Jonathan Di Bella critical of his own performance despite impressive win over Rui Botelho at ONE Fight Night 26

Former ONE strawweight kickboxing world champion Jonathan Di Bella started his journey towards reclaiming the crown with a dominant victory over Rui Botelho at ONE Fight Night 26 on Friday, Dec. 6. However, he was unsatisfied with the unanimous decision win.

The Italian-Canadian fighter told ONE fighter-turned-commentator Mitch Chilson in the post-fight interview:

"I'll give my performance a six plus, a seven maybe, nothing great. But his style is tough. He's been in there with the top [fighters] in the higher divisions and he's like close to number two in the world, so we're both at the top out there. But it could have gone better, could have had some more activity, but yeah, some room for improvement and training, for sure."

Di Bella fought a perfect fight against the Portuguese standout, firing off leg kicks to open his attacks and following it up with quick punches to put Botelho on his back foot.

Putting constant pressure on Botelho allowed the 28-year-old to throw his combinations at will while the Dinamite Team star struggled to find an opening to land cleanly throughout the bout.

The victory gave Di Bella his 13th career victory — his third under the ONE banner.

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Jonathan Di Bella still grateful for 2024 despite setbacks

Jonathan Di Bella suffered the first loss of his kickboxing career this past June when he fought strawweight Muay Thai king Prajanchai PK Saenchai over the then-vacant strawweight kickboxing crown. However, he still has a lot to be thankful for heading into the new year.

Di Bella exclusively told Sportskeeda MMA:

"I'm just grateful for my family and my close friends supporting me. And my training partners. Yeah, my dad, my mom, my girlfriend, my whole family and team."

Fans in the United States and Canada with an active Prime Video subscription can rewatch ONE Fight Night 26 on demand.