Now, at ONE Fight Night 37 on November 7, the Ukrainian giant faces his most intriguing challenge yet when undefeated Turkish sensation Samet Agdeve threatens to derail his historic campaign for triple championship glory.
The stakes extend far beyond individual achievement. Kryklia’s current reign as ONE Heavyweight Muay Thai World Champion, combined with his Grand Prix silver belt, represents just the foundation for what could become an unparalleled collection of belts.
Standing 6-foot-7 with a 51-7 professional record, Kryklia has dismantled every challenge ONE has presented. His approach to competition reflects someone who understands both technical mastery and strategic patience.
Since claiming his first ONE World Title in 2019 with a tactical dismantling of Tarik Khbabez, the Ukrainian has evolved from contender to divisional architect.
The path to this moment also reveals Kryklia’s brilliance. His successful defenses against challengers Andrei Stoica and Murat Aygun established credibility at light heavyweight before he executed the most ambitious phase of his career plan — his move to heavyweight. The 2022 Grand Prix victory represented more than tournament success; it validated his ability to adapt his considerable frame and technical skills to an entirely different competitive landscape.
His knockout triumph over WBC Muay Thai World Champion Alex Roberts at ONE Fight Night 17 demonstrated this, while his dominant first-round technical knockout victory over Lyndon Knowles this past April served notice that his heavyweight Muay Thai reign would be defended with the same precision that characterized his kickboxing success.
Now, at 21 years old with a pristine 17-0 record and 12 finishes, Agdeve represents everything that makes young challengers dangerous: complete confidence, explosive power, and the fearlessness that comes from never experiencing professional defeat. His recent conquest of the SENSHI Heavyweight Grand Prix, where he competed three times in one evening, displayed both his conditioning and his ability to perform under intense tournament pressure.
The Turkish prospect brings European Championship pedigree and an understanding that promotional debuts against established champions often create overnight stars. His 12 knockout victories suggest finishing ability that could disrupt even the most experienced opponent’s game plan, while his perfect record indicates an athlete who has consistently found solutions under pressure.
For Kryklia, this represents the ultimate test of experience versus youth, systematic excellence versus explosive potential. His 15-fight winning streak reflects not just individual victories but the accumulation of tactical knowledge that allows him to adapt mid-contest. The Ukrainian has faced adversity throughout his career and developed the problem-solving skills that separate good champions from great ones.
