Johan “Panda Kick” Estupinan

Johan Estupinan became the first-ever Colombian athlete to join ONE Championship’s world-class roster in 2024.

Born and raised in Santiago de Cali, Estupinan had to contend with terrifying forces both inside and outside the family home. His father — a taxi driver — often abused him. Then, because his family was so poor, he and his four brothers were sent to live in an orphanage, where he was bullied.

Estupinan found some respite when his mother landed a job and was able to bring her sons back home — and that’s when he found martial arts.

The Colombian competed in Muay Thai and MMA, but he found a true passion for the former. He became a well-respected athlete in his home country before winning the 2021 IFMA World Championships.

In May 2024, Estupinan received an opportunity to compete at a ONE Friday Fights event, and that night, he teleported his opponent into the fourth dimension with a 27-second knockout.

With his eyes on the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title, it’s clear that Estupinan is not someone to be overlooked.