A lot of mixed martial artists start out training in either kickboxing or Muay Thai. Now that ONE Championship has started promoting stand up fights there are several fighters looking to move in the opposite direction.
One of them is former welterweight champion Zebaztian Kadestam. The Swedish fighter is already known for his striking skills, and has a habit of knocking opponents out with head kicks.
It is no surprise to hear that he comes from a Muay Thai background and the 29 year old is looking to return to his roots,
“I am interested (and) I really think it would suit me, especially Muay Thai because you have the small gloves and the cage.”
Decorated champion
Kadestam held the PXC welterweight title before claiming the ONE strap in the same division. He has been focused exclusively on his MMA career for several years but would like the opportunity to compete in Muay Thai again,
“I’m feeling the itch again but this is something I would have to do with the team behind me because if I am going in there, I’m going for gold. I’m not going for a payday or just a fight, I’m always going for the gold,” he said.
With fighters like John Wayne Parr and Nieky Holzken at or around that weight there would be no shortage of potential opponents for Kadestam. He hasn’t faced any opponents of that calibre during his Muay Thai or kickboxing career but is willing to step up to the plate,
“Maybe I don’t have as much Muay Thai experience as all of the other Muay Thai guys but I do have a lot of mixed martial arts fights (and) I feel my chances are good,” he said.
Extremely competitive
Kadestam is extremely competitive and likes a challenge. The Swedish fighter wants to find out whether or not he is good enough to face off with the worlds best stand up fighters,
“ONE Super Series is the top (league) in the world right now for strikers. That’s why I want in, I don’t want to leave any questions behind down the road when I’m done.”
Kadestam was stripped of his welterweight title by Kiamrian Abbasov at ONE: ‘Dawn of Valor’. The Swedish fighter has definitely not given up on his MMA ambitions and believes he is just one win away from securing what would be a third shot at the belt,
“I don’t have anything more to prove but I am down for a fist fight any day of the week. I see a couple of guys I really like for future bouts but I would say one more fight and then I’m coming for Abbasov.”
