Flyweight world title bout set for ONE: Visions of Victory

ONE Flyweight World Champion Adriano Moraes is ready to make his return to ONE Championship, and will do so in the very same city where he made his promotional debut merely four and a half years ago.

The Brazilian will defend the coveted flyweight world title against Australia’s Reece “Lightning” McLaren in the headlining bout of ONE: Visions of Victory, which emanates from the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Friday, March 9.

“It is going to be amazing to be back in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,” the 29-year-old Moraes states.

“My ONE Championship history started in Kuala Lumpur. I have had many good moments and good memories there, and I want to add one more.”

Moraes, a BJJ black belt with crisp Muay Thai striking, holds a dazzling professional record of 17-2. He is on a four-bout win streak, and has a dozen stoppage victories to his name.

The Brazilian had an incredible 2017. In August, he defeated previously-unbeaten titleholder Kairat Akhmetov via unanimous decision to become the undisputed ONE Flyweight World Champion.

The Brazilian then followed that up with a successful title defense in November, when he submitted undefeated standout Danny Kingad via rear-naked choke in the first round.

Now, he faces another tough challenge in McLaren.

The 26-year-old McLaren is similarly a BJJ black belt armed with a sparkling stand-up game, and owns a commendable professional record of 10-5 with eight of those wins coming by spectacular finish.

The Filipino-Australian had a hot start in the promotion, as he rattled off a pair of victories against top bantamweights before challenging ONE Bantamweight World Champion Bibiano Fernandes in December 2016.

McLaren ultimately lost the contest by a razor-thin split decision, but it was by far the toughest test of Fernandes career to date, proving McLaren’s elite standing.

Following a tough loss in his return, McLaren dropped down a weight class, and he immediately made an impact in the flyweight division. Last November, he masterfully submitted the highly-regarded Anatpong Bunrad in the first round via D’Arce choke, and he became the first person ever to finish the Thai competitor.

Now, McLaren has been rewarded with a flyweight world title opportunity, and he is thrilled to be showcasing his skills in front of the world once again with gold on the line.

“I am beyond excited, and beyond humbled to be given the main event spot in a fantastic country, and to represent ONE on this global stage,” McLaren states. “This match will be the match of the decade. You do not want to miss it.” PR