MACAU: Former ONE Championship flyweight champion Adriano Moraes has made it clear he is determined to recapture the world title, regardless of who he has to fight along the way.
The Brazilian was initially scheduled to face American Andrew Leone in the interim flyweight title fight at ONE's Heroes' of the World at The Venetian's Cotai Arena tomorrow.
But an injury suffered by Leone last week forced him to withdraw and has been replaced by Kyrgyzstan’s Tilek Batyrov.
Moraes admitted that the last minute change has thrown off his preparation but is aware that he has no choice but to win if he wants to move closer to his goal.
"Leone is a grappler and is strong in Brazillian Jiu Jitsu while Batyrov is good at boxing and wrestling so both have quite different styles," said the 27-year-old, when met today.
"I have been training hard over the past two months to face Leone and I have to change my approach now. Whatever it is the fight will still go on.
Current flyweight champion Kairat Akhmetov, who defeated Moraes in a close split decision win at Dynasty of Champions (China) for the title last year, is currently out with a long term injury, hence the interim bout. Moraes will, however, have to down Akhmetov for the full title.
"This fight (against Batyrov) is very important. It will take me one step closer to getting my rematch against Akhmetov.
"I am going to get this (interim) belt and then I’m going right after the champion to get the real belt back.
"For me, I did not lose that fight (against Akhmetov) and he knows that too, deep down in his heart he knows I won."
Moraes' record in the sport currently stands at 14 wins and two losses.
The bout will be Batyrov's ONE debut though he has a formidable 10-1 record in other MMA championships.