Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic believes his dramatic comeback win over Oleksandr Gvozdyk was the moment he truly arrived at 175lbs. Despite being dropped in rounds four and seven, the Serbia-born, Florida-based contender roared back with two knockdowns of Gvozdyk in the decisive seventh round last Saturday at the Apex in Las Vegas, sealing a sensational victory that immediately put the division on notice.
For all the praise surrounding the finish, Kalajdzic was candid about his own performance. “I started off, you could say, bad,” he admitted, pointing to a 15-month layoff that affected his timing, rhythm and distance early on. “I just couldn't find my groove… but as each round went by, I started finding myself a little bit more.” Once he settled, listened to his corner and began establishing his jab and right hand, the fight turned sharply in his favor.
Now 30-3 (22 KOs), Kalajdzic acknowledged he was surprised by how sluggish he felt at the outset, especially after believing he had what it took to beat Gvozdyk. “I knew I was behind a lot, so I knew I had to do something,” he said. “My coach told me that I had to tighten up and believe in myself and go and get the job done.” When he finally let his hands go with intent, the momentum shifted. “Everything I threw was starting to land… time got slower, the fight started to make sense.”
With his confidence restored, Kalajdzic is already eyeing bigger challenges. A fight with David Benavidez is one he openly welcomes. “I would love that fight,” Kalajdzic said. “I’m here to fight the best. Whoever they put in front of me, I’ll fight.” As for what comes next, he’s ready to return as soon as April or May and would gladly box again under the Zuffa banner at the Apex.
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