Jonathan Di Bella’s path back to ONE Kickboxing World Title starts at ONE Fight Night 26  

Former ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan Di Bella is desperate to rekindle himself with the division’s gold. And for him, the first hurdle in doing so comes at ONE Fight Night 26.  

The Canadian-Italian meets Portuguese puncher Rui Botelho in strawweight kickboxing action on Friday, December 6, inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium. 

Di Bella was beaten for the illustrious gold this past June in a five-round classic with two-sport king Prajanchai PK Saenchai at ONE Friday Fights 68. Ever since then, he’s been clamoring to wrap the strap around his waist yet again.  

“My goal is to get my belt back. For sure, 100 percent to get my belt back. That’s my main goal,” he said.  

“It was a close fight. I still lost, still came out on the short end. I just want to get the belt back, that’s all. I want to be champion. I like being champion. I love being champion, and yeah, I just want to be champion again.” 

While Di Bella is looking to bounce back, Botelho has won his last two outings in dominant fashion. But the 28-year-old isn’t getting caught up in that. Instead, Di Bella is focusing all his energy on toppling Botelho by any means necessary. 

“I believe I gotta get a win. Don’t look for any knockouts,” Di Bella said.  

“Just go out there and perform, focus on Rui, and then whatever is next, is next. If Prajanchai is next, we’ll focus on Prajanchai for sure. But yeah, my main focus is Rui.”

Jonathan Di Bella looks to restart World Title campaign at ONE Fight Night 26

Former ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan Di Bella is looking for a rematch with Prajanchai PK Saenchai, starting with Rui Botelho at ONE Fight Night 26. 

Di Bella has remained in the World Title picture since he arrived in ONE Championship, but now he begins his journey as a contender once more.  

Di Bella will have to outsmart Rui Botelho in order to show his worth for another crack at Prajanchai in 2025. And given the action-packed encounter that ensued in June, fans would love to see the rematch.