SUMMARY
- Maurice Abevi will fight Zhang Lipeng at ONE Fight Night 22.
- Abevi, who has battled with adversities all his life, has credited his siblings for his skills.
Lightweight MMA star Maurice Abevi has always been a fighter through and through.
His passion for combat sports led him to ONE Championship and his upcoming showdown against “The Warrior” Zhang Lipeng at ONE Fight Night 22 on Prime Video this May 3 in Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Boxing Stadium.
Abevi could have given up on his goal of MMA success, but with a fire constantly running through his veins, he never contemplated anything other than chasing his dreams. Plus, the rising star knew from an early age that academics weren’t going to be his forte as he thrived in more physical pursuits.
“I was always into sports. I was always athletic, always trying to move, always trying to do something. I’m at my best when I’m active,” he said.
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Abevi realized that a lifetime of tussling with his siblings also helped forge his skills. “We were always competitive, and that’s a big part of my overall attitude. I feel like my brother was always the better fighter or the better football player and that would always make me angry,” he added.
“I would always compete with him and try to be better. And that made me really hungry, even until now.” Nonetheless, unlike his brothers, the Tiger Muay Thai and 360 Martial Arts athlete chose a different path by going after MMA, which led to where he is right now.
Maurice Abevi overcame difficulties And injuries
After joining ONE Championship while training at Phuket, Thailand’s Tiger Muay Thai, Maurice Abevi sustained a knee injury that sidelined him for 18 months and derailed his momentum. However, he overcame those difficulties and stayed the course, finally debuting against Halil Amir in April 2023.
Although the result didn’t go his way, Abevi later put on one of the most memorable fights of the year, returning to the winner’s circle with a finish over Blake Cooper that September.
Now preparing for his most experienced opponent yet in Zhang, the 24-year-old wants to continue his upward trajectory on the global stage.
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“Even during my injury, I knew there was no turning back for me. I know this is my way. I know this is my life and it was never a possibility to give up. I feel so blessed, man. I know how so many fighters want to be in my position and I’m grateful,” he said.
And if he wins, Abevi will be able to continue his trajectory and put a strong mark in the lightweight MMA division, as he is aiming for the coveted belt.