
Being the rubber match in the Eustaquio-Moraes rivalry, local combat sports analyst Nissi Icasiano said the third one should be tricky and the toughest and that the two fighters should come in with a definitive strategy.
“It has been proven time and time again that rubber matches are the most crucial. Familiarity comes into play which makes this the toughest in the rivalry between Eustaquio and Moraes. It really boils down to the strategy and adjustments that the two fighters will have heading into the fight,” the analyst said when asked by BusinessWorld for his thoughts on the headlining fight at Hero’s Ascent.
Mr. Icasiano went on to say that a lot is riding on the fight for the two fighters in light of the packed roster of talent in the flyweight division and the scheduled ONE Championship grand prix tournament.
“A lot is riding in this fight for both fighters. There is a big possibility that whoever loses in this fight may need to go through the grand prix tournament to get another shot at the title which will not be easy because he will go up against a packed roster of talent, including Demetrious Johnson,” said Mr. Icasiano, referring to former Ultimate Fighting Championship star and champion Johnson, who signed up with ONE late last year.
The analyst refused to categorically answer who he thinks would win but nonetheless has Mr. Eustaquio winning provided he does what he needs to do.
“It’s not going to be easy for the two fighters, definitely. But I believe in Geje’s intelligence inside the cage. If he takes his time and is not reckless against Moraes, who I expect to come out aggressively, he is a good chance in keeping his title,” Mr. Icasiano said.
ONE: Hero’s Ascent will feature 10 other fights including those of Mr. Eustaquio’s Team Lakay teammates Honorio “The Rock” Banario and Danny “The King” Kingad against separate opponents in featherweight and flyweight, respectively.
Gates open at 6 p.m. with the event available on ONE’s mobile app and broadcast over S+A beginning at 8:30 p.m. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo
