Marcos Aurelio trusts faith over technique ahead of debut ONE Fight Night 39: “I have more grit”

Marcos Aurelio carries an 8-0 record into his ONE Championship debut. But numbers mean nothing against what he believes truly matters.

The 21-year-old Brazilian faces Filipino knockout artist Carlo Bumina-ang in bantamweight MMA at ONE Fight Night 39. This happens on Friday, January 23, inside Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium. The event broadcasts live in U.S. primetime on Amazon Prime Video.

Aurelio dominated the American regional circuit after refining his craft in Rio de Janeiro. Four knockout victories showcase ferocious striking prowess backed by his WMF Muay Thai Championship credentials. Two slick submission wins prove he stays dangerous when fights hit the canvas thanks to strong jiu-jitsu fundamentals.

But the Academia Mutaru representative gets thrown directly into the fire without any grace period. Bumina-ang brings proven finishing ability to the bantamweight division. Six of his seven victories came by knockout or submission. The Team Lakay standout’s relentless pressure and dirty boxing have troubled elite competition.

“I studied my opponent extensively. I analyzed every detail, wrote a lot about him, and spent a great deal of time thinking about his mistakes and successes, his strengths and weaknesses,” he said. “My opponent is left-handed, with a very strong backhand, especially with his left hand and leg. Furthermore, he’s a well-rounded fighter with good grappling skills.”

Marcos Aurelio credits divine power over personal skill

Marcos Aurelio believes his greatest weapons come from something far beyond himself. The Brazilian knockout artist enters this bout as the underdog against proven ONE Championship competition.

Aurelio’s journey began in modest circumstances back home in Rio de Janeiro. Martial arts became his refuge and opportunity during formative years. While others his age pursued typical teenage distractions, he poured every ounce of energy into training. The discipline demanded sacrifice. But his faith carried him through every hardship and obstacle, ultimately delivering him to martial arts’ grandest stage.

Years of dedication brought him here. Now comes the hard part — proving he belongs among the world’s best. He refuses to let this golden opportunity slip away.

“Bumina-ang always shows that he wants more, but he doesn’t want more than me. I don’t beat my opponents because I’m stronger or more technical than them. I win because I have more grit,” he said. “My strength doesn’t come from me, my technique doesn’t come from me, my will doesn’t come from me, my grit doesn’t come from me. It’s something much greater, something divine. Because it was never me — it was always God.

“I’ve studied him. Like every fighter, he also has flaws, and I’m going to exploit those flaws. God gave me the opportunity to train every day, every hour, every moment. Health to train, spiritual and mental peace. And I dedicated myself completely. I left every drop of sweat in there. Every single drop. Wherever [it goes], I am ready – whether in striking or grappling. And, once again, to the whole world, I will show that it was never me, but always God.

“I am very excited to know that, once again, I will be able to show my purpose to the world at the biggest event in Asia and one of the biggest events in the world.”