Diego Paez meets spirited youngster Johan Ghazali in a high-stakes flyweight Muay Thai clash at ONE Fight Night 32
- Mark Myword
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read

Diego Paez is ready for redemption as he prepares to face Johan Ghazali at ONE Fight Night 32. This flyweight Muay Thai showdown will take place on Friday, June 6, at the world-famous Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok. It’s a high-stakes moment for Paez, who aims to leave behind the disappointment of his ONE debut earlier this year.
Paez’s debut against Sean Climaco at ONE Fight Night 28 didn’t go as planned, adding more weight to his upcoming match. Now, Paez is determined to use his bout at ONE Fight Night 32 as a second chance to prove he belongs among the best in flyweight Muay Thai. Fans are eager to see if he can overcome the pressure and showcase his true skills on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
This clash in Bangkok is set to draw attention, pitting the experienced “mullet-rocking mauler” against youthful talent Johan Ghazali. With both fighters looking to make a big impression at Lumpinee Stadium, all eyes are on this thrilling Muay Thai contest. For more details about the event and fighters, visit this preview for ONE Fight Night 32.
Headline Matchup: Diego Paez vs. Johan Ghazali
Diego Paez returns for redemption after a tough debut, facing the talented Johan Ghazali. Their flyweight Muay Thai bout is set for June 6 in Bangkok and could shake up the division’s pecking order.
Fight Preview
Diego Paez, known for his mullet and aggressive style, is coming off a disappointing start to his ONE Championship run. He aims to turn things around by taking on Johan Ghazali, an up-and-coming fighter from Malaysia with a growing fan base. Both athletes are known for their energy in the ring.
Paez’s previous trilogy with Sean Climaco ended without the decisive victory he wanted. Now, he faces a different challenge in Ghazali, who is just 18 years old and already considered a young phenom in the sport. Ghazali’s record stands at 6-2, showing both skill and resilience at a young age.
Expect a clash of experience and youth. Paez wants to prove he belongs at this level, while Ghazali looks to continue his rise in the rankings by defeating a seasoned opponent. Their meeting promises a fast-paced, hard-hitting matchup.
Venue and Event Details
The fight will happen at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, a venue well-known in the world of Muay Thai. Lumpinee is famous for its rich history and for hosting elite-level bouts. The stadium is a highlight destination for fighters from around the world.
This matchup takes place at ONE Fight Night 32 on Friday, June 6, 2025. The event will be broadcast in U.S. primetime, allowing fans from different time zones to tune in and watch the action live. Lumpinee Stadium’s passionate crowd and electric atmosphere will make the experience even more memorable for both fighters.
Fighting at Lumpinee adds extra significance, as a win here can help elevate a fighter’s reputation internationally. The stadium’s prestige puts added pressure on both Paez and Ghazali to perform at their best.
Significance for the Flyweight Division
This bout carries major implications in the flyweight Muay Thai division. Diego Paez has the chance to bounce back after his first loss and prove he’s a serious contender. For Johan Ghazali, a victory would confirm his status as one of the most promising young athletes in ONE Championship.
The winner of this fight could see a move up the rankings and possibly face higher-profile opponents in future events. Both fighters represent different generations and styles, making this a key matchup to watch.
With the flyweight division always looking for new stars, the outcome of this fight could shape upcoming matchups and the future landscape. For details and updates, visit ONE Championship’s official news site.
Backgrounds and Journeys of the Fighters
Both competitors bring impressive dedication and unique experiences to the ring. Their stories are shaped by strong training teams, early martial arts roots, and memorable matches against respected opponents.
Diego Paez: Resilience After a Challenging Debut
Diego Paez is known for his aggressive fighting style and signature mullet. In 2023, he joined ONE Championship with high hopes. His debut, however, was overshadowed by pressure and nerves when he faced Sean Climaco at ONE Fight Night 28.
Paez had history with Climaco, having fought him twice before outside of ONE. Their most recent bout before his ONE debut ended in a draw. When they met for the third time, Paez struggled to shake off debut jitters and suffered a setback.
After a tough start, Paez has focused on improving his skills and mental game. He views ONE Fight Night 32 as a chance to reset his reputation and show the world he can compete at the highest level.
Johan Ghazali: The Rise of a Spirited Youngster
Johan Ghazali is a promising Malaysian-American flyweight known for his speed and confidence. Starting martial arts at a young age, he quickly made a name for himself in Muay Thai. Ghazali trains out of Rentap Muaythai Gym and has become a standout for his age group.
He burst onto the global stage with a highlight-reel win, knocking out an opponent in just 16 seconds during his ONE Championship debut. This victory set him apart and proved he is a threat even against more experienced fighters.
Ghazali’s rapid rise has been fueled by sharp technique and maturity beyond his years. Each match he takes is an opportunity to test himself against tougher competition, and he welcomes the challenge.
Key Training Camps and Gyms
Both fighters rely on strong support from respected gyms. Diego Paez has spent significant time preparing at Superbon Training Camp, named after the former world champion Superbon. This camp is known for technical excellence and helps fighters hone both Muay Thai skills and overall conditioning.
