‘That’s What I Always Do’ – Carlo Bumina-ang Breaks Down Thunderous TKO Of Marcos Aurelio At ONE Fight Night 39
Filipino powerhouse Carlo “The Bull” Bumina-ang felt like his back was against the wall entering ONE Fight Night 39: Rambolek vs. Dayakaev.
But a wounded animal is most dangerous when cornered. The Team Lakay standout unleashed his fury on Marcos Aurelio in their bantamweight MMA showdown this past Friday, January 24, at Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium.
The 31-year-old veteran delivered crushing hooks to spoil the Brazilian phenom’s ONE Championship debut, snapping his unbeaten record with a TKO at the 50-second mark of round two.
Bumina-ang entered the contest determined to redeem himself after a submission loss to Elbek Alyshov in November. The bitter taste of defeat still lingered.
In the opening round, however, the Filipino faced early adversity. He struggled to find his rhythm as the taller Aurelio masterfully used his length and distance management. The 21-year-old’s nifty footwork and switch-hitting caused problems, but Bumina-ang stayed patient, establishing range with kicks to the legs and body.
Speaking to ONE Championship, the Baguio native shared how he used a testy opening frame to gauge his opponent:
“I kept on reading what his reaction was. Every time that I kicked, he would respond with a kick, and every time I punched, he would punch. So that’s what I did.
“He’s good at responding and countering, that’s what we saw in the first round. He’s good at countering and following up with some one-twos. That’s what surprised me.”
After gathering intel on Aurelio’s tendencies in the first five minutes, Bumina-ang went to work in round two.
The powerful southpaw began breaking through Aurelio’s loose guard and tricky head movement. He timed the moment perfectly when his opponent went airborne for a left knee, countering with a pinpoint left cross that sent the Brazilian dazed to the canvas.
Aurelio showed resolve and got back up, but “The Bull” saw red. He pummeled the debutant with ferocious lefts and rights to shatter his perfect 8-0 record.
Bumina-ang said:
“I adjusted in the second round, and I set up some kicks, and I got close so he could not throw some big [strikes]. When he tried to counter with punches, that’s the opportunity that I got. So, I caught him with boxing.
“I got him with, I think it was a straight, and he got wobbled, but I kept on digging to his body so he couldn’t easily recover. So I dropped some knees and punches. I set up a left body shot and a hook to the face, and that’s what I caught him [with]. That’s how I got the TKO.”
The victory was one of the most satisfying of Bumina-ang’s career, a product of his determination to take matters into his own hands.
It also reinforced the Filipino’s reputation as one of the most dangerous closers in the bantamweight MMA ranks. Seven of his eight wins in the promotion have come by highlight-reel finishes.
The Team Lakay product offered:
“I’m just so happy that I was the first to stop him. But that’s what I always do, you know? I stop my opponents.”
Bumina-ang Sees Bright Future For Aurelio, Eyes Baatarkhuu Rematch
As fired-up as Carlo Bumina-ang was following another destructive showing, the Filipino made sure to check on his fallen opponent.
The 31-year-old showed humility, sharing a respectful moment with Marcos Aurelio after their heated battle. “The Bull” believes the road doesn’t end here for the young Brazilian, praising his potential despite handing him his first professional loss.
Bumina-ang said:
“He’s still young, and he can do more in this sport. And I know he will come back. I know he will come back stronger, and he will keep on pursuing his dream.”
With redemption now secured, Bumina-ang is ready to climb the ladder again in 2026 and build his case for a ONE World Title opportunity.
His ultimate goal remains avenging an earlier loss to reigning ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu. The Mongolian submitted him in their first meeting at ONE Fight Night 24 in August 2024, but Bumina-ang is eager to showcase his improvements if given another shot at the divisional king.
The Team Lakay athlete concluded:
“Whatever ONE Championship gives me. I will fight anyone. But maybe after two or three fights, [I’ll get the rematch]. Enkh, congratulations again, and I will come and meet you again, in the [Circle] or ring.”
