Demetrious Johnson Previews Training Camp For World Title Trilogy Fight Against Adriano Moraes
Demetrious Johnson has some key choices to make in preparation for his first ONE Flyweight World Title defense on May 5, 2023.
“Mighty Mouse” is scheduled to face Brazilian star Adriano Moraes in a massive trilogy fight that headlines ONE on Prime Video 10 at 1stBank Center in Broomfield, Colorado.
It will be a historic night as the promotion’s first live event in the United States, but with Colorado the highest-altitude state in the country, Johnson is giving serious thought to how he’ll approach the situation.
Above all, the MMA legend must figure out his best plan of attack and make sure his renowned conditioning is on point at an elevation of around 6,800 feet.
He explained:
“I just have to decide if I want to get there early or not. I fought in Broomfield, Colorado, before when I was still kind of young in my career.
“I’m going back out to Arizona to get ready for my fight and do my pre-camp with Henry [Cejudo]. After that, I’m going to sit down with the wife and do two weeks out there and see if it makes a difference.”
However, while the chance to acclimate would give him an edge, Johnson is a busy athlete and father, with kids to raise among his many daily demands.
Even if he can’t spend as much time as he’d like getting his body ready for the different oxygen demands in the mountainous western state, “Mighty Mouse” thinks he has the experience to navigate anything that might come his way inside the Circle.
He said:
“Now, being 36, I understand how to fight and how to pace myself while pushing the pace.
“We haven’t crossed that bridge yet. I’m still trying to figure it out, [but] I’m not too worried about it. I’m gonna train my ass off and go out there and fight.”
Johnson Expects Moraes To Come Back Stronger
Being physically ready will be hugely important for Demetrious Johnson, who has built a reputation for his incredible conditioning over the years – but it won’t be the only factor.
“Mighty Mouse” also needs to make sure his skills and his mental game are at their best given his history with Adriano Moraes.
The pair are currently level at 1-1 – with Moraes winning the first bout by KO and the American getting revenge in the rematch – and Johnson knows his rival has bounced back from defeats in the past.
He said:
“You look at Geje Eustaquio and Kairat Akhmetov. [Moraes is] used to this. He’s used to losing the belt and then getting the opportunity to get it back – and he usually gets it back.
“He’s been here before and that’s the biggest thing that I see.”
Still, there’s not much that can faze Johnson now. He’s an all-time MMA great who has seen and done it all, and in his mind, he has what it takes to end the series with Moraes on top.
“Mighty Mouse” is expecting the Brazilian to return fired up and prepared, but he remains confident about getting the job done once again.
He added:
“Just go out there and fight. That’s my game plan. Go out there and get on his ass like last time.”
