Sean Climaco stands at a critical juncture in his career. With the eyes of the combat sports world on ONE Fight Night 31, he has a golden opportunity to make a statement
Backed by power, passion, and purpose, he’s not just looking to win—he’s looking to make a mark.
As the clock ticks down to May 2, one thing is clear: Sean Climaco isn’t just stepping into the ring for a fight. He’s stepping in for a moment—and he’s determined to own it.
In the end, Sean Climaco isn’t just another contender. He’s a puzzle that no one has solved yet. His fighting style, equal parts art and chaos, continues to baffle and overwhelm opponents.
If he continues this trajectory, it’s not a matter of if he’ll fight for a title—it’s a matter of when.
And for fans tuning in, they’re not just watching a fight. They’re watching a fighter who is actively reshaping the way we think about preparation, adaptation, and the fight game itself.
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Sean Climaco Aims to Let His Hands Do the Talking at ONE Fight Night 31
Filipino-American striker Sean Climaco is ready to shake up the global stage once again at ONE Fight Night 31 on May 2.1
He’s set to face the technically-gifted Akif Guluzada inside the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, and he’s counting on one thing above all to get the job done—his explosive punching power.
In an exclusive conversation with ONE Championship, Climaco stated confidently, “My main advantage, I feel like, is gonna be the power.
I don’t think he’s tasted the power that I have in my hands.” That power, combined with a hunger to prove himself once again, makes this matchup one of the most anticipated showdowns of the event.
Power Over Precision: The X-Factor in the Matchup
The upcoming clash between Climaco and Guluzada represents a classic battle between raw power and technical precision.
While Guluzada is known for his composed striking and well-rounded game, Climaco is bringing something different to the table: sheer force and knockout potential.
For Climaco, this fight isn’t just about tactics or technique—it’s about imposing his will and testing his opponent’s chin.
His approach suggests that he won’t be interested in dragging the match into the later rounds. Instead, he’ll look for the finish early and often.
What’s at Stake?
For Sean Climaco, this isn’t just another fight—it’s a career-defining opportunity. A win here would make him 3-1 in the ONE Championship organization, pushing him closer to the rankings and more high-profile matchups.
More importantly, it would validate his belief in his punching power and his continued growth as a martial artist. He’s already shown resilience and improvement. Now, he wants to show the world he’s ready for the upper echelon of the division.
Climaco is not just fighting for personal glory—he’s also fighting to represent Filipino-American fighters on a global platform. Every victory is a step forward for him and for others who share his background and dreams.
Sean Climaco’s Win Over Diego Paez
Heading into ONE Fight Night 31, Sean Climaco has a valuable asset on his side—momentum.2
Just this past February, he secured a hard-fought split decision win over longtime rival Diego Paez in the final chapter of their thrilling trilogy.
That victory not only gave him a psychological edge but also proved he can stay composed under pressure and outwork experienced opponents.
During the rubber match, Climaco showcased a blend of punching combinations and sweeping kicks, carefully balancing aggression with control.
It was a performance that highlighted his evolution as a martial artist and reaffirmed his place among the rising stars in the division.
Redemption Tour: Bouncing Back from Setbacks
While Climaco’s career in ONE Championship started with a bang—a first-round TKO of Josue Cruz—he hit a bump in the road in the form of a TKO loss to Johan Estupinan. Rather than let that defeat derail his ambitions, he used it as fuel.
Losses in combat sports are often the turning point in a fighter’s journey. For Climaco, the Estupinan loss served as a wake-up call. Since then, he has redoubled his efforts, refining his technique while never losing sight of what makes him dangerous—his hands.
“I learned a lot from that fight,” he previously shared in interviews. “It taught me not just about fighting, but about preparation, mindset, and execution. You can’t take shortcuts if you want to be great.”
The Setting: Lumpinee Stadium’s Legendary Aura
There’s something magical about fighting inside Lumpinee Stadium. Steeped in Muay Thai history and revered as one of the most iconic arenas in combat sports, Lumpinee is more than just a venue—it’s a proving ground.
For Sean Climaco, performing under the bright lights of this legendary stadium brings additional motivation. A strong showing here would not only elevate his global profile but also honor the fighting spirit he represents.
“You can feel the history in the air when you walk into Lumpinee,” Climaco said. “Fighting there is a dream for a lot of people. To make my mark in that stadium, it’s huge.”
Scouting the Opponent
To understand the challenge Climaco faces, it’s important to break down Akif Guluzada’s game.
The Azerbaijani athlete is a highly technical striker, known for his calculated footwork, defensive sharpness, and clinical counterattacks.
Guluzada’s style is the perfect foil for Climaco’s aggression. He’ll likely aim to keep the distance, use angles, and time his shots carefully to frustrate and neutralize Climaco’s power punches.
But therein lies the risk: if Guluzada can’t keep Climaco off of him, he could find himself in deep waters very quickly.
