Fabricio Andrade is back in the world of mixed martial arts with a clear objective: to defend his ONE Championship title and establish himself as the top bantamweight fighter in the world.
Andrade’s journey to the ONE belt involved facing John Lineker twice, ultimately forcing the UFC veteran to retire after a dominant performance. He then tested his skills against renowned striker Jonathan Haggerty for ONE’s kickboxing title, but fell short. Now, he prepares to put his MMA title on the line in Thailand.
Speaking ahead of his upcoming clash with Kwon Won Il, Andrade expressed his plans to stay active by fighting three or four times this year. He aims to defend his belt multiple times and earn global recognition through his performances in the cage.
With an impressive record of five stoppages in six wins under the ONE Championship banner, Andrade remains undefeated in MMA bouts. Notably, he secured a victory over Won Il in just 62 seconds with a devastating kick to the liver.
At 27 years old, Andrade believes he has yet to reach his peak in MMA. He acknowledges his ongoing evolution in grappling and MMA skills, expressing confidence that the world will soon take notice of his talent.
Despite Won Il’s bold statements following his recent victory, Andrade remains unfazed, attributing the challenger’s words to pre-fight promotion. He asserts his readiness to face any challenge inside the cage.
As the rematch approaches, Andrade anticipates an intriguing showdown with Won Il, emphasizing the need for careful preparation and respect for his opponent’s skills. He remains focused on adapting his strategy while leveraging his strengths in wrestling and jiu-jitsu.
While acknowledging Won Il’s improvements in his game, Andrade remains cautious about engaging in a stand-up battle in Bangkok. He emphasizes the unpredictable nature of the fight game and the importance of being prepared for all scenarios.
Looking ahead to the rematch, Andrade remains focused on his game plan and readiness to counter any tactics employed by Won Il. He emphasizes his commitment to securing a decisive victory, whether on the feet or on the ground.