What is a knockout artist: Roberto Soldic once KO Dricus Du Plessis and sent “Dagi” Arslanaliev face-first into the mat

Roberto Soldic has once again electrified the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) with his devastating knockout power. Known for his striking precision and aggressive fighting style, the Bosnian-born fighter has built a reputation as one of the most dangerous competitors in the sport. From his early days in Europe to his recent highlight reel finish at ONE 171: Qatar, Soldic’s journey is a story of resilience, adaptation, and sheer dominance.

In this in-depth look at Soldic’s career, we’ll explore his rise to prominence, his rivalry with Dricus Du Plessis, his transition to ONE Championship, and his spectacular comeback with a knockout victory over Saygid Guseyn “Dagi” Arslanaliev. With a focus on SEO optimization, this article will provide everything fans and analysts need to know about Soldic’s path to becoming a world champion.

Early Career and Rise to Prominence

Born in Vitez, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Roberto Soldic started his professional MMA career in 2014, competing in European promotions such as Final Fight Championship (FFC), Superior FC, and KSW. His devastating power, honed through years of training in boxing and kickboxing, quickly set him apart as a rising star.

By 2017, Soldic had amassed an impressive record, earning him a shot at the KSW Welterweight Championship—one of the most prestigious titles in European MMA. His ability to mix calculated aggression with technical precision made him a feared opponent.

The Rivalry with Dricus Du Plessis: Revenge and Redemption

One of the defining moments of Soldic’s career was his rivalry with Dricus Du Plessis, now the reigning UFC Middleweight Champion.

In April 2018, Soldic faced Du Plessis at KSW 43 in what was expected to be a dominant showing for the Bosnian striker. However, Du Plessis pulled off a shocking second-round TKO, stripping Soldic of his welterweight title. It was a moment that stunned the MMA world, as Soldic was widely considered the superior striker.

Undeterred, Soldic sought revenge, and in October 2018 at KSW 45, he got his chance. This time, there was no room for error. Soldic delivered a crushing knockout, sending Du Plessis collapsing against the cage. The emphatic victory showcased his ability to adapt and cemented his status as one of the most dangerous welterweights in the world.

Reflecting on the rematch, Soldic stated:

“Du Plessis didn’t evolve between our fights. He made the same mistakes, and I made sure he paid for them.”

This rivalry not only solidified Soldic’s reputation but also fueled his hunger to test himself against the best fighters in the world.

Transition to ONE Championship: A Tough Start

After dominating KSW and defending his title multiple times, Soldic sought new challenges. In 2022, he signed with ONE Championship, one of the biggest MMA organizations globally. His decision was motivated by ONE’s elite roster and their reputation for showcasing striking-heavy fighters.

However, his debut was disappointing. His first fight against Murad Ramazanov ended in a no-contest due to an accidental foul, leaving fans frustrated.

In his second fight, he suffered a devastating TKO loss to Zebaztian Kadestam, leading to speculation about whether Soldic could compete at the highest level in ONE Championship. The loss marked a turning point, forcing him to reevaluate his approach.

Determined to prove himself, Soldic went back to the drawing board, focusing on strengthening his takedown defense, improving his cardio, and refining his striking.

The Knockout Heard Around the World: ONE 171 Victory Over Dagi Arslanaliev

At ONE 171: Qatar, Soldic faced Saygid Guseyn “Dagi” Arslanaliev, a well-rounded fighter known for his explosive striking and relentless pressure. For many, this fight was a make-or-break moment for Soldic’s career in ONE Championship.

From the opening bell, Soldic displayed confidence and precision. While Arslanaliev attempted to impose his aggressive style, Soldic remained composed, waiting for the perfect opportunity to counter.

Then, it happened—a perfectly timed left hook sent Arslanaliev crashing to the canvas, marking one of the most spectacular knockouts of the year. The MMA world erupted as Soldic’s name once again trended worldwide.

“I knew I had to make a statement. This was my moment, and I delivered.” — Roberto Soldic

This knockout not only silenced his critics but also put him back in the title conversation, proving that Soldic remains a force to be reckoned with.

Reactions from the MMA Community

The impact of Soldic’s victory was felt across the MMA landscape. Analysts, fighters, and fans alike were in awe of his performance:

• Dricus Du Plessis (UFC Middleweight Champion): “That’s the Soldic I remember. Absolute beast of a striker.”
• ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong: “Roberto Soldic showed why he’s one of the most dangerous knockout artists in MMA today.”
• MMA Junkie Analyst John Morgan: “Soldic’s power is unreal. That knockout is a reminder that he belongs among the elite.”

With the momentum from this victory, Soldic is now one of the top contenders in the welterweight division.

What’s Next for Roberto Soldic?

With his spectacular comeback, the question now is—who’s next for Roberto Soldic?

There are a few potential matchups that could determine the future of ONE’s welterweight division:

1. A Title Shot Against Christian Lee?

The current ONE Welterweight Champion, Christian Lee, has dominated the division with his well-rounded skill set and championship mentality. A fight between Lee and Soldic would be a classic striker vs. grappler matchup, making it one of the most anticipated fights in the promotion’s history.

2. A Rematch with Zebaztian Kadestam?

After his previous loss to Kadestam, Soldic may want to avenge the defeat and prove that it was just an off night. A rematch would allow him to showcase his improvements and solidify his claim as the next title challenger.

3. A Superfight Against a UFC Fighter?

Given the increasing collaboration between major MMA promotions, some fans are speculating about a potential cross-promotional fight between ONE Championship and the UFC. A fight between Soldic and a top UFC welterweight contender could generate massive interest.

Regardless of his next opponent, one thing is clear—Roberto Soldic is back, and he’s ready to take over the division.

Final Thoughts

Roberto Soldic’s career is a testament to perseverance, evolution, and raw knockout power. From his dominance in KSW to his rocky start in ONE Championship and his sensational comeback at ONE 171, he has shown that true champions adapt and overcome challenges.

With his sights set on ONE Championship gold, fans can expect more jaw-dropping performances from the Bosnian knockout artist. The question now is—who will be the next victim of Soldic’s devastating left hand?

One thing is certain—the era of “Robocop” is far from over!