We are just days away from KSW’s first ever event in the UK and in order to help build the excitement for this monumental event I’ve decided to give you a run down of reasons why you should actually be excited for KSW 32: Road To Wembley.
The Main Event
Sounds like an obvious choice but it is true. Mariusz Pudzianowski (9-3, 1 NC) meets Australia’s Peter Graham (10-9) in the main event which simply screams ‘fireworks’.
Pudzianowski has easily shown the best form in his entire career having won his past four fights against the likes of Sean McCorkle, Oli Thompson and destroying Rolles Gracie in his last fight earlier this year. Graham is a combat sports veteran with a background in kickboxing and will certainly not be afraid to stand a trade with his Polish opponent. This one could be over quick and could swing either way.
Two Title Fights
Borys Mankowski (17-5-1) will defend his welterweight title against former UFC fighter and well-travelled American Jesse Taylor (29-12). This will arguably be Mankowski’s toughest challenge of his career but he will be confident his grappling can counter Taylor’s strong wrestling. Not since his loss to Mamed Khalidov in 2011 has Taylor stepped foot in the KSW ring and he will be looking to rectify that loss and add more gold to his impressive resumé.
31-year-old Goran Reljic (15-4) has went 7-1 since his UFC release. During that time he captured the KSW heavyweight title. He also managed to pip Tomasz Narkun (10-2) to a split decision and now the two will square off once again with the stakes being higher now that the strap on the line.
UK vs. Poland Heavyweight Fights
Aside from the main event heavyweight contest we have another two fights involving the big guys and they just so happen to involve Polish vs. UK fighters.
James McSweeney (14-13) vs. Marcin Rozalski (5-3)
In 35 total fights between them they have went the distance on just three occasions. This means that over 90% end via stoppage. This should be enough alone to get you excited for this fight.
Oli Thompson (15-8) vs. Michal Wlodarek (7-0)
Like the previous fight most of Thompson’s and Wlodarek’s fights have ended via stoppage. Wlodarek has somewhat flown under the radar a little, he has a win over current UFC heavyweight Daniel Omielanczuk and will be seeing this fight as an opportunity to get another scalp to his name. Thompson won’t roll over here though and is coming into this fight on a three fight winning streak, all wins over reputable opposition.
Someone’s ‘0’ has got to go!
It might not have the star power as some of the other fights on the card but make now mistake about it Mateusz Gamrot (9-0) vs. Marif Piraev (13-0-1) makes up for it in sheer quality. 24-year-old Gamrot will be making his fifth appearance overall for KSW and in his career he has notable wins over Andre Winner and Tim Newman. Piraev is a year younger than his opponent and this will be his KSW debut after making a name for himself in his native Russia. Both fighters are young and like that generation of mixed martial artists they are incredible well-rounded with the ability to win the fight any number of ways.
Quality Undercard
If all of the above isn’t enough for you then the rest of the fights will spell out the perfect evening of MMA action for you. The other three fights on the card are:
Highly ranked Jim Wallhead (27-9) vs. submission expert Rafal Moks (10-7)
Bellator vet Brett Cooper (21-11) vs. UFC & Bellator vet Maiquel Falcao (34-7)
UFC vet Andre Winner (20-9-2) vs. the undefeated Leszek Krakowski (9-0)
Overall the KSW 32 event will be one of the biggest ever in the UK outside of the UFC. Not since that Cage Rage days has an event like this occurred and I would strongly recommend you all to tune in.
Buy tickets here or you can watch from the comfort of your own home for only £8/€10/$12 right here.