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Ukrainian kickboxing powerhouse Roman Kryklia has been an unstoppable force since signing with ONE Championship. The champion was awarded 2022's best kickboxing knockout for his finish over rival Iraj Azizpour in November.
The 31-year-old clashed with Iran's Azizpour for the third time, with this meeting occurring in ONE's Heavyweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix Final at ONE 163: Akimoto vs. Petchtanong.
This time, Kryklia stole the show, the victory, and the $50,000 performance bonus as a result of his powerful second-round finish. Not only was the finish named Kickboxing KO of the Year by ONE Championship, but it will be remembered for years to come.
Watch Roman Kryklia's highlight KO over Iraj Azizpour from ONE 163 below:
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Roman Kryklia eyeing a matchup with a familiar foe
Fans have been hoping to see Kryklia share the circle with Serbian striker Rade Opacic since the two entered the promotion. 'Spider-Man' believes it's a matchup that could take place in the near future.
He told ONE:
“Now, everybody’s asking me about Rade Opacic. Of course it will be interesting for me to fight with him because he has now many good victories in ONE Championship and maybe people will want to see our bout. But to decide, the team of ONE Championship will make the decision.”
Roman Kryklia continued, adding:
“We had a fight three years ago and it was a very easy fight for me. But now I see that he’s better from fight to fight. I like his style. He showed two beautiful fights, but I’m confident 100 percent. I think he would be ready to fight.”
The Ukrainian star bested Opacic in their 2019 meeting, scoring five knockdowns in under three rounds en route to a TKO finish.
Both men are former K-1 kickboxers turned ONE Championship studs. Their combined record inside the circle is an impressive 10-1. Their common opponent is Guto Inocente, whom Kryklia beat and Opacic lost to.
Make sure to check back with Sportskeeda for an announcement pertaining to Roman Kryklia's next bout, as it will likely be a defense of his ONE light heavyweight kickboxing world title.
Watch Kryklia's title-winning performance against Tarik Khbabez below:
