“I’m here to fight everybody” - Jonathan Di Bella is unfazed by Zhang Peimian’s impressive performances

ONE newcomer Jonathan Di Bella is ready to make headlines at ONE 162 this month. Bella will face Zhang Peimian for the vacant ONE strawweight kickboxing world title on October 21 at the Axiata Arena in Malaysia.

Coming into the foray with the full knowledge of who his opponent is, Jonathan Di Bella remains unfazed by the Peimian’s string of impressive wins under ONE Championship.

In a recent interview with the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the Italian-Canadian striker reminded fans that he joined ONE with one purpose: to fight against the best kickboxers in the world, including Zhang Peimian:

“It makes me very excited. I know he’s No.1 in the world right now. I signed up for the sport to compete at the highest level. I’m not here playing. I’m here to fight everybody.”

The Montreal-based striker is a former Glory and ISKA kickboxing world champion with an undefeated record of 10 straight wins and no losses. Known for his fast hands, speed, and highly technical boxing skill set, the 26-year-old talent poses a real threat to his Chinese counterpart, Zhang Peimian.

Peimian is ONE Championship’s latest rising star. The 19-year-old phenom is stepping into his first world title opportunity this year with impressive back-to-back victories over Aslanbek Zikreev at ONE 159 and Josh Tonna at ONE: Lights Out.

Considered to be one of the hardest-hitting strikers in the division, ‘Fighting Rooster’ also has a plethora of weapons in his arsenal to end the fight early.

Fans will wait in anticipation to see which striker is crowned the new king of kickboxing at ONE 162.

---

Jonathan Di Bella explains why he chose to sign with ONE Championship

Jonathan Di Bella explained why he chose to sign with ONE Championship in early 2020.

According to SCMP MMA, Di Bella has been waiting patiently for two years to fight in the largest martial arts promotion in the world. During the pandemic years, the 26-year-old standout took to training at home while the gyms were closed, never skipping a day to improve his boxing skill set.

Excited to make his ONE debut on the grand stage, Di Bella recalled the day he signed with ONE and the reason why took the leap.

Speaking to MyMMANews, Jonathan Di Bella said:

“Ever since they started the kickboxing division, I always had my eye out on it. I was very excited and I was very impressed by their league you know, so it was like a dream come true for a kickboxer and a Muay Thai fighter, so I was like ‘wow this is crazy’ so I’m like you know what, hopefully one day. Then they offered me a contract and I was really happy.”