Heavyweight Phenom Opacic Hoping For Knockout Debut Vs. Zimmerman
Another giant will enter ONE Super Series this Friday, as heavyweight knockout artist Rade Opacic makes his promotional debut at the previously recorded ONE: BIG BANG II.
The Serbian striker is only 23, but he’s already gotten a ton of experience against some of kickboxing’s biggest names. In fact, he’s earned a reputation as one of the best young heavyweights in the world after a string of knockouts in Europe and Asia.
Now, the tower of power from Belgrade is excited to make an impact on the biggest stage of all when he faces fellow behemoth Errol “The Bonecrusher” Zimmerman at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
“It’s a dream come true. I want to do my best here and introduce myself to ONE fans in the best way that I can,” Opacic says.
“I’m going to do my best every time they call me, I’m going to fight, and I’m going to go for the win all the time. I’m just looking forward to the fights and what the future’s going to bring.”
It all starts against a fan favorite in Zimmerman, who’s enjoyed almost 20 years of all-action performances in some of the biggest events on the planet.
The Dutch-Curacaoan has been out of action for two years, but he’s still just 34, in great shape, and ready to deliver a vintage performance.
However, Opacic is not too concerned about what his storied opponent will bring to the table. He’s only focused on being at his crowd-pleasing best.
“He’s a good and experienced fighter, but I’m going to focus on myself and what I’m going to do in the ring,” he says of Zimmerman.
“Errol is a good, experienced fighter, so it’s going to be a good fight. He’s a famous fighter from the K-1 and Glory days, so I know him, and I’ve watched many of his fights. I know his style and where he’s dangerous, and that’s it.”
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For his part, Opacic can pose problems for any opponent in ONE Super Series.
Standing 2 meters in height, he is the joint-tallest athlete on the roster, and he makes the most of that stature with powerful straight punches and devastating kicks.
Plus, he has a habit of going all-out from the first bell, which means an Opacic bout is never boring.
“I like to fight aggressively, but with good, clean technique,” he says.
“I’m always going to go for a KO, and I’m always going to bring that aggressive style to knock my opponent out and win the fight. That’s what ONE fans should expect from me.”
Opacic believes he will be able to bring his trademark high-octane style to the Circle despite the difficulties of training during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Though his regular routine was disrupted because of restrictions in his native Serbia, he’s had enough time to increase the intensity in the gym and arrive in Singapore in peak condition.
“With all this stuff, I was training as much as I could. We finished quarantine in June, so I’ve been training since then,” he says.
“I was in good shape, so I just picked up my pace, and now I feel good, motivated, and ready to fight.”
If he can get his hand raised at ONE: BIG BANG II, Opacic will jump to the front of the queue for a shot at the vacant ONE Heavyweight Kickboxing World Title.
However, he won’t rule out a dual-division future in the world’s largest martial arts organization. That could lead the youngster toward a rematch with ONE Light Heavyweight Kickboxing World Champion Roman Kryklia, who previously defeated him nearly two years ago.
With that said, he’s only focused on one thing.
“If I get an offer to fight someone, I’m not going to refuse a fight. I’m going to fight heavyweight, but if ONE offers any fight to me, I’m open to it,” Opacic says.
“For now, I want to stick to heavyweight. I want to beat my first opponent and beat anybody that they offer me.”
Read more: Zimmerman Embraces Tough Test Vs. Opacic: ‘Everyone Is Breakable’
