Baatarkhuu competed on Physical: Asia, which launched October 28 and featured elite athletes from eight countries. His team finished second place in the competition, earning recognition from Mongolia’s president and introducing him to audiences beyond ONE Championship’s fan base.
“It was truly amazing,” Baatarkhuu said.
“We participated in Physical: Asia and our team finished in second place. After that, the President welcomed and met with us to congratulate us on our successful participation, and we had a truly wonderful day.”
The series featured multiple world-class athletes including eight-division boxing world champion Manny Pacquiao and ONE featherweight kickboxing world champion Superbon. Baatarkhuu’s performance in team challenges and endurance tests gained viral attention through social media clips.
“People used to know me as only a fighter, but now, thanks to the wonderful Physical: Asia show, many people and fans have come to know me,” Baatarkhuu said.
“And I’m very happy about that.”
The 36-year-old Mongolian earned his ONE Championship contract by winning the Road to ONE: Mongolia tournament in 2022. He has compiled a 6-1 record on the global stage, earning his title shot with a victory over No. 5-ranked Jeremy Pacatiw at ONE Fight Night 29 in March.
“The league of the Road to ONE show provided an excellent opportunity for athletes and martial artists,” Baatarkhuu said.
“I’m very happy that I was able to seize that opportunity.”
Baatarkhuu represented Mongolia throughout Physical: Asia, drawing on cultural values he credits for his competitive approach. The Team Tungaa representative connects his athletic qualities to Mongolia’s nomadic heritage and the endurance required by that lifestyle.
“Surely, being selected from Mongolia and joining a team that represents our nation is incredible,” Baatarkhuu said.
“And it’s also amazing that everyone came together as a team, with people from different fields uniting. The advantage of Mongolian athletes could be their endurance. We used to be a nomadic people. Our advantage lies in our nomadic heritage. And, in a way, it’s an advantage not to be bound by constraints.”
The principles that guided his Physical: Asia performance reflect the work ethic Baatarkhuu developed through years of manual labor and training. He worked mining jobs with 12-hour shifts while pursuing his martial arts career, experiences that shaped his approach to competition.
“First for myself, second for my teammates, third for my family, and fourth for everyone supporting me in my fight to win,” Baatarkhuu said.
The timing of Physical: Asia’s launch provided momentum entering his championship opportunity. The increased visibility and confidence from the Netflix series arrive as Baatarkhuu prepares for the highest-profile contest of his career against one of the division’s most accomplished champions.
“I’m very pleased that ONE is putting together such a high-level matchup,” Baatarkhuu said.
“I believe they value my skills and trust that I can deliver a strong performance. This is basically the pinnacle of martial arts. It’s a real test to see whether my skills are truly at a high level.”
