‘He’s In My Way’ – Roberto Soldic Ready To Destroy Zebaztian Kadestam, Contend For Welterweight Gold

Roberto Soldic knows his next bout will have massive implications for the ONE Welterweight World Title picture.

Following a disappointing no contest in his ONE Championship debut last December, Croatia’s “Robocop” is desperate to show what he can do in the world’s largest martial arts organization.

The stage doesn’t come any bigger than his battle with former divisional kingpin Zebaztian Kadestam at ONE Fight Night 10: Johnson vs. Moraes III on Prime Video, which marks the promotion’s first on-ground event in the United States.

Soldic faces the former ONE Welterweight World Champion on the historic bill at 1stBank Center in Colorado on Friday, May 5, and he is excited to get down to business with the man they call “The Bandit” live in U.S. primetime.

The 28-year-old Croatian said: 

“He brings a lot of motivation for me. Of course, I’m a double champion from KSW, and he’s a former ONE World Champion.

“I know that he won’t give up. He will come to fight, for sure. But it’s nothing new for me, really. I have been in so many bad positions and good positions. I’m ready for anything. I have to beat this guy. He’s in my way. I’m in good shape. No injuries now. I feel great. Let’s do it.”

As the former welterweight king with back-to-back KO wins on his resume, Kadestam brings a lot of prestige to the hard-hitting matchup. And with the tilt being contested at ONE’s sold-out debut event in North America, there will be a huge number of eyeballs tuning in.

Soldic knows that all of these factors combined will push him closer to his goal of ONE World Title glory if he can secure an emphatic victory.

“Robocop” said: 

“I want to be a ONE World Champion badly. This is really a big thing for me, and I will try to finish as always.

“I always try to put on a great show. I only need to be healthy, and that’s it. I’m ready. I’m very disciplined. I don’t make mistakes.”

Roberto Soldic Breaks Down ‘Very Tough’ Zebaztian Kadestam

Roberto Soldic knows that Zebaztian Kadestam has a ferocious skill set that helped him reach the pinnacle in ONE Championship.

The Croatian is impressed by his Swedish rival’s striking – which has earned him 12 knockouts from 14 career victories – and he knows that their clash of explosive styles will make for a thrilling battle for as long as it lasts. 

Soldic said:

“I see that he’s a good striker. Very tough. And his Muay Thai, he has good elbows and good knees. He always tries to put on a show.”

However, there’s nothing that fazes “Robocop.” He’s competed against some of the biggest hitters in the past, amassing 17 KOs from 20 victories in his own career.

While Soldic admires Kadestam’s capabilities, he believes it will be a fatal error if “The Bandit” chooses to keep the bout standing and trade shots on the feet.

The Croatian explained:

“He is a kill-or-be-killed type of guy. It’s not good for him if he does this with me. If he stands a lot with me, that will be a big problem. 

“I’m a complete fighter. I can do everything. I always plan to keep moving forward and destroy these guys [in front of me].”