Roman Kryklia joined Rare company this past weekend when he became a two-sport titleholder in ONE Championship.

In the main event of ONE Fight Night 17 this past Friday, December 8, the Ukrainian powerhouse knocked out Alex Roberts to add the promotion’s inaugural ONE Heavyweight Muay Thai World Title to his light heavyweight kickboxing crown. 

Roman Kryklia defeated Alex Roberts to win the crown

A fiery first round saw both men showcasing their impressive speed and power, but Kryklia needed only 25 seconds in the second frame to take control and finish his opponent – much to the delight of the fans in attendance at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. 

When asked if he saw himself as the top heavyweight striker in his post-fight interview, the Minsk native stayed humble despite holding two belts on his shoulders.

“I never said that I’m the best. I just try to be. And this win was just one more step to my goal to be the best,” Kryklia said. 

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The light heavyweight kickboxing king stepped out of his natural sport and weight to compete in Friday’s Muay Thai showdown. He also had to familiarize himself with the 4-ounce gloves that ONE stipulates are worn when fighting in “the art of eight limbs.”

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The Ukrainian powerhouse struggled during the initial rounds

While he acknowledged that he didn’t have the best start in the match, Kryklia said the smaller handwear ultimately worked in his favor. 

“It was a little bit unpredictable [but] it certainly was to my advantage because I like to use my speed, I like to use punches from distance. And when I get lethargic, I can match a lot of my opponents. But today was very slow, so it was difficult to say. But we will analyze this fight with my coach and my team and see,” he said. 

“When I came to the corner after the first round, I had to be at my best condition. So I just count the seconds, and I was thinking I need to recover fast. One minute was enough, and I came to the second round fresh. I was in good condition.”

The manner in which Kryklia has conquered two sports and two weight divisions has been nothing short of flawless, and there doesn’t appear to be a clear contender that can match up with his masterful form.

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As he looks ahead, the Champ Belts by Gridin representative says he wants to rule over the heavier divisions of kickboxing entirely by adding more gold to his collection. 

“I want to defend my light heavyweight kickboxing title. But it’ll be more interesting for me to get the heavyweight belt in kickboxing because I’m the champion of the Grand Prix heavyweight division. I want the new belt, and I’m waiting,” Kryklia said.