“The Viking” returns to action at ONE Friday Fights 72 this Friday, 26th July, against Russian finisher Beybulat Isaev inside Bangkok, Thailand’s prestigious Lumpinee Stadium.
Roberts’ first outing was for the inaugural ONE Light Heavyweight Muay Thai World Title. And though it didn’t go his way, he believes he took a lot away from it and his opponent.
Oftentimes, a fighter can learn more in defeat than victory, and the Australian striker is confident he’ll enter his upcoming clash with a developed approach and comfort level.
“[Roman] is amazing, so fast. For someone that size to move as well as he does. That was something else. The range that he’s got as well. He can just hit you when you don’t think you can get hit. It was an experience to fight someone on that level,” Roberts said.
“It was a great fight, and it showed that I’m on the [same] level as well. Things can happen, and I’ve had plenty of time to recover and regroup. I’ve been working on that head movement and defense a little bit more now in the little gloves, adapting things so we’re ready to get in there again.”
When two Muay Thai strikers the size of Roberts and Isaev collide in 4-ounce gloves, it’s guaranteed to be fireworks from start to finish.
The 6-foot-4 monster is looking forward to a competitive – and brutal – affair, and he plans to showcase every weapon he has en route to a finish. After that, he wants to set his sights on gold once more.
“I think his hands are the biggest danger, particularly when you add the hands with little gloves,” Roberts assessed.
“I think a win puts me right back at the top since Isaev has been there for a while. Then we can just keep building a run back to Roman [Kryklia]. I’m going to be throwing a lot of elbows, trying to put on a show and get some blood involved. It’s going to be carnage, and we’re going to get a stoppage win.”
