ONE Championship has made a significant move by announcing the official signing of undefeated heavyweight kickboxer Samet Agdeve. This announcement comes just days after the Turkish prodigy secured a resounding victory at the SENSHI Grand Prix, a development that has certainly captured the attention of fans and the combat sports community.
ONE Championship has significantly bolstered its heavyweight kickboxing division with the official acquisition of Samet Agdeve, a formidable and undefeated Turkish talent who has rapidly gained prominence across the European circuit. The promotion confirmed the deal this Thursday, marking the arrival of a major rising star in the sport.
At just 21 years old, Agdeve (17–0, 11 KO) enters ONE Championship with impressive momentum. Only last week, he clinched the SENSHI Heavyweight Grand Prix title in Varna, Bulgaria, triumphing over three opponents in a single evening. His dominant run culminated in a decisive victory against British veteran Rhys Brudenell in the final. This exceptional display not only secured him the tournament title but also solidified his standing as one of kickboxing`s most promising heavyweight prospects.
The timing of Agdeve’s signing is particularly noteworthy. In recent months, ONE Championship has seen the departure of several prominent kickboxing figures, including former champion Alexis Nicolas and legendary Thai kickboxer Sitthichai. This trend has led many fans to question the promotion`s dedication to its stand-up divisions. Furthermore, various fighters have voiced their dissatisfaction regarding the scarcity of opportunities for both kickboxers and MMA athletes. The once vibrant heavyweight division has become conspicuously quiet over the years, prompting speculation about the future of reigning champion Roman Kryklia within the organization. Against this backdrop, the introduction of a fresh talent like Agdeve could indicate a strategic pivot or at least a renewed commitment to nurturing new fighters.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR AGDEVE?
For Agdeve, this transition represents his debut on a global platform. The specifics of his contract length with ONE remain undisclosed. However, the current state of the promotion`s heavyweight kickboxing division is notably sparse. Apart from the reigning champion Roman Kryklia, the only other active fighter on the roster is the 39-year-old English veteran Lyndon Knowles. This limited pool of opponents means Agdeve faces few immediate challenges, yet it also presents a clear pathway for him to rapidly ascend into title contention if he can meet the high expectations.
Jack Thornley 
Oliver Croft