Roberto Soldic, famously dubbed “Robocop,” is gearing up for what many hope will mark his rebirth in the world of mixed martial arts. With a fresh outlook and renewed vigor, Soldic steps into the ONE Championship arena at ONE 171, eager to exorcise the demons from his past two bouts. A staggering 21-month hiatus from competition has left the fighter itching for redemption after suffering a knockout loss to Zebaztian Kadestam in May 2023—an incident seen by many as a harbinger of troubled times ahead.
The 30-year-old Soldic, who boasts a professional record of 20 wins and 4 losses, finds himself in a convalescent phase, bursting with ambition and determination. The wrestler acknowledges the impact of his hiatus while reflecting on the tumultuous decisions that beset him after his time with KSW. When faced with an array of options—including offers from prestigious organizations like the UFC, ONE Championship, and KSW itself—Soldic admits that having too many opportunities can lead to paralysis by analysis. As he puts it, “Sometimes in life when too many opportunities present, it’s not good.”
His debut in ONE Championship was anything but memorable, marred by an unfortunate stoppage due to an accidental knee strike delivered by Murad Ramazanov. The outcome—a no contest—did little to buoy Soldic’s confidence. Following that, the ex-champion’s next fight against Kadestam plunged him further into the depths of self-doubt after being dynamically rendered unconscious.
Soldic reflects on these humbling experiences, acknowledging the criticisms that have poured in from spectators and pundits alike. The once-prominent fighter, who had high hopes after such a hotly contested free agency period, faced the harsh reality of being viewed as a fighter who had not yet proven his worth in the ONE Championship scene. “Sadly, in the beginning against Murad, people talk like I lost the fight,” Soldic remarked. Through candid reflection on these setbacks, he exhibits a level of maturity and understanding that might bolster his mental resilience in future encounters.
After nearly two years of ruminating on his mistakes in the cage, Soldic contemplates the weaknesses in his game that have now, he claims, been addressed. In anticipation of his fight against Saygid Guseyn Arslanaliev—who holds a record of 9 wins and 2 losses—he emphasizes the importance of patience and strategy. Soldic states, “I’ll try to bring good performance with patience in a smart way,” underlining the necessity of a more rounded approach rather than focusing on singular strikes or tactics.
In this upcoming battle, Soldic feels better equipped than ever. He recognizes the inherent risks associated with fighting a skilled opponent like Arslanaliev but seems unperturbed by the challenge. The mixed martial artist’s fight IQ appears to have matured, as he has learned to evaluate his opponents with respect, recognizing the caliber of talent within the ONE Championship. He quickly dismisses any notion that he shies away from tough fights—regardless of his opponents’ reputations or records, he remains committed to competing at the highest levels.
Soldic declares, “I want to compete. I want to be the best,” which correlates with his resolved attitude to ascendance in rankings. In his eyes, the only path to proving himself is by lining up against formidable foes. This mindset is often what it takes to emerge victorious in a sport as grueling and competitive as mixed martial arts. With his undeniable skills and determination, Soldic’s comeback could very well serve as a testament to resilience in the face of adversity.
As he prepares to step back into the octagon, the fervent hope is that the gold-plated legacy he once spoke of can be revived—not merely through victories, but through showcasing the holistic combat skills he knows himself to possess. Time will tell if Soldic can indeed turn the page on a challenging chapter of his career and etch his name alongside the legends in MMA. The anticipation surrounding this bout is palpable, and the stakes could not be higher. One thing is certain: the road ahead is not only a test of physical prowess, but a true testament of mental fortitude, as Soldic seeks to rewrite his narrative and reclaim his place among mixed martial arts’ elite.