Swedish “Bandit” Clocks In for ONE Welterweight Title Clash
On Saturday, 17 November, Zebaztian Kadestam will step into the ONE Championship cage in Jakarta, Indonesia, to face American Tyler McGuire in a bout that could catapult him to the top of the welterweight division.
Quick Recap of Kadestam’s Journey
- • 28‑year‑old “Bandit” enjoyed a huge knockout of Agilan “Alligator” Thani in July at ONE: PURSUIT OF POWER.
- • After a year‑long hiatus following his 2017 loss to Ben Askren, the Swede’s comeback was marked by crisp striking and a decisive finish.
- • The win hand‑shake was the first time he had entered the octagon since 2017, and the result earned him a direct shot at the vacant ONE Welterweight World Title.
What Kadestam Says About the Big Day
“I didn’t feel any ring rust, but the one‑year gap made me a little anxious.” Still, he reports a confidence surge: “Last night I was relaxed, let the rhythm flow and simply enjoyed the fight.”
When asked about facing a seasoned wrestler like McGuire, he laid out a solid plan:
- • Strong conditioning – training hard has left him physically ready.
- • Targeted preparation – he’s been preparing specifically for grapplers, ready to counter any takedown attempts.
- • Mindset – “I’ve never had an easy fight my whole career, so I’m used to the grind.” He adds humorously, “I don’t need nerves; the big firm shores me up.”
Game‑Plan Insights
According to Kadestam, the first couple of rounds may be tough. His strategy? “Drop his drumroll, shut down his stand‑up games, and then let “The Bandit” blaze into action.” He dreams of a night he’ll call out loud, where he “put on a show for everyone.”
Key Takeaways for Fans
- Title at Stake – The battle is not just for a belt but for a legacy.
- Experience vs. Flawlessness – Kadestam may not be undefeated, but his depth of experience keeps him a serious threat.
- Entertainment Guarantee – An attraction‑fueled fight that promises fireworks on the night of the event.
Final Words
“I want to win fights and be as entertaining as I can.” That’s the promise Kadestam brings into the cage, channeled by a mix of skill, heart, and a little humor. Whether he walks away with a world title or not, it’s clear that the “Bandit” is ready and willing to entertain fans on 17 November.
