‘By Any Means Necessary’ – Fabricio Andrey Hunting Statement Finish Against Joao Pedro Bueno Mendes At ONE Fight Night 40
Fabricio “Hokage” Andrey enters ONE Fight Night 40: Buntan vs. Hemetsberger II on Prime Video as a man on a mission.
The dynamic Brazilian has a point to prove when he faces fellow countryman Joao Pedro Bueno Mendes in a featherweight submission grappling contest. The 10-minute showdown goes down live in U.S. primetime on Friday, February 13, airing from the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Andrey went 2-0 inside the world’s largest martial arts organization in 2025, showcasing elite athleticism and raw power in dominant unanimous decision victories over Ashley Williams and Eduardo Granzotto.
His triumph over the latter at ONE Fight Night 36 last October carried extra weight. It was revenge after Granzotto handed him a shocking upset at the IBJJF Worlds earlier in the year.
But the victory still felt bittersweet. Andrey nearly locked in his trademark flying armbar, but he couldn’t leverage the tap. In his eyes, the performance didn’t reflect his true capabilities.
Speaking to onefc.com, “Hokage” reflected on that missed opportunity to showcase his killer instinct:
“A victory is always good, but that one wasn’t particularly satisfying. I was very sick leading up to the match and wasn’t able to perform at my best.
“I had a good chance to submit him, but lost the position right when I had him on lock. But yes, it was good to beat him.”
With a 103-27 career record to his name, Andrey has proven his finishing pedigree time and again. Yet he admits that signature performance on the global stage still eludes him.
That hunger has driven his preparation for this third promotional appearance. The Alliance affiliate arrived in Bangkok earlier, giving his body time to adjust after the long journey from Brazil.
Fully acclimated, the IBJJF and ADCC veteran is ready to reward fans with the spectacle they’ve been waiting for.
The Manaus native said:
“Even though I won both matches in a dominant fashion, I couldn’t submit any of them. I’ve had a tough time due to the long trip from Brazil. But this time I flew in much earlier to make sure I’m able to adapt to the time difference and deal with the jet lag properly.
“That’s my goal in every match I enter. I’m making sure I’ll offset that aspect this time around and hunt for the submission by any means necessary.”
Beyond extending his perfect ONE record, a decisive finish opens doors to Andrey’s ultimate ambition. A World Title shot moves within reach if he delivers.
Aware of what’s at stake, Andrey vowed to unleash the complete “Hokage” experience against Mendes – aerial attacks, suffocating pressure, and a highlight-reel submission.
The IBJJF and ADCC veteran declared:
“Hopefully I’ll get the W once again, but this time with a strong submission before the bell rings. And with that, I expect to be able to fight for the belt in the next match.
“[They’ll see] vintage Hokage! The one who is able to work miracles on the big stage. I’m not holding back.”
Andrey Breaks Down Mendes, Sees Clear Path To Victory
Despite his confidence, Fabricio Andrey isn’t overlooking Joao Pedro Bueno Mendes.
The reigning IBJJF World Champion emerged as one of the best featherweight grapplers last year with a game built on fundamentals and methodical passing.
Still, Andrey believes his style presents problems for the credentialed ONE debutant:
“He’s not known for his no-gi accomplishments, but he is the BJJ World Champion in my weight class. So, of course, he’s a very dangerous opponent. His main characteristic is strong grips and very good guard retention, but that’s in the gi. Let’s see how he approaches it without the fabric to grab onto.
“My wrestling skills are way more advanced than his, and I think it’s gonna be my biggest advantage in the match. Also, the rule set plays in my favor in that aspect, so I’ll make the most of it.”
Beyond his physical and technical advantages, Andrey holds another ace – experience on martial arts’ biggest stage. Competing under ONE Championship’s global spotlight is unlike anything Mendes has faced.
Andrey conquered the nerves in his debut and now enters his third appearance with nothing but clarity. That psychological advantage has the 25-year-old certain he’ll leave Bangkok victorious on February 13.
“Hokage” concluded:
“Even though I’ve been in many big events, I felt a lot of pressure debuting at ONE, due to its grandeur and importance in my career. So I believe he’s gonna feel the same [in his debut], while I’m already used to it.”
