Demetrious Johnson will go for gold once again at ONE on Prime Video 1: Moraes vs. Johnson II on Friday, August 26. The Washington native will try to even the series against Adriano Moraes after suffering the first knockout loss of his career during their last encounter.
That loss was the first setback for Johnson’s ONE Championship tenure.
“Mighty Mouse” first joined ONE on March 31, 2019, at ONE: A New Era as part of the loaded ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix. After an already sterling career, Johnson wanted to achieve more and add to his legacy.
The first man standing across from him was Yuya Wakamatsu. After a tough first round, Johnson got the submission finish with a guillotine at the 2:40 mark of the second round to advance to the semifinals.
Awaiting him would be Tatsumitsu Wada.
Johnson would impose his will and dominate the action en route to a unanimous decision victory.
In the final of the tournament, Johnson would meet one of the top contenders in the division in Danny Kingad. But Johnson was true to form and looked outstanding in his three-round performance to claim the unanimous decision and the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix title.
After gaining the first piece of precious metal he coveted in ONE, it was time to challenge for the gold.
At ONE on TNT I, Johnson challenged Moraes for the ONE Flyweight World Championship. And in a stunning result, he was knocked out. Moraes stunned Johnson and then leveled him with a knee on the ground. The result put a spotlight on the technique and called into question how Johnson would return from his first KO loss.
However, his return bout was not typical, as Johnson squared off against Rodtang Jitmuangnon in a special rules superfight at ONE X.
Rodtang, the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion, would get to start off the contest under Muay Thai rules before the match went into the global mixed martial arts ruleset. The intriguing matchup was also exhilarating for fans.
Johnson exchanged with Rodtang during the Muay Thai portion and ate several hard shots from “The Iron Man.” But the bell rang, and he was able to employ his game in the second round.
After securing the takedown, Johnson moved to the back and got the submission with a rear-naked choke.
Johnson looked outstanding with both his submission game and his striking. To be able to hang with Rodtang for even a round while taking shots spoke to “Mighty Mouse’s” ability on the feet.
After securing the win, the rematch was set for Moraes and the first-ever Prime Video event.
Johnson proved his mettle against Rodtang, but he will still be tasked with taking on the flyweight king whose ground game is second to none. The main event for ONE on Prime Video 1 will be another massive test for Johnson, and a victory would only extend his claim to being the greatest of all time.
ONE on Prime Video 1: Moraes vs. Johnson II airs live on Prime Video at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Friday, August 26.
