Roman Kryklia is positioned to make a significant impact in the realm of combat sports as he competes for a Muay Thai championship at ONE Fight Night 17 in Bangkok this upcoming weekend. Renowned for his expertise in kickboxing, the Ukrainian competitor is poised to enter the Muay Thai arena and challenge the current heavyweight champion, Alex Roberts.
Kryklia, who currently holds the distinction of being the ONE Championship heavyweight and light heavyweight kickboxing champion, has articulated his enthusiasm for achieving a notable milestone in his career by obtaining the title of a two-division champion, deeming it as “the dream of every fighter in the world.”
Within the landscape of combat sports, Ukraine possesses a rich legacy of producing exceptional kickboxers. Notably, Vitali Klitschko, who transitioned from kickboxing to boxing, garnered global recognition and secured multiple world titles. Similarly, Kryklia is poised to forge his own path by venturing into a new discipline, drawing inspiration from his initial aspirations in Muay Thai at the commencement of his career.
Despite his relatively limited experience in Muay Thai, Kryklia is resolute in taking on the challenge with unwavering determination. He has acknowledged the significance of attaining a title in Muay Thai, underscoring its integral role in his training regimen and lifelong pursuit.
Having emerged victorious in all five of his prior bouts, including attaining two titles and emerging triumphant in a tournament under the ONE Championship banner, Kryklia has garnered acclaim as a dominant force within the kickboxing arena. His accomplishments have also been rewarded with substantial bonuses, cementing his status as one of the pre-eminent pound-for-pound kickboxers in the promotion.
However, as he prepares to confront the formidable Roberts, Kryklia remains steadfast and grounded, opting not to make any presumptuous prognostications regarding the outcome of the bout. He has expressed his inclination for an assertive approach in the ring while remaining prepared for the potential of enduring the full duration of the contest to secure victory.
The stage is set for an enthralling showdown as Kryklia and Roberts prepare to exhibit their skills and tenacity in the ring, each propelled by their distinctive aspirations for greatness. As anticipation mounts for the “very special” bout that lies ahead, the world eagerly awaits the result of Kryklia’s ambitious venture into the realm of Muay Thai.