The balance of power in global kickboxing has shifted. In a night of high drama at ONE Championship: Prime 40, undefeated Turkish powerhouse Samet Agdeve shocked the world by defeating Ukrainian giant Roman Kryklia - dubbed “Kickboxing’s Usyk” - to claim the inaugural ONE Heavyweight Kickboxing World Title in Singapore.

Meanwhile, Scotland’s Nico Carrillo continued his blistering rise through the bantamweight ranks, earning a decisive victory that solidified his status as one of Europe’s most dangerous strikers.

Agdeve Dethrones the Titan

The 28-year-old Agdeve entered the cage as a relative unknown compared to Kryklia, a former ONE Light Heavyweight World Champion and one of the most technically gifted big men in the sport. But when the bell rang, the Turkish contender dictated the pace early — applying relentless pressure, cutting off the ring, and hammering Kryklia’s body with punishing combinations.

By the third round, Kryklia’s famed composure began to falter. Agdeve landed a looping left hook midway through the fourth that staggered the Ukrainian before sealing the victory with a barrage of knees in the clinch.

“People said I wasn’t ready for him,” Agdeve said post-fight, visibly emotional. “But I believed in my power and my team. I came here to take what’s mine — and I did.”

The unanimous decision (49–46, 48–47, 49–46) crowned Agdeve as the first-ever ONE Heavyweight Kickboxing World Champion, extending his professional record to 19–0. Kryklia, meanwhile, suffered his first loss in nearly five years, falling to 31–2 overall.

Analysts hailed the result as one of the sport’s most significant upsets since Rico Verhoeven’s early losses in the Glory era.

“Agdeve’s footwork and inside game broke Kryklia’s rhythm,” said Michael Schiavello, ONE Championship commentator. “This wasn’t luck — it was strategy, and it was flawless.”

Nico Carrillo Keeps the Momentum

Earlier on the card, Scotland’s Nico Carrillo impressed once again, defeating Thai veteran Kulabdam Sor. Jor. Piek Uthai in a brutal three-round Muay Thai war.

Carrillo’s performance showcased his signature precision — mixing elbow counters with low kicks to disrupt Kulabdam’s rhythm. After dropping his opponent in the second round with a right cross, Carrillo coasted to a unanimous decision win.

The 26-year-old Glasgow native now improves to 6–0 under the ONE banner and edges closer to a bantamweight title opportunity against reigning champion Jonathan Haggerty.

“Nico Carrillo’s trajectory is frightening,” said ONE analyst Mitch Chilson. “He fights with composure beyond his years and has that rare mix of patience and power that defines elite strikers.”

Carrillo later told Sky Sports that he plans to fight once more before year’s end, ideally in Bangkok, to stay sharp ahead of a potential title eliminator.

What It Means for ONE Championship

Saturday’s event was more than a night of belts and rankings — it signaled a new generation taking control of the global kickboxing scene. Agdeve’s victory reshapes the heavyweight hierarchy, while Carrillo’s consistency puts him among Europe’s most marketable combat athletes.

For ONE Championship, the results reinforce its claim as the world’s premier striking organization, bridging elite talent from Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

“We’re witnessing a generational shift,” said ONE Chairman Chatri Sityodtong. “Agdeve represents a new era of global talent — fearless, technical, and hungry.”

The Takeaway

Samet Agdeve’s triumph over Roman Kryklia will go down as one of the defining moments in modern kickboxing — a masterclass in aggression, patience, and precision.

And with Nico Carrillo’s steady climb continuing, the night may also be remembered as the birth of two future icons.