Nicolas Cornejo, “The Steel City Kid,” Seeks Massive Upset in ONE Championship's Return to Colorado

Cornejo, a Local Star, Faces Tough Test Against Former World Champion

Nicolas Cornejo, a rising star in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), is preparing for the biggest fight of his life. On September 30, "The Steel City Kid" will step into the cage at ONE Championship: Revolution in Colorado against former ONE Featherweight World Champion Marat Gafurov.

Cornejo, a native of Pueblo, Colorado, has a record of 7-1 and is known for his aggressive fighting style. He is a submission specialist, with six of his wins coming by way of tapout. Gafurov, on the other hand, is a veteran of the sport with a record of 18-4. He is a powerful striker with knockout power in both hands.

A David vs. Goliath Matchup

On paper, Cornejo is a significant underdog against Gafurov. But the 26-year-old is confident that he can pull off the upset. "I know I'm the underdog, but I'm not afraid of him," Cornejo said. "I've been training hard for this fight, and I'm going to give it everything I've got."

Cornejo's coach, Dewey Cooper, believes that his fighter has what it takes to win. "Nicolas is a special talent," Cooper said. "He's got a lot of heart and determination. I know he's going to give Gafurov a run for his money."

A Chance to Make History

If Cornejo can defeat Gafurov, he will not only become the ONE Featherweight World Champion but also make history as the first Colorado native to win a major MMA world title. It would be a major upset, but it's one that Cornejo is confident he can pull off.

"I'm going to make history on September 30," Cornejo said. "I'm going to become the ONE Featherweight World Champion, and I'm going to do it for my hometown of Pueblo.