Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio Claims the ONE Flyweight Crown
From Submission to Split‑Decision Glory
Four years ago, the young Filipino fighter Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio stepped into the ONE Championship cage to face Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes, the inaugural flyweight champion. He was taken down and forced to tap in round two. Fast‑forward to 23 June, at ONE: PINNACLE OF POWER, a whole new battle unfolded in Macau’s Studio City Event Center. This time the tables were turned: the interim champion Eustaquio, now older, wiser, and far more polished, went up against the reigning champion and emerged victorious via a split decision. With that win he became the undisputed ONE Flyweight World Champion.
The Match‑Pace: A Rolling Roller‑Coaster
The fight was a true back‑and‑forth contest that could only finish on the scorecards. At the start, Eustaquio made it clear he was no stranger to the mat. He survived a guillotine attempt from Moraes, dodged an armbar, and kept rocking powerful ground‑and‑pound attacks against the champion.
Stand‑Up Advantage
- Gravity’s wushu‑based striking game proved far more effective than Moraes’ Muay Thai kicks.
- Eustaquio moved calmly, avoiding panic and forcing Moraes to reevaluate his strategy.
Grappling Gambit
In the second round, Eustaquio leaned on his strong grappling skill set, almost securing a rear‑naked choke early on. Even as Moraes pressed hard from his own ground‑and‑pound threats, Gravity stayed composed, giving the referee a thumbs‑up while under the pressure. The third round saw Moraes scrambling for a takedown, comes after the latter had his back.
Momentum Swings and Near‑Championship Moments
- Moraes captured a takedown midway through round three but failed to finish; Gravity defended with gusto.
- Victory swung back to Eustaquio when he used improved takedown defense to keep the fight standing.
- Near the end, the Filipino star seized the moment, launching a dramatic slam against the champion.
The Final Battle
In the fifth and final round, Moraes unleashed a furious assault, smashing Eustaquio to the mat and locking a tight guillotine choke. Yet the interim champion continued to grind out escapes, slotted out of a kneebar in the last minute, and pushed forward with a refusal to quit.
Respect, Respect, Respect
When the final bell rang, the two fighters shared an unlikely moment of respect, both kneeling together while the judges deliberated.
Split Decision Wins the Day
When the verdict came, Eustaquio’s hand was raised: two judges scored in his favor. The three‑round decision echoed the outcome of a 14‑year labor of love.
Victory Speech
“I came to Macau with one vision—one mission—and that is to get this,” the newly crowned champion declared, pointing to the belt. “It was impossible 14 years ago for me to stand in front of you and claim this belt, but 14 years of effort made the word ‘impossible’ just a place on the map.” He added, “Anyone can be a world champion, as long as you have the drive and the attitude.”
Eustaquio’s journey from a chokehold to a triumphant champion illustrates that perseverance, pivoting your skill set, and never giving up can land you world‑title red carpet moments.
