‘Someone Who’s Always Got Your Back’ – Zebaztian Kadestam Grateful For Relationship With His New Fiancee
Former ONE Welterweight MMA World Champion Zebaztian “The Bandit” Kadestam is thriving in both his professional career and personal life.
The Swedish knockout artist recently got engaged and purchased a new home, gaining stability as he prepares for a pivotal welterweight MMA showdown against Isi “Doxz” Fitikefu on May 2 in U.S. primetime at ONE Fight Night 31: Kongthoranee vs. Nong-O II on Prime Video.
Kadestam will bring an impressive three-fight winning streak into that contest at Bangkok’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium, but beyond his run of success under ONE’s bright lights, he’s also been experiencing a period of personal growth and happiness.
He recently spoke to onefc.com about the relationship with his fiancee, who has been his biggest supporter over the past few years:
“It’s very important to have someone that understands me and supports me, and she wants me to do well as much as I want to do well. It feels very good to have someone who’s always got your back. It’s good.”
While he’s not one to post frequently on social media, Kadestam often shares glimpses of his relationship. He believes that his partner has played a significant role in his personal development.
She appreciates the sacrifices he makes as a professional athlete, he said, and her never-ending support has given him a steady foundation when he’s not training or competing.
And, now that they’ve purchased a home together, they have a real brick-and-mortar foundation beneath them:
“We’ve been together a couple of years, so that’s good. We got engaged a week ago as well and bought a house. So, everything is going well.”
Looking back on his proposal, Kadestam admitted that he had planned something much more elaborate, but once he had the engagement ring in hand, his emotions got the better of him:
“I got a ring, and I kinda had plans for what to say or when. But I don’t know if I got excited or not, anxious, but yeah, I couldn’t wait.
“I just did it at home and almost started laughing. I did get down on one knee. She said yes, and I’m happy.”
Kadestam: ‘She Has Helped Me Stay Grounded’
Life as a professional fighter, especially inside the world’s largest martial arts organization, can be challenging and chaotic, with the daily demands of high-level training and competing on the global stage taking their toll.
But for Zebaztian Kadestam, life is a bit easier with his fiancee by his side. He said that she’s helped him maintain his perspective when times get tough:
“Like I said, she’s always supporting. But I kind of feel like she has helped me stay grounded and appreciative of everything else.”
Indeed, “The Bandit” has plenty to be grateful for – a new fiancee, a new house, and an upcoming fight that could earn him another crack at 26 pounds of ONE Championship gold.
Through it all, his partner has helped him take a step back and appreciate the small things in life – the things that matter the most:
“I’m just happy here. You know, I got my girl, I got my dogs, and yeah, happy. I feel that helps me a lot with going into the martial arts aspect as well. Yeah, she helps me stay grounded.”
