Samet Agdeve Upsets Roman Kryklia, Claims Inaugural ONE Heavyweight Kickboxing World Title
Not many fighters could do what Samet “The King” Agdeve did in his ONE Championship debut. The undefeated Turkish warrior not only defeated a man who remained unbeatable for seven years, but he also won the inaugural ONE Heavyweight Kickboxing World Title.
Agdeve went five hard, thrilling rounds with two-sport, two-division ONE World Champion Roman Kryklia to earn the gold in the main event of ONE Fight Night 37 on Prime Video, which aired live in U.S. primetime from Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, November 7.
The two goliaths delivered a remarkable bout in the Thai capital, with Kryklia looking to put away Agdeve fast and early.
Memories of the Ukrainian’s highlight-reel finishes replayed in the minds of those watching inside the arena, as he tried to notch one more jaw-dropping stoppage victory against the 21-year-old phenom like he had done to most other opponents.
However, to the surprise of everyone in attendance and even Kryklia himself – who entered this World Title match with 15 straight victories – Agdeve wasn’t meant to be put away. He came to fight, and that he did.
The Turkish contender shook off Kryklia’s punches with ease, choosing to counter with calf kicks that did massive damage in rounds one and two. An egg-shaped welt began to form on the Ukrainian tower’s left calf, which eventually morphed into something resembling a watermelon.
But Kryklia is tough and, despite having to carry his 6-foot-7 frame on one leg, he found the heart to rally back in round three. No matter where in the ring he stood, he was always one straight punch away from tagging “The King.”
So that’s what he did, smashing his opponent’s orbital with punches that came in a broken but effective rhythm. Agdeve, however, kept attacking with low kicks. As his confidence grew, so did his output in the championship rounds.
The man fighting for his mother who is hospitalized with cancer dug into his gut and pulled out an even stronger desire to win.
Agdeve pummeled Kryklia with punches and battered him with kicks. For the first time ever, ONE’s global fan base saw the demolition of a man who, up until this moment, remained nearly perfect.
This time around, perfection belonged to Agdeve. He ended the World Title affair with clubbing overhands and hooks that wobbled the skyscraper standing in front of him.
When it was all said and done, the three ringside judges awarded the unanimous decision victory to Agdeve, who improved his pristine record to 18-0, claimed the inaugural ONE Heavyweight Kickboxing World Championship, and thanked his ailing mother for the inspiration.
