Fabricio Andrade inspired to take up Muay Thai after watching friend fight

A single trip to a local Muay Thai event changed the trajectory of Fabricio Andrade’s life forever. Long before he became the No.1-ranked ONE bantamweight contender, a young Andrade had little to no idea about The Art of Eight of Limbs.

In fact, ‘Wonder Boy’ only took up the striking art through the urging of a friend. But upon witnessing the beauty of a sanctioned match with his own eyes, the Brazilian knew he wanted to dedicate his life to becoming the best professional fighter he can be.

Fabricio Andrade shared this interesting story during his recent ONE Fight Night 7 pre-event interview:

“I started training because I wanted to fight in the street. A friend took me to train Muay Thai, and I enjoyed it. One day, I went to see him fight, and that was so cool for me. He was in the ring fighting, and everyone was looking at him. He was the center of attention, and that enchanted me.”

Before taking the mixed martial arts scene by storm, Andrade paid his dues on Brazil and China’s Muay Thai circuit, where he compiled a respectable 40-3 record.

The 25-year-old soon realized that his true potential lies in MMA, and the rest is history.

‘Wonder Boy’ lived up to his moniker and lit up ONE Championship’s 145-pound ranks, with four finishes in his first five victories inside the circle.

The Tiger Muay Thai product was on the cusp of becoming a world champion at ONE on Prime Video 3 last year when he sent John Lineker writhing in pain with a well-timed knee to the body. His coronation night, however, was put on hold after a second inadvertent knee to Lineker’s groin rendered the former world champion unable to continue.

Fabricio Andrade will look to atone for that mistake with another striking clinic at ONE on Fight Night 7 this Friday, September 24. The highly-anticipated rematch inside the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, will air live on US Primetime and free for all Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.

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Fabricio Andrade thinks even John Lineker doesn’t believe he can win rematch

As far as Fabricio Andrade is concerned, John Lineker already knows what’s coming for him in their do-over this Friday.

After nearly becoming the first fighter to knock out ‘Hands of Stone,’ Andrade’s confidence is at an all-time high at the moment. Just a few days before their paths cross anew, Fabricio Andrade says it’s only a matter of time before he claims the vacant bantamweight throne.

He told ONE Championship:

“He knows I'm a dangerous fighter. I don't believe he thinks he can win this fight. You know, if he thinks that, I don't know. He's delusional, but he's still going to show up. He's still going to fight. He's a fighter. I'm a fighter, and we got to do what we do. It's our job, so we have to fight."