Adriano da Silva Moraes’ life and career are a testament to the power of resilience and dedication. From his challenging beginnings in Brazil to becoming a world-renowned MMA champion, he has faced obstacles with unwavering determination
His success in ONE Championship’s Flyweight division is a reflection of his hard work and skill. As a fighter and a role model, Moraes has left an indelible mark on the sport of MMA and continues to inspire with his journey.
For Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes, November 8 will represent both a personal and professional test. With the birth of his daughter, he has embraced a role that demands patience, love, and resilience.
In the cage, he will face a skilled competitor in Kingad, but Moraes’s focus extends beyond victory. His fight is now fueled by the desire to make his daughter proud, to build a legacy she can look up to, and to show her the importance of dedication and courage.
His journey demonstrates how the challenges of fatherhood can transform a fighter, adding a depth of motivation and purpose that extends well beyond the final bell.
Also Read: Adriano Moraes Puts On Grappling Clinic, Leaves Fans Breathless Against Geje Eustaquio
Table of Contents
Adriano Moraes: Bio
A Journey of Resilience and Dominance in Mixed Martial Arts
Adriano da Silva Moraes has risen to become a three-time ONE Flyweight World Champion, and his journey is one of remarkable resilience.1
Born on April 21, 1988, in Brasilia, Brazil, Moraes currently competes in ONE Championship’s Flyweight division, where he consistently ranks as one of the top fighters.
Beyond his accolades, his life story is one of overcoming adversity and dedicating himself to martial arts.
I know how I want to live and how I want raise my kid ! 🙏🏾🇺🇸👏🏾 🇧🇷
— Adriano Moraes (@adrianomkmoraes) November 6, 2024
Early Life and Challenging Beginnings
Moraes’ story began under challenging circumstances. Just days after his birth, his mother abandoned him, leaving him to be raised in an orphanage for the first three years of his life.
In a society that sometimes overlooks children in difficult situations, his initial years were full of uncertainty.
Fortunately, he was adopted and found himself in a supportive environment that allowed him to channel his energy into positive outlets.
From a young age, Moraes was drawn to sports and physical activity, often participating in judo and capoeira.
These early experiences in martial arts helped him build a foundation of discipline and strength. While these traditional Brazilian martial arts taught him coordination and basic self-defense, he felt a growing need to deepen his self-defense abilities.
This desire led Moraes to Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a discipline that would eventually shape his career as a fighter.
Adriano Moraes: Career
Mastering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Moraes’ journey in Brazilian jiu-jitsu started as a means to defend himself, but it quickly became much more.2
Brazilian jiu-jitsu emphasizes leverage, positioning, and technique over raw strength, aligning perfectly with Moraes’ physical build and natural aptitude.
As a member of the Constrictor Team, a renowned martial arts team known for its expertise in grappling and submissions, Moraes honed his skills and developed a unique fighting style that focused heavily on submissions and ground control.
From Jiu-Jitsu to Mixed Martial Arts
With a strong foundation in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Moraes set his sights on mixed martial arts (MMA).
Transitioning to MMA wasn’t easy; it required him to expand his skill set to include striking, wrestling, and an understanding of different fighting styles. However, his groundwork in Brazilian jiu-jitsu proved invaluable.
His adeptness at submissions made him a dangerous opponent, especially on the ground, where he could control and dominate his adversaries.
Moraes made his professional MMA debut in 2011, quickly making a name for himself with his skill and versatility.
Over the next few years, he competed in various regional tournaments, amassing victories and refining his style. In 2014, he claimed the NAGA No-Gi Pro Division Championship, showcasing his grappling prowess.
That same year, he earned his black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, solidifying his status as a top-tier submission specialist.
Entering ONE Championship
In 2013, Moraes joined ONE Championship, Asia’s largest MMA promotion. This was a turning point in his career, as he faced a higher level of competition and a global audience.
His debut in ONE Championship was challenging, but he quickly adapted, learning from his early fights and refining his strategies.
By focusing on his strengths and working on his weaknesses, Moraes began climbing the ranks of the Flyweight division.
Becoming a Three-Time ONE Flyweight World Champion
- Moraes’ success in ONE Championship was nothing short of impressive. Over the years, he faced numerous top contenders and repeatedly proved his skill and resilience.
