Black Panther’s Four-Fight Surge Meets Diego Paez’s Upset Momentum at ONE Fight Night 40
The promotional debut loss in March 2023 feels like ancient history now for Black Panther, who has transformed that setback into a four-fight winning streak that’s seen the 26-year-old Thai striker grow more dangerous with every appearance inside ONE Championship.
The resurgence began at ONE Friday Fights 24 in July 2023 with a split decision over Iran’s Mohammad Sadeghi, but it was the unanimous decision victory over then-undefeated Suriyanlek Por Yenying two months later that announced his arrival. The Team Mehdi Zatout affiliate dropped his fellow countryman in the second and third rounds, showcasing heavy hands that would become his trademark.
Those finishing instincts reached their peak at ONE Fight Night 23 in July 2024 when Black Panther stopped Russia’s Ali Saldoev with a shocking head kick knockout just 23 seconds into round two. Most recently, he ventured up to bantamweight at ONE Fight Night 37 last November to face surging Colombian star Johan Estupinan, flooring his opponent three times in the second frame with fierce punches to secure another highlight-reel stoppage while handing Estupinan his first career knockout loss.
Now back at flyweight with his confidence surging, he faces Diego Paez on February 13 at ONE Fight Night 40 inside Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium, broadcasting live in U.S. primetime.
The 31-year-old Colombian-American brings his own momentum into the clash. Paez began his ONE Championship journey with a split-decision loss to longtime rival Sean Climaco at ONE Fight Night 28 in February 2025, offering glimpses of his style through crisp boxing, sharp elbows, and a fearless approach.
Those tools proved decisive at ONE Fight Night 32 last June when he edged American-Malaysian teenage sensation Johan Ghazali in a thrilling flyweight Muay Thai battle, relying on elusive footwork, creative counter-striking, and a variety of spinning attacks to earn a split-decision victory over one of the division’s hottest prospects.
This February, Paez aims to halt Black Panther’s rise while producing another fan-friendly performance inside the iconic venue. The contrast in career trajectories creates natural drama — the surging Thai striker riding a four-fight wave of momentum against the Colombian-American veteran looking to build consistency after the signature upset of Ghazali.
READ MORE: Pompet’s Mixed Form Meets Decho’s Resilience in High-Stakes Contract Fight at ONE Friday Fights 138
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