Undefeated heavyweight MMA contender Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida is pumped to see his friend, teammate, and Brazilian compatriot, Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes, fight in the main event of ONE’s blockbuster debut on American soil.
On Friday, May 5, live in front of a sold-out crowd at 1stBank Center in Colorado, the former flyweight MMA king will challenge current titleholder Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson in the biggest World Championship fight in ONE history.
What’s more, this headlining showdown at ONE Fight Night 10 on Prime Video is the third epic fight between these two warriors.
Obviously, there is plenty on the line.
A training partner of “Mikinho’s” at American Top Team, “Buchecha” recognizes just how big this fight is, well aware of the surrounding drama.
The 17-time BJJ World Champion told ONEFC.com:
“I think the third one will seal the deal. They’re at one [win] each, so one victory, one knockout for each side. I think, of course, that’s not how Moraes planned this to happen, but at the end of the day, it puts more spice on the fight.”
The two flyweights first met in April 2021 when the Brazilian knocked out “Mighty Mouse” with a highlight-reel knee, becoming the first man ever to finish the modern-day legend.
Johnson evened the score last August with a spectacular flying knee knockout of his own, also handing Moraes his first-ever stoppage loss.
Almeida was there through it all, including his friend’s most recent crushing defeat. But he also believes that loss sparked a new motivation in Moraes – and that fans will soon see the fruits of his intense training.
“Buchecha” said:
“I could see that during training his mindset changed completely. His technique [too]. He’s like a completely new fighter, and I can’t wait for May 5. It’s going to be amazing. I really can’t wait to be there, the first [ONE event on] American soil, so it’s going to be a huge one.”
‘Buchecha’ Praises Moraes Ahead Of ONE Fight Night 10 Headliner
Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida is supremely confident that Adriano Moraes won’t lose to Demetrious Johnson twice.
“Mikinho,” he says, is still evolving and learning as a fighter, even at 35 years old and with 15 thrilling battles inside the Circle.
“Buchecha” said:
“Moraes is the kind of guy that learns even in victories. He takes a lot of lessons from that. He’s the guy who learns with the victories, so you can bet that a loss in the last one, the last defeat, he knows all the mistakes that he did and [that] he could do better.”
Indeed, the Brazilian has a proven track record of bouncing back after losses, coming out on top in ONE Flyweight World Title rivalries against Geje Eustaquio and Kairat Akhmetov.
After witnessing his teammate’s improvements, both mental and physical, “Buchecha” is happy to lock in his official prediction for the main event of ONE Fight Night 10.
He added:
“I think Moraes, TKO, third round.”
