Undefeated South African Willie van Rooyen Signs with ONE Championship, to Face Avazbek Kholmirzaev at ONE Fight Night 37
BANGKOK, Thailand – undefeated mixed martial artist Willie “White Lion” van Rooyen has officially joined ONE Championship and is scheduled to make his promotional debut against Avazbek “Ninzya” Kholmirzaev at ONE Fight Night 37 on Prime Video, broadcasting live in U.S. primetime from Bangkok, Thailand, on November 7.
The 23-year-old van Rooyen brings a perfect 7-0 professional record to the world’s largest martial arts organization. Since turning pro in 2023, the Pretoria native has established himself as a rising talent in African MMA, showcasing a well-rounded skillset built upon a strong kickboxing foundation. He has secured four consecutive stoppage victories, including capturing the EFC Flyweight Title in May 2025 with a first-round knockout and successfully defending the title three months later via rear-naked choke. Van Rooyen trains under Nico Mothata at A-Team Stars.
Kholmirzaev, 24, enters the bout with a 13-2 career record and a 92 percent finishing rate. The Uzbek fighter gained prominence through his performances on ONE Friday Fights,initially earning three consecutive finishes upon his debut in February 2024. Despite a decision loss in September 2024,he rebounded with three more stoppage wins,culminating in a unanimous decision victory over former two-time DEEP Flyweight Champion Tatsumitsu “The Sweeper” Wada in July,which secured him a six-figure contract and a spot on ONE Championship’s global roster.
