The Boy Who Inspires Xiong Jing Nan To Be Outstanding

“The Panda” Xiong Jing Nan (16-1) has amassed legions of supporters as China’s first mixed martial arts World Champion, but one of them motivates her more than any other.

The ONE Women’s Strawweight World Champion’s nephew, Xiong Sheng Ze, is her biggest fan. His love pushes the 30-year-old to be at her best in the cage, and continue to embody the values of a true martial artist.

When she defends her belt against ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion “Unstoppable” Angela Lee (9-0) at ONE: HEART OF THE LION from the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Friday, 9 November, he will be watching closely at home in China.

“My brother told me that [my nephew] looks up to me,” she says.

“That means a lot to me. He is learning how to take responsibility, be confident, and be brave.”

Xiong takes pride in being role model, not because she wants him to follow in her footsteps as a professional martial artist, but because the Bali MMA representative wants him to live by the same morals and values as she does.

Although she is experiencing success and international fame, her integrity has never waned. She wants to use her platform to set an example to make the world a better place and provide for her family.

Her nephew has taken heed of this, and is already planning his own future around helping others.

“He would say, ‘I want to be like auntie. I will take care of my mother and father, and grandpa and grandma,’” she explains.

“I see he is very wonderful to his parents and grandparents. That’s the most important thing to me – being kind to the people around you.”

Young Xiong Sheng Ze may not follow his inspirational auntie into the world of martial arts competition, but he has definitely inherited some of her passion for it.

Given all of the benefits she has gained from practicing and competing in combat sports, “The Panda” will encourage him down that path if he chooses to pursue it. For now, however, it is just a way to strengthen their close relationship.

“We share a very tight and special bond,” the strawweight queen reveals.

“I’m not always at home because I train somewhere else, so we don’t see each other very often. But once we meet, he always asks me to play the ‘mixed martial arts game.’

“I really want him to try all possibilities, so he will know what he really wants in the end, but I do hope he can do some martial arts training to protect himself, and also his family and friends.”

Xiong is honored by her role as an inspiration to so many people, and she takes it seriously.

Her nephew is a reminder of how the way she conducts herself can influence others – her role as a World Champion comes with responsibility.

Every time she sees him or they speak on the phone, his infectious enthusiasm gives her clarity in her mission.

“I hope, not only for my nephew, but for everyone, that I can create a positive image, and I hope to spread positive energy to all.”