Undefeated MMA Star Willie Van Rooyen Joins ONE Championship, Draws Avazbek Kholmirzaev At ONE Fight Night 37
Undefeated South African mixed martial artist Willie “White Lion” van Rooyen has officially signed with ONE Championship, and he already has his first promotional appearance scheduled.
The 23-year-old will make his highly anticipated debut against surging Uzbek wrecking ball Avazbek “Ninzya” Kholmirzaev in a flyweight MMA tilt at ONE Fight Night 37 on Prime Video, which broadcasts live in U.S. primetime from Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, November 7.
Van Rooyen, who has firmly established himself as one of Africa’s most exciting young talents since turning professional in 2023, brings a perfect 7-0 record to the world’s largest martial arts organization.
“White Lion” possesses a well-rounded repertoire built around his world-class kickboxing foundation, making him dangerous in any area of the game – whether it’s throwing combinations or locking in a match-winning submission.
The 23-year-old Pretoria native enters ONE on the heels of four consecutive stoppage victories, including two statement-making performances in 2025.
First, Van Rooyen captured the EFC Flyweight Title in just 37 seconds this past May with a piston-like straight right. Three months later, he successfully defended the strap by submitting his foe via rear-naked choke.
The South African sensation, who trains under Nico Mothata at A-Team Stars, has developed into a dangerous fighter who tries his best to keep the battle out of the judges’ hands.
However, his outstanding finishing ability and penchant for producing mayhem will immediately be put to the ultimate test against Kholmirzaev.
Kholmirzaev made a name for himself on the Asia primetime event series, ONE Friday Fights. The Uzbek kicked off his promotional run in February 2024 with a trio of highlight-reel finishes. Though he suffered a tough decision loss in September 2024, he returned stronger than ever.
After regaining his momentum with three more stoppage victories, the 24-year-old scored the biggest win of his career when he dominated former two-time DEEP Flyweight Champion Tatsumitsu “The Sweeper” Wada en route to a unanimous decision this past July.
That decisive performance also earned him a six-figure contract with the world’s largest martial arts organization and a spot on the promotion’s global roster.
Now, Kholmirzaev brings his 13-2 career record and jaw-dropping 92 percent finishing rate into his U.S. primetime debut, aiming to make an impression in this battle of young lions.
Stay tuned to onefc.com for more news about ONE Fight Night 37 on Prime Video.
