Diego Paez notched the first win of his ONE Championship tenure with a split-decision victory over Johan Ghazali at ONE Fight Night 32

After a tough start to his ONE Championship career with a debut loss in February, California's Diego Paez showed resilience and determination. Many believed he would struggle again, and some, including his opponent Johan Ghazali, seemed to underestimate his skill and drive.

Diego Paez proved his critics wrong by outstriking 18-year-old Ghazali over three rounds to secure a split-decision victory at ONE Fight Night 32 in Bangkok. His focus and mindset made all the difference in the ring. The win marked a key moment in Paez’s journey and reminded fans that underdogs should not be overlooked.

This was more than just a win; it was a statement about bouncing back and believing in yourself, even when others doubt you. To see more about how Paez felt his opponent “looked right past” him, read on.

Diego Paez’s Breakthrough Victory at ONE Fight Night 32

Diego Paez captured his first ONE Championship win with a split-decision over Johan Ghazali. He bounced back from a tough debut, showed growth in mindset, and outperformed an undefeated teenager during a close Muay Thai match in Bangkok.

Overcoming the Debut Setback

Paez’s introduction to ONE Championship did not go as planned. He lost to Sean Climaco by decision in February, which left some fans and analysts doubting his place in the promotion.

Many believed this defeat would impact his confidence. Instead, Paez used the loss as a source of motivation.

He trained harder and focused on correcting past mistakes. The defeat to Climaco became a lesson rather than a roadblock, pushing Paez to work on his defense, timing, and overall skill set.

This renewed dedication helped Paez prepare thoroughly for Ghazali, who entered the fight as an undefeated rising star. By refusing to dwell on the loss, Paez showed resilience and growth in his career.

Mindset Shift Leading to Success

Paez believed his loss in February had led both fans and opponents to underestimate him. He noticed that Johan Ghazali seemed to look past him before they entered the ring for their match at Lumpinee Stadium.

“This time, I made sure my focus was different,” Paez shared in interviews. He felt that Ghazali’s confidence gave him an edge mentally, as he approached the match with more determination and less pressure.

The change in attitude was clear throughout fight week. Paez carried himself with calm authority and ignored negative chatter.

Key points in his mindset shift:

• Embracing the underdog role

• Blocking out negative public opinion

• Channeling pressure into motivation

• Staying disciplined with training and nutrition

His mental transformation played a major part in his split-decision win.

Key Moments of the Split-Decision Win

The match against Ghazali was a high-paced, technical Muay Thai contest. Paez set the tone early by keeping up with Ghazali’s speed and matching his striking power.

In the opening round, he used low kicks and sharp boxing combinations to slow down the teenager’s attacks. As the final round approached, both fighters traded big shots, but Paez’s counterstriking stood out.

He landed the cleaner punches and controlled the pace, especially during the second and third rounds. The judges were split, but Paez edged out the victory by showing greater composure and landing more effective strikes.

This victory at ONE Fight Night 32 marked a turning point for his time in ONE Championship and proved that perseverance pays off, even after early setbacks.

Johan Ghazali’s Expectations and the Underdog Narrative

Before the fight between Diego Paez and Johan Ghazali at ONE Championship, many viewers thought Ghazali would have an easy victory. Paez was determined to challenge that belief and show he could rise to the occasion.

Perceptions Before the Fight

Johan Ghazali entered ONE Fight Night 32 as a favorite. The Malaysian-American fighter was only 18 but had already built a reputation as a rising Muay Thai star. His previous matches had caught attention, and many expected him to continue his momentum. Fans and analysts focused on Ghazali’s skills, with little mention of what Paez could bring.

Paez noticed this attitude from the public, media, and even from Ghazali himself. The general feeling was that Paez was an underdog with little chance. This led to Paez believing Ghazali was not fully prepared mentally, thinking he could look past his opponent.

This underdog narrative shaped the buildup for the bout, setting high expectations for Ghazali while putting less pressure on Paez, who felt underestimated.

Paez’s Strategy Against Ghazali

Paez recognized the low expectations others had for him and used it as motivation. He focused on hard training and building a game plan that matched his strengths. Instead of trying to outperform Ghazali in speed or flash, Paez aimed to show discipline, patience, and steady pressure.

