‘I’m Gonna Catch Him’ – Sean Climaco Thinks His Punching Power Will Shock Johan Estupinan
Sean “The One” Climaco believes his firepower will make the difference in his flyweight Muay Thai clash against Colombian sensation Johan “Panda Kick” Estupinan at ONE 168: Denver.
Set for September 6 at Ball Arena, that contest will be the California native’s chance to showcase his electrifying brand of striking at one of the biggest shows of the year on United States soil.
Climaco made his promotional debut this past May at ONE Fight Night 22 when he made quick work of Josue “Tuzo” Cruz, scoring a highlight-reel knockout in the opening minutes.
He’ll now return for his sophomore appearance in the promotion, and he’s planning to seize the moment with an impressive performance.
“The One” told onefc.com:
“I know a lot of people are watching, so this is gonna be my opportunity to show everyone in the world who I am.”
Climaco certainly has a difficult and unique challenge ahead of him.
Undefeated across 24 professional fights – including two victories in ONE – Estupinan is a high-flying, all-action berserker who is happy to throw spinning and jumping attacks at a moment’s notice.
The American isn’t overly concerned with his opponent’s unorthodox style, though, and insists that Estupinan is in for a surprise:
“He’s very explosive. He does a lot of wild stuff, but I feel like in the past when I have had opponents like that, they’re the ones that run into my power.
“I don’t think he’s ever been hit by anybody like me.”
Indeed, Climaco is a ruthless knockout artist. But unlike Estupinan, he relies more on timing, angles, and solid fundamentals to find the show-stopping blow, rather than using flashy techniques.
He also says that plenty of previous opponents have made the mistake of underestimating his power:
“[Estupinan] probably saw my last fight and then probably thought, ‘Oh, like, that’s nothing.’ But you have to actually feel the power to know what it’s like and to know what it’s like to get hit by me.
“Because a lot of guys just get really surprised, especially the people that I spar with and people who I fought in the past.”
While he’s very confident, Climaco knows he must respect what “Panda Kick” brings to the Circle.
He believes that by staying defensively sound and avoiding any furious exchanges, he’ll eventually find a home for a concussive blow and secure his second straight knockout in ONE:
“I mean, I just have to stay on my Ps and Qs. You know, stick to the basics. He’s gonna come out wild, but I feel like I’m gonna catch him when he doesn’t expect it. It’s gonna be a good one.”
Climaco Ready To Redeem Himself In Denver
Sean Climaco’s battle against Johan Estupinan won’t be the first time he’s competed in Denver.
Back in 2022, he fought in a one-night tournament and suffered a serious knee injury that nearly derailed his entire career.
With that memory still fresh in his mind, the 30-year-old is excited to redeem himself in the same city:
“I actually fought in the World Games qualifiers a couple years ago in Denver. And I feel like this is a redemption fight for me because last time I fought in Denver, that’s when I tore my ACL. So it’s like full circle, like, ‘Oh, now I’m back in Denver for ONE.’ So it’s pretty surreal.”
That injury had Climaco considering retirement, but near the end of his recovery, he was offered the opportunity to compete in a Road to ONE tournament and secure his spot in the world’s largest martial arts organization.
He jumped at the chance, won the tournament, and is now climbing the flyweight Muay Thai ranks. That history – which is all tied to Denver – has given him extra motivation ahead of ONE 168:
“I mean, there’s a special connection for me. Like, I’m back here. It gives me motivation stepping back in the ring or cage in Denver again.
“I’ve already had five fights since that injury, so I’ve already moved past the injury, but it’s exciting to be back here with ONE in Denver.”
