Roman Kryklia has just added another world title belt to his growing collection. The Ukrainian giant, however, is already laser-focused on what comes next.
The Ukrainian megastar claimed the ONE heavyweight kickboxing world title courtesy of a majestic five-round display in Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium on Friday, June 19.
The victory at The Inner Circle 19 earned him revenge against Samet “The King” Agdeve and handed the previously undefeated Turkish bruiser his maiden defeat.
At the same time, Roman Kryklia pushed his record to a stellar 52-8 and added a third world title to his haul – joining his existing ONE heavyweight Muay Thai and light heavyweight kickboxing crowns.
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With the kickboxing chapter now settled, the 34-year-old has turned his attention to a Muay Thai defense and a chance to bring the spotlight back to the heavyweight divisions that have long lived in the shadows.
Speaking to ONE Championship after his victory, the Ukrainian giant, who represents Dubai’s Champ Belts, teased exactly what he wants next.
“I would like to defend my Muay Thai title. I’m looking forward to a tough opponent like Samet. I wanna show you, I wanna bring back the technique of heavyweight because now everyone looks at featherweight, bantamweight,” Roman Kryklia said.
The Ukrainian warrior added, “So I would like to put back the attention of the fans to heavyweight. Yeah, maybe in Muay Thai.”
With three world titles to his name and the kind of technical skill that defies the typical big-man stereotype, the Ukrainian giant has every chance of reshaping the entire conversation around heavyweight Muay Thai. The campaign begins now.
Roman Kryklia praises “very good” Samet Agdeve
Roman Kryklia’s revenge mission was perfectly executed. The six-foot-seven slugger ramped up the volume round by round, and that persistence to find the highlight-reel finish eventually got the better of Agdeve.
The 34-year-old, however, refused to steal the spotlight alone.
In the same exchange with ONE Championship, the triple champ gave credit to his Turkish dance partner, labeling him as a tricky and extremely difficult foe.
“My opponent is very tough, a very good guy, very clever tactics, because I didn’t expect that he would move back after making contact. I thought he would go forward,” Kryklia shared.
Edited by Steffi
