Fabricio Andrade reached another level of superstardom. It was when he won the ONE Bantamweight MMA World Title earlier this year. Then, he had no doubts about who he wanted to share his success with. “Wonder Boy” recently discussed that win in an interview with ONE.
He now prepares to face the bantamweight Muay Thai king Jonathan Haggerty. All for the division’s vacant kickboxing crown in the main event of ONE Fight Night 16 on Friday, November 3. The event will take place inside the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. But what is Andrade’s motivation?
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Fabricio Andrade highlights the importance of family
Ahead of his match, Andrade recalled his life-changing win and how it has helped him support his family in ways he could not before. The Brazilian star captured the MMA World Title against John Lineker at ONE Fight Night 8 this past February. He chose to use some of the money that came with the prestigious strap to buy a life-changing gift for his mother.
“I bought the house right after winning the belt. Right after my victory over John Lineker, I went to Brazil and started looking. When I was looking for the house, I didn’t have many demands. Especially because the house we grew up in was very simple, very humble, built with as few resources as possible.”
Growing up in a tough neighborhood in Fortaleza, Brazil, Andrade didn’t exactly live a life of luxury. But he carved a path for himself in the realm of martial arts and made sacrifices on his journey. The most notable decision involved having to move away from his home and family in order to pursue further opportunities.
Now a ONE World Champion, it’s safe to say that the 26-year-old’s decisions were the right ones, and he made sure to take care of those closest to him when he got into a position to do so. Buying a home for his family had to be one of his greatest dreams come true. So what did he have to say about it all?
Andrade on his gift to his family
The fighter was emotional when he talked about his gift to his mother. “I wanted it to be in a place a little away from where she lived because our old house is in a more dangerous place. I was able to buy the house in a safer neighborhood. his house has a garage, the furniture is designed. Everything is well organized and structured, which is a lot for someone who has had the simplest things their whole life. Having the basics is enough for us.”
The Brazilian aims to potentially taking another giant leap forward as a two-sport titleholder. “Wonder Boy” is hungry and ready to do everything in his power to continue his impressive charge through the world’s largest martial arts organization. And he’ll endeavor to provide a better future for his family while doing so. Nevertheless, he has taken one giant leap in realizing his dreams for his family. What do you make of the Brazilian purchasing a house for his family? Let us know in the comments section below.
Written by
Edited by
Amal Joyce