Undefeated Turkish striking sensation Samet Agdeve accomplished the unthinkable by defeating previously unbeaten Roman Kryklia via unanimous decision at ONE Fight Night 37, becoming the inaugural ONE Heavyweight
Kickboxing World Champion in his promotional debut on 8 November in Bangkok, Thailand.
The 21-year-old phenomenon known as "The King" handed the Ukrainian behemoth his first loss in seven years and snapped his incredible 15-fight winning streak in a five-round war that showcased elite-level striking and tactical brilliance.
The Turkish sensation's victory fulfilled his bold prediction to capture World Championship gold in his ONE debut. Agdeve had confidently proclaimed his intentions on social media before stepping into the ring against the Ukrainian giant.
"I knew it was going to happen. I shared on social media that I'm coming for the World Championship. Now I'm here. I'm 21 years old, I've got the belt, I'm the champion," Agdeve said.
"I'm a fearless fighter. Against Roman, I gotta be fearless. I know he's a powerful fighter. But every time he tried to use his jab, I responded with my head, as you saw in the fight, I kept my guard low. "
Agdeve's game plan centered on relentlessly attacking Kryklia's legs with devastating calf kicks in the early rounds. The strategy proved highly effective as the damage accumulated, forcing the 33-year-old Ukrainian to slow down and change his stance multiple times.
The new champion revealed he entered the bout with multiple strategies prepared and adapted brilliantly when his initial game plan didn't produce the desired results. Agdeve's flexibility and ring IQ proved crucial against such an experienced opponent.
"I had two plans. The first plan didn't work out, but I utilized the second one, which was the calf kicks. It went well. In the ring, sometimes, I just come up with plans in the ring. Not before the fight, it just happens in the ring," Agdeve explained.
"I was very happy with the judges' results. Like I said before the fight, I was going to write history, and I did it. Now I have the belt, and whoever wants to challenge me, they're welcome. "
