‘It’s A Real Test’ – Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu Ready To Seize The Moment Against Fabricio Andrade At ONE Fight Night 38
Mongolian powerhouse Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu has waited his entire career for this moment.
In his first main event billing, the #4-ranked contender will seek to dethrone reigning ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion Fabricio “Wonder Boy” Andrade at ONE Fight Night 38 on Prime Video, which broadcasts live in U.S. primetime on Friday, December 5, from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Baatarkhuu’s journey from the rugged grasslands of Khovd, Mongolia to the world’s largest martial arts organization has been forged through years of sacrifice and unwavering dedication.
After earning his spot on the global stage by winning the Road to ONE: Mongolia tournament in 2022, the 36-year-old proved he belonged by compiling a 6-1 record against the world’s best bantamweights.
His most recent victory, a methodical mauling of #5-ranked Jeremy “The Juggernaut” Pacatiw at ONE Fight Night 29 this past March, cemented his status as a legitimate World Title threat.
Now, Baatarkhuu stands on the cusp of ultimate validation.
The Team Tungaa representative said:
“I’m equally thrilled to have the opportunity to demonstrate my skills in such a major league. I’m sincerely grateful for the recognition of my skills and for giving me the chance to fight [in the main event].
“I’m very pleased that [ONE] is putting together such a high-level matchup. I believe they value my skills and trust that I can deliver a strong performance. This is basically the pinnacle of martial arts. It’s a real test to see whether my skills are truly at a high level.”
To bring pride and honor to his country, Baatarkhuu must oust a formidable World Champion in Andrade, whose devastating striking has made the Brazilian one of the most feared finishers in the sport.
“Wonder Boy” first captured gold by destroying John “Hands of Stone” Lineker across two brutal encounters. He then successfully defended his throne with a blistering 42-second knockout of “Pretty Boy” Kwon Won Il at ONE 170 this past January.
Although the challenger will enter his next contest with quiet confidence, Baatarkhuu knows exactly what kind of danger stands in his path:
“Fabricio is very skilled and talented. He had many title fights, and he claimed the championship in his weight category. This is not something that someone with limited skills can do. He is a highly skilled, top-level fighter.”
While Andrade has built his reign on precision striking, Baatarkhuu possesses the perfect antidote. The Mongolian grappler feasts on elite strikers. He smothers opponents with suffocating pressure before breaking them with gut-wrenching submissions.
This formula worked perfectly against heavy handed strikers Jhanlo Mark “The Machine” Sangiao, Carlo Bumina-ang, and Aaron “Tommy Gun” Canarte.
Despite possessing the tools to neutralize Andrade’s striking, Baatarkhuu will instead bank on his versatility to claim victory. He is confident that he will be ready for what his Brazilian opponent brings to the ring.
The Mongolian superstar said:
“It’s difficult to say at the moment, as we haven’t truly faced each other in competition. It may only become clear what level a person is at on the day of the fight, with the outcome deciding afterward.
“In general, I use all types of mixed martial arts fighting styles and techniques. It’s not only Muay Thai or kickboxing. I try to mix them all as much as possible. Well, I guess I might be [stronger].”
Jadambaa’s Influence Powers Baatarkhuu’s World Title Pursuit
Former ONE Featherweight MMA World Champion Narantungalag “Tungaa” Jadambaa saw something special in Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu long before the world did.
A true Mongolian MMA pioneer, Jadambaa compiled six victories in ONE, including his history-making World Title victory over Koji Oishi in August 2014.
The retired trailblazer opened doors for an entire generation of Mongolian fighters, including Baatarkhuu, who remains profoundly grateful that the iconic figure took him under his wing.
The Team Tungaa affiliate said:
“Undoubtedly, his influence was highly impactful. I first met my trainer in 2012, and we’ve been training together for many years.
“I believe I reached my current level by observing how my trainer prepared to achieve such a high standard. The training I underwent at the World Championship level, as well as the preparation for my ONE Championship fight, was very intense.”
More than technical skills, Jadambaa instilled an unshakable will that has carried the 36-year-old Baatarkhuu through every challenge.
If he beats Andrade on December 5, Baatarkhuu will become only the second Mongolian to capture ONE gold, carrying forward the legacy of the man who has inspired him throughout his career.
Baatarkhuu concluded:
“Watching my trainer compete in ONE Championship sparked a secret desire in me to follow in his footsteps. I’m absolutely thrilled that my wish has finally come true. And I will try to repeat his achievement 11 years ago.”
