“I saw an evolution in his jiu-jitsu and wrestling” - Fabricio Andrade impressed by Kwon Won Il’s improved grappling versus Artem Belakh

Fabricio Andrade is very impressed with the evolution of Kwon Won Il. In June 2022, Andrade scored a vicious 62-second knockout against Kwon at ONE 158, folding the South Korean star with a gut-wrenching body kick.

In the time since, Andrade has gone on to become the reigning ONE bantamweight MMA world champion, securing a dominant victory over ex-titleholder John 'Hands of Stone' Lineker, while Kwon has secured three straight wins over Mark Abelardo, Artem Belakh, and Shinechagtga Zoltsetseg.

Now, the two featherweight stars will run it back when ONE Championship heads to the iconic Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand for a loaded ONE 170 card on Friday, Jan. 24.

During a recent interview with the promotion, Andrade spoke about Kwon Won Il's evolution since their first meeting. In particular, his impressive performance against Artem Belakh at ONE Fight Night 11.

“I saw an evolution in his jiu-jitsu and wrestling game," Andrade said. "He faced a very good wrestler, Artem Belakh, and he managed to defend the takedowns and ended up knocking Artem out in the second round.”

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Fabricio Andrade ready to put on a show after lengthy layoff from the fight game

By the time Fabricio Andrade steps back onto martial arts' biggest global stage, it will be well over a year since his last time competing. Ready to get back to work, 'Wonder Boy' says his motivation to come out and deliver something special is "through the roof."

"I'm very excited," Andrade added. "I really want to fight and this desire is something very important for a fighter. Since I haven't fought for a long time, my motivation is through the roof."

In mixed martial arts competition under the ONE banner, Andrade remains undefeated and boasts an impressive 83% finish rate, including big finishes against Mark Abelardo, Jeremy Pacatiw, John Lineker, and of course, Kwon Won Il.

Will the Brazilian knockout artist make it seven straight in MMA and retain his 26 pounds of ONE Championship gold, or will 'Pretty Boy' even the series and claim his first ONE world title?

ONE Championship fans can catch ONE 170: Tawanchai vs. Superbon II live on Jan. 24 at watch.onefc.com.