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Filipino mixed martial arts star and reigning ONE Flyweight World Champion Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio is preparing for what could be the toughest challenge of his career, as he puts his title on the line against Brazilian challenger and former two-time champion Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes.
The two lock horns in the main event of ONE: HERO’S ASCENT on Friday, 25 January at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines.
This will be their third time to share the cage, and Eustaquio believes that after their rematch back in July of 2018, his Brazilian rival will be more hungry and more motivated for this third do-over.
“I believe that he’s coming hungrier, he’s coming a better fighter compared than the last time that we fought. That’s the thing I’m looking forward to, and I’m ready, and the camp prepared for this show.”
In their last meeting, Eustaquio eked out a split decision win to become the undisputed ONE Flyweight World Champion.
With their third dance looming, Eustaquio says that he still has some aces in the hole in store for Moraes.
“I’m going to be putting up some surprises, you’re going to see it in the show, it’s hard for me to elaborate now,” he stated.
For his part, Eustaquio says that he has also done some fine tuning during his camp, and is looking to make a statement this time around with a dominant and decisive finish.
“I’m a world champion, basically I polish all aspects of my mixed martial arts career.”
“This is a world championship platform, so if I have the chance, I’m going to grab it. If I have the chance to knock him out, I’ll knock him out. I wouldn’t let the chance slip away,” he continued.
Eustaquio himself is also coming in more motivated, after watching his Team Lakay teammates suffer losses in their first two bouts of the year.
Edward Kelly fell short against Christian Lee, while Joshua Pacio dropped the ONE Strawweight World Championship to Yosuke Saruta at ONE: ETERNAL GLORY in Jakarta just last 19 January.
Now, Eustaquio has the pressure of having to successfully defend the title in front of a hometown crowd.
“It’s pressure and at the same time, motivation for me to keep going. There’s still the flyweight title to defend for the team, and I have to do my best to retain that title,” he explained.
