Khalidov has achieved 35 victories, seven defeats, and two draws in his professional career until Saturday, and Soldić entered the ring with a 19:3 ratio in the MMA against a fighter who has been in KSW from the very beginning, and who from 2007 to 2017 had 20 consecutive fights without defeat in that promotion. Only in this KSW did he start with a win and a loss, then record six consecutive wins and get a career fight opportunity, reports Index.hr.
Soldić used it in the best possible way and with this victory, which KSW was called “one of the greatest in Europe”, he reached the title.
The scariest fighter on the planet!!!
?? @Soldic_MMA ?? KO's the legendary Mamed Khalidov to become KSW Double Champ!! #KSW65 pic.twitter.com/HL5o9yjbz1
— KSW (@KSW_MMA) December 19, 2021
Both fighters started aggressively from the first second, with strong kicks to the legs and body. Soldić was focused, dodged the dangerous attempts by the experienced Khalidov and quick counterattacks. Minor problems were shown in the middle of the opening round when the belt defender knocked the Croatian fighter to the ground, but he did not manage to threaten him more seriously.
Kicks marked the beginning of the second round in which Soldić knocked down Khalidov, took the upper position, and hit him with his elbow before he got up and continued to punish him with kicks. The fight then briefly stopped.
? CHAMP CHAMP ?
?? Roberto @Soldic_MMA ????? #KSW65 ??? pic.twitter.com/T1tXIOw8tL
— KSW (@KSW_MMA) December 18, 2021
Soldić then continued to move well, exert pressure and defend himself from the blows of a more experienced fighter. At one point, he sent Khalid to the ground from a counterattack with left crochet, and recorded a victory in the biggest fight of his career.
“I’m not surprised, I believe in my hands, wrestling and fitness. Mamed is a legend and will be a legend forever. Thank you for the fight. I trained every day. It’s my life. I believe in myself, I know this game, I have self-confidence and whoever is in front of me is a big problem,” said Soldić after the victory.
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