‘Toughest Guy I’ve Ever Fought’ – Fabricio Andrade Reflects On Loss To Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu, Vows To Reclaim World Title In 2026
Brazilian knockout machine Fabricio “Wonder Boy” Andrade walked away from ONE Fight Night 38 on Prime Video without his ONE Bantamweight MMA World Title, but he left with nothing but respect for the man who dethroned him.
“The Tormentor” Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu captured 26 pounds of gold with a rear-naked choke in the fourth round on his way to becoming Mongolia’s second MMA World Champion and secured a US$50,000 performance bonus from ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.
That defeat, which took place live in U.S. primetime from Bangkok’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium on December 5, stung. However, losing to a warrior like Baatarkhuu softened the blow.
“Wonder Boy” had never underestimated the 36-year-old challenger heading into their main event showdown. He knew the Mongolian brought legitimate credentials and dangerous skills to the ring.
But what Andrade didn’t anticipate was the otherworldly will and resilience his opponent displayed:
“I knew he was going to be a very tough opponent, but it was still very surprising for me to see how he could recover. I’ve never seen anyone who can take that many hits, get dropped, survive, and come back like nothing happened. He’s a very tough guy and a remarkable opponent.”
The Fortaleza native had built his undefeated MMA run in the organization on devastating knockout power – the kind that had flattened John “Hands of Stone” Lineker and scored a second stoppage against “Pretty Boy” Kwon Won Il in their rematch in 42 seconds at ONE 170 in January.
As such, the finishing machine believed he had another highlight-reel victory within reach when he dropped the Mongolian early in the opening frame. That belief, Andrade now admits, became his undoing.
He told onefc.com:
“Every time I hit someone, they’re out, and they don’t come back. Even in this fight, I think it was just around one minute, and I already dropped him. And I thought I needed to finish the fight. So I rushed a little bit.”
Andrade’s eagerness to press for the finish left openings that Baatarkhuu exploited with relentless wrestling and suffocating ground control. By the championship rounds, the momentum had shifted entirely, and the Mongolian challenger seized control.
But even in defeat, Andrade refuses to take the spotlight from “The Tormentor’s” moment of glory.
The newly crowned ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion entered the bout riding a three-fight winning streak and delivered the performance of his life when the stakes couldn’t have been higher.
“Wonder Boy” continued:
“Enkh is a great man. He’s a great person. He’s a great fighter, too. Although I lost the fight, I was happy for him also because he’s 36 years old, he just had a great year, he became famous with ‘Physical: Asia,’ and now he has become a World Champion.
“So, I’m happy for him. I’m happy that he was able to achieve all of this, and now he’s well-known around the world. I’m happy for his career. He’s the toughest guy I’ve ever fought and the toughest guy I’ve ever seen.”
Andrade Eager To Run It Back With Baatarkhuu
While Fabricio Andrade has nothing but praise for Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu, the Tiger Muay Thai representative has redemption on his mind when the new year dawns.
The former divisional king recognizes that many overlooked “The Tormentor” heading into their World Title fixture. Conversations had already shifted to potential future opponents and what was to come next for his reign.
But “Wonder Boy” never made that mistake, and now he sees the loss as fuel for his evolution:
“Setbacks only make us stronger. Before the fight, everyone was talking about how easy this would be, who would be next already. They were talking about possible opponents after this fight. People were overlooking this guy. Not me.
“Now, everything is more interesting. I need to evolve to prepare to get better and to come back stronger. I’m pumped to evolve and get better.”
Having experienced firsthand just how tough Baatarkhuu is and the skill set he possesses, Andrade knows exactly what adjustments he’ll need to make in the inevitable rematch.
His game won’t change drastically – his knockout power remains his greatest weapon. But the next approach will require far more patience and discipline.
For now, the Brazilian may give the Mongolian fighter his well-earned flowers, but when the calendar flips to 2026, he will be dialed in to reclaim his spot atop the throne.
“Going into the rematch, I think I’ll need to be more patient. Like if I need to drop him 50 times in a fight, I really need to stay patient to drop him 50 times in the fight.
“Congrats on the good year, Enkh. I wish you all the best, but I’m going to come to take my belt back.”
