Former ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion Adriano Moraes has appeared on the ONE Championship stage 16 times over the last 11 years, purely motivated by his own ambition. But when he returns next month, the Brazilian veteran will be fighting for a whole new cause.
“Mikinho” is set to rematch Danny Kingad on Saturday, 9th November, inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug, and the winner could find themselves in line to compete for the vacant crown at some point in the future.
However, gold is not why Moraes has a new pep in his step. He recently welcomed his first child, a daughter named Lila, into the world, and he is determined to make her proud in his upcoming battle.
“I am definitely more motivated. I want to set an example. I want to show her that, with a lot of love and dedication, everything we do will work out. I want her to be proud of her father, of everything I have built and will continue to build for our family,” the former flyweight MMA king said.
“I want her to one day be able to see my story, everything I went through to get here, and for this to serve as inspiration for her so that she can also achieve her dreams.”
Moraes found his way in life through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and it is his hope that his daughter will eventually fasten on the gi and practice the grappling art.
He believes it will help her establish a work ethic and teach her crucial skills like discipline and self-defence.
The lifelong fighter knows the benefits of training in BJJ, so he’d be very supportive if his newborn turned to it when the time was right.
"Just as jiu-jitsu changed my life and the lives of many people, many of my friends and acquaintances, I am sure that jiu-jitsu will be an indispensable tool for Lila’s growth,” Moraes explained.
“I am sure it will be very good for her, just as it is good for all children. I am sure that jiu-jitsu will help her a lot in life.”
