Fabricio Andrade Poised for First Bantamweight Title Defense Against Red-Hot Contender Won Il Kwon

Fabricio Andrade

ONE Championship is kicking off 2024 with a bang, as bantamweight champion Fabricio Andrade returns to the cage to defend his title for the first time against a familiar foe, Won Il Kwon. Set to take place at ONE 170 on January 24 in Bangkok’s Impact Arena, this showdown is shaping up to be a high-stakes rematch that has fans buzzing with anticipation.

Fabricio Andrade, a fighter who commands respect with every performance, last graced the MMA scene in February 2023. He seized the bantamweight throne by stopping John Lineker at ONE on Prime Video 7 after Lineker's corner called it quits due to the damage inflicted on their fighter’s eye. This marked a pinnacle moment for Andrade, propelling him to champion status.

Since then, Andrade has tested his skills in kickboxing, aiming to become a two-sport champion against the fearsome Jonathan Haggerty. However, it wasn’t meant to be, as Haggerty halted Andrade in the second round. With that experience behind him, Andrade is eager to return to his MMA roots and defend his title, proving he’s a force to be reckoned with in the bantamweight division.

But Andrade’s return to MMA comes with a formidable challenge. South Korea’s Won Il Kwon, who has built a fearsome reputation in the division, is coming off an impressive three-fight win streak, finishing each of his last three opponents. Kwon, who last fought in January, unleashed a relentless ground-and-pound attack to secure a second-round stoppage over Shinechagtga Zoltsetseg. Now, with a title shot within reach, Kwon is focused on one goal—revenge.

Their first clash in June 2022 was a defining moment, with Andrade delivering a first-round liver kick that dramatically ended Kwon’s night. But since that defeat, Kwon has been unstoppable, fine-tuning his skills and working his way back up the ranks for another shot at Andrade.

This January’s event promises a thrilling showdown as both fighters bring their best to the cage. Andrade, determined to make his mark as a champion, must be at the top of his game to fend off Kwon, who is hungrier than ever for redemption.