In their fight at Lumpinee Stadium, Paez stuck to his plan by keeping calm and using precise strikes. He made sure not to leave openings for Ghazali to exploit. The California native used timing and sharp combinations to disrupt Ghazali’s rhythm, especially in crucial moments.

Paez’s approach paid off. He controlled the pace, landed effective counters, and made adjustments round by round. His win by split decision surprised many and proved that determined strategy and belief can make a difference, even when most expect a different result. For more about Ghazali’s background and record in ONE Championship, visit his athlete profile.

Impact of the Victory on Diego Paez’s Career

Diego Paez’s split-decision win over Johan Ghazali was important for his growing reputation in ONE Championship. The result shifts his momentum after a debut loss and raises new questions about his place in the flyweight Muay Thai division.

Reaction from the ONE Championship Community

The Muay Thai community took notice of Paez’s victory. Many fans and analysts said it was a well-earned result, especially after his earlier loss to Sean Climaco. His performance against Ghazali—an 18-year-old regarded as a top young talent—surprised observers who expected an easy win for the teenager.

After losing to Climaco in February, Paez faced questions about his readiness for this level. With this win, many now see him as a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division. Social media and forums discussed how Paez controlled the pace of the fight and managed Ghazali's power.

In post-fight interviews, Paez pointed to his change in mindset as a key reason for the improvement. He expressed gratitude while making it clear he still has more to show fans and critics. Fans have started to debate who he should fight next, noting his changed status after the upset.

Potential Future Fights and Rivals

This victory opens doors for new matchups against established names. Paez’s perseverance in Muay Thai is similar to golf players steadily rising from near-misses to breakthrough wins, like earning a first PGA Tour win after a runner-up finish. Paez may now face contenders also coming off recent wins or those looking to climb back after recent setbacks.

Possible opponents include fighters with momentum or those viewed as gatekeepers in the flyweight ranks. A rematch with Sean Climaco could draw attention, given their rivalry, and a fight with other known names in the division would further test Paez’s current form.

Key factors for future matchmaking will include his recent performance, fan interest, and his ranking within ONE Championship’s flyweight Muay Thai division. Every next step is likely to carry more weight now that he is no longer overlooked by fighters like Ghazali.

Broader Context: Significance in Muay Thai and Combat Sports

The recent clash between Diego Paez and Johan Ghazali highlights how ONE Championship matches now serve as major markers in a fighter’s career. These events also bring Muay Thai into the mainstream conversation alongside other prestigious sports and tournaments.

ONE Championship’s Global Influence

ONE Championship has helped turn Muay Thai into a truly international sport. Fights in this organization attract viewers from around the world, not just from Thailand or Southeast Asia. The league is known for staging major events in iconic venues such as Lumpinee Stadium, giving fighters from diverse backgrounds the chance to compete on a big stage.

This global reach mirrors the impact of the PGA Tour on golf, where hosting the US Open at Pebble Beach links the sport to legendary moments and players. Just as golf’s major championships feature athletes from different nations, ONE Championship’s Muay Thai cards include top talent from across the globe. High-profile matches, like Paez’s breakthrough win, bring new attention to fighters and the sport itself, raising its visibility and legitimacy in the combat sports community.

ONE’s approach to showcasing athletes with unique stories is similar to golf tournaments honoring both famous names like Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus and emerging stars. This mix helps Muay Thai gain respect and credibility internationally, much like when relatively unknown golfers make waves at the Masters or Ryder Cup.

Comparisons to Other Major Sporting Events

Muay Thai events within ONE Championship are now regularly compared to the biggest moments in other sports. For example, a main card at Lumpinee Stadium is viewed in Muay Thai like the Masters Tournament at Augusta is in golf—a tradition-rich, globally recognized contest where history can be made.

In both golf and Muay Thai, athletes can quickly shift from being overlooked to celebrated. Rickie Fowler’s comeback at an opening round or hideki matsuyama’s breakthroughs at big tournaments reflect moments similar to Paez’s win over Ghazali. Fights can hinge on strategy, mental strength, and the ability to seize opportunity—qualities admired in both sports.

Major Muay Thai bouts may not yet have the deep history of the Wanamaker Trophy or 1992 Masters moments, but their global stage and competitive drama put them on par with these established events. The evolution of ONE Championship mirrors how the PGA Tour and European Tour elevated golf from niche clubs to the world’s attention, providing a path for rising stars and adding to the legacy of the sport.