Roman Kryklia is ready to unleash greatness once again at ONE Fight Night 30. On Friday, April 4, the two-division & two-sport World Champion Ukrainian slugger defends the ONE Heavyweight Muay Thai World Championship against Lyndon Knowles. In his return to the global stage, Kryklia is planning his best showing to date.
Roman Kryklia Knows There’s Still Work To Be Done
“I don’t think I’ve peaked yet. I’ve grown a lot during my time away from the ring, and I’m confident there’s still more to show. Being a double champ doesn’t slow me down. My motivation is simple—I want to give fans as many exciting, memorable fights as possible over the next few years,” Roman Kryklia told ONE.
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Roman Kryklia Eager to Retain Double-Champ Status This Year
Roman Kryklia does not feel pulled in either direction of his titles. While he is set to defend the heavyweight Muay Thai strap in Bangkok, he plans to return to light heavyweight in the near future. The towering Ukrainian feels comfortable in both divisions and is prepared to defend both titles in 2025.
“I’d love to step back into kickboxing. I want to alternate between Muay Thai and kickboxing for a while. I plan to keep competing in both divisions — light heavyweight and heavyweight. In ONE, that means anything from just over 93 kg up to 120 kg. My walk-around weight puts me right in the middle, so I feel strong and comfortable fighting in either class,” the Ukrainian said.
Knowles may be making his organizational debut, but the 33-year-old Roman Kryklia is not taking him lightly. The Ukrainian has already been rocked in four-ounce gloves, knowing the dangers they possess. That is why he is making sure to be prepared for every eventuality.
“I take every opponent seriously. I always prepare as if I’m facing the toughest fight of my life, and that mindset never changes. You can’t predict how things will go in this game, which is what makes it special,” the kickboxing and Muay Thai champ remarked.
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Roman Kryklia Ready to Bring Fireworks to Ring on Friday
ONE Championship has had an electric start to 2025. However, much of that has been built with the lighter weight classes. Kryklia is excited for the chance to show heavyweight power in a main event slot and establish heavyweight as one of the most exciting divisions in combat sports.
“It’s something I care about a lot. Right now, especially in Asia, the spotlight is mostly on the lighter weight classes. I want to help bring some of that attention back to heavyweight. My goal is to make this division exciting again and elevate its profile with every fight,” Kryklia stated.
Champ Kryklia Excited For Primetime Spotlight
More than defending his title, Roman Kryklia is happy to represent his home on a massive platform. The 33-year-old wants to continue uplifting the striking arts back home and show the might of Ukrainian striking. At ONE Fight Night 30, Kryklia gets that chance under the bright lights.
“It’s something I’m deeply proud of. Not many Ukrainian fighters make it to the highest level in Muay Thai or kickboxing, even though both sports are popular back home. To compete on the world’s biggest stages and represent my country, it means a lot,” Roman Kryklia said.
ONE Fight Night 30 airs live on Friday, April 4, on Prime Video. The action begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The event is free for all Amazon Prime subscribers based in the U.S. and Canada.
