Kryklia predicts heavyweight Muay Thai clash will end with Roberts knocked out

Reigning ONE light heavyweight kickboxing world champion Roman Kryklia said he was going to make short work of Alex Roberts in their Muay Thai title clash at ONE Fight Night 17 on Saturday.

The towering 32-year-old Ukrainian, who has more than 50 professional fights under his belt, has yet to lose since making his ONE Championship debut in 2019.

And while he is new to Muay Thai, there is plenty of evidence to suggest he will follow through on his promise in the pair’s heavyweight bout in Bangkok, having stopped four of his five opponents on his way to the top.

“I am always ready for all five rounds but this can be very fast because of the small gloves,” Kryklia said. “I think this will end by knockout.”

Brimming with confidence after making his weight for the fight against his 34-year-old Australian opponent, the 6’ 7” Kryklia said he expected his speed, height and professional experience to make the difference.

And far from just targeting his third title with the organisation, the ONE heavyweight kickboxing World Grand Prix champion is looking forward to dominating in two sports in the future.

“I hope to be in the light heavyweight and the heavyweight division [simultaneously],” he said. “Because you see, on this day my weight is not popular. I want to show the beautiful fights at heavyweight in Muay Thai and kickboxing.”

“I want to put the attention of the public to heavyweight. I hope [fans] see more often in the ring at light heavyweight and heavyweight Muay Thai and kickboxing. I want to be grand prix world champion, [a world champion] in two weights and two sports.”

First though he will have to get past WBC world heavyweight Muay Thai champion Roberts, who despite being shorter weighed in 10 pounds heavier.

The Australian also has far more experience than the Ukrainian, and thinks that means the fighter doing the stopping will be him.

“The fact that this is Muay Thai gives me the advantage because I have been training solely in Muay Thai for the last 10 years,” Roberts said. “The elbows, the knees, and the clinch give me a little bit of advantage. And yes, I have a little bit of weight advantage. It is my walk around normal weight. I feel healthy and strong so it is great.

“I think everyone at ONE is always looking for a finish. It is what I want to do, go out there, and put on a spectacular show. Little gloves give that advantage as well, especially at heavyweight. He is aggressive and likes to explode so we will try to take advantage of that. I am going to win, raise my hands, and come away with that belt.”