Diego Paez is ready to make a statement following a challenging start in ONE Championship. On June 6, during prime time in the U.S., Paez will face off against the exciting young talent Johan "Jojo" Ghazali at ONE Fight Night 32. This flyweight Muay Thai battle takes place at the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Paez, a Colombian-American fighter, is eager to overcome his last encounter, where he lost a tight split decision to Sean Climaco at ONE Fight Night 28. That February clash has fueled Paez's determination for a fresh start, and he plans to showcase his skills against Ghazali, who is recognized for his impressive fight finishes.
At just 19 years old, Ghazali already boasts five highlight-reel knockouts in ONE, showcasing his power and striking prowess. However, Paez, now 31, believes his experience will be crucial come fight night. He expressed his enthusiasm about the matchup, commenting on Ghazali’s growing fanbase and formidable style. Paez said, "I’m thrilled about the matchup. He’s a young up-and-comer with a ferocious and aggressive style. I’m not worried about needing a wake-up call this time around." This attitude hints at Paez's commitment to put on an electrifying performance.
Paez approaches fights with a strategic mindset, analyzing his opponent's strengths and weaknesses. He noted Ghazali's aggressive approach, which could be a double-edged sword. While it allows for exciting exchanges, it can also lead to vulnerability. Paez commented, "I think stylistically it’s a great matchup. He likes to come forward and push the pace, which means I need to utilize my skills and movement." He believes his footwork and counter-striking could create problems for Ghazali, who tends to struggle against fighters that don’t merely engage head-on.
As the fight unfolds, Paez anticipates moments where he will need to engage directly. His respect for Ghazali's knockout power doesn’t deter him. Instead, he welcomes the challenge: "There will be times when I need to stand my ground and engage. I’m looking forward to those moments because they can lead to significant action." He aims to not only win but also deliver an entertaining spectacle for the fans.
Though a quick finish is always appealing, Paez wants more than just a first-round knockout. He envisions a hard-fought battle that allows him to highlight his versatility. "Ideally, I want to showcase my skills through a back-and-forth fight that ends with a finish, whether that’s a technical knockout or a clean knockout. That’s what I aim for," he expressed confidently.
For Paez, his debut in ONE Championship didn't go as planned. After his loss to Climaco, he feels rejuvenated and eager to solidify his presence in the crowded flyweight Muay Thai division. "This is my second fight under ONE, and I didn't perform the way I wanted to in the first one. Now, I’m ready to establish myself and earn the respect I deserve. I believe this fight can be the best of the night," he stated, underscoring his ambition to deliver an unforgettable performance.
Considering both fighters' explosive styles and willingness to engage, Paez's prediction for "Fight of the Night" holds promise. Looking beyond June 6, he remains open to challenging encounters, showing a strong mentality for continuous growth. "I’m ready to fight whoever they put in front of me. My focus is always on winning this fight. Once that's done, we’ll discuss the next steps," he concluded.
As Diego Paez prepares for his pivotal match against Johan Ghazali at ONE Fight Night 32, fans anticipate a thrilling showdown filled with action, skill, and determination from both athletes.
