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For Adriano Moraes: use movement to open up opportunities to clinch and take the fight to the ground
In their first fight, we all saw what Moraes did in the second round, finishing Johnson via KO in devastating fashion. What most aren't talking about, however, is the first round, which 'Mikinho' clearly won.
He surprisingly matched Demetrious Johnson's movement and was able to put him on his back and hold him there long enough to win the round clearly. This will be the pivotal key to retaining his world title this Friday.
Adriano Moraes has to use his movement and feints to mask his clinch and takedown entries to take the fight to the ground, where he will most likely win.
Since ONE has removed weight cutting and operates at 10 pounds heavier than the usual weight limit, this fight will be at 135 pounds. Before falling to Moraes, the only other dominant loss suffered by Demetrious Johnson was at the hands of Dominick Cruz, who was 135 pounds.
Moraes has a clear size advantage over 'DJ', being a more natural 135-pound fighter. He has to take advantage of this by grappling heavily with ‘Mighty Mouse’.
For both: control the center of the circle
The outcome of this bout will also depend on who controls the center of the circle first. Demetrious Johnson works best when he uses his movement to push his opponents backwards. Same with Moraes.
Both are supremely conditioned athletes with gas tanks for days. Both also operate at a higher pace than most fighters in their weight class. They are also capable of submitting and knocking anyone out at any moment. Adriano Moraes and Demetrious Johnson are levels above everybody else.
The victor of the bout will most likely have to maintain control of the circle and keep his opponent on the defensive. This is where the difference lies in this massive world title rematch at ONE on Prime Video 1.
Tune in on August 26 to watch the action and drama unfold.
