Diogo Reis ready for explosive 2026 run as ONE world champion: “I want to come back as soon as possible”

ONE flyweight submission grappling world champion ‘Baby Shark’ Diogo Reis is planning on being an active champion.

The 23-year-old is coming off a scintillating performance against Japan’s Daiki Yonekura at ONE Fight Night 38: Andrade vs. Baatarkhuu on Prime Video last weekend at the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

That night, live on Saturday, December 6, Reis captured the vacant flyweight submission grappling throne behind a comprehensive performance. He is now a ONE world champion.

Reis is looking to take a short holiday break, but he plans on returning to the mats as soon as possible when he gets back to Brazil. ‘Baby Shark’ told Bangkok Post’s Nick Atkin of his preferred timetable:

“Not yet. I just saw Tom [DeBlass], and I appreciate him for giving me this match, everything. I didn't talk with Chatri yet. But Tom said when you reach Brazil, we're going to contact you because now, it’s the end of the year, I don't know what's going to happen. But probably I want to come back as soon as possible. When I reach Brazil, I'm going to start my routine. I think like February or March, I will be okay to come back.”

Fans in North America can catch a replay of ONE Fight Night 38: Andrade vs. Baatarkhuu on Amazon Prime Video.

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Diogo Reis gives props to Daiki Yonekura

‘Baby Shark’ Diogo Reis may have been the odds-on favorite to beat Daiki Yonekura and win the ONE flyweight submission grappling world title at ONE Fight Night 38: Andrade vs. Baatarkhuu on Prime Video last weekend.

But the 23-year-old Brazilian phenom says he was certainly up against a more than capable opponent.

Reis stated:

“I knew he was tough as I said before. That’s why I take care of his attacks. He almost took my legs but I was okay for that.”

Check back with Sportskeeda MMA for more updates on Diogo Reis.