‘I Don’t Do Boring Fights’ – Roman Kryklia Promises Action In World Title Defense Against Lyndon Knowles

Two-sport, two-division kingpin Roman Kryklia says that fans can look forward to an all-action barnburner on April 4 in U.S. primetime at ONE Fight Night 30 on Prime Video.

That night, in the evening’s main event, the towering Ukrainian will defend his ONE Heavyweight Muay Thai World Title against talented British striker Lyndon Knowles, live from the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Kryklia has been nothing short of sensational through six appearances in the world’s largest martial arts organization, having claimed the light heavyweight kickboxing crown and the ONE Heavyweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix Championship to go along with his Muay Thai gold.

But beyond his jam-packed trophy case, the 33-year-old knockout artist has established himself as one of the planet’s most electrifying and entertaining strikers.

He recently spoke to onefc.com about what fans can anticipate when he goes toe-to-toe with “Knowlesy”:

“Expect action. I always give 100 percent in every fight. There’s always intensity, always drama — I don’t do boring fights.”

A true finisher with seemingly unmatched technical prowess, Kryklia has stopped five of his six world-class opponents in ONE.

Through it all, the titleholder has leaned heavily on his speedy footwork and pinpoint accurate boxing, making some of Muay Thai and kickboxing’s most dangerous fighters look like amateurs by comparison.

Naturally, Kryklia has done his homework on the decorated and experienced Knowles, who will bring a wealth of Muay Thai experience and non-stop aggression to this massive World Title showdown.

The Ukrainian added:

“He’s aggressive, experienced, and always moving forward — that’s his main strength. He also has a solid foundation in classic Thai boxing. As for me, I’ll be relying on my movement, speed, and cardio to create the edge.

“I expect things to stay technical, but I’m ready for a war. You can plan for one type of fight, and then it turns into a slugfest—that happens more often than you’d think. So, yeah, I’m ready for anything.”

Whether it’s an intriguing clash filled with technical exchanges or a wild brawl from the opening bell, Kryklia said that one thing’s for sure. Someone is getting knocked out on April 4.

Given each man’s concussive power, Kryklia doesn’t think the ringside judges will be needed in this fight.

“I don’t think this one goes the full five rounds. Heavyweights, small gloves, Muay Thai rules — add in elbows and knees, and there’s a high chance of a knockout. Ideally, I’d like to spend some time in the ring, show my technique, and finish the fight clean.”

Kryklia Prepared To Showcase Full Muay Thai Arsenal

While Roman Kryklia has done plenty to cement himself among the world’s top pound-for-pound overall strikers, some fans might question his ability to compete at the highest levels of Muay Thai.

That’s because, after five straight kickboxing victories to begin his ONE tenure, he’s fought just one time in Muay Thai — his World Title-clinching performance against former WBC Heavyweight Muay Thai World Champion Alex “The Viking” Roberts.

Kryklia isn’t concerned about switching between the two striking arts, as the foundation of his game comes from “the art of eight limbs”:

“My prep hasn’t changed all that much. My coach’s system is rooted in traditional Muay Thai with a strong kickboxing influence, so I’ve always been comfortable switching between both sports.”

Still, against Muay Thai specialist like Lyndon Knowles, the defending World Champion has put in some extra work in sharpening all eight of his weapons.

In fact, while he’s best known for his venomous boxing attack, Kryklia hopes to showcase a more well-rounded approach that includes every strike available to him:

“As always, I trained under my longtime coach Andrei Gridin. This time we focused on adapting to Muay Thai with small gloves. That was the main theme.

“With the small gloves, the chances of a finish go way up. My hands are obviously a threat, but I’m not just looking for a punch. I’ll be mixing in kicks, knees, elbows—the full arsenal.”