Johan “Panda Kick” Estupinan, an undefeated Muay Thai fighter from Colombia, is set to showcase his skills on June 6 at ONE Fight Night 32: Rodrigues vs. Cohen. The event will be broadcast live in U.S. primetime from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, where Estupinan faces off against the seasoned Japanese striker Taiki “Silent Sniper” Naito. This match is important not only for its competitive nature but also for its implications in the flyweight Muay Thai division.
Panda Kick does not just rely on elite Muay Thai skills and explosive highlights; he also possesses an intriguing edge—his passion for dance. Estupinan, only 22 years old, incorporates his love for dancing into his fighting style, which sets him apart from his competitors.
Estupinan's journey into the world of dance began in childhood alongside his twin brother, Jordan Estupinan, who is also making waves in ONE’s flyweight division. Johan has shared that they started their dance journey with breakdancing in parks and later progressed to performing at school events. This early exposure to movement has played a crucial role in shaping his capabilities as a fighter.
Reflecting on his formative years, Estupinan stated, “When we were young, we trained in breakdancing. We would go to a little park, and I would dance with my twin. Then we started dancing in school.” His adventurous spirit didn't stop there; he and his brother also explored parkour, showcasing their athleticism in various forms of physical expression.
The Estupinan brothers' affinity for dance is not limited to just one genre. Their exploration included various traditional Colombian styles, enriching their performances and creating a unique blend of cultural representation. When Johan enters the ring or Circle, fans often see him dancing joyfully, showcasing his personality and setting a lively atmosphere.
He explained the impact of dancing on his mindset saying, “A good Colombian who respects himself has to know how to dance. We always try to bring joy, to bring flavor.” This statement underscores that, for Estupinan, fighting isn't only about aggression; it’s an art form that thrives on showmanship and enthusiasm.
The dancing skills that Johan possesses translate effectively into his fight preparation and execution. His ability to execute high-flying techniques, dynamic footwork, and innovative movements has left his previous five opponents in the ONE Championship perplexed. “Dancing helps me a lot in foot movements. It also improves my reflexes in the ring,” Estupinan says, clearly connecting the dots between his dual passions.
Moreover, Johan emphasizes the synergy between his dance movements and the footwork required in Muay Thai, particularly drawing from styles like salsa. “We use the foot movements from salsa, and we add in the hands. Those movements help a lot in fights,” he elaborated, demonstrating how deeply rooted his dance is in his fighting strategy.
For Estupinan, music serves as an integral component of his life, interconnecting dancing and fighting. He continuously listens to music that resonates with his mood, whether it's Colombian music or reggaeton blasting during a motorcycle ride. His unique relationship with music also influences how he prepares for fights and decompresses afterward.
As Johan Estupinan prepares to face Taiki Naito in ONE Fight Night 32, his unique combination of dancing and fighting not only entertains fans but may also determine the future trajectory of his career in the flyweight Muay Thai division. His instinctive understanding of motion, rhythm, and expression sets the stage for what could be a thrilling encounter at Lumpinee Stadium.
