Former World Title challenger Zhang Peimian is eager to get back into action. He wants to showcase his talents once again to fans everywhere. At ONE Fight Night 16: Haggerty vs Andrade on Friday, November 3, “Fighting Rooster” will take on Portugal’s Rui Botelho.

It will be a strawweight kickboxing contest inside the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. Zhang has won three of his four fights in the world’s largest martial arts organization, with his latest coming at the expense of Russia’s Torepchi Dongak at ONE Fight Night 8 this past March.

Zhang Peimian is excited for the bout

Ahead of his match, he shared his excitement at being able to compete again and show how much he has improved from his last outing. “I was so excited when I received the offer because [I am eager to fight again],” he said. “I’m preparing for the fight right now. I have been doing lots of training to improve myself.”

The 20-year-old will have his work cut out for him though, as Botelho will be hungry to get back on the winning track. The Lisbon native has struggled to string together wins in the world’s largest martial arts organization. Interestingly, his lone win in the promotion is also his only match in kickboxing.

“I don’t know him very well, but I watched some videos of his previous contests after receiving the offer,” he said. “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.”

Hopefully, this could give him some optimism heading into his upcoming match. Zhang admits that he doesn’t know too much about his opponent, so he has taken it upon himself to learn more by watching tape. This is one of the best ways for him to prepare for it all.

Zhang’s past may come back to him

After narrowly losing his challenge for the vacant ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Championship to Jonathan Di Bella at ONE 162 in October last year, the Chinese star has been working hard. All to head towards another shot at the division’s top prize. Di Bella has expressed his desire to fight Zhang again, and securing back-to-back wins will certainly be a step in the right direction. However, he will need to get past Botelho first. 

Also Read: “The Division’s Getting Exciting” – Jonathan Di Bella Eager to Face New Challengers in Strawweight Kickboxing Ranks

As he prepares for battle, the Shengli Fight Club representative offered his thoughts on how he plans to take the much-needed victory. “Our styles are very different. I’ll be faster than him, and I’ll control the game with high-frequency striking.”

Also Read: “I’m Desperate To Have the World Title Fight” – Zhang Peimian Not Looking Past Rui Botelho To Reach His Goal of Fighting for Kickboxing Gold