The Story of the Colombian Warrior Conquering the World of Muay Thai
Johan Estupinan, a rising star in ONE Championship, is bringing pride to Colombia by dominating the world of Muay Thai. With an undefeated record, Estupinan’s journey showcases the uniqueness of a Colombian athlete excelling in a traditionally foreign sport.
A Colombian Star in Muay Thai
Colombia is known for its soccer stars and cycling champions, but Johan Estupinan is blazing a new trail in an entirely different arena—Muay Thai. The 22-year-old fighter, born and raised in Colombia, has rapidly risen to prominence in ONE Championship, one of the world’s most prominent combat sports organizations. In a sport traditionally dominated by athletes from Thailand and Southeast Asia, Estupinan’s ascent is nothing short of extraordinary.
After his latest victory at ONE Fight Night 25, where he knocked out Zakaria El Jamari, Estupinan holds an impressive 26-0 overall record, including a perfect 4-0 in ONE Championship. His success represents not only his personal triumph but also a breakthrough for Colombian and Latin American athletes in Muay Thai. In a post-fight interview with Sportskeeda, Estupinan expressed his pride in representing his homeland and his ambition to continue elevating his career to new heights.
“I’m here to show that Colombia and Latin America belong on the global stage of Muay Thai,” Estupinan said. “Together with my brother, we will represent our country and the whole region. You’re going to see great things coming from us.”
Johan Estupinan’s journey into Muay Thai is unlike most. Hailing from a country where combat sports are not as deeply ingrained as they are in Thailand or other parts of Asia, Estupinan had to chart his path. Growing up in Colombia, where football reigns supreme, Estupinan’s interest in Muay Thai was unconventional. However, his passion for the sport and relentless work ethic have driven him to become one of the fastest-rising stars in Muay Thai.
Estupinan’s decision to pursue Muay Thai was not without its challenges. While most fighters in the sport are trained from a young age in Thailand, Estupinan had to train under different circumstances, facing limited access to elite training facilities and coaches. Yet, he never let these obstacles stop him. He worked tirelessly, training under local coaches and refining his skills until he was ready to take on the world stage.
When he debuted in ONE Championship, Estupinan immediately made waves by knocking out Japanese standout Kouta Omori in the opening round. This set the tone for his career in the promotion, and since then, he has continued to impress, amassing a highlight reel of knockouts. His most recent victory over Zakaria El Jamari in Bangkok pushed his KO finish rate to a staggering 75%, further solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with.
Estupinan’s Impressive Undefeated Streak
At just 22 years old, Johan Estupinan’s rise to prominence in Muay Thai has been nothing short of meteoric. His record speaks for itself: 26 fights, 26 victories, and 19 knockouts. In a sport where experience and skill are essential, Estupinan has shown that his youth is no barrier to success. His undefeated streak in ONE Championship has cemented his place as one of the most exciting young combat talents today.
His performances in ONE Championship have been a showcase of both power and precision. After his debut knockout win against Kouta Omori, Estupinan followed up with a unanimous decision victory over Zafer Sayik. He returned to his knockout ways by finishing Sean Climaco at ONE 168 in Denver. The knockout victory over El Jamari at Lumpinee Stadium marked his third KO in four fights with ONE, demonstrating his ability to deliver under pressure consistently.
In his post-fight interview with Sportskeeda, Estupinan reflected on his career trajectory and his desire to push his boundaries further. “This is just the beginning for me,” he said. “I’m here to prove that fighters from Colombia can compete at the highest level in the world.”
Estupinan’s Vision for Colombia and Latin America
Johan Estupinan’s ambition goes beyond personal success. He envisions a future where he and his twin brother Jordan can represent Colombia and Latin America globally. Estupinan’s brother is also an up-and-coming fighter, and together, they hope to make their mark in the ONE Championship, showing that the region can produce world-class talent in Muay Thai.
“Together, we’re going to represent our country and Latin America,” Estupinan told Sportskeeda. “You’ll have so much fun seeing what’s coming next.”
Estupinan’s dream of showcasing Colombia’s talent on the world stage extends beyond just him and his brother. He wants to inspire a new generation of fighters from his home country and the broader Latin American region. In a sport traditionally dominated by Asian countries, the Estupinan brothers aim to break new ground and open doors for other Latin American athletes to pursue Muay Thai.
Their rise in the sport also highlights the broader potential for combat sports in Latin America, a region with a rich history of athletic excellence but limited representation in Muay Thai. Estupinan’s success proves that athletes from any part of the world can excel in this demanding discipline with hard work and determination.
A Champion Committed to His Roots
Despite his growing success, Johan Estupinan remains deeply connected to his roots. After winning ONE Fight Night 25, Estupinan received a $50,000 performance bonus from ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong. Rather than using the money for personal indulgence, Estupinan revealed his plans to give back to his community in Colombia.
“I’m going to use the money to repurchase a house in Colombia for my mother,” Estupinan told Sportskeeda in the post-fight interview. “I’ll also help spread Muay Thai in my community and help children in the same situation as I was when I was a child.”
Estupinan’s commitment to his community goes beyond financial support. He is determined to introduce the art of Muay Thai to Colombia, where the sport is still relatively unknown. By investing in local gyms and training programs, he hopes to allow young athletes to learn the sport and build a path similar to his own. Estupinan believes Muay Thai can be a positive outlet for children and young adults, helping them develop discipline, confidence, and a sense of purpose.
His story of overcoming adversity and rising to the top of his sport resonates with many in his home country. Estupinan’s success is not just his own; it represents hope for others facing similar struggles. As he continues to climb the ranks of ONE Championship, he remains committed to using his platform to impact the lives of others in Colombia positively.
Johan Estupinan’s rise in Muay Thai is a story of perseverance, talent, and a desire to break new ground. His undefeated record in ONE Championship is a testament to his skill and a reflection of the potential for athletes from Colombia and Latin America to excel in sports traditionally dominated by other regions.
As Estupinan continues to represent his homeland on the global stage, his vision of a future where Colombia and Latin America are powerhouses in Muay Thai is becoming a reality. With the support of his family and community and the growing recognition of his talents, Johan Estupinan is not just a champion in the ring—he is a trailblazer for the next generation of Latin American fighters.
