Returning to the ONE Championship ring, Carlo “The Bull” Bumina-ang takes on Marcos Aurelio of Brazil for his first bout of 2026.
Carlo "The Bull" Bumina-ang is determined to silence his critics when he steps back into the ONE Championship ring for the first time in 2026.
The Filipino wrecking ball returns this Saturday, January 24, facing undefeated Brazilian newcomer Marcos Aurelio in a bantamweight MMA clash at ONE Fight Night 39: Rambolek vs. Dayakaev at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Bumina-ang still carries the sting of defeat from his last outing.
Elbek Alyshov snapped the 31-year-old's two-fight winning streak via submission at ONE Fight Night 37 this past November, halting what had been an impressive run in the division.
The Team Lakay standout now faces a crossroads moment in his career.
To continue his ascent in the ONE bantamweight MMA division, Bumina-ang must first overcome a dangerous Brazilian star hungry to make an immediate statement. Aurelio arrives at his promotional debut carrying an unblemished 8-0 record.
The 21-year-old phenom has showcased his well-rounded skill set with finishes via both knockout and submission, making him a legitimate threat on the feet and on the ground.
Despite his opponent's impressive credentials, Bumina-ang believes the stylistic matchup works in his favor.
"His ground game is good, but he's more of a Muay Thai specialist. He's a good counterstriker and pressure fighter as well. It plays to my style, actually, because I prefer aggressive opponents," he said.
"He'll probably be fired up because he's making his debut, and he wants to keep his undefeated record. But I respect him. He's a well-rounded opponent, and I'm excited to face him," the Team Lakay standout added.
Bumina-ang now carries an 8-2 record, with submission losses bookending his impressive run.
He first tasted defeat against current ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu at ONE Fight Night 24 in August 2024, before the recent setback to Alyshov snapped his two-fight winning streak.
With aspirations of breaking into the division's top five this year, the Baguio native understands the urgency of his situation.
"I feel like my back is against the wall since I now have two losses in ONE. My mentality right now is simply kill or get killed," he said.