"We cannot look past any opponent" - Fabricio Andrade not underestimating tough Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu

Brazilian knockout merchant Fabricio Andrade isn't making the mistake of overlooking his Mongolian challenger just because he has gold wrapped around his waist.

The reigning ONE bantamweight MMA world champion defends his crown against No.4-ranked contender Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu in the main event of ONE Fight Night 38 on Friday, Dec. 5.

During his interview with Nick Atkin ahead of fight night inside the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, the 28-year-old emphasized the importance of treating every challenger with proper respect, regardless of his status.

"Yeah, I'm very happy to be able to be competing. For us, it's very important to stay active, and I had a very long preparation for this fight. I'm happy that it's finally here," Fabricio Andrade told Atkin.

"We cannot look past any opponent. Every opponent brings a new challenge, and I need to be focused and prepared to beat him first."

Watch Fabricio Andrade's full interview with Nick Atkin here:

Andrade could easily point to his undefeated MMA run in the organization and dismiss 'The Tormentor' as just another contender.

But instead, he acknowledges the specific challenges the 36-year-old ranked fighter brings. The Mongolian, after all, has won three fights in a row leading up to his maiden world title shot.

---

Fabricio Andrade needs to neutralize Baatarkhuu's grappling on fight night

Fabricio Andrade's striking should help him prosper against another tough opponent come fight night in less than 48 hours. However, 'Wonder Boy' cannot overlook the Team Tungaa and Shandas MMA fighter's elite ground game.

Baatarkhuu knows how to chain them at a ridiculous pace, and he has the cardio to back up his double-leg entries even if the bantamweight MMA king does find an exit or manages to defend a few.

As such, the Tiger Muay Thai athlete will need to launch his stinging knees or elbows when he sees Baatarkhuu attempting to switch levels.

On the canvas, Andrade will likely find himself with his back on the canvas. As long as he can prevent the Mongolian from landing something big, he'd be able to hang in his opponent's mount to look for a reversal.

Who walks out of the Circle with 26 pounds of gold this Friday? Will it be Andrade or Baatarkhuu?

ONE Fight Night 38: Andrade vs. Baatarkhuu will be available to active Amazon Prime Video subscribers, live in U.S. primetime, for free, on Dec. 5.