Johan Ghazali trains at Rentap Muaythai Gym, a well-regarded Malaysian gym focused on bringing up young talent. Ghazali’s coaches have built his foundation in classic Muay Thai techniques while fostering his aggressive offense and timing.
Their training environments emphasize sparring, discipline, and adaptability. These elements are key reasons why both men are able to compete at this level.
Previous Encounters and Rivals
Diego Paez’s rivalry with Sean Climaco has played a big role in his journey. Their trilogy included two matches outside of ONE, followed by their critical showdown at ONE Fight Night 28. The high-pressure environment may have worked against Paez during his ONE debut, but these experiences have shaped his mental strength.
Johan Ghazali, while younger, has quickly collected important wins. He captured attention for finishing his opponent in record time, signaling his readiness for more challenging rivals. Each fight adds to his growing reputation as a future star.
Analysis of Styles, Strategies, and Implications
Both Diego Paez and Johan Ghazali bring different strengths to their flyweight Muay Thai fight. Their fighting styles, strategy choices, and finishing abilities could decide who wins at Lumpinee Stadium.
Fighting Styles and Techniques
Diego Paez is known for his aggressive, forward pressure. He likes to use strong punching combinations mixed with quick low kicks. His clinch work is solid, allowing him to land knees and elbows when the distance closes.
Johan Ghazali trains in a camp known for technical Muay Thai. He focuses on sharp counters and uses movement to avoid heavy shots. Ghazali often waits for mistakes and then punishes them with quick kicks or elbows.
Paez comes from a background with some MMA experience. This makes him comfortable under pressure and able to change tactics if needed. Ghazali, in contrast, is a true Muay Thai stylist and might stick to his technical tools.
Strategic Advantages
Paez’s strength is his pace and willingness to trade. He will likely try to back Ghazali up and force him against the ropes. Paez can use his experience in close fights and tricky situations, which he gained from facing tough opponents in other martial arts organizations.
Ghazali has an advantage in accuracy and patience. He will probably let Paez attack first and then counter. His style works best if he can control the distance and avoid brawling exchanges, where Paez is most dangerous.
If Ghazali keeps his focus and follows his training plan, he can frustrate Paez by limiting openings. Paez needs to avoid overcommitting, or he'll walk into sharp counters that could decide the fight.
Potential for Knockout or Decision
Both fighters have a decent chance of securing a knockout. Paez's aggressive style means he throws with power and looks to end fights early, as seen in previous performances. His best path to victory is to overwhelm Ghazali and force the referee to step in.
Ghazali, while less likely to swarm, is good at landing precise shots that can hurt or drop opponents. His knockout potential comes from his timing, especially with elbows and step-in knees. If Paez gets careless, he could find himself on the canvas.
However, if neither man gets a finish, a decision win would probably come down to effective striking and ring control. Judges in ONE Championship often reward fighters who push the action and land clean, telling blows throughout all rounds.
Event Impact and Anticipation
ONE Fight Night 32 is more than just a Muay Thai fight. Top fighters, global viewership, and strong promotion combine to make this event important for fans and the sport itself.
ONE Championship’s Global Promotion
ONE Championship has positioned itself as a major player in combat sports. The organization regularly brings together top fighters from around the globe and hosts events in famous venues like Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium. This location gives the competition extra meaning, as Lumpinee is known as the heart of Muay Thai.
The event is also part of the ONE Friday Fights series, which focuses on delivering action-packed shows every week. By featuring rising stars like Johan Ghazali and experienced competitors such as Diego Paez, the promotion increases excitement and builds new heroes for the sport.
Promotion through press releases, interviews, and online articles keeps fans engaged and aware of upcoming matches. This approach ensures that fighters receive worldwide recognition, making every bout count for their careers.
Prime Video and International Reach
ONE Championship events are broadcast live on Prime Video in various regions, making them accessible to millions. This partnership gives fans in North America a chance to watch live events during U.S. primetime, helping boost the sport’s reach well beyond Asia.
Streaming makes it simple for fans to tune in from home or on mobile devices. The digital presence creates more opportunities for viewers to follow fighters’ careers and share key moments instantly.
With more exposure comes greater interest from sponsors and partners, which benefits athletes and the entire promotion. Viewers in countries outside Thailand and the U.S. can also catch highlights and replays, making the fights available almost everywhere.
Media & Fan Expectations
Major sports and combat news platforms, such as Sportskeeda, offer in-depth coverage of the fighters, drama, and outcomes. Writers explore backstories, rivalry histories, and predictions, giving fans more context and reasons to stay engaged.
Fans expect high-level entertainment, especially with popular fighters like Paez and Ghazali squaring off in a historic venue. Social media buzz, live chats, and online polls make it easy for them to share opinions and follow the build-up.
The anticipation for this event is high because of each athlete’s reputation and the stakes involved. With intense coverage and open discussions, both fighters and fans experience more excitement before, during, and after the fights.