Roberto Soldić made headlines at ONE Championship 171 with a stunning knockout victory over Dagi Arslanaliev, marking his triumphant return to mixed martial arts after nearly two years away from the sport. The event took place on February 20, 2025, in Qatar and was highly anticipated, as both fighters were eager to reclaim their positions after long absences from the cage.
Soldić, known as 'Robocop', displayed his knockout power early on. The former double champion of the KSW (Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki) made short work of Arslanaliev, catching him off guard with a powerful left punch. This decisive blow sent the Dagestani fighter crashing to the canvas, leaving the audience and commentators in awe.
Before the fight, there was palpable tension, as both fighters had been away from the ring for significant periods. Soldić's last appearance was marred by setbacks, including being knocked out by Zebaztian Kadestam back in May 2023. This event was pivotal for him, as he sought to prove he was still one of the fiercest competitors in the sport.
During the fight, Arslanaliev, eager to exchange blows, made pivotal mistakes. He initially attempted to land kicks on Soldić, whose defense held strong. Throughout the first round, Soldić measured his opponent, ready for the perfect moment to counterattack. After dodging multiple aggressive strikes from Arslanaliev, Soldić seized the opportunity, unleashing his signature left hand, which sent Arslanaliev down for the count.
The atmosphere became electric as the crowd erupted following the knockout, with many believing it to be the knockout of the year contender. A tweet from ONE Championship captured the moment perfectly: "Robocop is BACK 🦾 Roberto Soldic faceplants Dagi Arslanaliev for an incredible first-round KO!" Such sentiments echoed across various social media platforms, amplifying the excitement of Soldić's return.
Post-fight, Soldić took the opportunity to express his aspirations for future bouts. "After the victory, Robocop expressed hope for a rematch with Zebaztian Kadestam, who knocked him out back in May 2023," reported Lowking, highlighting Soldić's determination to reclaim lost glory. This statement cements not only his competitive spirit but also his strategic focus on making his mark once again within the One Championship arena.
The victory at ONE 171 serves as both a personal triumph for Soldić and a clear indicator of the potential he holds as he aims to overcome the setbacks of recent years. With his extraordinary knockout, he has reminded fans and foes alike why he once held multiple belts; his power and skill have not diminished, rather, they have evolved during his time away.
While Arslanaliev’s loss was undoubtedly disappointing, it is also a valuable lesson for him—a stark reminder of the sharpness and readiness needed to compete at such high levels. He remains, nonetheless, a fighter with potential to watch as he regroups from this setback, learning from his mistakes against the more seasoned Soldić.
On the broader scale, Soldić's impressive knockout is not just about one fight; it signals the potential for exciting matchups within the ONE Championship moving forward. Fans can anticipate not only Soldić’s future showdowns but also the impact of new competitors who will emerge as the championship continues to grow.
Roberto Soldić’s return has certainly rejuvenated the mixed martial arts scene, and his aspirations for reconfrontation with Kadestam set the bar for what could be another thrilling encounter. Fans and analysts will be keeping their eyes peeled as Soldić looks to build on this explosive victory and position himself once again among the elite fighters of MMA.