A little over a year ago, Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson suffered the first knockout of his storied career courtesy of Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes‘ knee.

This past Friday, August 26, the two superstars ran it back in the main event of ONE on Prime Video 1, and the MMA icon returned the favor to his Brazilian rival, knocking him out cold with a knee of his own. 

Johnson earned some sweet redemption at the event, which was broadcast live in U.S. primetime via streaming giant Prime Video, and he also snatched the ONE Flyweight World Title in the process.

Speaking on his 18th career finish following the fight, the AMC Pankration and Evolve MMA athlete admitted that the opportunity to go in with a flying knee happened by chance.

“Yeah, it wasn’t something like we drilled. You know, I guess, it’s just our stance and how we fight. You know, the biggest thing was just trying to be dynamic and just to be fluid and chill,” Johnson shared.

“And when I went with the right hand, I saw that he was wobbling. I kept my distance. And he had his eyes on the cage. He was about to run into the cage, and I was okay, it was a perfect time. And I do the knee. And once I knew that landed, I was like, okay, that’s game, and just walked off.”

Prior to his emphatic finish, Johnson had to fend off a multitude of threats from Moraes, who arrived at the Singapore Indoor Stadium ready for a brawl. 

Demetrious Johnson is happy to even the scores

The defending king used his imposing frame to tag the challenger with strikes in the opening rounds. And when he narrowed the distance and took the contest to the mats, he unloaded dangerous knees and punches that seemed to trouble “Mighty Mouse.”

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The American veteran responded well, despite having to defend against a plethora of attacks from guard, and he rallied later in the match to secure the win at 3:50 of the fourth round.

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However, instead of basking in the glory of his success, Johnson offered some praise for his rival.

“Well, it’s good, man. It was a great fight against Adriano Moraes. I think the first fight we had against each other, you know, he got me. And then, when I came home, and I watched the fight, I was kind of a little irritated about a couple of things,” he said. 

“But we got this one. And yeah, I wish nothing but the best for Adriano. And that was a good fight.”

The knockout, one of seven finishes that thrilled the fans at ONE on Prime Video 1, also earned “Mighty Mouse” a cool US$50,000 performance bonus from ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.

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