Khalidov-Manhoef, Three Title Bouts Set for KSW 21
The biggest European promotion KSW returns to its birth city of Warsaw with its year-end show on December 1st in Torwar Arena. The best Polish and foreign fighters will once again provide MMA fans all around the world with maximal dose of sporting excitement.
In the event's headlining bout, the most outstanding European middleweight Mamed Khalidov will square off against the kickboxing superstar Melvin Manhoef. In the classic grappler versus striker match-up, the unbeaten on his home turf Pole will look to use his slick submission skills to submit his foe, while the explosive Dutch knockout artist will try to rip Khalidov's head off with his trademark punches and kicks. This is undoubtedly one of the most exciting MMA showdowns to be held in Europe this year.
Apart from the spectacular main event, the star-studded show will also feature as many as three title bouts. In the middleweight championship clash, Michał Materla will defend his belt for the first time facing UFC veteran Rodney Wallace. The Szczecin-based fighter won this valuable trophy in May, outlasting Jay Silva in a battle that will go down as one the best fights in Polish history. Wallace returns to KSW to erase his disappointing performance against Khalidov at KSW 19. Since then, the experienced American won two consecutive bouts by TKO stoppages and is eager to add another one in front of the Polish audience.
The inaugural KSW welterweight title will find its way to either Aslambek Saidov's or Borys Mańkowski's hands. It will not only be the clash of two highest ranked Polish welterweights, but also a rivalry between two of the most renowned teams in Poland in Arrachion MMA Olsztyn and Ankos Zapasy Poznań. Saidov earned his way to the title with six KSW victories in a row, while Mańkowski won his two KSW appearances this year.
The KSW lightweight championship fight will feature a long-awaited rematch between fan-favorites Maciej Jewtuszko and Artur Sowiński. In November of last year Sowiński upset the UFC veteran with a knockout victory in just forty-six seconds. Since, then, the popular Irokez has been burning with revenge, calling out his rival on every occasion. KSW owners answered his demands and set up the anticipated match-up for the December's show.
The rest part of the card also guarantees unforgettable excitement. Former KSW middleweight champion and one of the Polish MMA pioneers Krzysztof Kułak returns from injuries to battle young up-and-comer, Nastula Team product Piotr Strus. In the first American versus American clash in KSW history, the former title challenger Jay Silva is set to face the true veteran of the sport Matt Horwich, while the opening bout the night features the second leg of the KSW female tournament with Paulina Bońkowska squaring off against Karolina Kowalkiewicz.
The entire KSW 21 seven-fight card will air both on free-to-air Polsat and cable Polsat Sport. Outside of Poland the show will be available via IplaTV online PPV.