- His tenacity and dedication paid off as he claimed the ONE Flyweight World Champion title not just once but three times.
- His ability to reclaim the title after setbacks is a testament to his fighting spirit and determination to remain at the top of his division.
- One of Moraes’ defining characteristics as a fighter is his mastery of submissions. His Brazilian jiu-jitsu background has given him an edge on the ground, where he can control opponents and secure submissions with precision.
- Known for moves like the rear-naked choke and guillotine choke, Moraes has an uncanny ability to seize openings in his opponents’ defenses and capitalize on them.
- This skill set makes him a formidable opponent for strikers who lack proficiency in grappling, as Moraes can quickly bring the fight to the ground and dominate.
Also Read: Adriano Moraes Looks Back on His Epic KO Against Demetrious Johnson
Adriano Moraes: Training and Preparation
Moraes’ training regimen is intense, involving a combination of cardio, strength training, and specific martial arts disciplines.3
He works on refining his striking to complement his grappling, understanding the importance of being a well-rounded fighter.
His preparation for each fight includes studying his opponent’s strengths and weaknesses, allowing him to develop tailored strategies that have consistently led to success in the cage.
One of the most high-profile fights in Moraes’ career was against Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson, a former UFC Flyweight Champion and one of the most respected fighters in MMA history.
Moraes faced Johnson in April 2021, securing a historic win via knockout with a knee strike—becoming the first fighter to finish Johnson in this manner. This victory elevated Moraes’ status in the MMA world, showcasing his ability to compete against and defeat some of the best fighters in the sport.
Resilience in the Face of Loss
- Moraes has experienced losses throughout his career, but his resilience and determination have always propelled him forward. Every setback has been a learning experience, pushing him to refine his techniques and improve his approach to each fight.
- His commitment to self-improvement has allowed him to bounce back stronger, often reclaiming his titles and reasserting his dominance in the Flyweight division.
- Outside of the MMA world, Moraes is known for his humility and dedication to giving back to his community.
- He often reflects on his challenging upbringing, understanding that many children face hardships similar to those he experienced.
- Inspired by his journey, Moraes has been involved in charitable activities, particularly those focused on supporting orphaned and underprivileged children in Brazil. His dedication to helping others highlights his character beyond his athletic achievements.
- Adriano da Silva Moraes’ impact on the sport of MMA, particularly in the Flyweight division, is significant.
- His journey from an orphanage in Brasilia to becoming a three-time ONE Flyweight World Champion is a story of resilience, determination, and excellence.
- Known for his grappling skills and his capacity to overcome adversity, Moraes has inspired countless fans and aspiring fighters around the world.
- His legacy is defined not only by his accomplishments in the cage but also by his character and the respect he commands from his peers.
Adriano Moraes: Personal Life
Fatherhood and Fighting
Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes is set to return to the cage at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug, with a new title to his name – that of father.
Competing in U.S. primetime on November 8, Moraes will face #3-ranked Danny “The King” Kingad, in what promises to be a defining match for both fighters.
As a former ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion and the current #1-ranked contender, Moraes’s journey has evolved both in and outside the cage, as he balances his duties as a fighter and as a new dad.
This article explores how fatherhood has transformed Moraes’s outlook and motivation, and how he aims to make his family proud as he prepares to climb back to the top.
View this post on Instagram
A New Challenge: Competing as a Father
Moraes’s upcoming fight at ONE 169 represents more than just another title run; it’s his first competition as a father. This unique transition came after his last match at ONE Fight Night 10, where he faced MMA legend Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson in the final bout of their iconic trilogy.
While the fight concluded in a close decision loss, Moraes’s focus soon shifted from the ring to a new chapter in his personal life: becoming a dad to his daughter, Lila.
Fatherhood was initially daunting for Moraes, who grew up without a father figure. Reflecting on the decision, he shared with onefc.com that his fears gradually dissolved, leaving only gratitude for the life change: “Our family has grown, thank God.
Now we have a little angel named Lila… It was the best thing that ever happened in my life.” Embracing fatherhood has reshaped his life’s priorities, giving him a fresh outlook and new inspiration both inside and outside of training.
Also Read: Adriano Moraes Reflects on the Legendary KO That Shook Demetrious Johnson and 360 Flip
