Colombian fighter Who Brings Rhythm To The Cage
Johan “Panda Kick” Estupinan doesn’t just bring knockout power and technical Muay Thai skills into the Circle—he brings rhythm. The undefeated Colombian flyweight credits one surprising factor for his unique footwork and confidence: salsa dancing. A fighter who brings rhythm to the ring. Colombian fighter Who Brings Rhythm To The Cage!
More than warmups and walkouts
On June 6, Estupinan returns to action against Japanese veteran Taiki “Silent Sniper” Naito at ONE Fight Night 32 in Bangkok. As always, fans can expect to see him dancing before the fight. But this isn’t for show—it’s strategy.
Salsa, breakdancing, and even parkour shaped Estupinan’s movement from an early age. He and his twin brother, Jordan, also a Muay Thai prospect, spent childhood days rehearsing dances in parks and schoolyards. This active lifestyle laid the foundation for their creative, explosive fighting styles.
Dancing with purpose
Estupinan explained how salsa connects to his performance:
“Dancing helps me a lot in foot movements. It also helps with reflexes in the ring.”
The connection goes beyond mechanics. Dancing puts him in the right mindset—relaxed, expressive, and focused. He believes fighters who perform with joy and energy stand out. For him, joy comes through music and movement.
Music for every moment
Whether training, riding his motorcycle, or winding down at night, music fuels Estupinan’s rhythm. From reggaeton to romantic ballads, each beat has a purpose.
“Each person has their music,” he says. “For me, it helps everything flow.”
A secret weapon in plain sight
While many fighters rely on repetition and routine, Estupinan embraces creativity. By blending salsa with striking, he’s unbeaten in ONE—and dancing all the way to the top.
Don’t miss the latest episode #22 of Danger Podcast featuring Colombian Muay Thai stars Jordan “Panda Kick” Estupiñan and Johan “Panda Kick” Estupiñan, alongside their head coach JC Fernandez hosted by Fajador.com. Hosts Julio Molina and Pancho Bajaña dive into their journey, training, and the brothers’ upcoming showdown on June 6 at ONE Fight Night 32 in Bangkok, Thailand.
