English-born Canadian striker Jake Peacock returns to action next month and is expeting a tough challenge from veteran Japanese fighter Shinji Suzuki.
The limb-different Peacock, who has a missing right forearm which did not fully grow while he was in the womb, is featured in a bantamweight Muay Thai clash with Suzuki at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. 'Reug Reug' on Nov. 8. It is part of the event happening at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
In an interview with Sportskeeda MMA, the 31-year-old Dunamis Muay Thai affiliate spoke about his upcoming fight, including his take on Suzuki, 38, as an opponent.
Jake Peacock said:
"He's [Suzuki] a really good opponent, like I said previously. He won a fight over Han Zi Hao, ended up giving him an eight-count during the fight, I believe in the second round. And Han Zi Hao is a very, very good competitor, he went the distance with Nong-O for the title. Came up short."
Jake Peacock is looking to make it back-to-back wins at ONE 169 after a successful promotional debut back in April when he defeated Kohei Shinjo of Japan by unanimous decision.
Out to frustrate him in his push is Suzuki, who is also gunning for a second straight victory after swinging to the win column in his last match in March over Han Zi Hao.
ONE 169: Malykhin vs. 'Reug Reug' is available live and for free for North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.
Jake Peacock happy to live his fighting dreams in ONE Championship
Jake Peacock long sought to compete in ONE Championship and now that he is in the promotion, he considers it as a big privilege and something that he is truly happy about.
He made this known following his winning debut back in March over Japanese Kohei Shinjo, who he defeated by unanimous decision. Peacock said at the post-event press conference:
"It's an absolute honor to fight for ONE Championship. It's most people's dream, and I am living the dream. So I am very grateful to be in this platform and to showcase my skills with the best talent in the world."
Peacock made a name for himself in the Canadian Muay Thai scene before joining Road To ONE: Canada earlier this year, where he impressed and was rewarded with a contract after.