Undefeated Brazilian prospect Marcos Aurelio is set to make his promotional debut against Filipino standout Carlo Bumina-ang in a bantamweight mixed martial arts bout at ONE Fight Night 39 on Friday.
The 21-year-old Aurelio (8-0) arrives at Lumpinee Stadium following a dominant run on the American regional circuit. He faces a steep introduction to the organization in Bumina-ang, a Team Lakay product who has finished six of his seven professional opponents.
The three-round contest will air live in U.S. primetime on Prime Video.
Aurelio, a WMF Muay Thai champion with four knockouts and two submissions on his record, said he has conducted an exhaustive scouting report on Bumina-ang to prepare for the Filipino’s relentless pressure.
“I studied my opponent extensively,” Aurelio said. “My opponent is left-handed, with a very strong backhand, especially with his left hand and leg. Furthermore, he’s a well-rounded fighter with good grappling skills.”
Despite entering the bout as the underdog, the Rio de Janeiro native credits his unblemished record to a source beyond physical training. A devout athlete, Aurelio attributes his “grit” and technical progression to his faith.
“I don’t beat my opponents because I’m stronger or more technical than them,” Aurelio said. “I win because I have more grit. I win with my faith. My strength doesn’t come from me… it was always God.”
Bumina-ang has established himself as a force in ONE’s 145-pound ranks (bantamweight), utilizing a “dirty boxing” style that has stifled previous opponents. However, Aurelio insists he has identified vulnerabilities in the Team Lakay star’s game.
“Like every fighter, he also has flaws, and I’m going to exploit those flaws,” Aurelio said.
The journey to Bangkok began in modest circumstances for Aurelio, who turned to martial arts as a youth in Brazil. While he acknowledged the sacrifices required to reach the global stage, he said he is prepared for the bout to take place in any range.
“Wherever [it goes], I am ready — whether in striking or grappling,” Aurelio said. “I am very excited to know that, once again, I will be able to show my purpose to the world at the biggest event in Asia.” NLMonitor