“I became the man that I wanted to be” - Fabricio Andrade says he underwent tremendous personal evolution over the years

ONE bantamweight MMA world champion Fabricio Andrade of Brazil is happy about how much he has grown over the past few years.

Apart from being one of the best young talents in mixed martial arts today, ‘Wonder Boy’ can proudly say he has evolved as a human being.

The 28-year-old superstar did not have the ideal situation growing up, spending years living away from family in Brazil to pursue his dream.

His battle to overcome obscurity shaped his view on success and purpose.

The Tiger Muay Thai and Evolve MMA representative looked back at just how far he has come in a recent ONE Championship interview:

“What I’m most proud of is that I became the man that I wanted to be. I want to become a man that other people can look at me and want to be like me.”

Andrade’s inspiring journey demanded tremendous sacrifice, and his success couldn’t have happened to a more deserving athlete.

The Brazilian buzzsaw returns in the final ONE Championship Prime Video event of 2025 this coming Friday, Dec. 5. Andrade will headline ONE Fight Night 38 against Mongolian challenger Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu in a five-round war.

Watch Andrade defend his title at ONE Fight Night 38 from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, streaming live in U.S. primetime on Prime Video for North American viewers.

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Fabricio Andrade proud to give his family a better life

Fabricio Andrade came out of nothing, growing up in poverty in the notorious favelas of Fortaleza, Brazil.

'Wonder Boy' wasn't supposed to make it, yet he persevered and showed his talents to the world.

Now, the 28-year-old has been able to give back to his loved ones.

"It was a dream, but I was able to make it happen for my family," Andrade told ONE Championship.

"You start to do good things, and you want to keep doing more and more. You get addicted to doing good things."