Phil de Fries
KSW: Phil De Fries to Defend Heavyweight Throne Against Polish MMA Veteran and PFL Contender
Phil De Fries, the reigning heavyweight champion of KSW, is gearing up to defend his coveted title against Szymon Bajor, a seasoned Polish MMA veteran and PFL contender. The highly anticipated showdown is set to take place on July 15 in Gdynia, Poland at KSW 84.
De Fries, a stalwart in the heavyweight division, has held the championship for an impressive period of over five years, solidifying his status as one of the premier heavyweights in the world. With an awe-inspiring eleven-fight win streak, the 37-year-old British fighter has left an indelible mark on the sport.
His upcoming opponent, Szymon Bajor, brings an impressive resume to the table, boasting a remarkable tally of twenty stoppages throughout his career. Bajor enters the KSW promotion following a victory over Ronny Markes in PFL, adding to his already formidable reputation.
In addition to the De Fries vs. Bajor clash, fans can also look forward to the much-anticipated XTB KSW 85 event on August 19 in Nowy Sacz, Poland. The headline bout for this event will feature a title unification match between champion Salahdine Parnasse and interim champion Robert Ruchala.
Salahdine Parnasse considered one of the sport’s brightest prospects, has garnered attention as the youngest double champion in KSW history, securing both the featherweight and lightweight titles. His opponent, Robert Ruchala, a promising Polish talent, claimed the interim-featherweight title en route to his pursuit of the lightweight championship. The upcoming fight between Parnasse and Ruchala will determine the undisputed champion in their weight class.
KSW events can be experienced exclusively on Viaplay in Poland, the UK, Scandinavia, the Netherlands, and the Baltics. For fans worldwide, KSW TV and the KSW App provide access to these exhilarating matchups, ensuring that the excitement transcends geographical boundaries.
KSW President Martin Lewandowski boldly claims that his promotion surpasses the UFC in popularity in Poland, supported by the resounding success of the recent KSW Colosseum 2 event. With an impressive attendance of over 50,000 at PGE Narodowy in Warsaw, KSW solidified its position as the leading MMA promotion in the country.
Lewandowski affirmed the statement during an interview on The MMA Hour, emphasizing the desire of Polish individuals to train under the KSW banner. He attributed this success to KSW’s pioneering role in bringing MMA to Poland, creating a unique market and fostering a strong bond with both fighters and fans.
KSW, which held its inaugural event in 2004, has risen steadily to become one of the top promotions in Europe. It boasts an array of homegrown stars, including former UFC champion Jan Blachowicz and lightweight contender Mateusz Gamrot, alongside revered Polish sporting figures such as Mariusz Pudzianowski and Damian Janikowski.
Lewandowski attributed the promotion’s triumph to the quality of its fighters and the captivating production values it offers. With a focus on delivering an unforgettable experience akin to a grand concert, KSW’s attention to detail, including its promotion and thematic elements, sets it apart.
Following the record-breaking success of KSW Colosseum 2, which holds the distinction of being the two largest MMA events in Europe, the idea of expanding to North America was raised. However, Lewandowski expressed contentment with the European market, mentioning interest from Polish communities in the United States and Canada.
As for the future of the Colosseum series, Lewandowski stressed the logistical challenges involved in organizing such grand events. While he entertained the idea of hosting them annually, he acknowledged the immense planning and promotion required. Considering the uniqueness and anticipation surrounding the Colosseum shows, he suggested a four-year interval, akin to the Olympic Games, to maintain their special appeal.
More UFC news
Follow our dedicated UFC page for instant UFC news and updates