‘A Dream Come True’ – Roberto Soldic Can’t Wait To Compete In Front Of U.S. Fans
After all the fanfare surrounding his ONE Championship signing, Roberto Soldic was disappointed that his first appearance ended with an unsatisfying no contest.
However, the Croatian star will now get an even bigger platform for his sophomore showing when he takes on Zebaztian Kadestam at ONE Fight Night 10 on Prime Video on Friday, May 5.
The sold-out event at 1stBank Center in Colorado is ONE’s first bout card on United States soil.
It’s a historic night for both the promotion and Soldic, who will be facing a former ONE Welterweight World Champion in this high-stakes MMA battle.
“Robocop” said:
“I was really sad that I didn’t show my skills [in my debut]. But now it’s time to show my skills because I have a fight on May 5 in America. It’s very good for me.
“I am super excited to fight outside Europe, and to fight in the USA is one of my dreams. So it’s a dream come true. I’m ready. I feel great.”
Meanwhile, the 28-year-old knows he has some unfinished business with Murad Ramazanov.
Their matchup ended prematurely at ONE on Prime Video 5 in December due to an accidental low blow, and Soldic still hopes to settle the score.
But while he is eyeing a future date with the unbeaten Russian, he knows the showdown with Kadestam represents a massive opportunity.
Soldic explained:
“Of course, I [would like a rematch with Ramazanov]. But, after my debut fight, the matchmaker came inside the room and said, ‘We have other plans for you.’ They put me in America, so I’m going to fight. What can I do? I cannot wait.
“My manager called me and said, ‘You’re fighting in America against Zebaztian Kadestam, a former World Champion.’ I have to fight. I never choose any opponent.”
Roberto Soldic Eager To Show Why He’s Known As ‘Robocop’
Former two-division KSW Champion Roberto Soldic signed with ONE Championship because he wanted world-class opponents and international matchups – and those goals are quickly coming to fruition.
Born amid a civil war in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1995, his prospects once looked bleak. But now, Soldic has the chance to represent himself, his nation, and his heritage on a global broadcast that airs live from the U.S.
“Robocop” said:
“This is a motivation for me because I came from a small village in Bosnia, and now I’m fighting on the world stage in the USA. This is a really big thing for my people, my country, and me. I fought everywhere in Europe. And now, it’s time to go deeper and go to a different world, like the USA and Asia.
“I’m very happy I’m fighting in America because I’m on a great card too. Demetrious Johnson against Adriano Moraes. Sage Northcutt is back. Rodtang Jitmuangnon is there, Stamp Fairtex, and all the big names. I’m also on that card, and this makes me go to the gym and train, and keep working hard.”
With 1stBank Center already sold out for this landmark event, Soldic knows the atmosphere inside the arena will be electric, and he wants to deliver a performance worthy of the moment.
With thousands in attendance and many more watching around the globe, he’s also hoping to justify the hype and show why ONE signed him as the most sought-after free agent in all of MMA.
He added:
“I always try to put on good pressure and finish the guy with my skills. I hope I have shown that with what I did before in KSW and in Cage Warriors. I cannot wait for this one, especially because it’s in the USA. I’m very excited.
“I am going to try to show my U.S. fans who I am and why they call me ‘Robocop.’”
