Thai star Black Panther expressed unwavering confidence in his traditional Muay Thai approach ahead of his flyweight contest against Colombian-American striker Diego Paez at ONE Fight Night 40: Buntan vs. Hemetsberger II, which goes down live in U.S. primetime on Friday, February 13.
The 26-year-old strongly believes that Thailand’s 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 an 80-17 career record and a four-bout winning streak into the battle at Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium. Following a tough promotional debut, he has been unstoppable in ONE Championship.
Thai Striker Black Panther Puts Trust in Traditional Muay Thai Approach
Black Panther stressed his complete confidence when facing international opponents. He described Paez’s style as resembling an MMA striker with effective boxing, quick footwork, and powerful low kicks.
“I’m facing Diego this time, and I’m not worried. I’m never scared of fighting foreigners. I have total faith that our Muay Thai is world-class and can’t be beaten. Diego fights a bit like an MMA striker – good hands, fast footwork, and heavy low kicks,” the Thai stated.
Paez, who is very close with his 9-year-old son, carries a 1-1 promotional record into this matchup, both of which were split-decision verdicts. The 32-year-old, who trains at California’s famed Classic Fight Team, fell to Sean Climaco in his February 2025 debut, but he rebounded with a close victory over teenage sensation Johan Ghazali.
Black Panther Dismisses Defensive Concerns
Image Courtesy of ONE Championship.
Discussing Paez’s defensive capabilities displayed in his victory over Ghazali, Black Panther expressed confidence that his versatility will overcome any technical challenges the Colombian-American may present. The Thai striker highlighted his ability to fight effectively both as an aggressor and counter-striker.
“He looked solid defensively when he beat Johan [Ghazali], but his defense won’t be a problem for me. I can fight going forward or off the back foot. I’m not scared of that style – I’ve got elite sparring partners at my gym who fight exactly like that,” Black Panther explained.
The Thai’s four-fight winning streak proves his ability to adapt and overcome diverse striking styles. His training with Team Mehdi Zatout provides world-class preparation that has produced numerous ONE Championship contenders and champions.
Veteran Sees Career-Defining Opportunity
Black Panther predicted an exciting battle while promising to capitalize on any openings his rival presents. The Thai striker also framed this contest as the most important of his promotional career.
“If it doesn’t end in a knockout, it’s definitely going to be an exciting war. If he backs up, I’ll press. If he comes forward, I’ll counter. The moment I see an opening, I’m closing the show. I think this is the most important fight of my ONE career,” Black Panther said.
The flyweight clash promises high-level striking as traditional Thai Muay Thai meets hybrid MMA-influenced striking. Both fighters bring finishing threats that create knockout potential throughout their epic showdown on ONE Championship’s U.S. primetime broadcast.
ONE Fight Night 40 airs live on Prime Video on Friday, February 13. The action begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The event is free for all Amazon Prime subscribers in the U.S. and Canada.