Black Panther Vs. Diego Paez Flyweight Muay Thai Showdown Added To ONE Fight Night 40
The already stacked ONE Fight Night 40: Buntan vs. Hemetsberger II on Prime Video card just got even bigger with the addition of a flyweight Muay Thai clash between Thai standout Black Panther and Colombian-American brawler Diego Paez.
This high-octane matchup will broadcast live in U.S. primetime from Bangkok’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium on Friday, February 13, and both men are determined to maintain their winning ways.
Black Panther enters the bout at ONE Fight Night 40 riding massive momentum, having pieced together a four-bout winning streak since falling in his promotional debut back in March 2023.
After that setback, the 26-year-old Thai striker rebounded in emphatic fashion, sharpening his weapons and growing more dangerous with every appearance in the world’s largest martial arts organization.
That resurgence began at ONE Friday Fights 24 in July 2023, where he earned a split-decision victory over Iran’s Mohammad Sadeghi.
Two months later at ONE Friday Fights 35, he delivered another strong performance against Suriyanlek Por Yenying, who was undefeated in the promotion at the time.
The Team Mehdi Zatout affiliate showcased his heavy hands in that encounter, dropping his fellow countryman in the second and third rounds en route to a unanimous decision win.
Black Panther continued his rise at ONE Fight Night 23 in July 2024, producing one of the most memorable finishes of his career. Just 23 seconds into round two, he stopped Russia’s Ali Saldoev with a shocking head kick knockout.
Most recently, the Thai tested himself in a heavier division, as he stepped up to the bantamweight ranks to face surging Colombian star Johan “Panda Kick” Estupinan at ONE Fight Night 37 last November.
In the second frame, Black Panther floored his opponent three times with fierce punches to secure another highlight-reel stoppage. What’s more, he handed Estupinan his second defeat and the first stoppage loss of his career.
Now back at flyweight with his confidence surging, the Thai sensation looks to keep his streak alive at ONE Fight Night 40.
Standing in his way, however, is a dangerous and determined opponent who is eager to build some momentum of his own.
The 31-year-old Paez began his ONE Championship journey with a split-decision loss to longtime rival Sean Climaco at ONE Fight Night 28 in February 2025. While the result didn’t go his way, Paez offered a clear glimpse of his style, mixing crisp boxing with sharp elbows and a fearless approach.
Those tools proved decisive at ONE Fight Night 32 last June, when he edged American-Malaysian teenage sensation Johan “Jojo” Ghazali in a thrilling flyweight Muay Thai battle.
In a fast-paced, back-and-forth contest, Paez relied on elusive footwork, creative counter-striking, and a variety of spinning attacks to earn a split-decision victory.
This February at ONE Fight Night 40, Paez aims to halt Black Panther’s rise while producing another fan-friendly performance inside the “Madison Square Garden of the East.”
Stay tuned to onefc.com for more news about ONE Fight Night 40 on Prime Video.
