5 Fast Facts About ONE’s First Colombian Athlete Johan Estupinan
Johan “Panda Kick” Estupinan will make his ONE Championship debut with the eyes of the world watching on Friday, May 24.
The unbeaten 21-year-old faces the dangerous Kouta “Black Samurai” Omori in a 141-pound catchweight Muay Thai tilt at ONE Friday Fights 64.
While Estupinan has won quite a few accolades in Muay Thai over the years, he has by far his biggest test to date inside the famous Lumpinee Boxing Stadium.
Find out more about the surging striker before he steps into the ring for this life-changing clash in Bangkok, Thailand.
He Is ONE’s First Colombian Athlete
Estupinan was born in a humble family in Santiago de Cali, Colombia.
His father held a job as a taxi driver while his mother ran the home, but things were tough in their low-income household.
“Panda Kick” grew up with four brothers – including his twin Jhordan – and they banded together to survive despite the economic hardship their family faced.
His Fighting Spirit Was Forged Through Hardship
After facing a tough time at home with an abusive father, Estupinan and his twin brother Jhordan spent time in an orphanage.
This was where his fighting spirit was forged as he recalls having to “fight to survive” as the smallest kids among the group.
Fortunately, once his mother found work, she was able to bring her children back home and offer them safety and security.
With his stronger mindset, he excelled in martial arts under his coach JC Fernandez.
He Was An Amateur World Champion
Prior to his professional career, the Colombian standout had a decorated career as an amateur.
This culminated in the most prestigious amateur competition in Muay Thai in 2021, the IFMA World Championships.
Estupinan won four matches in six days against opponents from around the world to claim the gold in the elite under-23 category.
He Has Some Unique Moves
Estupinan describes his style of Muay Thai as “versatile and explosive.”
As well as the traditional elements of the sport, he likes to introduce other ideas such as Cali-style salsa dancing to aid with his speed and dexterity for kicking.
Through these influences, he has developed his own techniques with names including “kaio ken” and “schoner kick.”
He Wants To Show Another Side To The Fighter
Fighting is serious business, but Estupinan wants to shake off any notions of a stern, unapproachable personality.
He said:
“I am very kind and I am always very happy. People believe that I am a machine and I am not sociable, but it is quite the opposite.”