Sean Climaco: Training Camp Chronicles
All In for May 2
In preparation for this pivotal fight, Climaco has been going through an intense training camp, focusing on improving his conditioning, defensive awareness, and striking accuracy.3
According to sources close to his camp, the emphasis has been on maintaining output while minimizing risks—a crucial balance in a fight where one mistake can mean the difference between victory and defeat.
He’s also reportedly spent more time studying film and working with sparring partners who mimic Guluzada’s elusive style.
Predictions and Possibilities
How will this fight play out? If Climaco can close the distance early and turn the bout into a firefight, he’ll be in his element. The earlier he can impose his will, the better his chances are of securing a finish.
However, if Guluzada survives the initial storm and stretches the fight into deeper rounds, he could potentially outpoint Climaco with a more technical display.
Still, Climaco’s belief in his punching power could be the ultimate decider.
“I just know when I land clean, it changes things,” he said. “People feel it. I don’t need to talk too much—I’ll let my hands do that for me.”
A Style Built for the Spotlight
Climaco’s fan-friendly style makes him must-watch TV. Unlike some competitors who play it safe, Sean brings a forward-pressure approach filled with aggressive combinations, crisp boxing, and powerful kicks.
He’s not just there to win—he’s there to entertain. And that, in many ways, is why his bout against Guluzada has fight fans buzzing.
His past performances have proven that he thrives in chaos. Whether it’s a wild exchange in the pocket or a toe-to-toe slugfest, Climaco seems to come alive when the action intensifies.
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Sean Climaco: The Unpredictable Force Opponents Can’t Prepare For
As the spotlight intensifies ahead of ONE Fight Night 31, all eyes are on Sean Climaco, a rising contender who’s quickly becoming a name to remember in the world of combat sports.
While his power is undeniable, it’s his unorthodox style that’s keeping opponents guessing—and often overwhelmed.
In a sport where film study and game-planning are pivotal, Climaco stands out as an anomaly. His own words capture it best:
“I always say in every fight, I’m a different fighter than everyone, that all my opponents face until they face me.”
What he brings to the ring isn’t just strength or speed, but adaptability and unpredictability. Climaco doesn’t follow a template. He molds his approach to the flow of the fight, making it nearly impossible for anyone to fully prepare for him.
Fighters often spend weeks analyzing past performances, trying to piece together tendencies or weaknesses. But when it comes to Climaco, past footage may not be much help—he evolves from one fight to the next.
Sean Climaco: Birthday Wish
Sean Climaco shared a tribute post recalling his late father on his birthday and expressed his love for him.
View this post on Instagram
Unscoutable and Unshakable
- For many athletes, repetition and rhythm are strengths. For Climaco, it’s the absence of predictability that makes him dangerous. His footwork may change mid-round.
- His combinations aren’t rehearsed—they’re reactive. He reads his opponent like a chess player and recalibrates in real time.
- This kind of dynamic fighting presents a unique challenge. Fighters like Akif Guluzada, his upcoming opponent, may enter the cage with a game plan, but as Climaco has shown repeatedly, those plans often fall apart quickly.
- While it’s easy to highlight Climaco’s knockout ability—which is undeniably powerful—it’s a disservice to categorize him solely as a power puncher.
- There’s a mental aspect to his style that many overlook. His fights are often as psychological as they are physical.
- He thrives on confusion, discomfort, and chaos. Whether it’s switching stances, throwing feints, or suddenly launching into aggressive bursts, Climaco keeps opponents guessing at every moment.
- That constant uncertainty often leads to hesitation—and in fighting, hesitation can be fatal.
Sean Climaco
Sean Climaco: The Danger of Familiarity
Climaco’s belief that “you can’t really prepare for me unless you’ve been in there with me before” rings true for many of his past opponents.
Fighters often speak post-fight of being caught off guard—not just by his technique, but by the pace and pressure he brings.
It’s not just his striking or grappling; it’s the way he mixes them. One moment, he’s circling defensively, and the next, he’s launching into a devastating flurry. It creates a rhythm that’s nearly impossible to anticipate.
This edge grows even sharper when facing opponents who rely heavily on preparation. For Climaco, comfort is the enemy—and he does everything possible to keep opponents uncomfortable from bell to bell.
A Fighter for the Fans
In an era where fighters sometimes play it safe, focusing on technical wins and cautious decisions, Climaco is a breath of fresh air.
He doesn’t just want to win—he wants to put on a show. His fights are explosive, emotionally charged, and full of moments that leave fans on the edge of their seats.
That makes him a fan favorite, especially for North American audiences who can catch ONE Fight Night 31 live on Amazon Prime Video. His charisma, fearlessness, and energy inside the cage are part of what makes him must-see TV.
Climaco’s unorthodox style and rising profile aren’t just making waves—they’re shaping the division itself. More fighters are now being asked about how they would prepare for someone like him. His name is starting to come up in championship conversations, and it’s clear that he’s no longer a sleeper pick—he’s a legitimate threat.
If he defeats Guluzada, it won’t just extend his momentum; it will likely elevate him into title contention or marquee matchups that could define the next phase of his career.
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