ONE bantamweight MMA world champion Fabricio Andrade plans to thwart all of Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu’s attempts to take their fight to the ground.
‘Wonder Boy’ will once again lean on his world-class striking in his upcoming title defense against the Mongolian powerhouse in the main event of ONE Fight Night 38 on Prime Video this Friday, Dec. 5.
The 28-year-old superstar knows what he’s up against and is preparing for Baatarkhuu’s signature pace and grappling prowess.
The No.4-ranked challenger earned his shot at gold with his imposing wrestling, punishing top game, and joint-breaking submissions.
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While impressed by the challenger’s rise, Andrade made it clear he won’t fall for Baatarkhuu’s gruelling style since he’s been working on solidifying his already formidable grappling defense.
The Brazilian KO merchant shared in his South China Morning Post (SCMP) pre-event interview:
“So for me, I just need to defend his takedowns, and after that, I do what I do, you know. This is natural for me.”
A big part of why Andrade has been successful is his ability to dictate where the fight goes.
The Tiger Muay Thai and Evolve MMA representative boasts explosive striking, particularly his devastating body shots that have become his signature to victory.
Against a physically imposing adversary like Baatarkhuu, Andrade knows neutralizing takedowns unlocks his offensive arsenal.
Check out the full SCMP interview below:
Fabricio Andrade calls Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu's style "boring"
Fabricio Andrade admires Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu's freakish strength and endurance.
But at the end of the day, he's not a fan of his bruising, grappling-heavy approach to fighting.
'Wonder Boy' told ONE Championship:
"He’s a grappler. He’s a jiu-jitsu guy. He would try to do what he does. He grapples you, and he tries to make you tired, and it is a little boring. But I think he’s strong. He’s little, short, but strong.”
Watch Andrade defend his title at ONE Fight Night 38, streaming live in U.S. primetime on Prime Video for North American viewers.