One-armed fighter makes waves in MMA world

Jake Peacock (L) throws a punch during his match against Japanese fighter Kohei Shinjo in his ONE Championship debut at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on March 5, 2024. Photo by ONE Championship

"When you actually think about it," Jake Peacock told The Independent, "I’m fighting at the highest level, on the biggest martial arts platform in the world, whooping people the majority of the time, and I’ve got one hand."

Born without a right forearm, Peacock's condition resulted from an umbilical cord accident in the womb, which cut off blood circulation and caused necrosis. However, his physical disability never deterred him from pursuing a career in combat sports.

He began practicing karate at age seven, later transitioning to kyokushin, a full-contact style of martial art, as a teenager. By 15, Peacock had won the North American championship and was invited to compete in the world championships in Tokyo, Japan.

Peacock, 31, comes from a sports-oriented family. His father, Gavin Peacock, is a former Premier League footballer, having played for Chelsea, Newcastle United and Queens Park Rangers. In 2007, the family moved from England to Canada, where Peacock continued to hone his skills.

With his family's full support, he never viewed his disability as a limitation.

"My parents never babied me," he said. "Obviously you develop a strong character through trials and tribulations, and that has definitely developed my attitude in never giving up. But I think a little bit is innate for sure. I’ll always just assume I can do something, and I’ll make it happen."

Jake Peacock celebrates his victory over Kohei Shinjo in 2024. Photo by ONE Championship

Rise to stardom

Peacock burst onto the Muay Thai scene in 2019, knocking out Kaleb Hunter to claim the Muay Thai welterweight world title. He later won the Road to ONE tournament, securing a $100,000, six-fight contract with ONE Championship.

In ONE Championship, Muay Thai fights consist of three rounds of three minutes, with title bouts lasting five rounds. Fighters wear 113-gram MMA gloves and knockouts can be achieved through punches, kicks, knees, elbows or legal grappling.

Peacock made his ONE Championship debut in Bangkok in April 2024, winning by decision against Japanese bantamweight Kohei Shinjo.

He continued his impressive run by knocking out Japan's Shinji Suzuki at ONE 171 at Lusail Sports Arena in Qatar in late February, improving his professional record to 14 wins in 15 fights.

Muay Thai is known as the "art of eight limbs" due to its emphasis on fists, elbows, knees and shins. Despite his physical challenge, Peacock has adapted flawlessly to the sport.