The 26-year-old is confident that the Thai Muay Thai ways remain unbeatable against foreign strikers. He analyzed Paez’s MMA-influenced style and dismissed concerns about the California-based fighter’s defensive capabilities.
Black Panther brings a career record of 80-17 and a four-match winning streak into the battle at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok. After a tough promotional debut, he became unstoppable in ONE Championship.
Thai striker Black Panther relies on traditional Muay Thai approach
Black Panther emphasized his complete confidence in his confrontation with international opponents. He described Paez’s style as that of an MMA striker with effective boxing, quick footwork and powerful low kicks.
“This time I’m facing Diego and I’m not worried. I’m never afraid to fight foreigners. I have full confidence that our Muay Thai is world-class and unbeatable. Diego fights a bit like an MMA striker: good hands, fast footwork and heavy low kicks,” the Thai stated.
Paez, who has a very good bond with his 9-year-old son, has a 1-1 promotion record in this match, both of which were split-decision verdicts. The 32-year-old, who trains with the famed Classic Fight Team in California, fell to Sean Climaco in his debut in February 2025 but bounced back with a narrow victory over teenage sensation Johan Ghazali.
Black Panther dismisses defensive concerns
When discussing Paez’s defensive capabilities that he showed in his victory over Ghazali, Black Panther expressed confidence that his versatility will overcome any technical challenges presented by the Colombian-American. The Thai striker highlighted his ability to fight effectively, both as an aggressor and as a counter-striker.
“Defensively he looked solid when he beat Johan [Ghazali]but his defense won’t be a problem for me. I can fight if I go forward or from the back foot. I’m not afraid of that style; I have elite sparring partners in my gym that fight exactly like this,” Black Panther explained.
The Thai’s four-fight winning streak proves his ability to adapt and overcome various striking styles. His training with Team Mehdi Zatout provides world-class preparation that has produced countless ONE Championship contenders and champions.
Veteran sees career-defining opportunities
Black Panther predicted an exciting battle and promised to take advantage of all the openings offered by his rival. The Thai striker also labeled this match as the most important of his promotion career.
“If it doesn’t end in a knockout, it will definitely be a close war. If he backs away, I will apply pressure. If he comes forward, I will counter. As soon as I see an opening, I will close the show. I think this is the most important fight of my ONE career,” said Black Panther.
The flyweight clash promises high-level striking, while traditional Thai Muay Thai meets a hybrid, MMA-influenced striking. Both fighters bring threats that create knockout potential in their epic showdown on the US primetime broadcast of ONE Championship.
ONE Fight Night 40 will air live on Prime Video on Friday, February 13. The action starts at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT. The event is free for all Amazon Prime subscribers in the US and Canada.
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