KSW 59 Preview

KSW returns to Klub Wytwornia in Łódź, Poland this Saturday night for their second show of the year. KSW 59: Fight Code brings a 9 fight card with some very tasty matchups.

Headlining the card is a mammoth clash between two of the biggest athletes in MMA. 13 time World’s Strongest Man Mariusz Pudzianowski (13-7) faces his physically biggest challenge to date in Serigne “Bombardier” Ousmane Dia (2-0). Bombardier comes from the world of lutte Sénégalaise avec frappe (Senegalese wrestling with punches) where he earned the title “King of Arenas” twice. He doesn’t have a lot of MMA experience. Neither of his pro fights lasted long. He secured the takedown, gained mount and beat the pulp out of his opponents with ground and pound. The trouble opponents will have with him is that he can secure takedowns through technique or with raw explosive power. He has some lovely trips and throws in his arsenal. Alternatively he can use his pure size to just lean on you or push you over and get you down that way. Pudzianowski will have to stay on the outside at all costs. If Bombardier gets a hold of you, you’re likely going down and finished. You will see some big shots in this one, both men have a lot of power. These shots won’t be the fastest strikes you’ll see on the card by a long way. Pudzian must use his experience, follow the game plan, work the leg kicks and if possible, put Bombardier on his back. This will be a fascinating contest.

The KSW Bantamweight title is on the line in the evening’s co-main event. Croatia’s Antun Račić (25-8-1) defends his belt for the second time against Sebastian Przybysz (7-2). The pair met previously at KSW 46 with Račić winning 30-27 on all judge’s scorecards. Przybysz needs to start quick in this one. Where we’ve seen Račić struggle, it’s been in the first few rounds. He will need to slow down the Croatian with his wrestling. If Račić is allowed to get settled, it could be a very long five rounds for Gdynia’s Przybysz. If he can get going early, we could have a cracker on our hands.

Rising star Krystian Kaszubowski (9-1) is looking to make it 3 wins on the bounce versus Michał Pietrzak (9-4). Both men are hoping to become title contenders in the welterweight division. They both have a loss to champion Roberto Soldić in the recent past. Kaszubowski is a good striker. He needs to be careful about leaning in with his chin as Pietrzak will find it. He will be trying to mix in his wrestling to try and wear down his opponent. Pietrzak has that one shot stop power and will be especially dangerous early. This is a good test for Kaszubowski and gives him a great opportunity to make a statement. He is one to keep a close eye on.

New heavyweight signing Darko Stošić (13-4) is welcomed to KSW by Michał Włodarek (8-2). Stošić, recently cut by the UFC, is a heavy hitter who loves power takedowns and slams. He has an explosive striking style and doesn’t tend to throw many combinations. He has vicious ground and pound skills. He has shown a tendency to get tired before the final bell so will need to choose his moments wisely. Włodarek’s recent past has been plagued with inactivity. We haven’t seen him since KSW 52 in December 2019 where he won via a knockout in 34 seconds. Stošić is hittable and can get dropped with power. That’s Włodarek key to victory in this one. If he allows the big Serbian to land takedowns, he will be in big trouble very quickly.

The King of Suplex City Damian Janikowski (5-3) takes on Britain’s Jason Radcliffe (16-7). Janikowski was a bronze medalist in Greco Roman wrestling at the 2012 Olympics in London. His striking has been coming on leaps and bounds since then and he’s starting to become a really good all round player. Radcliffe is a true veteran on the European scene with stints in Bellator, Cage Warriors and Cage Rage in his past. He has been susceptible to strikes and ground and pound in the last few years. Janikowski’s style is a nightmare matchup for him. He’s big and strong enough to get it done on the feet, and if it hits the deck, it will be domination. Radcliffe needs to work on depleting Janikowski’s gas tank and then do some work. If he doesn’t, we will likely be seeing some patented Janikowski suplexes.

The Rajewski brothers are back on the same card and are hoping to repeat their double win from KSW 54. Łukasz Rajewski (10-6) has found some form as of late, winning his last two. He will be hoping to use his flashy kickboxing to make that three in a row against German debutant Konrad Dyrschka (11-1). Dyrschka is the latest UFD Gym prodigy to join KSW. He can get it done wherever the action goes. He will be looking to use his wrestling to nullify Raju’s kickboxing. Younger brother Sebastian Rajewski (9-6) is also a kickboxing standout. He’ll take on Montenegro’s Savo Lazić (10-5). Both men are likely to stand and bang in this one and I’m expecting someone’s lights to be turned off here. Do not blink.

Spain’s Lionel Padilla (8-1) is another new addition to the KSW roster. He is a big name from the AFL promotion in his homeland. He takes on undefeated Adrian Bartosiński (9-0). Bartos was the favourite to win a KSW contract in the reality tv show Tylko Jeden before injury ruled him out of the final against Tommy Romanowski. He is a fan favourite who generally finishes fights early with some brutal strikes. Padilla won’t fear the stand up and is no slouch there himself so this one should be a barnburner.

Amateur standout Cyprian Wieczorek (debut) joins the pro ranks in the evening’s opening match. He is a submission specialist with an extensive amateur background. He will take on Katowice’s Patryk Likus (1-0). The pair met once on the amateur circuit with Wieczorek winning via rear naked choke. We could be looking at the next generation of Polish superstars here.

KSW 59 is live on PPV from 7pm Irish time on Saturday night. Access costs €10 and can be bought from KSWTV.com or on the FITE app.