Hard-hitting welterweight Roberto Soldić makes his debut on American soil next week at ONE Fight Night 10, matching up against Zebaztian Kadestam in a bout that promises to be fiercely violent.
A fighter from Bosnia, Soldić (20-3, 1 NC) has primarily competed across Europe. He is a former two-division KSW champion, a major MMA promotion in Poland. He represented a prized acquisition for ONE when he signed last summer.
He has breakout star potential, and his bout next week on Amazon Prime Video—which is ONE’s first event in the United States—is a candidate for fight of the night.
“It is a dream come true to fight in the U.S.,” says Soldić. “I’m doing this for my village and my home.”
Known as “Robocop,” the 28-year-old Soldić is a decorated striker. All but three of his 20 victories have come courtesy of the knockout, and he is planning to end Kadestam’s night in that very fashion. That is the same goal for Kadestam (14–7). Between the two of them, 29 of their combined 34 wins have ended by virtue of the KO.
“People like to see KOs, and I am ready to give it to them,” says Soldić. “I believe in my hands and my kicks, and I can’t wait to prove that. This is a tough guy, but I’m ready to go. I’m going to show the real ‘Robocop’ to U.S. fans.”
Soldić started off in ONE on a disappointing note. His fight last December ended prematurely after he was accidentally kneed in the groin by Murad Ramazanov, causing the bout to end as a no-contest. Despite that, he is on a hot streak. His last loss was suffered in April 2018 against current UFC star Dricus du Plessis, who he summarily knocked out five months later in their rematch.
Now comes the fight against Kadestam, who is a former ONE welterweight champion. That is the title Soldić is pursuing, and a win here will rapidly progress his pursuit.
“For me, for the fans, my first fight in ONE was very disappointing,” says Soldić. “But I’m here to fight. Revenge will come.
“I want a title fight. This is very important to me. That’s what motivates me every day in the gym. He’s a former ONE champion, and the belt is what I want. That is my next step.”
Justin Barrasso can be reached at JBarrasso@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @JustinBarrasso.
