GEJE Eustaquio can't get any better when he meets Adriano Moraes for the third time at ONE: Hero's Ascent on Friday at Mall of Asia Arena.
The ONE Flyweight Champion believes that he's at the best version of himself as he closes the chapter on the first-ever trilogy in the promotion's history.
"I believe I became hungrier and 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," he said on Tuesday during the press conference at City of Dreams.
Preparation has been the biggest ace up the sleeve of Eustaquio (11-6), who claimed the title from Moraes (17-3) last June in Macau.
"The camp prepared for this show. I'm a world champion. I polished all the aspects in my mixed martial arts career. I'm 101-percent ready," he said.
Moraes submitted Eustaquio in their first meeting back in 2014, but the Team Lakay stud learned his lessons four years later and was able to dislodge the Brazilian champion from his throne, albeit only via split decision.
This time, though, Eustaquio wants to leave the result of this third faceoff against Moraes with little doubt.
"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," he said.
Team Lakay coach Mark Sangiao also feels so.
"Ang gusto naman nating mangyari dito is to finish the fight para wala nang sali-salita. Gusto natin for Geje to finish the fight in submission or through knockout. Ako alam kong mas preparado na si Geje ngayon," he said.
Though Eustaquio refused to give some snippet to his gameplan for fight night, he promised to unveil a "surprise" for Moraes as he marks his first title defense of the flyweight crown.
"I'm gonna be putting up some surprises. You're gonna see it. It's hard for me to elaborate this time," he said.
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