Eustaquio shocks Moraes to unify ONE flyweight belts
MACAU—Geje Eustaquio pulled off a stunning split decision triumph over Adriano Moraes to become the undisputed ONE World flyweight champion Saturday at Studio City here in Macau.
Not only did Eustaquio (11-7) unify the belts, he also avenged his loss to Moraes (17-3), who had defeated him their first fight to become ONE’s inaugural World flyweight champion in 2014.
No one had clear control in the majority of the first round with Eustaquio holding the mount but Moraes had his neck under the last two minutes.
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Eustaquio was able to counter Moraes’ submission attempt in the final 30 seconds, showering the Brazilian with several elbows and forearms cutting the Brazilian.
Moraes then was able to get Eustaquio’s back late in the second round and used the position to land some right hands before transitioning to a loose rear naked choke attempt that the Filipino easily got out of.
After several failed attempts, Moraes took Eustaquio to the mat with a massive takedown before he transitioned to another submission attempt early in the third round.
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Eustaquio held on with his ground defense and both fighters exchanged several elbows.
“I came here to Macau with one reason and that is to get this undisputed belt,” said Eustaquio. “I know I’m not capable of doing it alone and my God Lord Jesus Christ stood by me and fought with me.”
Moraes continued to take the match to the ground but Eustaquio found the will to get back up and score his own takedown in the fourth.
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Both fighters exchanged takedowns in the first minute of the fifth with Eustaquio immediately landing shots while on the mount.
Eustaquio managed to use Moraes’ own takedown offense against him late in the fifth round in an attempt to close the fight on a strong finish.
Although Moraes got out of the mat and took the standing position, both fighters finished the last 15 seconds on a flurry.
“I have a very big team on my back, Team Lakay has been with me since Day 1, and also my family and to the fans,” said Eustaquio.
“Impossible is not a word, it’s an excuse. Anybody can become a World champion if they have the passion and determination.”
