After an electric start to her ONE Championship career, Bianca Basilio suffered a minor setback in her last outing. The talented BJJ ace dropped a decision to Tammi Musumeci in May 2023. The Brazilian talent returns at ONE Fight Night 22 on Prime Video on Friday, May 3, to get back in the win column.
In her rebound opportunity, Basilio will meet Japan’s Nanami Ichikawa. For the BJJ World Champion, she enters this match without too much knowledge of her opponent. However, she is not phased by what she doesn’t know because she is only focusing on herself.
“I don’t know Ichikawa, but I know she will be prepared for the fight, just as I will be ready to submit her. It’s a fight that has no points, it’s a submission-only, so I’ll prepare to finish the fight that way. I believe that when you enter a battle, you have to be ready, and I will be,” Basilio told ONE.
To prepare for ONE Fight Night 22, Basilio has taken a look at her opponent’s last matches. The tape has given her some insight into what Ichikawa likes to do on the mat. What Basilio saw excited her for what kind of grappling encounter the 132-pound catchweight affair will be on May 3.
“I watched some of her fights and saw that she plays more by passing guard than by doing guard. So, it’s going to be a very good war, because I like to do guard, but I also pass guard. I work well on takedowns, and that’s why I believe it will be a good fight. But I’m going to submit her in the fight,” the Brazilian commented.
Having competed on the biggest stages and taking home titles around the world, Basilio still feels her greatest advantage lies within her head. Staying focused and even-keeled allows her to compete to the utmost of her ability. Whether adversity comes or not, the 28-year-old knows she will be able to handle anything at ONE Fight Night 22.
“I believe that my biggest advantage, besides being technically and physically prepared, is that I have a very good mentality. This is one of my differences. I have a very good mentality to take on this fight. And I believe that when you have the right mindset, nothing can stop you,” Basilio stated.
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ONE’s global submission grappling rule set puts all of the emphasis on submitting your opponent. It rewards grapplers who go after the tap and refuse to play the points game. That is something Basilio is focused on doing in Bangkok.
“I hope to finish the fight as quickly as possible. In my last fight, I finished in 47 seconds, and that could happen even faster in this fight. I’m going to do my best and show my jiu-jitsu more,” the 28-year-old remarked.
But it is about even more than just getting the finish. Basilio is eyeing a $50,000 performance bonus as well. The Brazilian already has plans to use the money to continue to chase her dreams.
The task at hand is near, as ONE returns to Prime Video. Focused and ready to go after everything she wants, Basilio just has to walk to the ring on Friday. The 28-year-old is scheduled for the second match of the night, giving her a chance to score an early victory against Ichikawa.
“My jiu-jitsu is aggressive jiu-jitsu. I’m a fighter who likes to go for it. In my training, I always go for submission, not just scoring points. So finishing this fight and being able to show more of who I am on the mat is what I’m going to look for. And, having a great performance, getting this bonus would be another dream come true in my life. I want to change my life, and this would be another step toward what I want to achieve in my life,” Basilio said.
ONE Fight Night 22 airs live on Prime Video on Friday, May 3. The action begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The event is free for all Amazon Prime subscribers based in the U.S. and Canada.
