Undefeated South African mixed martial artist Willie \u201cWhite Lion\u201d van Rooyen has officially signed with ONE Championship, and he already has his first promotional appearance scheduled.<\/p>\n
The 23-year-old will make his highly anticipated debut against surging Uzbek wrecking ball Avazbek \u201cNinzya\u201d Kholmirzaev<\/a> in a flyweight MMA tilt at ONE Fight Night 37 on Prime Video<\/a>, which broadcasts live in U.S. primetime from Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, November 7.<\/p>\n Van Rooyen, who has firmly established himself as one of Africa\u2019s most exciting young talents since turning professional in 2023, brings a perfect 7-0 record to the world\u2019s largest martial arts organization.<\/p>\n \u201cWhite Lion\u201d possesses a well-rounded repertoire built around his world-class kickboxing foundation, making him dangerous in any area of the game \u2013 whether it\u2019s throwing combinations or locking in a match-winning submission.<\/p>\n The 23-year-old Pretoria native enters ONE on the heels of four consecutive stoppage victories, including two statement-making performances in 2025.<\/p>\n First, Van Rooyen captured the EFC Flyweight Title in just 37 seconds this past May with a piston-like straight right. Three months later, he successfully defended the strap by submitting his foe via rear-naked choke.<\/p>\n The South African sensation, who trains under Nico Mothata at A-Team Stars, has developed into a dangerous fighter who tries his best to keep the battle out of the judges\u2019 hands.<\/p>\n However, his outstanding finishing ability and penchant for producing mayhem will immediately be put to the ultimate test against Kholmirzaev.<\/p>\n Kholmirzaev made a name for himself on the Asia primetime event series, ONE Friday Fights. The Uzbek kicked off his promotional run in February 2024 with a trio of highlight-reel finishes. Though he suffered a tough decision loss in September 2024, he returned stronger than ever.<\/p>\n