Moraes remains optimistic despite 'danger' in fighting Eustaquio

Reigning ONE flyweight champion Adriano Moraes will be facing ONE interim flyweight champion Geje Eustaquio on June 23 in Macau. PHOTO BY ONE CHAMPIONSHIP

Reigning ONE flyweight champion Adriano Moraes of Brazil admits that he will be facing an improved and more dangerous version of ONE interim flyweight champion Geje Eustaquio when they meet inside the cage again on June 23 in Macau.

Moraes and Eustaquio squared off for the inaugural flyweight title in 2014 - a fight where the Brazilian won by submitting the Team Lakay veteran in the second round.

Both men is set to face each other again four years later to unify their titles and determine the king of the talent-rich flyweight division in Asia's largest mixed martial arts organization.

"Geje Eustaquio has earned the highest level of my respect. If anything, there is no chance of me underestimating him. That would be unwise. We’ve all seen his improvement as a martial artist," said Moraes.

"I am preparing for the best Geje Eustaquio possible, and that is the only way I can prepare to be at my best. He’s more of a striker, but he has picked up his game remarkably. He is a different fighter now. That makes him so dangerous."

Moraes holds an impressive MMA record of 17-2 and has never been stopped in his entire professional career. His last victim was Team Lakay's Danny Kingad, who he choked in the very first round of their five-round contest.

Despite having built his reputation as a ground game specialist, Moraes is confident that he's a well-rounded fighter capable of ending a fight on his feet.

"I believe that I can stand and bang with the best in the world. With that being said, anywhere I can get the finish. Whether it’s standing or grappling, I’m taking it," says Moraes.

"Geje Eustaquio is hungry. He will bring something new to the table in our rematch, but I am confident in my abilities. I see myself retaining my championship on 23rd of June. — BAP, GMA News