A rising MMA star from South Africa, Willie van Rooyen, is about to step into the well-known ONE Championship. The undefeated athlete is poised for a significant challenge, facing a potentially strong opponent from Uzbekistan right away.
Van Rooyen is scheduled to compete against Avazbek Kholmirzaev in a flyweight MMA match at ONE Fight Night 37 on Friday, November 7. The event will be broadcast live from Bangkok, Thailand. The 23-year-old is a new addition to an already impressive lineup that includes several important matchups across various combat sports.
Hailing from Pretoria, van Rooyen has become recognized as one of the most exciting young talents in Africa ever since going professional in 2023. His record of 7 wins and no losses highlights an extensive range of skills based on high-level kickboxing techniques that are effectively used in MMA matches.
Van Rooyen is joining ONE with momentum from four straight wins by stoppage. His most notable performances were in 2025, when he won the EFC Flyweight Title in just 37 seconds with a powerful straight right hand. He followed that up three months later by successfully defending the title, submitting his rival with a rear-naked choke.
Representing A-Team Stars under the guidance of coach Nico Mothata, he has a knack for finishing fights, preventing them from going to the judges’ decision. His mix of striking and grappling makes him a difficult opponent no matter where the fight takes place. But his skills will be immediately put to the test against Kholmirzaev’s persistent attacks.
Kholmirzaev gained recognition through standout performances in the ONE Friday Fights series. Furthermore, the Uzbek started his journey in February 2024 with three consecutive finishes that made it clear he was a promising contender in the flyweight division.
A close defeat by decision in September 2024 briefly slowed his advance. But he bounced back by getting three more wins by stoppage before securing the biggest victory of his career. His dominant unanimous decision over former two-time DEEP Flyweight Champion Tatsumitsu Wada this past July earned him a substantial contract and a spot on the main roster.
Willie van Rooyen gets a skills assessment against a known finisher
Avazbek Kholmirzaev comes into his U.S. primetime debut with a record of 13-2. The 24-year-old has an impressive 92 percent finishing rate, making him one of the most dangerous young fighters in the division.
Willie van Rooyen’s first appearance carries huge importance for both rising stars looking to secure their position among the flyweight elite. The contest between the undefeated fighter and the proven finisher creates interesting questions about which approach will lead to a title opportunity.
Van Rooyen’s background in kickboxing gives him an advantage in striking exchanges. His precise combinations and knockout power he has shown against African fighters will now be tested against higher-level opponents from around the world. The South African has to demonstrate that his skills are effective against the more extensive talent pool in ONE.
Kholmirzaev’s experience navigating ONE’s weekly events provides valuable advantages. He knows the organizational expectations and level of competition that await newcomers. His rise from relative obscurity in Friday Fights to a contract with the main roster confirms his potential to compete for a championship.
Both fighters have a knack for finishing fights, which suggests an exciting match when they meet. Van Rooyen’s tendency to seek early stoppages clashes with Kholmirzaev’s relentless pressure, potentially resulting in explosive action right from the start.
