Zhang Peimian willing to work his way back up to another world title shot

‘Fighting Rooster’ Zhang Peimian said he’s willing to work his way back to another world title shot after suffering a decision-loss against the divisional king in October.

The 19-year-old phenom returns to action this Friday with his fourth strawweight bout against Russian newcomer Torepchi Dongak at ONE Fight Night 8 on Prime Video. Although Zhang is laser-focused on getting his next win, the chance to fight for gold again is not far from his mind.

After losing to Jonathan Di Bella for the inaugural ONE strawweight kickboxing world title, many fans assumed that Zhang would be pressed for an immediate rematch, since they were both neck-and-neck for a long duration of the match.

But as Zhang Peimian said to ONE Championship recently, he would rather earn his way back up again before crossing paths with Di Bella for a second time.

“To get another World Title shot, I have to put together a winning streak. So this fight, or the next, or maybe if the promotion thinks I need three more shots before I get the rematch, I must win them all. We are targeting the belt, and everything before that is just a stumbling block.”

The Chinese powerstriker has been taking the division by storm since he first joined the ONE roster in late 2021. The young standout had only 12 professional bouts before winning a US$100,000+ contract to compete in ONE Championship via China’s Road to ONE tournament.

As he moves on to his next fight, Zhang Peimian assures his fans that he will continue to train hard and improve in all areas before becoming the next Chinese-born world champion. Until then, he’s got more fish to fry.

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Zhang Peimian says his parents continue to be his source of motivation

Zhang Peimian’s life-long dream is to become the youngest world champion his country has ever seen. Coming from a modest and humble background, Zhang would like nothing better than to make his parents and coaches proud of his achievements.

Speaking to ONE, he said:

“My parents are my motivation. I will prove myself and repay my parents for their parenting. The most important thing for me [was also having a] coach that always encouraged and supported me. I grew up and realized that I didn’t get here by accident. It was the team that made me.”

The Chinese phenom started training at the age of 11 before getting the opportunity to fight professionally in his teens. He possessed an innate ability to fight and capture dominant wins before getting noticed by ONE Championship.

Watch him continue to bully his way to the top with another KO finish against Torepchi Dongak at ONE Fight Night 8.

American fans can watch the explosive event live and for free with an Amazon Prime Video subscription.