Kickboxing sensation Nieky Holzken opens up on wishes of transition to MMA

Nieky Holzken, a Dutch kickboxing sensation, plans to dabble in mixed martial arts before hanging up his gloves for good. 'The Natural' accepts that he is nearing the end of his illustrious career at the age of 39 and after more than 100 kickboxing matches.

Advertisment

Holzken claimed he's interested in switching to MMA in addition to attempting to defend his ONE lightweight kickboxing title. This is conceivable given the promotion's packed divisions across many combat sports.

The resident of Helmond, Netherlands, however, wants it to be worth his time given the risk involved and stated his requirements for it to happen. He stated in an exclusive interview with ONE Championship, "I want to do MMA one time or a couple of times, but then the money needs to be much higher than I get for kickboxing because it's a different sport.”

Nieky Holzken will make his first outing of the year vs Arian Sadikovic

Advertisment

Holzken disclosed in the same interview that he had studied jiu-jitsu for some time, so he had some experience on the ground. Additionally, every MMA bout begins on the ground, and we are aware that the former challenger for the ONE lightweight kickboxing world title has one of the most devastating striking repertoires in the entire globe. With major knockout wins against John Wayne Parr, Elliot Compton, and Cosmo Alexandre, "The Natural's" Dutch kickboxing style is a joy to see.

On June 9, as part of ONE Fight Night 11: Eersel vs. Menshikov on Prime Video, the star of Team Holzken Helmon will make his first outing of the year. At Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Holzken will square off against Arian Sadikovic, a fellow former world title contender. Don't miss this guaranteed barnburner, which will be free for Prime Video customers in the US and Canada and will air live on US Primetime.

Nieky Holzken commended Sinsamut Klinmee for inflicting on him his first defeat in the art of eight limbs under the ONE Championship banner. In his second Muay Thai match, Holzken did not fare as well, losing by KO to eventual two-time ONE world title challenger Sinsamut Klinmee. 'The Natural' praised his opponent in his post-fight interview and acknowledged that he swiftly got over the defeat. “It was my fault for accepting it, but I accept that I lost by one punch. It was a good punch. He caught me, and I went down. I got over it very fast,” he said.