“The first thing — nobody is similar to me. I’m the one and only.” Those are the words of Kristaps Zutis, Latvia’s most polarizing combat sports figure, as he gears up for a high-voltage showdown against Brazilian fighter Rodrigo Mineiro on May 3rd at the KOK Fight Night event in Riga’s Atta Centre.
Both fighters are known for their unpredictability, bold personalities, and versatility across combat sports styles. They’re either loved or hated — but never ignored. Still, Zutis isn’t buying into the comparison hype. “Sometimes hated, sometimes loved, but I’m the one and only. He’s a good guy, a good fighter. He does a lot of stuff before the fights, but he can answer for his words in the fight,” says Zutis. “Why I decided to fight him? Because it’s a challenge. He’s a big name in combat sports, so I think it’s going to be a good and interesting fight.”
Known for turning press conferences into pure entertainment and bringing a wild energy to every faceoff, Zutis is promising more of the same in Riga. “I have a plan for the press conference, I have a plan for the fight,” he teases. “And what is the plan for the fight? Come to the Atta Centre, 3rd of May, and you will see.”
While some fans and critics are calling Rodrigo Mineiro the favorite, Zutis thrives in that role reversal. “I love to be an underdog. It doesn’t matter who I’m fighting — a rapper, a boxer, or Mineiro — they are always the favorites. For me, it’s better to be an underdog. I like to climb out of the box. An underdog is easier to fight — you don’t have such pressure on your shoulders.”
But make no mistake — for Zutis, this fight isn’t just a show. It’s a mission. “I always fight for the win. Every single one of my fights is making a statement in this country, in the Baltic States, or elsewhere. I’m the one who always had the spotlight. Doesn’t matter if he wins or loses — always, everybody is watching me. My statement is — let’s go!”
Zutis doesn’t hold back: “This will be something new, something special, something very interesting, and something very, very tough, because this opponent is like no one else before. I think it’s going to be fireworks, it’s going to be a madhouse, it’s going to be a crazy fight — and I’m ready for it.”
Tickets: KOK Fight Night – 03.05.2025 – ATTA Centre – Biļešu Serviss
