Geje Eustaquio, a One Championship Trendsetter

Geje Eustaquio started a trend, and if it continues, the Team Lakay representative will soon be crowned as One Championship’s undisputed flyweight king.

Eustaquio has fought in two rematches and emerged victorious in both, avenging a loss to Anatpong Bunrad in 2017 before defeating Kairat Akhmetov for the interim One Championship title in January. He will face reigning flyweight champion Adriano Moraes for a second time -- this time to unify the 125-pound belt -- in the One Championship “Pinnacle of Power” co-main event on June 23 at the Studio City Event Center in Macau, China. Moraes has already revealed his belief that this could represent his toughest title defense to date, perhaps aware of the improvements the challenger has made since their initial encounter in 2014. Eustaquio agrees.

“Everything changed,” he said. “I became a better martial artist. I’m now more confident, and I have better timing, speed, [a] game plan and [the] ability to deal with tough situations.”

Eustaquio has gone 4-3 in seven appearances since he submitted to a guillotine choke from Moraes, but two of those defeats resulted in split decisions. Wins over Gianni Subba and Saiful Merican, the latter by soccer-kick knockout, have strengthened his resume. Moraes, meanwhile, will enter the cage on a four-fight wining streak. His most recent victory, a rear-naked choke submission, came at the expense of Eustaquio’s teammate, Danny Kingad, on Nov. 10.

In the first battle between Eustaquio and Moraes, the two engaged in an uneventful first round before the Brazilian cinched a guillotine in the second. Eustaquio expects a more technical fight in the rematch, whether it takes place on the ground or standing. He promises a much-improved ground game and remains mindful of his opponent’s reach advantage, superb timing and overall athleticism.

“I’m proud to represent all Filipinos on the international stage,” Eustaquio said. “I know you all got my back. Include me in your prayers, and God will bless Philippines with another golden strap.”