The last time "Fighting Rooster" Zhang Peimian faced Jonathan Di Bella, he was 19 years old, fighting for a World ******* le, and not yet ready for everything that came with it.
Nearly four years later, that version of him no longer exists.
On Friday, July 17, Zhang will challenge the reigning ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Champion for the gold in the main event of The Inner Circle 22, which goes down live at the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. It will stream exclusively for members via live.onefc.com.
The rematch is more than three and a half years in the making, and the Chinese fighter stepping into the ring this time is a fundamentally different competitor from the teenager who walked into the vacant ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World ******* le clash at ONE 162 in October 2022.
The first encounter was a genuine five-round war. Zhang, who was already considered one of the most gifted young strikers in the organization, went toe-to-toe with the Italian-Canadian southpaw and made him work for every inch. His trademark left hook and low kicks found a home on Di Bella throughout the contest.
Nearly four years later, that version of him no longer exists.
On Friday, July 17, Zhang will challenge the reigning ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Champion for the gold in the main event of The Inner Circle 22, which goes down live at the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. It will stream exclusively for members via live.onefc.com.
The rematch is more than three and a half years in the making, and the Chinese fighter stepping into the ring this time is a fundamentally different competitor from the teenager who walked into the vacant ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World ******* le clash at ONE 162 in October 2022.
The first encounter was a genuine five-round war. Zhang, who was already considered one of the most gifted young strikers in the organization, went toe-to-toe with the Italian-Canadian southpaw and made him work for every inch. His trademark left hook and low kicks found a home on Di Bella throughout the contest.
4 months ago
