‘I’ve Been Using It Ever Since’ – Black Panther Reveals Origin Of His Iconic Ring Name
In combat sports, the right name can be just as powerful as a knockout punch. Yet few athletes truly embody their chosen alias like Thai sensation Black Panther.
The surging 26-year-old will look to extend his four-fight winning streak when he faces Colombian-American fighter Diego Paez at ONE Fight Night 40: Buntan vs. Hemetsberger II on Prime Video. The flyweight Muay Thai clash takes place on Friday, February 13, live in U.S. primetime from Bangkok’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium.
Before adopting his now-famous moniker, the Pattaya native fought under a different name on Thailand’s unforgiving stadium circuit.
His 80-17 professional record proves the elite skills were always there, but his true potential was unlocked under the guidance of legendary coach Mehdi Zatout.
Beyond sharpening his striking, the esteemed mentor stressed the importance of personal branding to reach a wider audience. When Black Panther earned a call to compete on ONE Championship’s global stage, he needed a name that fully captured what he was all about.
Black Panther shared with onefc.com how his name was born:
“I had always used the name ‘Jong-Ang-Dam’ (Black King Cobra) throughout my fighting career. However, when I joined [Team] Mehdi Zatout back in 2021, he suggested I change it to something more international.
“He wanted me to have a stronger brand identity that foreigners could easily remember, so he gave me the name ‘Black Panther.'”
The moniker isn’t merely catchy – it’s a perfect reflection of who he is inside and outside the ring.
Much like Marvel’s T’Challa, portrayed by the late Chadwick Boseman on the big screen, Black Panther exudes courage, leadership, and quiet dignity.
But when the battle begins, the switch flips. The reserved demeanor gives way to a hunter, one who is relentless and utterly unforgiving.
Black Panther offered:
“The reason he chose this name is because of my fighting style — fast strikes and an aggressive attacking approach. Plus, the meaning isn’t too far off from my old name, ‘Jong-Ang-Dam.’ I really liked it, so I decided to make the change, and I’ve been using it ever since.”
Black Panther’s Remarkable Rise In ONE Championship
For Black Panther, losing wasn’t the end of his story. It was the spark that ignited an unprecedented climb.
His ONE Championship debut at ONE Friday Fights 9 in March 2023 didn’t go according to plan, as veteran “Samingpri” Tagir Khalilov handed the wide-eyed Thai a first-round knockout loss.
Most fighters would have crumbled, but the 26-year-old refused to let his journey end there.
He gutted out a grueling split-decision victory over Iran’s Mohammad Sadeghi at ONE Friday Fights 24, then outpointed heavy-handed compatriot Suriyanlek Por Yenying two months later.
Despite back-to-back wins, he knew a signature finish was needed to truly announce his arrival.
That moment came against Russia’s Ali Saldoev at ONE Fight Night 23 in July 2024. After a competitive opening round, the Thai flattened him with a counter head kick just 23 seconds into the second frame.
Eager to maintain momentum, Black Panther stepped up on short notice against dangerous finisher Johan “Panda Kick” Estupinan at ONE Fight Night 37 last November. He dropped the Colombian three times in round two before a pinpoint left hook sent Estupinan face-first into the canvas for the decisive TKO win.
The Thai sensation shows no signs of slowing down, and on February 13, he’ll look to prove his ascent is only beginning when he meets Paez.
