Black Panther looks to make it five in a row against Diego Paez at ONE Fight Night 40: “Going to be an exciting war”

Thai striking sensation Black Panther rides a four-fight winning streak into his flyweight Muay Thai showdown against Colombian-American fighter Diego Paez at ONE Fight Night 40: Buntan vs. Hemetsberger II on Friday, February 13, broadcasting live in U.S. primetime from Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium.

The 26-year-old Team Mehdi Zatout affiliate carries serious momentum into this contest. With the ONE flyweight Muay Thai throne currently vacant, every performance carries championship implications. Black Panther understands another statement victory could push him into serious title contention. He’s prepared nearly three months for this opportunity, significantly longer than his previous fight camps.

Paez brings confidence after defeating teenage sensation Johan Ghazali last June. But the Thai striker studied his opponent’s hybrid style and remains unfazed by the challenge ahead. He believes his world-class Muay Thai and elite sparring partners have prepared him for anything Paez brings. The complete camp allows Black Panther to showcase every weapon in his arsenal.

“I’ve been in camp for nearly three months for this one. Prep has been much better than my last few fights,” Black Panther said. “I’m coming in with every weapon – punches, kicks, knees, and elbows. I’m looking to end it with any of them. I’m hunting for that bonus, too. I want to build a house for my family. A bonus would be life-changing for us.”

Black Panther ready for intense battle

Black Panther carries serious momentum into his flyweight Muay Thai showdown with Diego Paez at ONE Fight Night 40. Leg and knee injuries slowed his activity over the past two years, interrupting what he believed should have been a steady climb toward championship gold. The setbacks tested his patience but fueled a deeper hunger to return stronger than before.

He stayed disciplined through the layoff. Training never stopped. When Suablack Tor Pran49 withdrew in November and an opportunity opened at bantamweight, Black Panther seized it without hesitation. He delivered a statement performance against Johan Estupinan, dropping the Colombian three times to hand him his first career knockout loss. Instead of ring rust, he proved the time away only sharpened his tools.

Now back at full health and competing at his natural flyweight, he enters Friday as the most complete version of himself. His goal for 2026 centers on breaking into the divisional rankings. A top-five placement would validate everything he’s overcome since those injuries derailed his momentum.

“Now that I’m back and fighting regularly, I’m hungrier and stronger than ever. No injuries are holding me back,” Black Panther said. “My confidence for this fight is higher than it’s ever been. Camp was perfect. My goal for 2026 is to break into the rankings. I’m not looking at the title shot just yet, but if I can get into that top five, I’ll be proud.”