Bantamweight Muay Thai star Jake Peacock has dreamed of entering ONE Championship for some time, and he believes he can achieve superstardom in the world’s largest martial arts organization.
The limb-different combatant paid his dues by winning Road To ONE: Canada, and he’s ready to make his debut this Friday, 5th April, at ONE Friday Fights 58: Superbon vs. Grigorian inside Bangkok, Thailand’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium.
“From the moment I heard about Road to ONE, I knew I was destined for the world stage. ONE Championship is the world stage,” Peacock said.
“What’s funny is that four years ago, I messaged Chatri. I said I would love the honor of fighting for ONE.”
Due to an amniotic band wrapping itself around Peacock’s arm in the womb, the Englishman is missing his right forearm. From that, he knows all too well about adaptation.
His unique style has made him something of an anomaly inside the ring, which has caused him to face his fair share of doubters along the way – ones that he knows will only continue to make themselves known as he rises through the ranks.
However, Peacock feels under no obligation to give them any thought. Instead, he wants to treat his limb difference as a beacon of hope to the community. And as April is the annual Limb Loss & Limb Difference Awareness Month, there’s no better time for him to make his ONE Championship debut and showcase his skills.
“I never even like to draw attention to [my limb difference],” Peacock explained.
“I like to keep my head down and just do what I do and be recognized as a great fighter. It’s an amazing opportunity to inspire and encourage people.”
Remarkably, the Calgary-based fighter has racked up 12 victories so far, with 11 of those wins coming inside the distance. When he makes the walk this Friday, Peacock’s desire isn’t just to win – he wants to put on the greatest show possible.
“I knew I was born for the big stage. I was born for the best competition. The thing about me is that I love to entertain,” he said.
“There’s great fighters out there, but there’s not a lot of entertainers – I can fight, and I can entertain. That’s what I’m going to do in ONE.”
