Fabio Pinca Set For Mixed Martial Arts Debut Against Wiratchai
Multiple-time Muay Thai World Champion Fabio Pinca is already considered one of the most dominant stand-up fighters in the world. Now, he’ll get a chance to test his elite striking in an all-encompassing combat sport.
That opportunity will come this Friday, 21 August, when the Frenchman makes his mixed martial arts debut against Shannon “OneShin” Wiratchai at ONE: NO SURRENDER III in Bangkok, Thailand.
As event day approaches, the 36-year-old Pinca is excited to be facing a seasoned veteran.
“I watched his fights,” he says of Wiratchai. “He’s good. I’m happy to face him for my mixed martial arts debut.”
This will be Pinca’s second appearance on the global stage. He made his promotional debut as a Muay Thai fighter when the organization premiered its all-striking branch, ONE Super Series, in April 2018.
That night, the Frenchman went toe-to-toe with future ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nong-O Gaiyanghadao at ONE: HEROES OF HONOR, but he lost via unanimous decision.
Pinca then scored a knockout victory outside of ONE before turning his focus to mixed martial arts. And so far, the man from Lyon has enjoyed the transition.
“I’ve been training hard as always, but a bit differently because of the new rules,” the 36-year-old says. “So, I’ve worked a lot on my ground game – and I love it!”
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For his part, Wiratchai is no stranger to the ground game and the other elements of mixed martial arts.
In his career, “OneShin” has shared the global stage with the likes of Amir Khan, former ONE Lightweight World Champion Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki, and most recently, former ONE Featherweight World Champion Honorio “The Rock” Banario.
He’s also earned seven of his nine victories by knockout or submission – all before the end of the second round.
Though he’s endured a spell of unfortunate outcomes in recent bouts, the 31-year-old Bangkok native will pose a legit threat to the mixed martial arts newcomer on Friday.
“He’s an experienced mixed martial arts fighter,” Pinca says. “But I have more experience in the fight game.”
Pinca certainly has a point.
To date, the Frenchman has 127 professional bouts on his resume and a spectacular 99-24-4 combined record in Muay Thai and kickboxing. Moreover, he has snagged impressive wins over ONE: NO SURRENDER II standout Mehdi “Diamond Heart” Zatout, Charlie “Boy” Peters, and Liam “Hitman” Harrison.
Because of his stellar career in Muay Thai and kickboxing, Pinca is confident he will excel in his mixed martial arts debut. In fact, he only sees the match going one way.
“My plan is to beat him in his rules,” the Lyon native says. “I’m ready to use all the mixed martial arts weapons. I see a unanimous decision victory for me.”
Read more: What Could Be Next For The Big Winners Of ONE: NO SURRENDER II?
