Adriano Moraes’ Legendary Trilogy with Geje Eustaquio: The Journey to ONE Hero’s Conquest
In January 2019, former ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion and top-ranked contender Adriano Moraes faced off against Geje Eustaquio in their long-anticipated trilogy bout at ONE: Hero’s Conquest.1
This climactic encounter unfolded in a charged and highly partisan atmosphere at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines, where Moraes would go up against not only his rival but also the passionate Filipino crowd rallying for Eustaquio.
Table of Contents
A Rivalry for the Ages: How Moraes and Eustaquio’s Paths Crossed
- The rivalry between Moraes and Eustaquio started in 2014, when the two first faced off under the ONE Championship banner.
- Adriano Moraes, known for his grappling expertise and fierce competitive spirit, claimed victory in this initial encounter, establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in the flyweight division.
- With his powerful submissions and technical prowess, Moraes captured the flyweight title and began a reign that would be challenged repeatedly.
- Four years later, in 2018, Moraes and Eustaquio faced each other in a highly anticipated rematch. Eustaquio had spent years honing his skills, rising through the ranks to become a worthy adversary for Moraes.
- This time, Eustaquio managed to edge out Moraes in a closely contested battle, winning by decision and claiming the flyweight title. This split-decision victory was controversial, sparking debates among fans and setting the stage for a third and decisive fight.
- The rivalry intensified, with each fighter holding a victory over the other, and the trilogy bout became one of the most eagerly anticipated events of 2019.
ONE: Hero’s Conquest – The Pressure of the Moment
The trilogy match was set for January 2019 at ONE: Hero’s Conquest in Manila, Philippines, Eustaquio’s home country. The Mall of Asia Arena buzzed with excitement, with fans filling the venue to support their local hero.
This environment added unique challenges for Moraes, as he was entering what many considered a hostile setting. The Filipino crowd’s energy and the high stakes of the bout created an electrifying atmosphere.
A Battle of Styles and Skills: Breaking Down the Trilogy Fight
The third bout between Moraes and Eustaquio was a masterclass in mixed martial arts, showcasing each fighter’s strengths and strategies. Moraes, known for his grappling, combined his Brazilian jiu-jitsu expertise with calculated striking.
Eustaquio, on the other hand, used his striking and footwork to try to keep Moraes at a distance, attempting to counter his grappling approach.
Also Read: Adriano Moraes Reflects on the Legendary KO That Shook Demetrious Johnson and 360 Flip
Adriano Moraes on Fatherhood and Focus
As Adriano Moraes gears up for his highly anticipated matchup against fellow top-five contender Danny Kingad at ONE 169, he’s entering the cage with a renewed sense of purpose. While he has always been known for his skill and dedication in martial arts, Moraes now brings a new strength with him to Bangkok’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium—fatherhood.2
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Reflecting on the life-changing experience, Moraes shared that becoming a dad has been the most rewarding thing he’s ever done, grounding him and motivating him as he prepares for the intense competition ahead.
A Renewed Motivation: Fatherhood’s Impact on Moraes
- Moraes has spoken openly about the transformative nature of becoming a father, describing it as a blessing that has enriched his life in ways he never imagined. For an elite athlete like Moraes, the drive to excel has always been strong, but the birth of his child has introduced an entirely new level of motivation.
- Now, every fight, training session, and challenge carries an added significance. With a family to provide for and a child to set an example for, Moraes’ focus has sharpened, giving him an edge that he believes will be crucial as he faces off against Kingad in the flyweight division.
- In interviews, Moraes has expressed the joy and responsibility that fatherhood brings, saying it’s grounded him and made him even more determined to achieve success.
- For Moraes, being a dad has deepened his understanding of commitment, sacrifice, and resilience, values that he not only applies in his family life but also in his MMA career.
Facing Danny Kingad: The Stakes at ONE 169
On November 8, Moraes and Kingad will go head-to-head at the prestigious Lumpinee Stadium, a venue that holds historical significance in the world of combat sports. This bout comes with high stakes for both fighters, as a win could catapult the victor closer to a title shot.
For Moraes, this fight is not only an opportunity to reaffirm his position as one of the top fighters in the flyweight division but also a chance to demonstrate his growth as a martial artist and as a person.
Training with American Top Team and Team Constrictor: Building on Excellence
Moraes’ preparation for the fight has involved intensive training with American Top Team (ATT) and Team Constrictor, two of the premier gyms in mixed martial arts. Known for producing champions and top contenders, ATT provides Moraes with access to world-class coaches, training partners, and resources that help him stay at the peak of his game.
Under the guidance of these elite teams, Moraes has honed his grappling skills, which have been instrumental in his rise within the flyweight division.
Geje Eustaquio: From Humble Beginnings to ONE Flyweight World Champion
Geje Eustaquio, a former ONE Flyweight World Champion, has carved a remarkable path in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), proudly representing the Philippines.
Training out of the renowned Team Lakay in Baguio City, Eustaquio has earned a reputation for his well-rounded skill set and fierce fighting spirit. His journey to the top was not without challenges, yet his resilience and dedication have made him one of the most respected athletes in Asia’s MMA circuit.
Training with Team Lakay: Eustaquio’s Foundation of Success
Team Lakay, a prestigious gym in the Philippines, has been integral to Eustaquio’s growth as a fighter. Known for its emphasis on wushu and striking, Team Lakay has produced a generation of world-class Filipino fighters, including champions and top contenders across various divisions.
