Zhang Peimian won’t discount Rui Botelho’s experience and arsenal: “He has good technique”

'Fighting Rooster' Zhang Peimian knows he is the favorite heading into his showdown with Rui Botelho at ONE Fight Night 16. But the Chinese athlete refuses to let that get into his head.

The Shengli Fight Club athlete returns for his fifth promotional appearance on Friday, November 3, in a crucial strawweight kickboxing that could possibly secure him another shot at the divisional gold.

However, before he dreams of leaving the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, with his hand raised, the 20-year-old superstar understands he cannot afford to play games against an athlete of Botelho’s experience.

Speaking to ONE Championship, the Chinese phenom had this to say about the Portuguese striker's strength.

Zhang Peimian said:

“He is older and more mature than me. He has good technique, and his previous opponents were very good. In addition, he has a weight and height advantage over me.”

Botelho may have not enjoyed the sweetest of runs on the global stage of ONE, but the 28-year-old from Mafra has only shared the circle with some of the best kickboxers on the planet.

Besides, the European kickboxing champion’s years of experience at the top of the striking mountain means he is only equipped with a more complete arsenal against a rival almost ten years his junior.

Whatever way the match unfolds, fans are in for an absolute banger when Zhang Peimian and Botelho meet inside the legendary venue in U.S. primetime on Friday, November 3.

For the Chinese phenom, at least, a victory could cement his status as the next in line to Jonathan Di Bella’s strawweight kickboxing world title.

Fans in the United States and Canada can catch the entire ONE Fight Night 16 card live and for free with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.