The legend faces the champion in a sensational main event for another strong action card.
To end the year guns blazing, most organizations pull out all the stops and set up cards that may not make the most sense but are guaranteed fun. Or at least variety, really.
And KSW is often no different. This time, they stay on Polish soil and have set up a modest card that settles some of the pecking order. On top of that, it’s got an excellent title fight as well as a fun main event that a lot of people didn’t see coming. There’s no circus bouts or celebrity fighters this time around, and that’s perfectly fine.
After years of going undefeated and refusing to leave KSW for other offers, Mamed Khalidov (34-6, 2 draws) was an absolute legend for great reasons. Facing the best available talent outside of the UFC, Bellator and M-1, he stood with everyone they threw at him and he cemented an amazing legacy. His streak 14-fight win streak that started in 2010, with a shocking upset submission loss to Tomasz Narkun, followed by an immediate rematch where Khalidov lost by decision. Khalidov announced his retirement then and there.
But we know how MMA retirements work.
So he’s back. This time, he’ll be in a non-title catchweight bout against KSW middleweight champ and former UFC fighter Scott Askham (18-4). Askham has been machine-gunning the opposition with body kicks and finding one of the most fun fighters in the organization. With a four-fight win streak since his UFC release, Askham is looking better than ever, and wants to make a statement against a former middleweight champ in a battle of hard-hitting sharp strikers.
The co-main is a fun one, with absolute specimen and Olympic wrestler Damian Janikowski (4-2) meets fellow Olympian, powerlifter Szymon Ko?ecki (7-1). It’s odd, interesting and fun between two of the best full athletes KSW has.
Featherweight gold is on the line when french sensation Salahdine Parnasse (13-0, 1 draw) challenges established vet Ivan Buchinger (37-6). Buchinger has had stints in M-1 and Cage Warriors, racking up wins everywhere. This is a stiff test for the young Parnasse, as Buchinger has a more well well-rounded skillset and a lot of veteran savvy in his back pocket. Parnasse’s been technical and impressive with evolving takedown defense and precise striking. This could be the fight of the night, right here.
Former KSW champ Artur Sowi?ski (19-11) has been in some wars, and had a unanimous decision loss to Norman Parke in his last outing. Now he meets journeyman Vinicius Bohrer (16-7), who has fought for a wide range of organizations in Brazil.
As usual, KSW’s made their weigh-ins (with a live band!!) available for viewing here:
Full weigh-in results and bout order are set:
Mamed Khalidov (187.2) vs Scott Askham (186.5) – Catchweight
Damian Janikowski (200.8) vs Szymon Kolecki (201.7) – Catchweight
Salahdine Parnasse (144.6) vs Ivan Buchinger (144.8) – Featherweight title fight
Grzegorz Szulakowski (155.9) vs Shamil Musaev (156.1) – Lightweight
Karolina Owczarz (126.6) vs Aleksandra Rola (125) – Flyweight
Artur Sowinski (156.1) vs Vinicius Bohrer (155.6) – Lightweight
Michal Michalski (170.9) vs Albert Odzimkowski (170.4) – Welterweight
Maciej Kazieczko (155.9) vs Michael Dubois (155.9) – Lightweight
Michal Wlodarek (243.5) vs Srdjan Marovic (244) – Heavyweight
KSW 52: Askham vs Khalidov starts at 1:00pm EST, and will be available for purchase at FITE.tv for $11.99, and also available at KSW’s website. This event will also be available for DAZN members.