Samet Agdeve delivered a stunning upset at ONE Fight Night 37 on Saturday, claiming the ONE Championship heavyweight kickboxing world title with a unanimous decision victory over previously undefeated Roman Kryklia. The 21-year-old Turkish fighter ended Kryklia’s remarkable 15-fight winning streak, a run dating back to 2018, and instantly altered the landscape of the heavyweight kickboxing division.
Kryklia entered the bout as a heavy favorite, widely considered one of the premier heavyweights in modern kickboxing, and possessing a clear physical advantage over his challenger. Agdeve, relatively unknown to many fans, arrived without the imposing presence of the champion and even carried a slight paunch. Despite the pre-fight expectations of a Kryklia showcase, Agdeve executed a tactical performance reminiscent of Andy Ruiz Jr.’s upset over Anthony Joshua.
While Agdeve’s striking isn’t as refined as some of the division’s top competitors, his fundamental skills and fighting spirit proved decisive. He consistently pressured Kryklia, disrupting the champion’s rhythm and ultimately securing a historic victory. The result marks a important turning point in the ONE heavyweight kickboxing division, establishing Agdeve as the new force to be reckoned with.
