Lucas Gabriel’s clash with Zhang Lipeng is more than a fight—it’s a defining chapter in his martial arts journey. Standing in front of him is a battle-hardened veteran who represents everything Gabriel aspires to become
But make no mistake: the Brazilian is not just happy to be there—he’s coming to win.
With the lights shining bright at ONE Fight Night 31 and the world watching, Lucas Gabriel has his moment. Now it’s time to show he’s ready for it.
Lucas Gabriel’s journey has only just begun, but ONE Fight Night 31 could serve as his breakout moment.
If he can overcome the durable and dangerous Zhang Lipeng, there will be no denying that he is one of the fastest-rising prospects in the sport.
Backed by a champion’s mentorship, fueled by national pride, and driven by an unshakable work ethic, Gabriel has all the tools to achieve greatness inside the Circle.
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Table of Contents
Lucas Gabriel’s Path to Glory
The Rise of a New Brazilian Contender
Former ONE Bantamweight World Champion John Lineker believes the world is about to witness the emergence of a new star in the sport of mixed martial arts.1
That star is none other than Lucas Gabriel, a fellow Brazilian fighter who has already started carving his path inside the iconic ONE Championship Circle.
Lucas Gabriel’s journey in ONE Championship began in the world-renowned Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, where he competed as part of the ONE Friday Fights series. Over the course of three appearances, the 25-year-old phenom showcased impressive composure, striking, and grit—earning himself a perfect 3-0 professional record in the promotion.
Each of these wins helped solidify his reputation as a dangerous up-and-comer. Fighting in front of Thai crowds that appreciate the art of eight limbs, Gabriel delivered crowd-pleasing performances that combined aggression with technical precision.
Set for Prime Time: The Amazon Prime Video Debut
The stage gets even bigger for Gabriel on Friday, May 2, when he steps into the Circle at ONE Fight Night 31, streamed live on Amazon Prime Video.
This marks not only his debut on a global broadcast platform but also his opportunity to prove he belongs among the best in ONE’s stacked lightweight division.
Facing him will be Zhang Lipeng, a battle-hardened Chinese veteran and former KLF (Kunlun Fight) champion, who brings a wealth of experience and a versatile skill set to the bout.
A Legitimate Test: Zhang Lipeng’s Threat
Zhang Lipeng is not a name to be taken lightly. With over 40 fights to his name, the 33-year-old fighter has shared the cage with high-caliber opponents across multiple promotions, including the UFC and ONE.
Known for his well-rounded game and tactical savvy, Zhang will be Lucas Gabriel’s toughest opponent to date.
He’s not just a gatekeeper; he’s a true litmus test for whether Gabriel’s skills can translate against elite-level competition.
John Lineker’s Vote of Confidence
One of Gabriel’s strongest supporters is none other than his teammate and friend, John “Hands of Stone” Lineker. In a recent interview with ONE Championship, Lineker expressed full confidence in Gabriel’s potential:
“I’m sure Gabriel will be very successful in ONE. I have no doubt that the guy will go far,” said Lineker.
Coming from a former world champion and one of the most feared strikers in the division, that endorsement carries significant weight. Lineker has seen Gabriel train up close, battle in the gym, and evolve rapidly with every fight.
His words are rooted in firsthand experience.
Lucas Gabriel: Training with Lineker
Having a veteran like Lineker as a mentor is invaluable. Gabriel’s development has been accelerated by his training environment, surrounded by fighters who have reached the pinnacle of the sport.2
This includes sparring sessions with elite athletes, access to world-class coaches, and the psychological advantage of learning from someone who has been under the brightest lights.
This sort of mentorship and immersion in a winning culture could very well be the X-factor in Gabriel’s continued success.
Style Breakdown: What Makes Gabriel Special?
Lucas Gabriel fights like a man with a chip on his shoulder, but also with the calm of someone who trusts his process.
His striking is crisp, with calculated combinations and excellent timing. However, it’s his ability to adapt mid-fight that truly sets him apart.
In his last appearance at Lumpinee Stadium, Gabriel survived early adversity and then systematically broke down his opponent with surgical strikes and forward pressure.
His fight IQ, coupled with natural athleticism, makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone at 155 pounds.
Lucas Gabriel: Brazil’s Legacy in ONE Championship
Brazil has a long and storied history in MMA, and now it’s extending its legacy within ONE Championship.3
Fighters like Bibiano Fernandes, John Lineker, and Fabricio Andrade have all made their mark in the organization.
Lucas Gabriel represents the next generation of Brazilian warriors who are bringing that same ferocity and discipline to the Circle.
Gabriel isn’t just fighting for himself; he’s continuing a tradition. He’s carrying the flag of a country known for producing world champions across all weight classes and styles.
Gabriel vs. Zhang: A Clash of Generations
This matchup at ONE Fight Night 31 is intriguing not just because of the skills involved, but because it represents a classic clash between youth and experience.
Gabriel is the hungry lion, still unbeaten and eager to prove himself. Zhang is the seasoned veteran, who knows how to weather storms and capitalize on mistakes.
It’s a fight that will answer critical questions for both men:
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Can Gabriel rise to the occasion against someone who’s seen it all?
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Can Zhang shut down the hype and prove he still belongs among the top contenders?
