Rade Opacic feels he is ready to compete for a World Title, but he knows he’ll need to overcome his upcoming obstacle to secure his chance. This Sunday, January 28, at ONE 165: Superlek vs. Takeru, the Serbian powerhouse will take on Iraj Azizpour in a pivotal heavyweight kickboxing battle inside the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.

Having already performed in the famed Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, Opacic is excited to compete in another revered country for the sport of kickboxing against a highly capable opponent. In an interview with ONE, the 26-year-old shared that it’s always been a goal of his to ply his trade in Tokyo. 

Rade Opacic has respect for his opponent

“Iraj is a banger. He likes to fight. I like to fight. So, let’s give the fans in Tokyo what they want – a real kickboxing fight. And it’s amazing we’re fighting in Tokyo, the home of kickboxing. It’s a big thing, especially for us kickboxers because literally, kickboxing started there,” Opacic said.  

“To be honest, fighting in ONE has all been a dream come true because last time I fought at Lumpinee Stadium. And now, I’m fighting in Tokyo, Japan. When I was young, I was dreaming about this. Now, it’s all happening.” The KBKS Team representative has been on a massive tear in ONE, winning six of his seven bouts, including his last two. That run could put any fighter in line for the gold, but Opacic understands he must first get through Azizpour.

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The Iranian star has put in a stellar slate himself, securing three straight victories upon his arrival in ONE Championship before falling to two-sport titleholder Roman Kryklia in the ONE Heavyweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix Final. 

During their match at ONE 163 in November 2022, Azizpour gave the dominant Ukranian the biggest scare of his promotional run when he knocked him down in the first round. He will, no doubt, look to implement that same vicious power when he takes on Opacic this weekend.

Opacic is confident in his respect, not in his fear

The Serbian star isn’t intimidated, as he believes he’s ready for what his foe will bring to the table. “Obviously, fighting for the World Title is the goal after this fight. Even before this fight, I thought maybe I would get a call [to fight Roman Kryklia for the belt], but in the end, they gave me Iraj, so now he is my biggest problem,” he said.  

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“When I finish him, I’m going to go for the belt because I know I deserve it. I will prove to everybody that I deserve it and that I will become the champion. But I’m not going to look too many steps forward because first, I have to handle this. . . It’s on me to put on my best performance and to keep beating everybody, to keep chasing my dreams and making them come true.” 

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