ONE Championship has crowned Jonathan Di Bella as the 2025 Kickboxer of the Year following his remarkable redemption story that saw the Italian-Canadian capture interim gold before unifying the ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Championship in spectacular fashion.
The 29-year-old authored one of the year's most compelling narratives by defeating a living legend to become interim champion before settling the score with his arch-rival to claim undisputed title status.
Di Bella entered 2025 determined to bounce back after suffering his career's first loss in 2024 against Thai superstar Prajanchai PK Saenchai. The unanimous decision defeat shattered his perfect record but fueled his hunger for redemption throughout the following year.
His comeback journey
began at ONE 172 in March when he faced Muay Thai legend and icon Sam-A Gaiyanghadao for the ONE Interim Strawweight Kickboxing World Championship. The Montreal native delivered a masterclass by outperforming the all-time great over five rounds.
Di Bella's unanimous decision victory over Sam-A earned him interim championship gold while proving he belonged among the division's absolute elite. The triumph validated his championship credentials and set up the destiny date with Prajanchai for unification gold.
In October 2025, Di Bella finally got his rematch against Prajanchai in a ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Title unification bout. The Italian-Canadian entered as interim champion while Prajanchai held the lineal title, creating the perfect stage for redemption.
For five rounds, Di Bella showcased his kickboxing mastery and technical superiority. His crisp striking, devastating calf kicks, and body punches overwhelmed the Thai two-sport champion who had defeated him just months earlier.
The judges awarded Di Bella the unanimous decision, crowning him undisputed ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Champion. The victory avenged his 2024 loss to Prajanchai while completing his remarkable journey from defeated challenger to division king.
The 2025 Kickboxer of the Year award recognizes Di Bella's complete dominance across both championship victories. Defeating a legend in Sam-A before conquering Prajanchai demonstrated his ability to perform against the sport's absolute best.