The Pressure of the Prime Video Spotlight
ONE Fight Night events on Amazon Prime have become must-watch affairs in the global MMA calendar.
Fighters who perform well here not only climb the rankings quickly but also gain massive exposure. Gabriel is aware that the stakes are higher this time—not just in terms of competition, but also in terms of eyeballs watching around the world.
A win over Zhang on such a platform could instantly catapult him into the conversation for future main events or even a potential title eliminator.
Potential Road to Title Contention
- Should Lucas Gabriel secure his fourth straight win, he’ll likely be knocking on the door of the top five lightweight rankings in ONE.
- The division is stacked with killers—names like Christian Lee, Saygid Izagakhmaev, and Halil Amir—but a decisive victory over someone like Zhang Lipeng will turn heads.
- Gabriel’s combination of talent, momentum, and star potential could make him a serious player in the title picture by year’s end.
- Despite the growing buzz, Gabriel remains humble and focused, according to those close to him.
- He approaches each fight as if he’s the underdog, refusing to buy into the hype until the mission is complete. That mindset is often what separates a promising prospect from a future champion.
- He knows that talent alone doesn’t guarantee success—discipline, preparation, and continuous improvement do.
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Lucas Gabriel Is Ready to Prove Himself Against Zhang Lipeng at ONE Fight Night 31
ONE Fight Night 31 is shaping up to be a night of high-stakes matchups and thrilling performances, and one of the most anticipated clashes features Brazil’s rising talent Lucas Gabriel facing off against Chinese MMA veteran Zhang Lipeng.
Set to take place on Friday, May 2, live on Amazon Prime Video in the U.S. and Canada, this bout promises fireworks inside the legendary Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, the Mecca of Muay Thai in Bangkok, Thailand.
Lucas Gabriel is no stranger to pressure. Coming from a nation renowned for its fighting pedigree, the Brazilian striker has emerged as a promising talent in ONE Championship’s ever-expanding roster of global athletes.
Though still early in his promotional journey, Gabriel carries a quiet confidence, forged through years of grinding on the mats and inside the cage.
This fight represents more than just a contest—it’s a proving ground for Gabriel. Against a high-profile opponent like Zhang Lipeng, a win would catapult him into a new stratosphere of recognition within ONE’s lightweight division.
Standing Across the Circle: Zhang Lipeng’s Experience Advantage
Zhang Lipeng is a name that commands respect in MMA circles.
With over 50 professional fights and nearly 30 finishes, the 34-year-old Chinese veteran has fought under top promotions, including the UFC and ONE Championship.
He has seen nearly every style of opponent imaginable and has developed a well-rounded skill set backed by exceptional fight IQ.
A former winner of The Ultimate Fighter: China, Zhang has always been a dangerous matchup due to his ability to dictate the pace, seamlessly switch from striking to grappling, and capitalize on his opponent’s mistakes.
Lucas Gabriel will need to be flawless to overcome the mountain of experience standing across from him on fight night.
Lucas Gabriel’s Rise Through the Ranks
Lucas Gabriel’s journey to ONE Championship was one marked by dedication and adversity.
Starting his martial arts career in Brazil’s competitive regional circuits, Gabriel honed his craft against tough opposition. It wasn’t long before his crisp striking, athleticism, and composure caught the attention of international scouts.
Although Gabriel has not yet accumulated the kind of record his opponent possesses, his performances have displayed a maturity beyond his years. What he lacks in experience, he makes up for in hunger and ambition.
Facing the Challenge Head-On
In an interview with ONE Championship, Gabriel didn’t shy away from acknowledging the challenge ahead.
“I know Zhang Lipeng is a strong and experienced opponent,” he said. “He has fought in major events, so I believe he will be a great challenge for me.”
This mindset is critical. Rather than viewing Zhang’s experience as a disadvantage, Gabriel sees it as an opportunity—a chance to push himself against one of the best and emerge stronger.
The respect is mutual, but when the Circle door closes, Gabriel intends to show that he belongs among the elite.
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Lumpinee Stadium: A Venue of Legends
What makes this bout even more special is its setting. The historic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok isn’t just any arena—it’s a sacred space in the combat sports world.
Fighters who step into Lumpinee know they are competing on hallowed ground, where only the most deserving warriors leave their mark.
For Lucas Gabriel, making his appearance at Lumpinee isn’t just a professional milestone—it’s a dream come true.
The venue’s atmosphere, steeped in tradition and passion, provides the perfect backdrop for what could be the biggest moment of his career so far.
Style Clash: Striker vs. Strategist
This fight presents an intriguing style clash. Gabriel, a striker at heart, relies on fluid combinations, precise kicks, and aggressive forward pressure. His striking game is built around clean technique and relentless pace—hallmarks of Brazilian Muay Thai.
Zhang Lipeng, on the other hand, is a strategist. He adjusts to his opponents mid-fight, using a blend of striking and takedowns to disrupt rhythm. His grappling game, in particular, has proven effective in wearing down strikers who overcommit or underestimate his ground control.
The question is: Can Gabriel keep the fight standing and land the cleaner shots, or will Zhang’s experience allow him to slow the pace and drag the Brazilian into deeper waters?
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