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Roberto Soldic has finally made the move to the UFC. The former KSW two division champion has signed with the promotion and has been added to the UFC’s welterweight roster, according to recent reports and his appearance on the UFC’s official fighter listings. The 31 year old Croatian enters the promotion with an established reputation as one of Europe’s most dangerous knockout artists.
Soldic has built a professional MMA record of 21 wins and four losses, with 18 of those victories coming by knockout. He also captured championships at both welterweight and middleweight during his highly successful run with KSW.
His UFC debut has not yet been officially announced, leaving the next stage of his career open as the promotion decides how to introduce one of Europe’s most experienced free agents to its 170 pound division.
Roberto Soldic arrives with a proven championship record
Soldic established himself as one of the leading fighters on the European MMA scene during his time with KSW. He won the KSW welterweight championship and later added the middleweight title, becoming a two division champion. His most notable rivalry came against Dricus du Plessis, who would eventually become UFC middleweight champion.
Their first meeting at KSW 43 ended with du Plessis stopping Soldic and taking the welterweight title. Soldic responded in the rematch at KSW 45, stopping du Plessis and reclaiming the championship.
That victory has become an increasingly significant part of Soldic’s career story because of what du Plessis achieved after leaving KSW. The South African went on to become one of the UFC’s leading middleweights and eventually captured the UFC middleweight championship. Soldic therefore enters the UFC with a knockout victory over a former UFC champion already on his record.
The Mamed Khalidov victory added another title
Roberto Soldic’s KSW career reached another major milestone when he faced promotion legend Mamed Khalidov.
The Croatian stopped Khalidov by knockout and secured the KSW middleweight championship, giving him titles in two divisions. The win further established Soldic as one of the promotion’s biggest names before he eventually left KSW for ONE Championship.
His KSW run ultimately produced eight victories in nine fights, with his only defeat coming against du Plessis before Soldic avenged that loss in their rematch.
ONE Championship chapter never reached its full potential
After leaving KSW, Soldic signed with ONE Championship in 2022. The move was expected to give him an opportunity to compete against another group of elite international fighters.
Instead, his time with ONE was limited by inactivity.
Soldic competed three times under the promotion between 2022 and 2025. His first fight against Murad Ramazanov ended in a no contest following an accidental knee to the groin. He subsequently suffered a knockout loss to Zebaztian Kadestam before returning to the win column against Saygid Guseyn Arslanaliev.
His final MMA appearance came at ONE 171 in February 2025, when he stopped Arslanaliev with a first round knockout.
When his ONE contract expired, Soldic confirmed his departure and indicated that he was ready for the next stage of his career.
“Thank you for the journey,” Roberto Soldic wrote after announcing his free agency. “My time with ONE has come to an end as my contract has officially expired.”
He added that the experience had given him knowledge and memories that would remain with him, before making it clear that his career was continuing.
Why the UFC welterweight division is an important test
The UFC has listed Soldic as a welterweight, meaning his first UFC run is expected to begin at 170 pounds.
That division presents a considerably different challenge from his previous championship runs in Europe. The UFC’s welterweight roster includes established contenders and former champions, with the promotion’s own 2026 division preview listing fighters such as Ian Machado Garry, Michael Morales, Shavkat Rakhmonov, Carlos Prates, Kamaru Usman and Belal Muhammad among the notable names.
Soldic has already shown that he can compete successfully at welterweight. However, the UFC will provide a new level of depth and consistency across the division.
His greatest asset remains his finishing ability. Eighteen of his 21 professional MMA victories have come by knockout, while 19 of his 21 wins have reportedly come inside the distance.
That record gives the UFC a fighter with an immediately recognizable style. Soldic is not arriving without experience or a proven record. He has already competed for major titles and fought opponents who have gone on to reach the highest level of the sport.
Soldic’s UFC debut remains the next question
Despite reports confirming his UFC signing and roster placement, the promotion has yet to announce Roberto Soldic’s first opponent.
That makes the matchmaking particularly interesting. The UFC could introduce him against an established welterweight or give him a more gradual entry into the division before testing him against ranked opposition.
Soldic’s previous inactivity also makes the decision important. His last MMA fight was in February 2025, although he also competed in professional boxing later that year. He has therefore had considerable time away from MMA competition before arriving in the UFC.
At 31, however, Roberto Soldic still has an opportunity to make a serious run in the promotion.
The UFC has now given him the stage he had been linked with for years. What comes next will determine whether the former KSW double champion can translate his European success to the deepest level of MMA.
For now, one thing is certain. Roberto Soldic is finally in the UFC, and the man known as “Robocop” will begin his new chapter at welterweight.
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