Aktualności | News
Interesting interview with German warrior Cengiz Dana, who squares off against Artur Sowinski at KSW16. Combat Club Cologne fighter talks about previous KSW shows he visited as a cornerman, his opponent as well as the current MMA climate in his home country.
You are a pretty popular fighter in Germany, but not many people in Poland know about you. Introduce yourself to Polish fans, how did you start training martial arts and how did you become an MMA fighter.
- I started with Taekwondo, when I was 8 years. When I turned 16 I begin karate trainings. Since 2000 I took up MMA. My main focus was thaiboxing, wrestling and luta livre. In 2002 I made my pro debut just for fun in front of 1.000 people. I won that fight with total domination against an experienced guy. The crowd loved me and I enjoyed it, that’s how my MMA career started.
What is the strongest part of your MMA game?
- I’m an allrounder. I can knock people out just as good as submit them. But I prefer the standup game, because the audience like it!
Where and with whom do you train?
- I train in the most successful MMA-Gym in Germany - Combat Club Cologne. My coaches Mike Cüppers, Raphael Wohlgemuth and Max Schwindt always prepare me and my teammates very well for our upcoming battles.
Besides being a fighter, you’re also a manager. We worked together to bring Ruben Crawford to fight at KSW Extra 2. Do you have any other jobs?
- I am an accountant manager in a steel trading company. At the same time I study business administration at the university. I started managing fighters from our gym a year ago. Among these occupations fighting is my true passion!
You are set to face Artur Sowinski at KSW 16. Did you see his fight at KSW Extra 2 – President Cup. What do you think about him?
- I watched his fight at KSW Extra against Paul Reed. But I’m not really impressed.
In which aspect of the MMA game is Sowinski the most dangerous?
- He is a young, hungry, up-and-coming guy. His ground game looks fine.
- Do you have a strategy set for this fight?
- My strategy against him? Let me surprise you (laughs).
Tell us about your preparations for KSW 16.
- We train all the aspects of the sport: standup, ground game, cardio, strength…the whole package.
You were a cornerman at KSW shows twice. What do you think about the organization, production and the whole spectacle at KSW events?
- That’s actually not true, I’ve been to KSW shows as an cornerman five times already. In the past I supported my old teammate Martin “King Kong” Zawada as well. KSW is phenomenal! The show doesn’t stop growing. My greatest respect to the promoters Martin Lewandowski and Maciej Kawulski!
Many people believe KSW is the best show in Europe. Would you agree?
- I 100% agree!
Is it adequate to call KSW the “European Pride”?
- These are my two words to fully describe KSW. I’m really happy to be a part of it.
Many fans are interested why the authorities doesn’t allow MMA on TV in Germany. Why do you think they banned the sport from TV?
- This is a very complicated issue. Politicians exploit the ignorance in order to manipulate people with misinformation and horror stories about our sport. Their goal is to win votes no matter what. The professional athletes like me suffer from it the most. I hope someday it will change and the younger generation will be able to train and enjoy MMA just like they do other sports like boxing or football.
Has the ban affected the growth of German MMA?
- Absolutely! The promoters often have a lot of problems getting permissions to organize events.
Cengiz thanks for your time. To end the interview please send a message to KSW fans and your opponent.
- I thank you and the whole KSW Team. I have just this message to KSW fans: Lean back on 21st May and enjoy the Mosquito’s show.
Interview by Artur Przybysz
You are a pretty popular fighter in Germany, but not many people in Poland know about you. Introduce yourself to Polish fans, how did you start training martial arts and how did you become an MMA fighter.
- I started with Taekwondo, when I was 8 years. When I turned 16 I begin karate trainings. Since 2000 I took up MMA. My main focus was thaiboxing, wrestling and luta livre. In 2002 I made my pro debut just for fun in front of 1.000 people. I won that fight with total domination against an experienced guy. The crowd loved me and I enjoyed it, that’s how my MMA career started.
What is the strongest part of your MMA game?
- I’m an allrounder. I can knock people out just as good as submit them. But I prefer the standup game, because the audience like it!
Where and with whom do you train?
- I train in the most successful MMA-Gym in Germany - Combat Club Cologne. My coaches Mike Cüppers, Raphael Wohlgemuth and Max Schwindt always prepare me and my teammates very well for our upcoming battles.
Besides being a fighter, you’re also a manager. We worked together to bring Ruben Crawford to fight at KSW Extra 2. Do you have any other jobs?
- I am an accountant manager in a steel trading company. At the same time I study business administration at the university. I started managing fighters from our gym a year ago. Among these occupations fighting is my true passion!
You are set to face Artur Sowinski at KSW 16. Did you see his fight at KSW Extra 2 – President Cup. What do you think about him?
- I watched his fight at KSW Extra against Paul Reed. But I’m not really impressed.
In which aspect of the MMA game is Sowinski the most dangerous?
- He is a young, hungry, up-and-coming guy. His ground game looks fine.
- Do you have a strategy set for this fight?
- My strategy against him? Let me surprise you (laughs).
Tell us about your preparations for KSW 16.
- We train all the aspects of the sport: standup, ground game, cardio, strength…the whole package.
You were a cornerman at KSW shows twice. What do you think about the organization, production and the whole spectacle at KSW events?
- That’s actually not true, I’ve been to KSW shows as an cornerman five times already. In the past I supported my old teammate Martin “King Kong” Zawada as well. KSW is phenomenal! The show doesn’t stop growing. My greatest respect to the promoters Martin Lewandowski and Maciej Kawulski!
Many people believe KSW is the best show in Europe. Would you agree?
- I 100% agree!
Is it adequate to call KSW the “European Pride”?
- These are my two words to fully describe KSW. I’m really happy to be a part of it.
Many fans are interested why the authorities doesn’t allow MMA on TV in Germany. Why do you think they banned the sport from TV?
- This is a very complicated issue. Politicians exploit the ignorance in order to manipulate people with misinformation and horror stories about our sport. Their goal is to win votes no matter what. The professional athletes like me suffer from it the most. I hope someday it will change and the younger generation will be able to train and enjoy MMA just like they do other sports like boxing or football.
Has the ban affected the growth of German MMA?
- Absolutely! The promoters often have a lot of problems getting permissions to organize events.
Cengiz thanks for your time. To end the interview please send a message to KSW fans and your opponent.
- I thank you and the whole KSW Team. I have just this message to KSW fans: Lean back on 21st May and enjoy the Mosquito’s show.
Interview by Artur Przybysz
Inne wpisy
XTB KSW 121 – where to watch
XTB KSW 121 is taking place on Saturday, September 19th in Liberec. The main event will be the interim heavyweight title match between Štefan Vojčák r...
Q&A With Laura Grzyb
Poland’s undefeated IBO boxing world champion and KSW MMA star Laura Grzyb (3-0 MMA, 12-0 boxing) steps back into the KSW cage this Saturday,...