Fabricio Andrade Reviews 2022, Expresses Determination To Win Bantamweight Crown in 2023

Fabricio Andrade’s 2022 saw him break away from the pack and rise to the top of the bantamweight ranks.

As the year comes to a close, the Brazilian is reflecting on the last 12 months with satisfaction, having amassed two captivating first-round stoppages over Kwon Won IL and Jeremy Pacatiw.

“It was a very good year, with many professional and personal accomplishments,” Andrade opined.

Those wins, along with his three previous victories inside the Circle, put him on a collision course with the then ONE Bantamweight World Champion John “Hands of Stone” Lineker.

The two Brazilian stars locked horns in the main event of ONE On Prime Video 3 in October, where it was “Wonder Boy” that took control from the opening bell.

The scintillating showdown ultimately finished in an anticlimatic fashion after an accidental low blow to Lineker brought the contest to a an abrupt close in the third frame, leaving the bantamweight throne vacant.

Despite the underwhelming end to his first World Title tussle, Andrade feels a sense of achievement when he looks back on 2022 overall.

“Regardless of the result of the last fight, I think it was a very good year because it taught me a lot and made me evolve as an athlete and as a person.

“2022 was a year that many people got to know me and also recognized the level I am at. It was a year that opened many doors for me and changed my life financially. It was a very good year, and I can only be grateful.”

Andrade’s shot at the bantamweight crown may not have panned out on his first try, but the 25-year-old star won’t have to wait long for a second go.

Now the top-ranked contender, his heated rivalry with Lineker will write its next chapter at ONE On Prime Video 7 in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Friday, 11th February, when the pair meet again to contest the vacant World Title.

“Wonder Boy” feels ready for this, and he’s primed to make the upcoming 12 months as dominant as the last.

“For 2023, I can’t expect anything different. I believe that many good things will happen. My first goal for 2023 is to become the World Champion in my division. After that, I intend to defend the belt,” Andrade said.

“I also want to buy a house for my family in Brazil and one for myself in Thailand. There are many goals I intend to achieve, but these are the main ones.”