The king of rematches will be put the test once again.
For over 1,500 days, Geje Eustaquio and Adriano Moraes have been on a chase. Now, with their series tied at 1-all, the two martial artists will have a chance to settle the score in the main event of ONE: Hero’s Ascent on Friday, January 25.
And while they may have already fought each other over seven rounds, the 29-year-old Eustaquio still has plenty of surprises ready for his Brazilian challenger.
“One-hundred one-percent ready.
“I’m gonna be putting up some surprises. You’re gonna see it. It’s hard for me to elaborate this time,” said the reigning ONE Flyweight World Champion, who is making his first title defense.
After being soundly beaten by Moraes back in September of 2014, Eustaquio made sure to rebuild. Already in possession of a polished striking game, the native of Baguio City focused on his ground strategy.
One by one, he took down contender after contender, eventually earning a shot at Moraes in June of 2018.
Once there, he did not waste the opportunity, going toe-to-toe with the Moraes, who had only lost twice prior to that bout in Beijing, China. As the dust settled in the five-round battle, Eustaquio had his hand raised, bringing home gold in the process.
Come Friday, he looks to put an emphatic end to this epic rivalry.
“If I have the chance, I’ll grab it. If I have a chance to knock him out, I’ll knock him out.
“I wouldn’t let that chance slip away. But I believe I became hungrier, became a better fighter compared to the last time we went at it. That’s the thing I’m looking forward and I’m ready. The camp prepared for this show,” said Eustaquio, who is 11-6.
“Ang gusto naman nating mangyari dito, finish the fight para wala nang sali-salita,” added Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao.
“Gusto natin for Geje to finish the fight in submission or through knockout.”
