ONE Fight Night 16: Zhang Peimian Aims To Ruin Botelho To Reignite World Title Dreams

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After coming so close to wearing the ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Title a year ago, Zhang Peimian is desperate to cross paths with the belt once more. And the young Chinese superstar could be one win away from getting his wish.

"Fighting Rooster" will meet Rui Botelho in a pivotal strawweight kickboxing bout at ONE Fight Night 16: Haggerty vs. Andrade on Saturday, 4 November, inside Bangkok, Thailand's Lumpinee Boxing Stadium.

The battle provides Zhang the chance to cement his position as a top contender for Jonathan Di Bella's gold. And to get another crack at Di Bella, Zhang plans to use his frightening speed to exploit Botelho's prowess.

"I don't know him very well, but I watched some videos of his previous contests after receiving the offer," Zhang said ahead of his outing at ONE Fight Night 16.

"He is older and more mature than me. He has good technique, and his previous opponents were very good. In addition, he has a weight and height advantage over me. Our styles are very different. I'll be faster than him, and I'll control the game with high-frequency striking."

The dream of holding the ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Title over his head continues to drive Zhang. He almost realized his dream at ONE 162 last year against Di Bella.

The Chinese phenom was on par with the Canadian-Italian until a knockdown in the later rounds changed the trajectory of the contest. It was a humbling moment for Zhang after back-to-back victories inside the Circle.

In this campaign, however, Zhang is certain that he'll claim gold. But he knows every step is pivotal to his World Title bid, so he's giving Botelho all of his attention ahead of ONE Fight Night 16.

"Every fighter wants to win their match, and I'll try my best," the Shenzhen warrior said.
"I'm desperate to have the World Title fight. But right now, I'm more focused on ONE Fight Night 16. After I win, we'll see what happens."