Your undisputed ONE Flyweight World Champion, Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio! #PinnacleOfPower #Macau #MartialArts pic.twitter.com/t5MRTVfLid
— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) June 23, 2018
Led by coach Mark Sangiao, the team has fostered a close-knit environment that emphasizes hard work, discipline, and mutual support among fighters.
The Journey to Becoming a ONE Flyweight World Champion
Eustaquio’s journey to the top of the flyweight division was marked by both triumphs and setbacks. Known for his technical striking and cerebral fighting style, Eustaquio initially gained attention in ONE Championship with his strategic approach to fighting, often outsmarting his opponents in the cage.
His perseverance was tested in 2014 when he first contended for the ONE Flyweight World Championship but came up short. Rather than allowing the loss to deter him, Eustaquio used it as motivation to improve, dedicating himself to becoming a more complete fighter.
A Rivalry for the Ages: The Trilogy with Adriano Moraes
One of the defining aspects of Eustaquio’s career has been his intense rivalry with Brazilian MMA star Adriano Moraes. The two fighters have faced each other three times, with each bout adding a new layer to their competitive saga.
Their trilogy was characterized by contrasting styles—Eustaquio’s striking and technical precision against Moraes’ grappling and submission skills—making each fight unpredictable and compelling.
Also Read: Adriano Moraes Looks Back on His Epic KO Against Demetrious Johnson
Adriano Moraes: The Rise of a Flyweight Champion in ONE Championship
Adriano Moraes, born on April 21, 1988, in Brasília, Brazil, is a celebrated mixed martial artist who has carved out an illustrious career in the Flyweight division of ONE Championship.
Known for his adaptability and diverse skill set, Moraes has achieved the title of ONE Flyweight World Champion three times, demonstrating his resilience and consistency in the world of MMA. His journey is a testament to dedication and skill, making him one of the most prominent figures in ONE Championship today.
The Early Days: Adriano Moraes’ Path to MMA
Moraes’ journey to becoming a champion wasn’t a conventional one. Growing up in Brasília, he had a challenging childhood and was adopted at a young age. Martial arts offered Moraes an escape and a sense of purpose, eventually becoming his passion and career.
Initially, he trained in judo and jiu-jitsu, developing his grappling skills from an early age. Moraes quickly excelled in Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ), earning a black belt and establishing a strong foundation that would serve him well in MMA.
Climbing the Ranks: Moraes’ Rise in ONE Championship
- Moraes made his debut in ONE Championship in 2013, and it didn’t take long for him to make a name for himself.
- His grappling skills, coupled with his discipline and fight IQ, set him apart from other fighters in the Flyweight division. Just one year after joining the organization, Moraes claimed his first ONE Flyweight World Championship title in 2014, marking the beginning of his journey to becoming a three-time champion.
- His fights in the early years showcased his adaptability in the cage. Moraes’ ability to adjust his game plan depending on his opponent’s strengths and weaknesses became a hallmark of his career.
- His grappling and submission expertise allowed him to neutralize some of the most dangerous strikers in the division, and his striking skills, continuously refined, made him a versatile and unpredictable opponent.
A Champion’s Journey: Adriano Moraes’ Three Title Reigns
Moraes’ journey in the Flyweight division has been nothing short of impressive, with three title reigns demonstrating his resilience and longevity. After first winning the ONE Flyweight World Championship in 2014, he successfully defended it against formidable contenders before losing it in a close fight.
However, Moraes didn’t let the loss deter him. His comeback was swift and calculated; he reclaimed the title in 2017, solidifying his position as one of the top fighters in the division.
The Historic Bout with Demetrious Johnson
One of the highlights of Moraes’ career was his highly anticipated bout with Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson, a former UFC Flyweight Champion and one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time. The fight took place in April 2021, and Moraes shocked the MMA world by defeating Johnson with a second-round knockout.
This victory was not only a career milestone for Moraes but also a statement about his place among the elite in the flyweight division.
FAQ’S
1. Who is Adriano Moraes, and why is his grappling performance notable?
Ans: Adriano Moraes is a Brazilian MMA fighter and former ONE Flyweight World Champion, known for his exceptional grappling skills. His recent fight against Geje Eustaquio showcased his elite grappling abilities, leaving fans in awe of his technique and control.
2. How did Moraes dominate Eustaquio with his grappling skills?
Ans: Moraes used precise takedowns, positional control, and submission attempts to keep Eustaquio on the defensive throughout the match. His ability to transition smoothly between different grappling positions and maintain control highlighted his technical superiority on the ground.
3. What specific grappling techniques did Moraes use effectively in the fight?
Ans: Moraes utilized a range of techniques, including body locks, guard passes, and back takes, effectively pinning Eustaquio and threatening submissions like rear-naked chokes. His fluid movements and strategic positioning prevented Eustaquio from escaping or countering effectively.
4. What was the fan reaction to Moraes’ grappling clinic?
Ans: Fans were highly impressed, with many expressing their admiration on social media for Moraes’ technical mastery and composure. The dominant performance left viewers captivated, as his skillful execution served as a demonstration of high-level grappling in MMA.
5. What does this victory mean for Moraes’ future in ONE Championship?
Ans: The victory solidifies Moraes’ standing as one of the top contenders in the division and brings him closer to another title shot. His performance sends a strong message to the rest of the flyweight division, reaffirming that his grappling prowess makes him a formidable opponent.
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