Last year, while researching stories for our combat sports news website “Fajador.co,” one name kept popping up on my radar—Johan “Panda Kick” Estupiñán. At first, I couldn’t help but laugh at the quirky nickname. I mean, “Panda Kick”? Sounds like something that kung fu Panda said in the movie, right? But after seeing his name repeatedly show up in fight results and headlines, I decided to dig a little deeper. What I discovered was a story that perfectly encapsulates the rise of the Colombian Muay Thai Phenom Dominating the Global Stage.
After diving into the wild world of Mexican Lucha Libre—where “Freddy Krueger” battles in full costume and “KeMonito” rocks a gorilla suit ( yep, he even has a Netflix documentary)—I couldn’t help but be intrigued by Johan “Panda Kick” Estupiñán. At first, his name popped up here and there, but as the months passed, it kept showing up in fight cards and highlight reels. His rise was too impressive to overlook. So, I dug deeper into this Colombian powerhouse—and what I found was a story as vibrant and captivating as the country he hails from.
From Colombia’s Heartbeat to the Fight World: The Rise of “Panda Kick”
Colombia’s influence in global entertainment is undeniable, from the infectious rhythms of J Balvin to the global stardom of Shakira. And now, Colombia has another name to add to its roster of international icons—Johan Estupiñán.
Before diving into his career, I took a moment to explore Colombia’s rich fighting tradition. The country has produced some incredible athletes, like boxer Rodrigo Valdez and Olympic wrestler Freddy Alejandro Serrano Sichaca. With that in mind, I couldn’t help but wonder—could “Panda Kick” be Colombia’s next big fight star?
So, I decided to see for myself. And let me tell you, after watching his fight footage, I was no longer laughing!
A Fighter With the Perfect Mix of Charisma and Power
I scrolled through Johan’s social media, impressed by how this new generation of athletes was showcasing their skills with style. There were training videos, intense fight clips, and glimpses of his personal life. It was clear that Johan wasn’t just a fighter—he was building a brand. Watching him move in the ring, I started thinking about his potential, seeing him practice hard as if he was Jet Li’s character in the movie “The One“—a fighter who could dominate any arena.
By October 13th, 2024, I had published a quick story titled “Johan Estupiñán: El Nuevo Superestrella Del Muay Thai De Colombia.” The piece was my introduction to the world about this exciting fighter, and it didn’t take long for it to go viral. His energy, charisma, and insane Muay Thai skills were turning heads everywhere.
A Perfect Storm of Skill: “Panda Kick” Makes Waves
Just when I thought the buzz around Johan couldn’t get any bigger, I found out something even more surprising—he has a twin brother! Both Johan and his brother have been making waves in the martial arts world, but it was Johan who caught the attention of the international stage.
In a fight that showcased his precision, Johan faced off against Malaysia’s Muay Thai prodigy, Johan Ghazali Zulfikar, at ONE 170 in January 2025. The young Ghazali, nicknamed “Jojo,” tried his best to break Estupiñán’s unbeaten record, but it was to no avail. After three brutal rounds, Johan walked away with a unanimous decision victory. That marked his 27th career win, extending his undefeated streak.
In a brutal and tactical fight, the two fighters traded blows, with both getting knocked down once during the rounds. But in the end, Estupiñán’s experience and poise shone through, as he continued his ascent in the ONE Championship.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: The Panda Kick’s Impressive Record
- Full Name: Johan Estupiñán
- Nickname: Panda Kick
- Pro MMA Record: 27-0-0 (Win-Loss-Draw)
- Current MMA Streak: 27 Wins
- Fighting Out Of: Cali, Colombia
- Height: 5’9″ (175cm)
- Weight Class: Featherweight
From his humble beginnings in Colombia to becoming a top fighter in ONE Championship, Johan “Panda Kick” Estupiñán has solidified himself as one of the most promising stars in the Muay Thai world. As his fanbase grows, so does the anticipation for his future bouts, and it’s clear that we’re just beginning to see the impact this Colombian fighter will have on the global fight scene.
If you haven’t heard of Johan “Panda Kick” Estupiñán yet, it’s time to pay attention. This fighter is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with, and the world of combat sports will never be the same.
