Brodinho’s Road to Glory: The Bantamweight Title Hunt
Why the Brazilian’s on a Mission
Leandro “Brodinho” Issa is not just chasing a belt; he’s chasing the dream of becoming the ONE Bantamweight World Champion. After a triumphant return to ONE Championship, he racked up a hat‑trick of wins against former title challengers Toni Tauru, Dae Hwan Kim, and rising star Roman “Boom” Álvarez. Every victory has built a case that he’s ready to step into the light‑slinging spotlight.
The One‑Piece of the Puzzle
He reminds us that the path isn’t a straight line: “I came back last year with the goal of being World Champion, and I’ve been training hard,” he admits. The 35‑year‑old believes a win over Muin “Tajik” Gafurov will give him the ultimate stamp of credence.
Gafurov: A Touchstone for the Title
- Muin is a 22‑year‑old contender who’s 100% finishing in the market.
- He returned to ONE after losing to the current interim champ Kevin Belingon.
- Although Gafurov likes to strike, his ground game isn’t a fluke.
Brodinho’s game plan is simple: sweep the floor, flood the ground with Brazilian jiu‑jitsu moves, and keep the Spaniard’s limbs tight—because “I’m better on the ground.” He’s been training it alongside world champions at Evolve, so he’s pacing himself for the most important bout.
The Bigger Picture
While he’s prepped for Gafurov, Brodinho keeps an eye on the division’s ultimate showdown. The reigning champion Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes is set to square off with Belingon in Singapore on November 9. “Bibiano has what I want, so if I must fight him, I’ll train hard,” he says, ready to “do everything to get the belt.”
Why the Fernandes‑Belingon Triangle Is So Hot
- They fought before; Bibiano ended with a submission.
- Belingon’s takedown defense and ground game have leveled up.
- It promises an epic clash—a true war of spikes and sweeps.
Brodinho knows he has to win over Gafurov first. “Every fight is a real test,” he says, “I look for mistakes and capitalize on them.” He’s ready for any length: three rounds of strikes, or a grappling sprint.
A Title Is On the Horizon
After beating some top names, Brodinho feels he deserves a shot at the unified title. “Nothing comes easy,” he warns. “But I’m ready to fight anything. If I win the next fight—yes, that means Gafurov—I will earn my place in the title picture.” The Brazilian’s grin speaks volumes: this is just another feather‑weight destiny in the making.
