The 3 Best Knockouts Of Zebaztian Kadestam’s ONE Championship Career
Former ONE Welterweight World Champion Zebaztian Kadestam will have the opportunity to add to his impressive highlight reel of unforgettable knockouts on Friday, May 5.
“The Bandit” is now entering the final preparations for his highly anticipated welterweight MMA showdown with Croatian phenom Roberto Soldic at ONE Fight Night 10: Johnson vs. Moraes III on Prime Video, which emanates live from 1stBank Center in Colorado.
Kadestam is one of the organization’s most fearsome knockout artists.
In addition to owning a 93 percent finishing rate across his MMA career, the Swedish hard-hitter has earned every one of his victories inside the Circle via knockout, and there is no doubt he’s aiming to keep that trend alive at ONE Championship’s historic debut on U.S. soil.
With that in mind, here are the top three knockouts from Kadestam’s promotional run.
#1 A Stunning Upset Against Luis Santos
The Swedish star made his promotional debut on short notice at ONE: DYNASTY OF HEROES in May 2017, and he scored one of the most spectacular, come-from-behind upset victories fans have ever seen.
For two and a half rounds, Kadestam found himself on the losing end of veteran Luis Santos’ relentless attacks, both on the ground and the feet. In fact, he was seemingly well on his way to losing a decision.
But midway through the final stanza, he reversed his foe’s takedown attempt and drove the Brazilian to his back. From there, “The Bandit” wasted no time in throwing ruthless knees to Santos’ head to secure a truly shocking knockout finish and earn his spot among the welterweight elite.
#2 A World Title-Winning KO Against Tyler McGuire
At ONE: WARRIOR’S DREAM in November 2018, Kadestam battled then-undefeated grappling specialist Tyler McGuire for the vacant ONE Welterweight World Championship.
Yet again, the Swede proved to be a dangerous finisher at any moment in the fight. After four rounds of high-paced action, he entered the fifth and final stanza intent on knocking out his American opponent.
With just 30 seconds remaining in the bout, he did just that. “The Bandit” landed a massive right hand to put McGuire on the canvas, and then he followed up with a devastating knee on the ground to bring an end to the thrilling World Title contest.
The KO not only secured Kadestam’s place in the history books as a ONE World Champion, but it also ensured he would live on in highlight reels for years to come.
#3 A First-Round KO Of Valmir Da Silva
Kadestam may have dramatically capped some of his knockout performances in the waning moments of a fight, but he is also a threat in the very beginning.
At ONE: FULL CIRCLE in February 2022, he needed less than 90 seconds to dispatch Brazilian standout Valmir Da Silva. Kadestam’s movement, pinpoint accurate boxing, and, of course, his concussive punching power were on full display from the opening bell.
After a brief feeling-out process, the 32-year-old blasted his opponent with a gorgeous three-piece combination, punctuated by a crushing right hand that melted Da Silva.
That knockout would jump-start the current two-fight winning streak Kadestam brings with him into his May 5th battle against Soldic.
