“This Is as High as It Gets” – Alex Roberts Grateful to Reach His Goal of Competing in ONE Championship

“Now that we’re here, it’s fantastic. I look forward to putting on a show for the crowd because I’m an entertainer, and I love getting out there and having amazing fights that people will remember forever.” The 34-year-old’s first match is almost like a double-edged sword. While it’s a massive opportunity for him, it will come against one of the most dominant fighters in ONE.

Kryklia, the reigning ONE Light Heavyweight Kickboxing World Champion, has won all five of his fights in the promotion and 47 overall in his career. His last three wins came by way of knockout, with his second-round stoppage over Iraj Azizpour at ONE 163 in November 2022 winning him the ONE Heavyweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix tournament. 

Alex Roberts all set to showcase his skills to the fans

Instead of focusing on his opponent’s dominance, though, “The Viking” has his mind on the fact that he’ll be able to display his skills for the global fanbase inside such a historic venue. He hopes to make the most of his opportunity and make everyone around him proud. 

“It’s a dream come true to come straight into ONE in a main event slot and fight at Lumpinee, the Mecca of Thai boxing. I feel so privileged and grateful for the opportunity,” Roberts said. 

“This is as high as it gets. This is the biggest stage in the world. The most eyes you’ll ever get on you. And the biggest opportunity,” he continued. 

“Especially the chance to be the inaugural World Champion in such a prestigious organization like ONE. This is something that I want to do, not just for myself, but for my team, my country, and to make everyone around me proud.” Alex Roberts wants to put on a show for combat sports fans worldwide, and he knows there’s only one place he can fulfill that goal. 

Who will the Aussie face in his debut match?

The hulking Aussie striker is set to debut in ONE Championship in the main event of ONE Fight Night 17 on Friday, December 8, where he’ll square off with Roman Kryklia for the inaugural ONE Heavyweight Muay Thai World Championship. The all-striking card will take place in the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, and will be broadcast live and for free on Prime Video for fans in North America. 

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Ahead of his promotional bow, Roberts spoke with ONE and shared how happy he is to finally be able to showcase his talents on the global stage. “It has always been my goal to get to ONE Championship. Quite a few years back, I put down on the whiteboard the steps to get here. The WBC belts were basically the stepping stones: the WBC State Title, the National, International, and then the World Title. And then after that was ONE Championship,” he said.