Carlo “The Bull” Bumina-ang is entering 2026 with urgency written all over his approach. The Team Lakay standout returns to action on Saturday, January 24, against undefeated Brazilian Marcos Aurelio at ONE Fight Night 39: Rambolek vs. Dayakaev at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

For the 31-year-old Filipino, the bout represents more than just a season opener. It is a chance to halt the slide and reassert himself in one of ONE Championship’s deepest divisions.

His most recent outing still stings. Elbek Alyshov stopped Bumina-ang via submission at ONE Fight Night 37 last November, snapping a promising surge and forcing a hard reset.

Now carrying two losses in ONE, Bumina-ang understands the margin for error has vanished. A convincing performance is the clearest path back into relevance in the bantamweight MMA picture.

Unbeaten newcomer brings immediate danger

Marcos Aurelio is not easing his way into the promotion. The 21-year-old Brazilian arrives with a pristine 8-0 record, having shown the ability to finish fights with strikes or submissions.

Despite his youth, Aurelio fights with poise and confidence, pressing forward while punishing opponents with sharp counters. It is a style designed to test anyone making a comeback.

Bumina-ang acknowledges the challenge but believes the matchup suits him. He sees Aurelio’s aggression as an opening rather than a threat, especially against an opponent eager to impress in his promotional debut.

Back against the wall mindset

Bumina-ang’s professional record stands at 8-2, with both defeats coming by submission. His first loss was against current ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu at ONE Fight Night 24 in August 2024, followed by the Alyshov setback.

That history has only sharpened his focus heading into Bangkok. He expects Aurelio to test his grappling, knowing his previous defeats, and welcomes the opportunity to answer those questions under fire.

With a place among the division’s top five firmly in his sights for this year, Bumina-ang is embracing a ruthless mentality. For him, ONE Fight Night 39 is about survival, statement, and momentum, all rolled into one night.