Demetrious Johnson vs. Adriano Moraes Moved To April 7th Card, Two Other Bouts Announced

ONE Championship announced an April 7th card on Friday that will include a long-awaited fight between former UFC Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson and ONE 135-pound champion Adriano Moraes.

The fight between Johnson and Moraes was first booked for February 24th, but has now been bumped ahead by over a month.

The fights announced for the card, which will land on a Wednesday as opposed to ONE’s usual Friday-night timeslot, will air during prime time in the United States. Also, instead of airing on internet service B/R Live, the show will air on U.S. TV channel TNT.

The title fight for Johnson will be his first in ONE since joining the promotion in 2018. Johnson has been undefeated in ONE, having fought three times and won a tournament since entering the Singapore-based promotion.

Moraes, a now two-time 135-pound champion, regained his belt in 2019 via decision in a rematch against Geje Eustaquio.

Two other fights were also announced for the April 7th event.

Eddie Alvarez vs. Iuri Lapicus

Former UFC Champion Eddie Alvarez will make his return to ONE on the card, facing Iuri Lapicus. The fight will be Alvarez’s first since 2019.

Alvarez’s last fight saw him earn his first ONE victory, defeating Eduard Folayang within a round with a rear naked choke.

Lapicus will return to action after taking his first loss in the promotion in his last outing. Christian Lee defended his ONE belt in October, stopping Lapicus with punches in the opening round.

Rodtang Jitmuangnon vs. Jacob Smith

Star Muay Thai fighter Rodtang Jitmuangnon will attempt to defend his 135-pound belt again in April, fighting Jacob Smith.

Rodtang has had a dominant run in ONE as of late. He defended it twice last year, defeating it against Jonathan Haggerty and Petchdam Petchyindee.

The fight will be Smith’s first since joining ONE. He was previously booked to face Superlek Kaitmoo9 in 2020, although the fight was cancelled after COVID-19 forced the promotion to cancel events.

Here are the fights that were announced.

Bout 3: Adriano Moraes (18-3) vs. Demetrious Johnson (30-3-1) (135 lbs) (ONE MMA Bantamweight Championship)

Bout 2: Eddie Alvarez (30-7) vs. Iuri Lapicus (14-1) (170 lbs) (MMA Bout)

Bout 1: Rodtang Jitmuangnon vs. Jacob Smith (135 lbs) (ONE Muay Thai Bantamweight Championship)