Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Team Lakay’s ONE world champions have dwindled down to two.
Geje Eustaquio suffered a shock unanimous decision loss to rival Adriano Moraes relinquishing his ONE world flyweight title in the main event of ONE: Hero’s Ascent Friday at Mall of Asia Arena.
The loss followed up Joshua Pacio’s defeat to Yosuke Saruta that saw the Japanese walk away with the ONE world strawweight belt.
Eustaquio (11-7), however, believes it shouldn’t have been that way.
“Sorry Pilipinas if I didn’t make it tonight but in my mind I thought I won the fight but it’s part of life. There are ups and downs and tonight is not my night it was Adriano’s night but the road doesn’t end there.”
“I thought I was winning the fight but I have to respect the decision of the judges. I have to take it positively in order to become a better athlete.”
It was a well-rounded fight between Moraes and Eustaquio that featured stellar striking and superb grappling.
In an unforgettable trilogy bout, Adriano Moraes reclaims the ONE Flyweight World Title over a game Geje Eustaquio via unanimous decision! #WeAreONE #HerosAscent #Manila #MartialArts pic.twitter.com/6qy5zjOFns
— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) January 25, 2019
Moraes continuously tried to put the match to the ground but Eustaquio was able to prevent the Brazilian from getting into dominant position.
Eustaquio, however, got into trouble late in the fourth round when Moraes caught him in an absurdly looking leg lock wherein Mikinho stretched the Filipino’s left leg over his head.
Still, there were moments that Eustaquio easily countered any of Moraes’ takedown and submission attempts.
Eustaquio added that he’s not actively looking for a fourth fight against Moraes since three was already too many and he can still have more title opportunities in the promotion.
The only time Eustaquio would go up against Moraes once more is if ONE Championship chairman Chatri Sityodtong orders a fourth fight.
“The problem with an immediate rematch is we already met three times but if you think and if you believe that a fourth time is worth it then please ask the boss (Sityodtong) then I’d be willing to do it,” said Eustaquio.
“I’m a person of the mountain and there’s no mountain we can’t conquer. I can go to the [Flyweight] Grand Prix or I can have better opportunities in the other divisions.”