Mongolia celebrated a historic moment after Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu pulled off a stunning fourth-round submission win over Fabricio Andrade at ONE Fight Night 38 on December 5 inside Lumpinee Stadium, Bangkok.
Entering as the #4-ranked bantamweight contender and facing a dominant champion who had never lost under ONE’s MMA rules, Enkh-Orgil refused to be intimidated. Instead, he turned the entire division on its head.
Baatarkhuu sealed the upset with a perfectly timed rear-naked choke at 1:33 of the fourth round a finish that shocked Andrade, silenced critics, and sent Mongolia into full celebration mode.
What happened next proved just how big this win was. Mongolia’s President, Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, personally congratulated the 36-year-old champion for bringing pride to the nation. His message highlighted what the moment meant for millions back home.
“On behalf of the people of Mongolia, I warmly congratulate mixed martial artist Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu for becoming a ONE Championship World Champion and adding a new chapter to the history of professional sports,” President Khurelsukh wrote.
“We express our deepest gratitude to you for showcasing the courage, endurance, and strength of Mongolian athletes to the world, and we wish you great success and many admirable victories in your sporting career.”
Enkh-Orgil has now become Mongolia’s second ONE World Champion, following in the footsteps of his mentor Narantungalag Jadambaa, the former ONE Featherweight MMA World Champion who guided him from life as a coal miner to life as a world champion.
His rise to glory has been nothing short of cinematic. From working in Mongolia’s coal mines to competing as a finalist on Netflix’s Physical: Asia, Enkh-Orgil’s story has traveled far beyond combat sports.
Inside the cage, he proved every doubt wrong. His spinning back kicks rattled Andrade early. His relentless pressure and slick ground game broke the champion down round after round. And when the moment came, Enkh-Orgil snatched the back, locked in the choke, and ended Andrade’s reign in emphatic fashion.
The new champion also earned a $50,000 performance bonus from ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong — an extra reward for a night he’ll never forget. President Khurelsukh later expanded on his praise.
“On behalf of the Mongolian people, I congratulate Baatarkhuu Enkh-Orgil, a mixed fighter who won the MMA world championship and added another new page to the history of professional sports.”
He also connected the victory to Jadambaa’s legacy.
“Mongolia first received the world championship belt in 2014 from his teacher, Mongolian honorable athlete J. Narantungalag. His student’s success is the continuation of his teacher’s glory.”
In his final note of gratitude, the president added:
“We express our deepest gratitude to you for showing the courage, endurance, and power of Mongolian athletes to the world, and wish you success in sports and proud victories.”
With the golden belt on his waist, a presidential message behind him, and a nation celebrating his name, Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu has officially cemented his place in Mongolian sports history. His journey proves that no matter where you start, relentless work and unshakable belief can take you to the world stage.
And now, as the new ONE bantamweight king, his reign has only just begun.
