Fabricio “Wonder Boy” Andrade has made it clear that he is coming back stronger in 2026 after relinquishing the ONE Bantamweight MMA World Championship to Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu at ONE Fight Night 38.
The Brazilian star known for his explosive striking described Baatarkhuu as the toughest opponent of his career, but vowed to reclaim his title in the new year.
On December 5, 2025, Andrade faced off against Mongolian contender Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu in a highly anticipated main event at ONE Fight Night 38 in Bangkok, Thailand. After dominating early exchanges with powerful striking, Andrade’s aggressive approach ultimately left openings that Baatarkhuu capitalized on with relentless grappling and ground control. By the fourth round, Baatarkhuu secured the finish and walked away with the bantamweight title.
Despite the setback, Andrade spoke with respect and admiration for his new rival, underscoring the challenge Baatarkhuu presented. He reflected on the fight and acknowledged just how resilient Baatarkhuu was throughout the bout.
“I knew he was going to be a very tough opponent, but it was still very surprising for me to see how he could recover,” he said. “He’s a very tough guy and a remarkable opponent.”
In post-fight comments, Andrade praised Baatarkhuu’s performance and even celebrated the Mongolian fighter’s accomplishments over the past year, including his rise to global recognition.
However, the Brazilian was clear that this loss will be a catalyst for a renewed championship pursuit.
“Every time I hit someone, they’re out, and they don’t come back,” he said. “I thought I needed to finish the fight. So I rushed a little bit.”
“Enkh is a great man. He’s a great person,” he said. “He’s the toughest guy I’ve ever fought and the toughest guy I’ve ever seen.”
“Setbacks only make us stronger,” he said. “I need to evolve to prepare to get better and to come back stronger.”
28 years old, Andrade has already carved out an impactful career in ONE Championship, capturing the bantamweight title earlier in his run and defending it against top contenders. Prior to the Baatarkhuu matchup, he had demonstrated explosive performances, including a highlight win over John Lineker to claim the world title.
While the loss to Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu marked a painful moment in Fabricio Andrade’s championship journey, it has clearly not diminished his belief or ambition. Instead, the Brazilian standout has emerged from the defeat with renewed respect for his rival and a sharper sense of purpose.
