“He’s definitely improved” - Fabricio Andrade says Kwon Won Il has become a better fighter since they last fought

Reigning and undisputed ONE bantamweight MMA world champion 'Wonder Boy' Fabricio Andrade of Brazil is getting ready to run it back with South Korean slugger 'Pretty Boy' Kwon Won Il early next year, and he believes his opponent has earned the right to a rematch.

Andrade first met Kwon in June 2022, winning by first-round knockout at ONE 158: Tawanchai vs. Larsen in Singapore.

Since then, however, the South Korean has rallied back to score three straight victories impressively, making his case for a rematch more solid.

Now, Kwon has finally earned a second crack at beating Andrade, and 'Wonder Boy' says it is well deserved.

Speaking to Sportskeeda MMA in an exclusive interview, Andrade shared his thoughts on his South Korean foe's recent rise.

'Wonder Boy' said:

"Yes, he’s made a lot of improvements since we last fought in his past fights. I think after he lost that fight against me, he went back to the gym, trained a lot to improve his striking and grappling game. And that change showed in his last three performances. So yeah, he’s definitely improved and looked better over the past few fights."

The two are ready to rehash their epic rivalry in the ONE Championship ring early next year.

Fabricio Andrade and Kwon Won Il do it over at ONE 170 on Prime Video

Brazil's 'Wonder Boy' Fabricio Andrade will put his ONE bantamweight MMA world title on the line against South Korea's 'Pretty Boy' Kwon Won Il.

The two lock horns at ONE 170 on Prime Video, which broadcasts live in U.S. primetime on Friday, January 24, from the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding the event as it happens.