The Long Climb: Samet Agdeve’s Journey From The Streets Of Izmir To ONE Championship

Samet Agdeve is set to face Roman Kryklia for the inaugural ONE Heavyweight Kickboxing World Title at ONE Fight Night 37 on Friday, November 7, in the United States. His story is one of persistence built through adversity, not overnight success. At only 21, the undefeated Turkish fighter stands on the threshold of making history.

Live in U.S. primetime from Bangkok, Thailand, Agdeve will make his ONE Championship debut against the two-sport champion Kryklia. For Agdeve, this fight means more than a title — it embodies the journey that defined his life.

“It’s the culmination of everything he has endured in his life — the hunger, the cold nights, the long days of hard labor, and the quiet promise to his mother that one day, he would rise above it all.”

From Kars to Izmir: The Early Years

Agdeve’s story begins in Kars, eastern Turkey, and unfolds in Izmir, a bustling port city where he grew up. His father worked in construction to provide for the family, while his mother took care of the home. Sharing a small space with his two older brothers taught him early that comfort had to be earned, not assumed.

The First Steps Toward Kickboxing

At nine years old, Agdeve walked into a gym for the first time, drawn by the rhythm of kickboxing pads. That curiosity marked the start of a journey that would eventually lead him to the global stage.

Author’s Summary

Samet Agdeve’s rise from humble beginnings in Izmir to a world title bout in ONE Championship showcases his determination and the power of perseverance in the face of struggle.

ONE Championship — 2025-11-04