London rolls out the red carpet for one of the most dynamite cards of the year, stacked with action fights.
The wait has been worth it.
KSW continues lighting up the European scene coming back to celebrate their 50th event after a brief hiatus. This time the event takes place in London, which has been quite generous to them in the past.
While it may seem odd that an organization based in Poland would venture to London for an event of this magnitude and importance, it makes perfect sense when you consider the sizable Polish population and amount of fans willing to travel from all over Europe for this event.
And if we’re keeping it really real, it’s worth it. While a few fights fell apart for what was a carefully constructed event, there’s a major amount of meat on this bone. So let’s carve into it, shall we?
Big man Phil De Fries (17-6) has had a wild career, but his post-UFC run started rough, alternating wins and losses until defeating Anton Vyazigin. After that came a win over James Thompson in Bellator and a shot at the then-vacant KSW heavyweight title against Micha? Andryszak. That was a hard-earned TKO, and it was followed by a submission against Karl Bedorf (with the big man submission of choice, of course). With a decision against KSW standout and current light heavyweight champion Tomasz Narkun, he extended his win streak to five.
His opponent is a revitalized Luis Henrique (12-5), who has back to back wins since his release from the UFC. He won his KSW debut in May against the aforementioned Andryszak, had has a massive opportunity here. He’ll be replacing Polish big man Damian Grabowski, who bowed out due to a hand injury.
Przemys?aw Mysiala (23-9, 1 draw) isn’t a name you hear or think about every day, but “The Polish Bear“ has been quietly amassing wins on the European circuit and aimed at success in larger promotions. Unfortunately, he fell short against Muhammed Lawal in Bellator and in the opening round of The Ultimate Fighter in season 28 last year.
His debut in KSW is a tall order, as he challenges Tomasz Narkun for the light heavyweight title. Narkun (16-3) is on a seven-fight win streak including back to back wins until a man previously thought as near-unstoppable in Mamed Khalidov. Those were thrilling affairs (especially the absolute boffo ending to the first fight), and Narkun arguably still in his prime despite a loss to De Fries earlier this year in an attempt to be a dual champion. His striking and devious submission game have gotten him far in the game, but his ability to make things look smooth have made him must-watch MMA.
That’s not to say Mysiala has no chance to win, but he’s got a very stiff challenge ahead. It’s also a great opportunity to watch one of the best international talents in Narkun do what he does best.
Former UFC fighter Norman Parke (27-6, 1 draw, 1 no contest) continues to get that work in during his KSW run. Now riding four straight decision wins including victories over Artur Sówinski and Boris Ma?kowski, Parke brings his clinch game, top control and slick boxing to get ahead. He’s up against former Ultimate Fighter contestant “Polish Zombie“ Marcin Wrzosek (14-5), who has only recently lost to top prospect Saladine Parnasse Kleber Koike Erbst. Wrzosek has some growing to do, but a win here could be the major breakthrough he needs.
Patrick Kincl unfortunately injured his arm with less than a week to go, so he’s out of his fight against welterweight champion Roberto “RoboCop“ Soldi?. But the good news is we still get to see the USD Dusseldorf product put in work against Micha? Pietrzak (8-3). The man that Soldi? defeated for that belt is also on this card, as EFC champ Dricus Du Plessis (12-2) welcomes Joilton Santos Lutterbach (30-7) to the KSW cage in a non-title catchweight bout.
Über-athlete Damian Janikowski (3-2) refuses to take a step back in competition, as he meets UCMMA, Bellator and Cage Warriors veteran Jason Radcliffe (15-7). Never seen Radcliffe? You’re in for a treat. He’s capable of much violence. And it’s a joy to watch him get in his groove and do stuff like this.
Finally, Irish talent Catherine Costigan (6-2) makes her way to KSW to meet Aleksandra Rola. Rola is only 2-0 as a professional, and has an amateur career of 14-6 with 2 no contests.
Of course, it wouldn’t be KSW without the oddball, well-produced promo videos. This is no exception.
Phil De Fries vs Luis Henrique Frankenstein:
Norman Parke vs Wrzosek:
Damian Janikowski vs Tony Giles:
Antoni Chmielewski vs Jason Radcliffe:
For funsies, we’ll also add the “making of” featurette:
You can also check out the weigh-ins here.
Full fight card is as follows:
Phil De Fries (119.4kg/263lb) vs. Luis Henrique (115.9kg/256lb) – KSW Heavyweight title fight
Tomasz Narkun (92.9kg/205lb) vs. Przemys?aw Mysiala (92.6kg/204lb) – Light Heavyweight title fight
Roberto Soldi? (79.9kg/176lb) vs. Micha? Pietrzak (79.2kg/174lb) – 80kg Catchweight
Norman Parke (69.7kg/153lb) vs. Marcin Wrzosek (70.2kg/155lb) – Interim Lightweight title fight
Damian Janikowski (84.3kg/186lb) vs. Tony Giles (84.4kg/186lb) – Middleweight
Antoni Chmielewski (90.0kg/198lb) vs. Jason Radcliffe (87kg/191lb) – 90kg Catchweight
Dricus du Plessis (84.0kg/185lb) vs. Joilton Santos Lutterbach (83.5kg/184lb) – Middleweight
Aleksandra Rola (52.7kg/116lb) vs. Catherine Costigan (49.9kg/110lb) – Strawweight
KSW 50 streams live this Saturday, September 14th starting at 1:00pm EST for those of us in the U.S., and is available at KSW.tv with their proprietary player for $11.00. If you’re partial to FITE.tv, it’s also available there for $11.99. This event will also be available to subscribers of DAZN right here.