WATCH: Johan Ghazali fights his emotions outside Lumpinee Stadium after ONE Fight Night 32 heartbreaker against Diego Paez

Johan Ghazali (left), Diego Paez (right) [Photo via ONE Championship]
Johan Ghazali (left), Diego Paez (right) [Photo via ONE Championship]

Johan Ghazali was unable to return to the win column last Friday, June 6, as he dropped a grueling three-round flyweight Muay Thai clash to Diego Paez at ONE Fight Night 32.

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The Malaysian-American striking prodigy had hoped to rebound from a razor-thin decision loss to fellow rising star Johan Estupinan at ONE 170 this past January. However, Paez had other plans, playing the role of spoiler and handing Ghazali his second straight defeat — the first losing skid of his promising run under the ONE Championship banner.

'Jojo' was visibly emotional as he exited the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. He was met with a heartfelt embrace from his mother, Jenna Johnson, offering comfort after a hard-fought battle.

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The 18-year-old also drew strength from the support of his mother, his adoptive teammates such as Superbon and Nong-O Hama, as well as several well-wishers gathered outside the historic arena.

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Check out that scene below:

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Johan Ghazali went through the wringer with Diego Paez at ONE Fight Night 32

Johan Ghazali had every right to feel upset as the bout was a relentless back-and-forth war from the first bell to the last.

Throughout the three-round showdown, both strikers pushed a torrid pace. Ghazali brought steady pressure, advancing behind a tight guard and unleashing powerful combinations.

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Diego Paez, on the other hand, countered with slick footwork, inventive angles, and a dynamic style that kept the young phenom on his toes.

Despite Ghazali's aggression, it was the Colombian-American who found more success with the cleaner, more precise shots, including several spinning attacks, to edge out a well-earned split decision.

This victory boosted Paez's professional record to 8-3 and marked his first triumph in the world's largest martial arts organization.

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Edited by Tejas Rathi
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