Roberto Soldic is ready to make a statement at ONE on Prime Video 5 (Video)

Roberto Soldic will make his highly-anticipated ONE Championship debut at ONE on Prime Video 5 against Murad Ramazanov. 

Roberto Soldic, a 27-year-old Croatian with a record of 20-3, surprised the MMA community when he decided to sign with ONE over the UFC. ‘Robocop’ credited the decision to a desire to compete in several martial arts, which ONE specializes in. Before fighting in kickboxing or Muay Thai, the former two-division KSW champion is focused on becoming the welterweight MMA world champion.

Soldic is not being given an easy matchup to get his feet wet in the Circle. The Croatian has been matched up against Ramazanov, an undefeated Russian with a high-level wrestling pedigree.

“It’s a good fight for me, so I don’t complain, and let’s go, man,” said Soldic during an interview with FanSided MMA. “Doesn’t matter today or in two years. This fight is gonna happen because we are same division.”

The former two-division KSW champion has high expectations to impress in his ONE debut. The stakes were increased when ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong showed interest in the winner earning a title shot against welterweight champion Christian Lee.

“This is also one motivation. Normally my opponent is toughest in the division,” said Soldic when asked about the title shot implication. “I think he is better than champion, and he also beat ex-champion, former champion. Yeah, who win the fight normally goes for the belt… When I hear this, it’s good motivation to give everything into this fight and, of course, win the fight. People can expect good fight from me.”

Roberto Soldic has found new motivation by signing with ONE Championship

Roberto Soldic ended his KSW run with seven consecutive wins, including six by KO/TKO. Once his contract expired, the 27-year-old needed a new challenge to keep him motivated. “Now I have a lot of motivation. In Europe, I beat all the guys,” said Soldic. “Now I choose ONE because of the other combat sport, but first MMA, then I can talk what is next. First, MMA belt, and then we will see for the super fights. I’m ready for it.”

Soldic’s opponent at ONE on Prime Video 5 will be a tough test stylistically. Murad Ramazanov has holes in his striking game that may be exploited, but the Russian’s grappling could cause problems for ‘Robocop.’ At 27, the former two-division KSW champion has plenty of time to take over ONE Championship. Only time will tell if the Croatian can replicate his KSW success by becoming a two-division champion with ONE.