Get ready for fireworks as Diego Paez steps into the ring against Black Panther at ONE Fight Night 40! Paez is hunting for a statement finish against a surging Black Panther, who's riding a four-fight win streak. This flyweight Muay Thai clash is set to ignite Bangkok's iconic Lumpinee Stadium on February 13, with Paez looking to prove that experience trumps youth.
Quick Stats
- Event: ONE Fight Night 40: Buntan vs. Hemetsberger II
- Date: Friday, February 13
- Location: Lumpinee Stadium, Bangkok
- Matchup: Diego Paez vs. Black Panther (Flyweight Muay Thai)
Paez Aims to Halt Black Panther's Rise
Experience vs. Youth
Diego Paez, a Colombian-American striker, is determined to showcase his evolved fighting style against Thailand's Black Panther. Paez believes his fight IQ and experience will be key to victory. He emphasizes smart training and recovery as crucial elements at this stage of his career."I think with my age, I’m quick, I’m fast glitch, and what I think I bring to the table is the fight IQ," Paez said. "Not only the fight IQ, just the IQ as an individual."
Black Panther, known for his "fast strikes and an aggressive attacking approach," aims to extend his own impressive winning streak [5]. The Thai sensation's rise in ONE Championship has been remarkable, fueled by a relentless drive to improve.
Training Smarter, Not Just Harder
Paez's training approach has evolved, incorporating more boxing and focusing on recovery and mental preparation. At 32, he understands the importance of strategic training. He believes his experience and fight IQ give him an edge over younger opponents.He's been studying Black Panther's previous fights, identifying patterns and tendencies. Paez has already visualized this fight, preparing for the possibility of facing the Thai fighter [1].
"I saw his last fight with the Colombian, and what’s funny is when I saw the fight, every time I see someone in my weight class fight, I always visualize myself fighting him," Paez explained.
Paez Targets a Finish
"One-Dimensional" Opponent
Paez sees Black Panther's style as somewhat predictable, calling him "one-dimensional" and a "come-forward fighter." He believes this provides an opportunity to exploit weaknesses and secure a finish. Paez is determined to showcase his finishing ability after his decision victory over Johan Ghazali."I really want to finish," Paez stated. "I was so used to coming off a five-round fights, so these three rounds, I need to start a lot quicker."
Black Panther's original ring name was "Jong-Ang-Dam," which means fast strikes and an aggressive fighting style [3]. Black Panther will be looking to prove he's more than just a one-dimensional fighter.
Fatherhood Fuels Paez
Beyond his personal ambitions, Paez is driven by his role as a father. He recently launched Empower, an online platform to teach Muay Thai to kids. He aims to use martial arts to instill structure, confidence, and discipline in young people [4].By The Numbers
- Diego Paez: Made his ONE Championship debut in February, experiencing a split-decision loss against Sean Climaco.
- Black Panther: Is currently on a four-bout winning streak after losing his debut in March 2023.
- ONE Fight Night 40: Paez vs. Black Panther will be broadcast live in U.S. primetime from Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium.
