One of the biggest cards in European MMA took place at the Ergo Aren in Gdansk, Poland last night, May 23. Polish correspondent Damian Teodorczak brings you his review of the action.
Michal Materla def. Tomasz Drwal via TKO (Punches) R3 4:56
Michal Materla successfully defended his middleweight title in a hard fought bout, defeating Tomasz Drwal in the last seconds of the third round.
The first round saw both fighters choosing to stand and trade on the feet, and that’s where Drwal really showcased his striking skills. The foot-work and precision of ‘Gorilla’ caused Materla to start shooting for a double, although the composure of Drwal allowed him to stuff most of the takedowns.
Later in the round, after one of the punches thrown by Drwal, Materla finally managed to secure a takedown. The last minutes of the round consisted of Materla controlling and dominating Drwal on the ground. The pace Drwal implemented at the beginning of the fight certainly had an impact in the second round. Despite the fact that Drwal consequently landed upper cuts and knees, it was Materla turning the fight in his favour. A minute from the bell Materla once again landed a round decisive takedown.
The first seconds of the third round were all about Materla throwing a jab in order to finish the combination with a knee. The number of stuffed takedowns by Drwal didn’t dishearten the ‘Szczecinian’ as he finally managed to take Drwal to the mat. A rapid move into side control lead to a mounted crucifix and saw Drwal defenselessly trying to find a way out of the miserable situation. The lack of defence shown by Drwal forced referee Rich Mitchell to stop the fight with literally 4 seconds to go.
Mariusz Pudzianowski def. Rolles Gracie via KO (Punch) R1 0:27
It took under 30 seconds for Mariusz Pudzianowski to destroy Rolles Gracie as he landed a massive overhand, spinning Gracie around the cage. A few hammer fists finished the job as Tomasz Bronder stepped in to call it a day.
Karol Bedorf def. Peter Graham via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
The contest a lot of people expected to end in an immediate submission, as it was obvious Karol Bedorf will search for a takedown as soon as possible, but there was a twist to it. The rounds went by as Bedorf secured takedowns and surfed into comfortable positions. Peter Graham was taken down a number of times during the fight, but he wasn’t submitted and even wasn’t close to tapping. On the other hand, Graham caused tons of problems for Bedorf who simply didn’t have an answer for the striking abilities of ‘The chief’.
Acknowledging he’s behind after the first two rounds. Graham threw a devastating combination, forcing Bedorf to shoot for a takedown which Graham defended. Graham unloading a cannonade of punches placing Bedorf in a great deal of trouble, but the Pole managed to hold on for dear life and snatches a takedown, controlling the Australian veteran until the final bell.
Goran Reljic def. Attila Vegh via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
The background of Attila Vegh and the calibre of emotions brought by Goran Reljic, along with the Light Heavyweight belt on the line, meant there was a lot of expectations on this fight. Unfortunately, it was a three rounds of complete nothingness, until a moment of complete madness, as Reljic completed a takedown and sent Vegh on his back. Reljic was a far better grappler and dominated Vegh on the ground, instantly taking the back and applying a rear naked choke. Vegh, with a grim on his face, decided to stand up and somersaulted, allowing a bit of space to scramble back to his feet. Goran Reljic did just enough to secure a victory and become the new Light Heavyweight champion.
Kamil Szymuszowski def. Maciej Jewtuszko via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
The KSW debut of Kamil Szymuszowski went according to plan as he controlled and pushed the pace throughout the contest. Acknowledging the unorthodox stand up game of Maciej Jewtuszko, Szymuszowski immediately searched for an opportunity to land a takedown, and the success came early in the first round. Jewtuszko played an open guard game and threw some devastating elbows and hammerfists from the bottom, along with a few failed guillotine attempts, but they were nothing compared to Szymuszowski’s takedowns and ground control.
Entering the third round, both fighters were really fatigued, and it was Jewtuszko who stole the round. Nevertheless, the grind and fast pace of Szymuszowski lead him to a first victory in the KSW cage.
Aziz Karaoglu def. Jay Silva via TKO (Punches) R1 1:34
Known for their capability to perform spectacular knockouts, both fighters were eager to stand and trade to determine who lands first. Karaoglu threw a gigantic right hand that rocked Silva before following up and unloading a destructive series of hammefists until referee Piotr Michalak stepped in to stop the bout. Another knockout win for the Turk who now is considered a serious title contender.
Tomasz Narkun def. Karol Celinski via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R1 2:17
Fighting out of renowned Berskerers Team Szczecin, Tomasz Narkun needed only half of the round to apply and finish off a rear-naked choke, forcing Karol Celinski to tap instantly. A great comeback for Narkun as the run towards a title fight is now an inch closer.
Grzegorz Szulakowski def. Patryk Grudniewski via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R2 3:38
Not allowing Patryk Grudniewski to implement his striking game was a vital aspect of Grzegorz Szulakowski’s fight-plan, which worked perfectly as both rounds displayed Szulakowski taking down Grudniewski with ease. Szulakowski completely outclassed Grudniewski on the ground and had numerous submission attempts, although Grudniewski did a good job of surviving the round. What didn’t happen in the first round, worked in the second, as Szulakowski managed to secure a tight rear-naked choke.
Jedrzej Mackowiak def. Marcin Gulas via TKO (Punches) R1 4:57
A new set of smaller gloves imposed by the Presidents of KSW certainly made an impact in the opening fight. Despite Marcin Gulas having the edge and demolishing a static Jedrzej Mackowiak in the stand up, it was Mackowiak who put Gulas on the canvas. The complete control allowed Mackowiak to pound his way through Gulas and finish the fight by ground and pound in the first round.
