Geje Eustaquio decisions Adriano Moraes to claim @ONEChampionship Flyweight title https://t.co/Bw9bGKqpi4 pic.twitter.com/BCiPRH9lSC
— ABS-CBN Sports (@abscbnsports) June 23, 2018

Geje Eustaquio came up with a brilliant performance in Macau on Saturday night to eke out a split-decision win over Adriano Moraes of Brazil and become the undisputed ONE flyweight champion.

It was a thrilling match from start to finish, with both fighters dishing out their best shots and submission attempts in an effort to win bragging rights over the flyweight division. 

But in the end, Eustaquio’s improved ground skills and ring generalship impressed the judges and awarded him the victory.

“The moment I started (fighting) 14 years ago, it looked impossible for me to stand up in front of you and get this belt. But for 14 years in the making, guys, impossible is not a word, it's just a reason,” he said.

“Anybody can be a world champion, as long as you have the drive and the attitude.”

He also thanked Team Lakay for being there during his ups and downs as a fighter. “I'm so much grateful that I have my team and my family,” said Eustaquio.

The two first fought 4 years ago, when Moraes and Eustaquio battled for the inaugural ONE flyweight championship, a match Moraes won via guillotine choke. 

This time, howeai visionver, Eustaquio made sure to redeem himself as he successfully defended every one of Moraes’ submission attempts.

In the undercard, Danny Kingad hammered out a tough decision win over Ma Hao Bin.

Kingad dictated the tempo throughout the 3-round flyweight bout, using his superior striking skills against the Chinese grappler.

The Team Lakay stalwart also showed improved grappling skills by adequately protecting himself on the ground.

Kingad almost trapped Ma with a kneebar before the final bell rang. 

All 3 judges favored the Baguio City native with a unanimous decision win.

Kingad now has 7 career victories against a lone defeat. Ma fell to his third defeat in 13 fights.

Kingad's teammate, Edward Kelly, suffered defeat in the hands of former ONE featherweight champion Narangtungalag Jadambaa.

The Mongolian fighter used his brute strength to trap Kelly on the mat where he rained punches on the Filipino in the second round. 

The referee eventually stepped in to award the stoppage victory to Jadambaa 4:58 remaining in the second round.

Another Filipino also tasted defeat in the featherweight division.

Rodian Menchavez was knocked out in 10 seconds by China's Li Kai Wen. 

(For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.)

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