ONE Fight Night 17: Roman Kryklia Aims To Expand His Legacy By Winning ONE Heavyweight Muay Thai World Title

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ONE Light Heavyweight Kickboxing World Champion Roman Kryklia has been a force to be reckoned with since joining ONE Championship. The Ukrainian powerhouse's mindset is locked in on becoming a legend in combat sports. And the next step in fulfilling that quest comes this weekend.

Kryklia meets Alex Roberts for the vacant ONE Heavyweight Muay Thai World Title in the main event of ONE Fight Night 17 this Saturday, 9 December, live from Lumpinee Boxing Stadium. And Kryklia looks to be the latest member of the double-champ club.

The tower of power has already stormed his way to the top of the ONE light heavyweight kickboxing division, overcoming every adversary. Kryklia also conquered the ONE Heavyweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix Championship to boot. Now, etching his name among the greats is at the front of his mind.

"I think that every athlete can't stop at what he has achieved. And it's very cool when you have the opportunity to expand your legacy like this. Now, my next big goal is to become a champion - not only in kickboxing, but also in Muay Thai," Kryklia said.

"It's an amazing opportunity, something special for me. I don't know any other athlete who has reached these heights in two weight classes."

Outside of the ring, Kryklia has kept himself as busy as ever. Alongside teammate and ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Chingiz Allazov, Kryklia has opened his own gym in Dubai, fittingly named Champ Belts By Gridin.

While coaching isn't at the focal point of his mind just yet, Kryklia wants the facility to become a world-renowned combat sports hub. And with the talent surrounding him in the ever-flourishing Dubai, now was the time for the business venture.

"Business partners and owners are our team: coach Andrei Grishin, my best friend Chingiz Allazov, and me, as well as our partner who was very passionate about this idea - Ivan Monik," Kryklia said.

"Chingiz and I have won all the best belts in the world of kickboxing so far. It is reflected in the name. We added 'by Gridin' for people to understand who is behind the project.

"Dubai is now a very promising city, a center where everyone is flocking to. It offers a great deal of opportunities for development in all areas of business. Now, we will be based mostly here. It will be our training base for future fights."

Having been busy outside the ring, Kryklia has been itching to pick up where he left off since dominating the heavyweight grand prix at ONE 163 in November 2022, and Roberts will be another worthy challenger.

The Australian will be looking to shock the world when he meets Kryklia in the ring. But the Ukrainian believes he has the WBC Muay Thai Heavyweight Champion's game sussed.

"I think that he will be trying to close the distance, so he can get to a more comfortable distance for himself. He will try to not let me work from a distance, to develop more speed. He will utilize his strong legs - his left leg is especially good," he said.

"I would like to work from a distance. I want to stop him from doing anything he wants, and I want to be in complete control. I would like to win with some unpredictable long-range attacks."