t Former welterweight champion Borys ‘The Tasmanian Devil’ Mankowski (19-8-1) will take on the always exciting Vaso ‘The Psycho’ Bakocevic (39-18-1) in the co-main event KSW 51 at the Arena Zagreb in Zagreb, Croatia on November 9.
The former and longest reigning KSW welterweight champion Borys Mankowski will be looking to bounce back from a tough couple of years that saw him on the wrong end in fights against Mamed Khalidov, Roberto Soldic, & Norman Parke, and a period that also his cage time limited by injuries. Prior to this bad run he was considered one of the best welterweights in Europe with dominant wins over the likes of John Maguire, Jesse Taylor, and David Zawada.
Now he will aim for KSW 51 to be turning point and is motivated to get back to winning ways. However, standing in his way is the returning Vaso Bakocevic, one of the most popular and outspoken fighters from the Balkan region. ‘The Psychopath’ really lives up to his moniker by competing against anyone at any weight including heavyweight.
It has been over five years since the 30-year-old last fought in KSW and he comes back into the promotion on an impressive 13-1 run which includes wins over UFC veterans Maciej Jewtuszko and Hermes Franca.
This contest promises to be one of the most thrilling of the night and there is already words shared by Bakocevic. “I’m happy I’m back blah blah blah f**k that… and f**k Borys Mankowski,” said Bakocevic. “KSW is coming to the Balkans for the first time and they know who runs the show around here, they know who ‘EL PAPY’ is over here so I’m glad we made a deal. I’m also glad I got a “big name” opponent because after I whoop him I’m already in the mix for a title shot. Another former KSW champ I’m gonna whoop and then I’m coming for KSW gold.”