Zeba Bano Wants To Show Other Women Success Is Possible As A Fighter

Zeba Bano will step into the ONE Championship Circle for the first time at ONE 157: Petchmorakot vs. Vienot on Friday, 20 May. 

The Indian athlete will take on Muay Thai star Nat “Wondergirl” Jaroonsak, who is set to make her mixed martial arts debut in their strawweight tussle at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Bano, also known as “Fighting Queen,” was recently signed to ONE after amassing a perfect 6-0 professional MMA record. She has medals in wushu and kickboxing as well as a K-1 strawweight title to her name.

Ahead of her first outing in the Circle, the 23-year-old reflected on the opportunity she has to make an impact on a competitive division and her hopes to bring ONE gold back to her home country.

“ONE Championship’s women’s strawweight division is full of several world-class fighters, and I wish that I make my mark in this division very soon. Winning a title for India will be a huge achievement for me,” Bano said.

ALSO READ | Wondergirl to make MMA debut against Zeba Bano of India at ONE 157

“It’s a proud moment for me to compete at such a huge platform. So many talented fighters work hard for years, but they don’t get these kinds of opportunities.” 

“Fighting Queen” is especially motivated to produce a result in her upcoming battle as it could show women watching around the world what they can achieve – even when faced with adversity and constraints.

“Some members of my family have told me several times that if my limbs get broken, I will be of no use, and then who would marry me,” Bano said. 

“I used to get really angry with that, but it used to motivate me, too, and it helped me to reach here today. I actually want to thank the people who have tried to demotivate me. They have played an important role in helping me to reach here. I want [other women] to see my success and think that if she can do this, I can too.”

ALSO READ | Indian MMA Fighter Spotlight: Zeba Bano opens up about her career so far

Download the ONE Super App to catch all the action at ONE 157: Petchmorakot vs. Vienot on Friday, 20 May, at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.  

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