The much-anticipated “ONE on TNT I” event goes down this week, with everyone tuning in to witness all the exciting action. The event broadcasts live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore on Wed., April 7 (Thu., April 8 PH time).
In the main event, reigning ONE Flyweight World Champion Adriano Moraes defends his title against ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix Champion / 12-time UFC World Champion Demetrious Johnson.
One man who is excited to see how the fight plays out is fellow ONE flyweight contender, Drex “T-Rex” Zamboanga. Zamboanga, who is currently based out of Bangkok, Thailand, shared his thoughts on the upcoming blockbuster showdown.
“I think this is going to be a very explosive fight, and it’s one that, as a fan, I’m excited to see. Adriano Moraes has been in ONE for a long time, and has had incredible reigns at the top of the flyweight division,” said Zamboanga.
“Demetrious Johnson is a legend. I’ve watched him fight in the UFC my entire career. He’s one of the people I look up to. Both guys are very well-rounded.”
Moraes has had multiple reigns as flyweight titleholder since the early days of ONE Championship. He’s been one of the most dominant champions in Asia.
Johnson, on the other hand, joined the promotion in March 2019. Since then, the American has captured three victories in the Circle, including one over top Filipino flyweight talent Danny “The King” Kingad in his most recent outing.
Analyzing the fighters, Zamboanga realizes what’s at stake for both men heading into this matchup. He shared who he thinks will likely take home the victory.
“If you ask me to pick though, I think DJ has the best chance to dethrone Moraes and take the title. Can you really doubt DJ at this stage? He’s the pound-for-pound greatest of all time, or at least in that conversation,” said Zamboanga.
“At the same time, you can’t count Moraes out. ONE Championship has the best fighters in the world that can compete with any organization. His length could pose problems. DJ has had trouble with long opponents in the past. Even more, Moraes has that Brazilian pride and the will to keep his belt.”
“ONE on TNT I” features a main event showdown between ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix, and 12-time UFC World Champion Demetrious Johnson and reigning ONE Flyweight World Champion Adriano Moraes.
Also on the card is the return of former UFC Lightweight Champion Eddie “The Underground King” Alvarez who faces #2-ranked lightweight contender Iuri Lapicus in the co-main event, as well as an appearance from ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon.
Zamboanga is excited for all the proceedings, and can’t wait to see who comes out on top.
“I would have to say DJ has the wrestling skills necessary to combat a style like Moraes, who is primarily a grappler. But more than that, DJ is also great on the feet. He’s a complete fighter and I think that’s going to be the difference. I’m so pumped for this fight,” said Zamboanga.
The “ONE on TNT” series will air every Wednesday in the United States from April 7 for four weeks. Each week will include a preliminary card digitally streamed exclusively on the Bleacher Report App and B/R Live from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET, followed by three main card fights televised exclusively on TNT in the U.S. at 10 p.m. ET. It will be available in Asia via the usual channels.
