Fabricio Andrade is known for his trash talk and explosive in-ring fighting style. But while he has always carried a fire in his belly, he was not always as outgoing and willing to call his shot. Growing up poor in Brazil, “Wonder Boy” fought his way through it all and stands near the top of the bantamweight food chain today.
On Friday, February 24, Andrade will have his second chance at ONE Championship gold. In a rematch with former ONE Bantamweight World Champion John Lineker, Andrade will headline his second event and try to usher in a new era. But before he steps through the ropes, the 25-year-old reflected on what brought him to the dance.
“I started training because I wanted to fight in the street. A friend took me to train Muay Thai, and I enjoyed it. One day, I went to see him fight, and that was so cool for me. He was in the ring fighting, and everyone was looking at him. He was the center of attention, and that enchanted me,” Andrade told ONE.
“I gave up soccer the next day and started to dedicate myself only to fighting. From that day, I felt something different. I knew this was what I had to do. I started to get good at it, everyone praised me, and it motivated me every day.”
Andrade immersed himself into martial arts and took a chance on himself. Part of that growth came in packing up and moving across the world. Although just a teenager, Andrade found himself in China, tackling new opportunities and trying to break down doors. However, it came at a cost.
“One of the worst was when I left my family in Brazil to live in China. I didn’t speak English, and I didn’t know anyone – just a manager who said he would get me a fight. I communicated through a translator, and it was very difficult. I lived at the gym with a lot of Chinese people, and I didn’t have friends or anyone to talk to,” said “Wonder Boy.”
“I remember many times I regretted going to China. I would go to the bathroom and cry for hours because I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t have money and neither did my family, so I didn’t want to ask for their help because I didn’t want to make them worried.”
But the determination he had to move to an unfamiliar country to pursue his dream would pay off sooner rather than later. After a couple of victories, Andrade caught the eye of ONE. Once he arrived on the global stage, Andrade shined even brighter and suddenly became one of the fastest-rising stars in the sport.
Andrade’s story of self-belief is one that anyone can learn from. He took the chances he needed to achieve greatness. The path was not paved, but his drive and determination allowed him to overcome all obstacles and reach his goals.
“Every day I wake up, and I still can’t believe everything that’s happening in my life and how far I’ve come. But what excites me the most is that I always knew I would make it, even with all the difficulties,” said the 25-year-old.
As he stands days away from achieving a world championship victory, Andrade recognizes the difficult road helped elevate him to this moment. The 25-year-old is able to appreciate the strides he has made in and out of the ring. He takes nothing for granted ahead of his title opportunity.
“If you believe in your heart, do what has to be done, because at some point things will work out. We plant today to harvest tomorrow,” said Andrade.
ONE Fight Night 7 airs live on Friday, February 24. The action begins on Prime Video at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST. The event is free for all U.S. and Canadian Amazon Prime subscribers.
