“He destroyed the knees of everybody” - Adriano Moraes open to a submission grappling bout with Mikey Musumeci

Adriano Moraes is a man who sees danger as an invitation.

When most people watched Mikey Musumeci shred the legs of Gantumur Bayanduuren last month, their first reaction was not, “I think I could take that guy”.

However, former ONE flyweight world champion Adriano Moraes felt differently. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt appreciated Musumeci’s skill and felt his own competitive spirit swell while watching him compete.

Moraes recently spoke to the South China Morning Post about the ONE flyweight grappling world champion and gave his thoughts on a potential matchup with him:

"Maybe, why not? He showed already why he’s one of the greatest grapplers in the world. He destroyed the knees of everybody that tried to cross his way. Let’s see if he can do it with me or if I can submit him."

Watch the entire interview here:

Adriano Moraes has finished seven of his fifteen opponents in ONE Championship by submission. Moraes is athletic and large for ONE’s flyweight division, meaning he could be a great test for Musumeci.

Moraes will get the chance to tussle with another elite grappler come May when he fights Demetrious Johnson in the main event of ONE Fight Night 10 in ONE’s debut in the United States.

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In tenth year with ONE Championship, Adriano Moraes looking to stay active

Despite his perennial position at the top of the flyweight division, Adriano Moraes is not the type of fighter to wait around for the perfect opponent at the perfect time.

In the past four years, he’s only competed three times. He’ll kick off 2023 with a trilogy fight with Johnson, but wants to stay committed to the grind after that.

Speaking to SCMP MMA about his desire for an active schedule, this is what 'Mikinho' had to say:

“I want to be busy. I want to fight more, of course. It’s going to be my 10th [year] anniversary in ONE Championship. I think it’s a long journey inside the company. It’s amazing. I think I’m the only fighter who travelled to all the capitals in Asia to fight. I just want to enjoy this year and celebrate and do what I love to do, which is to fight.”

In ten years of fighting for ONE Championship, Adriano Moraes has already done a lot. He’s held the ONE flyweight world championship for three separate stints, and he’s attempting his fourth later this year.

Win or lose against Johnson in May, a match with Mikey Musumeci could be in the cards or even a foray into the striking arts if he’s especially bold.

ONE Fight Night 10 will take place on May 5 in Broomfield, Colorado, United States. The event streams on Amazon Prime for North American subscribers.