‘I want to set an example’ — MMA superstar Adriano Moraes finds new motivation after birth of daughter

Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes [ONE CHAMPIONSHIP]

 
When Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes returns to action at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug, he’ll be competing for the first time as a father.
 

Related Article

• ‘He’s still the same’ — Rodtang expects to overwhelm Jacob Smith once again in rematch at ONE 169

• ‘It’s all about cherishing every moment’ — Danny Kingad motivated by memory of late mother ahead of ONE 169

• 'Everyone has their own style': Sean Climaco on his Muay Thai approach

  
On Nov. 8 in U.S. primetime, the former ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion and current No. 1 ranked contender will square off with No. 3 ranked Danny “The King” Kingad in a pivotal fight that’s likely to produce a challenger for the vacant throne.
 
Moraes last fought at ONE Fight Night 10, where he dropped a hard-fought decision to all-time MMA great Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson, bringing an end to their epic World Title trilogy.
 

  
Since then, the Brazilian has seen major changes in his personal life.
  
After growing up without a father, Moraes admits he was nervous to become one himself. But following the birth of his daughter earlier this year, he told onefc.com that it was the best decision he’s ever made. 
  
“Our family has grown, thank God," Morales said. "Now we have a little angel named Lila. Fatherhood was something I never imagined for my life, especially because I was very afraid because I was a child who grew up without a father.
  
“I had a lot of doubts about this issue, but of course, with time, with experience, we mature to the idea. After I got married, my wife and I evolved and decided to be parents. It’s been really good. It was the best thing that ever happened in my life.”
 
As rewarding as fatherhood has been, it’s also been challenging for “Mikinho.”
  
Balancing his role as a new parent with his career as a world-class mixed martial artist certainly hasn’t been easy. Still, he’s grateful for the time he’s able to spend with his daughter and wife
  
“It’s only been three months, but I’m doing my best," he said. "It’s been a marathon, but it’s been really nice, and I’m enjoying every moment with them.
  
“I was already defending the queen, and now I’m defending the little princess of the house.”
 
For Moraes, becoming a father has given him extra drive and motivation in the training room.
  
He knows that someday, Lila will watch videos of her father competing in the world’s largest martial arts organization — and for that reason, he’s now pushing himself harder than ever.
  
Above all, he hopes she will be inspired by all he’s accomplished in the world of MMA.
  
“I am definitely more motivated," he said. "I want to set an example. I want to show her that, with a lot of love and dedication, everything we do will work out. I want her to be proud of her father, of everything I have built and will continue to build for our family.
  
“I want her to one day be able to see my story, everything I went through to get here, and for this to serve as inspiration for her so that she can also achieve her dreams.”
 
As a lifelong martial artist and a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, it’s no surprise that Adriano Moraes plans to put his daughter into the grappling art.
  
In addition to swimming, he believes that BJJ — and athletics in general — are incredibly beneficial for young children. 
  
“Lila will definitely practice a lot of sports," he said. "I believe that sports are what help to discipline children. Swimming is one of the most complete sports. It helps people to breathe and get in good physical condition." 
 

BY BEN COATE [kjdsports@joongang.co.kr]