ONE Championship will make its debut in the United States on May 5 with a stacked card. Although three title tilts headline the evening, a welterweight war featuring one of the fastest-rising stars is reason to circle the date on the calendar. Roberto Soldic and former ONE Welterweight World Champion Zebaztian Kadestam will light up the 1stBank Center when the Circle door closes.
Roberto Soldic Ready for U.S. Debut on May 5th
The bout will mark Soldic’s second bout in ONE. In his debut, against Murad Ramazanov, an errant low strike put an early end to the night and forced a no-contest. Although a rematch still intrigues the Croatian star, he is thrilled to join the stacked lineup at ONE Fight Night 10 on Prime Video.
“Of course, I [would like a rematch with Ramazanov]. But, after my debut fight, the matchmaker came inside the room and said, ‘We have other plans for you.’ They put me in America, so I’m going to fight. What can I do? I cannot wait. My manager called me and said, ‘You’re fighting in America against Zebaztian Kadestam, a former World Champion.’ I have to fight. I never choose any opponent,” Soldic told ONE.
“Robocop” has risen quickly from humble beginnings. His explosive power led him to become a two-weight World Champion in KSW, and the results captured the imagination of fans around the world. Joining ONE and competing in the U.S., Soldic hopes to continue expanding his presence on the global scene.
“This is a motivation for me because I came from a small village in Bosnia, and now I’m fighting on the world stage in the USA. This is a really big thing for my people, my country, and me. I fought everywhere in Europe. And now, it’s time to go deeper and go to a different world, like the USA and Asia,” said “Robocop.”
ONE Fight Night 10 is a massive night for the martial arts scene, and Soldic is ecstatic to be featured on the card. His welterweight clash with Kadestam is sure to be one of the most action-packed battles on the card. But joining a lineup with ONE’s biggest talents has the 28-year-old motivated to perform to the best of his abilities.
“I’m very happy I’m fighting in America because I’m on a great card too. Demetrious Johnson against Adriano Moraes. Sage Northcutt is back. Rodtang Jitmuangnon is there, Stamp Fairtex, and all the big names. I’m also on that card, and this makes me go to the gym and train, and keep working hard,” said Soldic.
Before signing with ONE, Soldic was seen as one of the biggest prospects in the sport. When he put ink to paper, Soldic expressed he wanted to continue his knockout ways in multiple weight classes and sports. He wants to shine for the fans.
That sentiment is still at the forefront of his motivations. And it will lead to an incredible matchup against Kadestam, who is looking to derail the hype train. It is all leading to a possible dark horse for Fight of the Year.
“I always try to put on good pressure and finish the guy with my skills. I hope I have shown that with what I did before in KSW and in Cage Warriors. I cannot wait for this one, especially because it’s in the USA. I’m very excited. I am going to try to show my U.S. fans who I am and why they call me ‘Robocop,’” said Soldic.
ONE Fight Night 10 emanates from the 1stBank Center in Colorado on Friday, May 5. The stacked main card will begin at 8 p.m. E.T./5 p.m. P.T. on Prime Video. The event is free for all Amazon Prime subscribers in the U.S. and Canada.
