Zhang Peimian says coach told him to stay aggressive and never step back

Zhang Peimian knew he was in store for a tough matchup against Russian newcomer Torepchi Dongak on Friday night.

‘Fighting Rooster’ scored an impressive unanimous decision win over the three-time kickboxing champion during ONE Championship’s return to Singapore Indoor Stadium at ONE Fight Night 8 on Prime Video.

Following his return to the win column, Peimian spoke with the media during a post-fight press event and commended his opponent, saying:

“I feel my opponent is better -- a well-rounded athlete. He did a very great job this morning.”

Despite knowing very little about his opponent going into the matchup, Zhang Peimian always expected a tough battle against the Russian debutant:

“I knew my opponent's progression, and all Russian styles are like that, they will fight until the end, so before the fight, my coach told me I could not step back, so I kept pushing forward.”

The bout made Peimian a winner in three of his last four, with the lone loss coming in an October scrap with ONE strawweight kickboxing world champion Jonathan Di Bella.

‘Fighting Rooster’ hopes that his strong performance on Friday night will put him back into the title picture after coming up short against Di Bella at ONE 162.

Catch Peimian's post-fight remarks below:

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Zhang Peimian plans to give away his $50,000 bonus

Zhang Peimian delivered such a strong performance against Torepchi Dongak at ONE Fight Night 8 that ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong awarded him with a $50,000 bonus. It was one of three bonuses to be handed out throughout the incredible evening of action.

When asked what he would do with his newfound wealth, ‘Fighting Rooster’ revealed that the money to will go the people that he fights for every time he steps into the circle:

“I fight for my family, so I will give it to my family,” Peimian responded. “And that's why I'm here. I'm here to give back to my family.”

If things go Peimian’s way, he’ll be fighting for a ONE world title soon.

Though he’s coming off a championship showdown with Jonathan Di Bella late last year, the division is wide open, leaving him realistically one or two wins away from another crack at the Canadian-Italian titleholder:

“The more I fight, the braver I become. I want to challenge Jonathan Di Bella. I want to get the belt,” Peimian concluded.