The Long Climb: Samet Agdeve’s Journey From The Streets Of Izmir To ONE Championship
The story of Samet “The King” Agdeve is not one of overnight success, but of persistence carved out of hardship. Now, at just 21 years old, the undefeated Turkish striker stands on the brink of history.
On Friday, November 7, live in U.S. primetime, he will make his ONE Championship debut in Bangkok, Thailand, challenging two-sport king Roman Kryklia for the inaugural ONE Heavyweight Kickboxing World Title at ONE Fight Night 37 on Prime Video.
But for Agdeve, this moment is about more than gold. It’s the culmination of everything he has endured in his life — the hunger, the cold nights, the long days of hard labor, and the quiet promise to his mother that one day, he would rise above it all.
Before he trades blows with one of the sport’s most feared champions, here’s the journey that shaped Samet Agdeve.
Leaking Roofs And Lasting Lessons
Samet Agdeve’s roots stretch from Kars in eastern Turkey to Izmir, the bustling port city where he spent most of his childhood.
His father worked in construction to support the family. His mother kept the household running, and he shared a cramped home with two older brothers. From an early age, he understood that comfort was not something that was merely given — it was earned.
Agdeve first entered the gym at just nine years old, curious about the rhythm of kickboxing pads. What began as casual lessons quickly became a daily ritual. He progressed from point-fighting to full-contact rules and soon began collecting junior titles in local tournaments.
Still, despite his growing reputation, Agdeve longed to attend university — a dream he had to put aside when the family couldn’t afford it.
He took on small jobs and trained between shifts, holding onto the belief that one day, his efforts would be enough:
“My father was a construction master, my mother a homemaker, my brothers worked. We moved a lot.
“I grew up in a house with a leaking roof.”
That modest beginning didn’t build resentment in the Turkish star. It built resolve.
When his mother was diagnosed with cancer, the family’s struggles deepened. Yet the young fighter refused to give up his training. His mother’s words became the promise he still carries with him.
He recalled:
“My mother had cancer. I had to take care of her with my father. But I never quit training. Even in tough times, I didn’t stop. My mother used to say, ‘When you rise, you’ll tell these stories,’ and I promised I would.”
Alone In Germany
At 18, Agdeve left Turkey with little more than his gloves and his ambition.
He had heard that Germany offered better opportunities for fighters, and after researching gyms online, he chose Stuttgart as his new home. What followed, however, tested him in ways the ring never could.
Arriving in a foreign country with no money and no support system, he slept outdoors and took whatever work he could find. Days were spent on construction sites. Nights were spent working security or recovering in cramped spaces.
Sometimes, there was no food. Sometimes, there was no rest. But giving up was never an option:
“I struggled a lot. I slept on the streets, I got stabbed, I went hungry. I worked in construction. At night I worked security. My wife supported me so much in those times – I can’t repay her.
“I moved for my career. Some truths are better kept with me, but I had to take this step.”
Agdeve’s work ethic didn’t go unnoticed. Within a few years, his name began circulating through Europe’s diverse kickboxing scene. Competing out of Germany gave him access to stronger sparring partners and tougher opposition, refining both his defense and timing.
He explained:
“In Thailand it’s hard to find heavyweight partners. In Germany and the Netherlands you don’t have that problem. Sparring partners are better there, but Thailand is great for lighter classes. For heavyweights, Europe is more suitable.”
‘The King’ Arrives In ONE Championship
By March 2022, Agdeve had turned professional. His style — a mix of classical kickboxing and fearless aggression — quickly separated him from his peers.
He fought with forward pressure, relentless combinations, and an instinct for knockouts. Within three years, he compiled a perfect 17-0 record, with 12 victories coming by stoppage.
His breakout moment came at the SENSHI Heavyweight Grand Prix, where he defeated three opponents in one night to claim the tournament crown. That performance caught the attention of ONE scouts and marked the beginning of a life-changing opportunity.
When the call from the world’s largest martial arts organization finally came, Agdeve was both shocked and grateful. Few fighters earn a World Title shot in their debut, but fewer still have lived through what he has.
He offered:
“We’d been talking with ONE Championship as the biggest organization. When the offer came from ONE, wouldn’t a person be happy? I was very happy, even excited. I didn’t think I’d get here this early. At a young age I’m taking the first big steps. At this age I’ve come to a title fight.
“The striking level in ONE is very high. I like it. Otherwise it wouldn’t be such a big name worldwide.”
Agdeve knows that victory would mean far more than just a belt. It would be the realization of every promise he made to himself and his family.
Through it all, he hasn’t lost his humility or perspective. The fight, he says, is only one part of a larger mission:
“Fight sports taught me to read people. I can analyze characters and keep my distance. But I never became arrogant. I keep moving on my path.”
