Roberto Soldic can't wait to grab his opportunity on the global stage with both hands, albeit for a second time.
"Robocop" faces former ONE welterweight world champion Zebaztian Kadestam at ONE Fight Night 10: Johnson v Moraes III, ONE Championship's historic US debut at 1stBank Center in Colorado on May 6.
At ONE Fight Night 5 in December, Soldic's heavily hyped promotional debut ended in anticlimactic fashion. He received an accidental low blow from opponent Murad Ramazanov, was unable to continue, and the bout was declared a no contest.
The opportunity to topple a former divisional king is a big one for Soldic, who is desperate to atone for the disappointment of his first ONE appearance. The Croatian is pumped for the chance to finally show what he can do in front of US fans.
"The first fight, I didn't like it. Everybody knows what happened with the groin strike. I was really sad that I didn't show my skills [in my debut]," he said.
"But now it's time to show my skills, because I have a fight on May 5 in America. It's very good for me. I am super excited to fight outside Europe. To fight in the USA is one of my dreams, it's a dream come true. I'm ready. I feel great."
Soldic was born in the small town of Vitez in Bosnia and Herzegovina to Croatian parents, and he has risen to become a huge superstar in Eastern Europe through his fighting exploits.
The former two-division KSW champion has conquered Europe and, as a marquee attraction in ONE Championship, is preparing to represent his home country on the global stage.
"This is a huge motivation for me because I came from a small village in Bosnia, and now I'm fighting on the world stage in the USA," he said.
"This is a really big thing for my people, my country, and me. And this is what I like. I fought everywhere in Europe. And now, it's time to go further and go to a different world, like the USA and Asia."
ONE Fight Night 10 is a landmark event for ONE, and the world will be watching as Soldic makes the walk to the Circle in front of a sold-out arena.
The 28-year-old has an incredible 17 knockouts among his 20 professional MMA wins, and he plans to deliver another highlight-reel finish in his own US debut. "I always try to put good pressure and finish the guy with my skills. I will try to show them why they call me 'Robocop,'" he said.
"I cannot wait for this one, really. Especially because it's in the USA, I'm very excited."