Adriano Moraes is back on top of the flyweight division. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—It was a fitting end to ONE Championship’s first trilogy.
Facing off for the final time, both fighters went at it tooth and nail but it was Adriano Moraes who managed to regain the ONE World flyweight title against rival Geje Eustaquio from Team Lakay in ONE: Hero’s Ascent Friday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Moraes got the nod of all three judges as he avenged his loss to Eustaquio in June 2018 when the Filipino became champion and evened their match up at 1-1.
The Brazilian fighter, though, could not help but be impressed with Eustaquio’s grit, not giving up despite Moraes’ ridiculous submission attempt that had the Filipino fighter’s left leg bending in an awkward angle.
Two fighters showing respect after the match. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
“I was very close to submission, but he didn’t tap out. Oh my god,” said Moraes, who thanked Manila for the warm response.
Moraes called the absurd hold “the Mikinho back knee lock” in what he described as one submission technique that tapped everyone out at his stable American Top Team.
More fireworks ensued in the fifth with the two exchanging big shots in their standup game before Moraes, once again, got the top position on the ground right up until the final bell rang.
Team Lakay lost its second title in a week following Joshua Pacio’s split decision loss in his strawwweight title match last Saturday in Jakarta.
Next title defense for the famed Baguio stable is Eduard Folayang’s lightweight rematch against Shinya Aoki in March.