Roberto Soldic finally delivered on the promise many fans had been waiting for, securing his first victory under the ONE Championship banner with a stunning knockout against Dagi Arslanaliev at ONE 171, held on February 20, 2025, in Lusail, Qatar.
The Croatian fighter, known as 'Robocop,' needed just 1:55 of the first round to flatten his opponent, showcasing the explosive power he has been known for. The bout began with Arslanaliev attempting to establish his dominance by utilizing significant strikes, but Soldic's resilience shone through as he recovered from early pressure. After landing some solid body shots, Arslanaliev responded with aggression, but it was Soldic who landed the decisive blow: a brutal left hook, which rendered Arslanaliev unconscious. The match was electric, thrilling fans who had gathered to witness high-stakes MMA action.
Post-fight, emotions were running high as Soldic made his intentions known. "When I’m like this, nobody can beat me," he stated, referring to his sharp performance. He didn't hold back on expressing his desire for the welterweight title or potential revenge against Zebaztian Kadestam, who previously knocked him out. "I want the belt. I want revenge against Kadestam. Last time he was lucky. This time it’s a different ‘Robocop’. I'm going for the belt."
His words reflected both confidence and ambition, aiming to capture the ONE Welterweight MMA World Championship currently held by Christian Lee, as well as seeking to avenge past defeat. After the knockout, Soldic was awarded a $50,000 performance bonus by ONE Championship's CEO, Chatri Sityodtong, underscoring the significance of his performance.
Soldic's victory at ONE 171 marks his resurgence after challenges faced at the forefront of his career. Prior to this fight, he experienced mixed results, including a no-contest against Murad Ramazanov and suffering defeat against Kadestam. With this knockout, Soldic improved his professional record to 21 wins, 4 losses, with 19 of those victories coming by way of knockout. Each finish solidifies his reputation as one of the sport's most dangerous fighters.
The event itself delivered extraordinary MMA action with several fights concluding via knockout and submission, relatable to the excitement surrounding Soldic’s match. Following the conclusion of the event, fans and analysts were left buzzing at the potential matchups on the horizon, especially considering Soldic's desire to reclaim his title aspirations.
Many MMA observers note how Soldic's knockout not only elevated his status within the organization but also sent tremors through the welterweight division, where competition remains fierce. With sold-out crowds and intense bouts as the backdrop of ONE 171, Soldic’s performance may very well propel him to face off against the champion shortly.
Fans eagerly await the next steps for Soldic—will it be the title shot he desires, or perhaps the rematch with Kadestam? One thing's for certain: after his impressive comeback, this knockout victory has placed him squarely back on the radar of fight fans worldwide. He has firmly stated he’s ready to reclaim his spot as one of the premier fighters within ONE Championship.
Soldic's relentless nature, along with his compelling story of resilience and ambition, continues to intrigue the MMA community, promising more explosive combats to come, as he aims high following this phenomenal win.