Adriano Moraes motivated by newborn daughter ahead of pivotal rematch at ONE 169 

After 25 professional bouts, former ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion Adriano Moraes is no longer making the walk to the ring for himself.  

“Mikinho” meets #3-ranked contender Danny Kingad at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug on Friday, November 8, at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, in a pivotal battle that is likely to produce the next challenger for the division’s vacant crown. 

If that wasn’t enough motivation for him, he now has his first child to provide for. And he wants to do whatever he can to make her proud. 

“I want to set an example, 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 36-year-old said.  

But he also added:

“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.” 

Adriano Moraes hopes daughter will follow in his footsteps

Having grown up with nothing, MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu have provided Moraes with opportunities. So, he wants his daughter to one day wear the gi.

Whether she competes is irrelevant to him. Also, he just wants to ensure she has discipline and work ethic. Moreover, he wants her to know how to defend herself – all tools that submission grappling teaches.  

 “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 said.

In fact, he believes it will be one of the best avenues for his daughter.

“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.”