Zebaztian Kadestam is set to face Dominik Humburger in the co-main event of Oktagon 87 on April 25th in a middleweight contest. Humburger holds significant standing within Oktagon MMA, and Kadestam expresses excitement about competing in a hostile environment, given Humburger’s status as the crowd favorite in the Czech Republic.
“Yeah, it feels good. I’ve had some major fights at ONE, and it feels right that I should continue to have significant fights. It’s a substantial challenge, and I’m ready for it. I’m eager,” Kadestam stated.
Regarding how competing on enemy territory affects his mindset, Kadestam commented, “I’ve never performed exceptionally well when fighting at home. Most of my fights have been away. However, I believe this will be one of the biggest. I expect to feel that. I’m in his hometown, and I don’t know, I kind of like that idea. So, I’m going to draw energy from that. It’s going to be good.”
On the subject of his departure from ONE Championship and his subsequent signing with Oktagon MMA, Kadestam shared, “They’re doing well in Europe. They’re putting on big shows, filling large arenas, and featuring good fights. A few of my teammates are also signing up. Yes, it seems like a positive step forward.”
Zebaztian Kadestam Has a Balanced View on Leaving ONE but Seeks Activity in Oktagon MMA
When asked about his aspirations to add Oktagon MMA championship belts to his collection, following his tenure as a former ONE welterweight champion, Kadestam responded, “Yeah, pretty much [laughs]. I want to secure the welterweight gold in Oktagon as well. But we’re having a middleweight fight now, and I have a tough opponent. So, let’s see. Let’s get this one out of the way first.”
Addressing his decision to compete at a higher weight class for this bout, despite aiming for a welterweight championship opportunity, Kadestam explained, “In ONE, I always fought at 185, but the way they measure weight classes is a bit different. My last MMA fight was actually at light heavyweight in ONE. So, I have to get accustomed to cutting weight again. I’ve been with ONE since 2017. So, I need to get used to cutting weight in a normal way again. Middleweight is good, but I feel like welterweight is where I’m meant to be.”
Regarding the common criticisms of inactivity from former ONE talent and the perception that the promotion is shifting focus from MMA to other combat sports, Kadestam elaborated on his reasons for not re-signing with ONE and moving to Oktagon MMA: “Yes, mostly inactivity. I had one MMA fight in the last three years. So, I feel like I need to get moving, get going. I’ve had good years there. Very good years. It’s been a hell of a ride and great memories. But I need to get active, and yes, fighters fight. That’s what we do. So, I need to get active.”
Zebaztian Kadestam Discusses ONE Exit and Oktagon 87 Bout with Dominik Humburger
Zebaztian Kadestam is preparing to face Dominik Humburger in a middleweight matchup at Oktagon 87, scheduled for April 25th. Kadestam acknowledges Humburger’s prominent status in Oktagon MMA and is looking forward to the challenge of fighting in enemy territory, as Humburger is a popular favorite in the Czech Republic.
“It feels good. Having had significant fights at ONE, it feels appropriate to continue with major bouts,” Kadestam shared. “It’s a big task, and I’m ready and excited.”
When asked about how fighting away from home impacts him, Kadestam stated, “I’ve never performed my best at home. Most of my fights have been away. I think this will be one of the biggest. I’m in his hometown, and I kind of like that. I’ll feed off that energy. It will be good.”
Explaining his transition from ONE Championship to Oktagon MMA, Kadestam noted, “They’re doing great things in Europe, with big shows and good fights. Some of my teammates are also signing with them, so it seems like a good move.”
Kadestam Eyes Oktagon Gold After Leaving ONE for Increased Activity
Kadestam expressed his desire to win Oktagon MMA gold, stating, “Yes, pretty much [laughs]. I want that welterweight gold in Oktagon too. But we’re fighting at middleweight now against a tough opponent. So, let’s focus on this fight first.”
Regarding his decision to fight at middleweight, Kadestam explained, “In ONE, I always fought at 185, but their weight classes are measured differently. My last MMA fight was even at light heavyweight. So, I need to get used to cutting weight again. I feel middleweight is good, but welterweight is where I belong.”
Kadestam cited inactivity as the primary reason for his departure from ONE Championship. “I had only one MMA fight in the last three years. I need to be more active. I had good years with ONE, a great run, and good memories, but I need to fight.”
