The flyweight Muay Thai division in ONE Championship is about to get even more explosive as two dynamic strikers prepare to collide under the lights of Lumpinee Stadium. At ONE Fight Night 32: Nakrob vs. Jaosuayai, set for Friday, 6 June, teenage sensation Johan Ghazali will square off against battle-tested Colombian-American Diego Paez, in a showdown that could shake up the division’s pecking order.
Both athletes have everything to gain — and nothing to lose — as they look to climb closer to World Title contention.
Johan Ghazali: Teen Prodigy with a Point to Prove
At just 18 years old, Johan “Jojo” Ghazali has already made headlines across the global Muay Thai community. Bursting onto the scene in the ONE Friday Fights series in 2023, the Malaysian-American quickly turned heads with his devastating striking and poise under pressure.
Ghazali put together an electrifying four-fight win streak, earning three knockouts along the way and securing a $100,000 contract to join the promotion’s main roster — an achievement few teenagers can claim.
Learning Through Setbacks: The Road to Redemption
Despite his blistering rise, Ghazali’s path hasn’t been without challenges. In June 2023 at ONE 167, he suffered his first promotional loss to Vietnamese veteran Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat. The defeat was a reality check, but one that lit a new fire within him.
He rebounded in emphatic style by dismantling Josue Cruz at ONE 168, showcasing not just his power, but his ability to adapt and bounce back. However, in January at ONE 170, Ghazali again stumbled, dropping a fight to Johan Estupinan — a bout that highlighted the depth and competitiveness of the flyweight division.
Yet, the rising star has taken it all in stride. In a recent Instagram post, Ghazali remained optimistic: “It was just a minor speed bump in my journey. I will be back. Thank you for the support.”
His clash at ONE Fight Night 32 is more than just another bout — it’s a statement opportunity.
Diego Paez: The Veteran with Knockout Intentions
Standing across the ring from Ghazali will be Diego Paez, a 31-year-old Muay Thai veteran known for his unpredictable style and heavy hands. Though he’s yet to notch a win inside the ONE Championship Circle, Paez brings with him a reputation built across five U.S. Muay Thai titles and a dangerous, unorthodox arsenal.
He debuted in ONE earlier this year with a razor-thin split-decision loss to Sean Climaco, a former rival. While the result didn’t go his way, it showcased his durability and desire to take on the best.
Now, with his back against the wall, Paez enters this fight hungry to stamp his name into the flyweight elite. A win over a prospect like Ghazali could serve as a career-defining moment.
What’s at Stake in Bangkok?
Although neither fighter is currently in the direct World Title picture, ONE Fight Night 32 could mark a turning point for both. For Ghazali, it’s a chance to reaffirm his promise as the next big thing in Muay Thai and prove he can evolve from prodigy to elite contender.
For Paez, it’s a must-win clash — a chance to turn experience and grit into victory, while putting himself back into conversations about the future of the division.
With both men known for their aggressive styles, fans at Lumpinee Stadium — and those watching around the world — can expect nothing less than a firefight from start to finish.
Youth vs. Experience, Style vs. Grit
In a classic clash of youth vs. experience, Johan Ghazali’s speed and explosive technique will meet Diego Paez’s grit, creativity, and knockout power. Both strikers are fighting for more than just a win — they’re chasing momentum, legacy, and redemption.
As the flyweight division continues to heat up, this bout may be a defining chapter in both men’s careers. Don’t blink — this one could end in a flash.
