Singapore is in for a treat as one of the best welterweights in the Asia Pacific region has directed his career path to ONE Championship, which is widely considered as the mixed martial arts (MMA) juggernaut of Asia.
Swedish standout Zebaztian "The Bandit" Kadestam will make his promotional debut under the ONE Championship banner on the undercard of ONE: DYNASTY OF HEROES, which takes place at the 12,000-seater Singapore Indoor Stadium in Kallang, Singapore on 26 May.
Kadestam is an MMA veteran, who holds an 8-3 professional record and has competed for some of the continent's top promotions.
Six of his eight career victories have come by way of knockout, including a 11-second stoppage of Finnish rival Glenn Sparv in April 2016.
Training out of Legacy Gym in Boracay, Aklan under the tutelage of decorated kickboxer and MMA trouper Ole Laursen, Kadestam made his mark in the sport's growing scene in Asia by capturing the welterweight championship of a regional organization before successfully defending it twice in dominating fashion.
Now finally finding his way to ONE Championship, Kadestam sets his sights on establishing a lasting impression as he shares the cage with former ONE Welterweight World Championship title contender Luis "Sapo" Santos at ONE: DYNASTY OF HEROES.
"I am grateful for the opportunity that has been given to me by this well-respected MMA promotion. ONE Championship is the premier MMA organization in Asia. With my debut taking place this coming May 26
, it's a chance to show the world what I am capable of doing inside the cage," she said.
"I'm not going to waste this wonderful opportunity. I am here to give every fan of the sport who is going to watch the event live a night to remember," Kadestam added.
As a strong-minded competitor with the ability to score a knockout in a variety of methods, Kadestam seeks a statement-making victory in his first assignment as a ONE Championship athlete.
"It's my first time to compete in ONE Championship. Of course, I am aiming to get a huge win. I've worked hard just to make it here. I won't waste this opportunity," he claimed.
However, Kadestam is fully aware that having his hand raised against Santos will be a tough task to accomplish.
Santos owns 70 professional bouts in his prizefighting record and over half of his wins ending by either TKO or KO.
With a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a penchant for spectacular finishes, Santos has emerged as one of ONE Championship's most overwhelming physical specimens - a fighter capable of finishing a bout in a variety of ways at any given moment.
Known for his aggressiveness and brute strength, Santos looks to continue his dominance inside the ONE Championship cage in his next outing against Kadestam.
"We are keenly studying my opponent for this fight. He is a more experienced fighter than I am. I know what he is capable of doing inside the cage. But I view this as a challenge that can truly benefit my career. It's an honor to share the cage with a great warrior like him," Kadestam said of Santos.
Although many cageside observers speak highly of him due to his impressive track record, Kadestam is more than willing to meet their expectations as he vows to notch a decisive triumph in his favor.
"I take pride on being an exciting competitor inside the cage, willing to please the crowd by always seeking the highlight-reel finish. In my ONE Championship debut, fans are in for a treat," he ended.
(press release)