3 Reasons To Be Excited About Roberto Soldic’s Return Fight Against Dagi Arslanaliev At ONE 171: Qatar

This Thursday, February 20, Croatian fan favorite Roberto “Robocop” Soldic will make his much-anticipated return to action when he battles all-action Turkish star Dagi Arslanaliev in an explosive welterweight MMA fight.

Set to go down at the scenic Lusail Sports Arena, that matchup at ONE 171: Qatar has fireworks written all over it.

After dominating the European MMA scene, Soldic made his celebrated ONE debut back in 2022 with loads of hype surrounding him. But after a disappointing no contest and then a stunning knockout loss, “Robocop” has something to prove.

Before he locks horns with Arslanaliev this week, we look at three reasons why fans won’t want to miss Soldic’s big return.

#1 He’s Always Entertaining

While he boasts plenty of high-profile wins and accolades outside of ONE – including a knockout of Dricus Du Plessis – Soldic was such an exciting free-agent signing due to his fearless and electrifying approach to combat.

Simply put, the 30-year-old is a brawler to his core and never backs down from a firefight.

Even in his shocking KO defeat to former ONE Welterweight MMA World Champion Zebaztian Kadestam, Soldic displayed his trademark courage inside the Circle. Against Arslanaliev, fans should brace for more white-knuckle action.

#2 A Finish Is Practically Guaranteed

The judges likely won’t be needed when “Robocop” and Arslanaliev go toe-to-toe.

With 20 career wins on his professional resume, Soldic boasts 17 knockouts and one submission victory, good for an incredible 90 percent finishing rate.

In the other corner, the Turkish standout is one of the most prolific finishers to ever compete in ONE, with all eight of his promotional victories coming by way of highlight-reel stoppage.

Given each man’s propensity to die by the sword or live by the sword, there’s only a slim chance that this clash will go the distance.

#3 He’s More Motivated Than Ever

Soldic is undoubtedly hungry to prove he’s the real deal and belongs with the best of the best in ONE.

Despite failing to emerge victorious through his first two appearances, the Croatian remains an undeniable elite talent with plenty of World Title potential. At ONE 171: Qatar, he’ll be fighting to prove his doubters wrong.

And if he can get past an established ONE superstar and a perennial top contender like Arslanaliev, Soldic will back up the massive hype and take a big step toward 26 pounds of gold.