“That Fits Very Well With My Fighting Style” – Rui Botelho Looks Forward to an Exciting Battle With Similar-Minded Zhang Peimian

Rui Botelho wants to make an impact in his division, and he has a huge chance to do so in his upcoming match. At ONE Fight Night 16: Haggerty vs. Andrade on Friday, November 3, the Portuguese striker is set to face former ONE World Title challenger Zhang Peimian in a strawweight kickboxing battle inside the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

While he has struggled to string wins together competing in the flyweight Muay Thai ranks, Botelho did find success in his lone kickboxing bout in the world’s largest martial arts organization, and he’ll be hoping to add to that this weekend.

Rui Botelho doesn’t know too much about his rival Zhang Peiman’s strengths

The 28-year-old is known for putting on exciting fights despite ending up on the wrong side of some painful decisions throughout his ONE tenure. But as a true martial artist, Botelho continues to appreciate a good challenge – like the one he foresees against Zhang.

“I don’t know much about him, but I know he likes to fight, to go inside and be aggressive, and that fits very well with my fighting style,” he told ONE in an interview.

Zhang is undoubtedly an exciting fighter to watch. At only 20, he already has 17 wins in his Muay Thai and kickboxing career. After winning his first two matches in ONE, the Chinese star was awarded a golden opportunity to fight for the vacant ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Title at ONE 162 back in October 2022.

Rui Botelho doesn’t undermine the threats that Zhang Peiman can pose

Unfortunately, undefeated Canadian-Italian powerhouse Jonathan Di Bella spoiled that chance by dropping him with a head kick en route to a unanimous decision win. Despite that loss, Botelho sees Zhang as formidable, and he credits his skill set – even though he ultimately sees himself coming out on top.

READ MORE – Fabricio Andrade Reveals What He Bought Right After Winning the World Title

“What makes him dangerous, I think, are his hands. But like I said, I don’t know much about him. Anyway, I think I’m better than him, and the advantages I may have over him will be seen in the fight.”

READ MORE – “My Hard Work Must Pay Off” – Magomed Abdulkadirov Full of Self-Belief Ahead of World Title Battle With Tye Ruotolo at ONE Fight Night 16

ONE Fight Night 16 airs live on Prime Video on Friday, November 3. The action begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is free for all Prime Video subscribers in the U.S. and Canada.