Demetrious Johnson To Headline ONE: REIGN OF DYNASTIES In China
January 14, 2020 05:15 MYT
Following the successful blockbuster that was ONE: A NEW TOMORROW in Bangkok, Thailand, ONE Championship has released exciting news about their April card in China.
A clash between the world’s greatest flyweights is set to take place at the promotion’s debut in Chongqing, China on Saturday, 11 April.
In a Facebook post, ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong announced that ONE Flyweight World Champion Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes will defend his belt against ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix Champion Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson at ONE: REIGN OF DYNASTIES.
After the conclusion of the incredible ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix Championship at ONE: CENTURY last October, fans have been waiting to see the inevitable showdown between the two premier flyweights in mixed martial arts.
Moraes was last seen in action back in January 2019. The Brazilian had just put to bed his longstanding rivalry with Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio, earning a huge victory to reclaim the ONE Flyweight World Title in a highly entertaining rubber match.
Meanwhile, Johnson found himself inserted into the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix quarterfinals in March and proceeded to tear through the competition.
The Washington native’s sparkling 3-0 run through the tournament included two unanimous decisions and a second-round submission to set him up for a shot at Moraes’ belt.
First, “Mighty Mouse” fought off a spirited challenge from Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu to submit the Japanese athlete via guillotine choke and advance to the semifinals.
Then, he overcame Wakamatsu’s compatriot, Tatsumitsu “The Sweeper” Wada, with a unanimous decision victory to punch his ticket to the finals in Tokyo, Japan.
Johnson earned the tournament’s silver belt – his first in The Home Of Martial Arts – after dismantling Filipino sensation Danny “The King” Kingad in the finals.
Widely considered one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, the American is still hungry to prove himself in competition.
“Mikinho” will be the American’s toughest assignment yet – his six career submission wins makes him a certifiable threat on the ground.
If Moraes can find a way past “Mighty Mouse,” it will further his legacy as the greatest flyweight in ONE history.
More announcements about ONE: REIGN OF DYNASTIES are expected in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, ONE Championship looks to top their opening show of 2020 with ONE: FIRE & FURY on 31 January in Manila, Philippines.
Download the ONE Super App to catch all the action live and for free.
Read More From ONE Championship:
Adriano Moraes Reveals His Vision For A Historic 2020