Kwon Won Il says he did MMA for fun but is now ready to be world champion: “It’s a hobby for me”

Third-ranked ONE Championship bantamweight MMA contender 'Pretty Boy' Kwon Won Il of South Korea says mixed martial arts was nothing but a hobby for him initially. So, looking back on his history now, the chance to become known as the best bantamweight MMA fighter in the world means the world to him.

Kwon is on the cusp of ONE Championship gold, and the South Korean slugger can smell blood in the water. 'Pretty Boy' is set to challenge Brazilian rival 'Wonder Boy' Fabricio Andrade early next year, and he promises to take home the gold.

Speaking on a recent guest appearance on Anything Goes, Kwon said:

"You know, MMA is something that I do for fun. It’s a hobby for me. With it just being a hobby, I became the best in the world. That’s what it’s gonna mean to me."

Kwon and Andrade will lock horns at ONE 170: Tawanchai vs. Superbon II, which broadcasts live in Asia primetime from the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, January 24, 2025.

Fans in the United States and Canada can visit ONE Championship's official website for more information on how to watch from their area. Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding the event.

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Kwon Won Il admits he's not taking Fabricio Andrade lightly: "I have to give him that"

As confident as he is of victory, South Korea's 'Pretty Boy' Kwon Won Il knows not to underestimate 'Wonder Boy' Fabricio Andrade, if he hopes to become the new ONE bantamweight MMA world champion.

Kwon acknowledges that Andrade holds a distinct advantage in one key area, so he has to mix it up.

He told Anything Goes:

"I also have got to admit, he’s a bit of a better striker than me. If you just talk about pure striking. You know, I have to give him that."