5 Things To Know About Lightweight Kickboxing World Title Challenger Arian Sadikovic
Arian Sadikovic could earn the top prize in kickboxing when he takes on Regian Eersel in the ONE: Eersel vs. Sadikovic main event on Friday, 22 April.
After cementing himself as one of the top strikers in Europe, “Game Over” earned this ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Title shot with an impressive win over Mustapha Haida in his promotional debut.
Here, we bring you five interesting facts about Sadikovic before the biggest fight of his life at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
#1 Born In Germany To Refugee Parents
Sadikovic was born and raised in Hannover, Germany, but his ancestry is in the Balkans.
His parents and older brother fled the war that raged in Yugoslavia in the early 1990s and led to the separation of their Bosnian homeland when the country was broken up. They ultimately landed in Germany, where they were able to secure a safer future for their children
The 27-year-old athlete now proudly represents both his heritage and his home when he competes.
#2 How He Became ‘Game Over’
Sadikovic got into kickboxing as a teenager and his talent quickly became evident.
When he started competing, the rising star earned the moniker “Game Over” because of his power-punching style.
The German’s concussive boxing skills were said to end his opponents’ game plans – and often their nights – once he started to connect.
It’s a big ask, but Sadikovic will hope to make this happen in his World Title challenge against longtime divisional king Eersel.
#3 His Kickboxing Idol Is Badr Hari
Sadikovic’s style makes sense when you consider the kickboxing legend he looks up to.
Badr Hari is a former K-1 Heavyweight World Champion who’s known for his all-out aggression, and “Game Over” has channeled this mentality into his own game.
Now, he’s hoping to emulate – and even surpass – his idol’s accomplishments.
#4 He’s Trained At Sanford MMA
Sadikovic has worked with a lot of elite coaches, but ONE Championship fans will be familiar with Henri Hooft of the famed Sanford MMA training center.
“Game Over” traveled to North America earlier this year to join Hooft and top athletes who represent the Florida gym, including former ONE World Champions Aung La N Sang, Brandon Vera, and Martin Nguyen.
#5 He Has Brawn – And Brains
The future looks bright for the 27-year-old in the martial arts world, but he’s also preparing for life outside of combat.
Sadikovic is currently studying for a degree in civil engineering, proving that he packs a punch both physically and mentally.
