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“I wholeheartedly root for Michal” – interview with Krzysztof Kulak
A few days ago Polish MMA fans received positive news from Krzysztof Kulak’s camp. KSW middleweight world champion will return to MMA competition after a sever spine injury. On that occasion I’ve decided to ask “Model” about his health as well as the anticipated rematch with Michal Materla and the upcoming KSW 17 show. Enjoy the interview.
Hello Krzysztof. Tell us about your current health status first.
- I get conflicting diagnosis from several different doctors, however, most of them allowed me to begin light training and maybe return to professional competition. I put all my eggs into one basket. It’s possible that it may result in another injury, but that’s how it goes in professional sport.
So have you started MMA training?
- I’ve started to move around a bit. I got a green light only two weeks ago. I had begun training earlier, but the injury relapsed and I had to stop. Fortunately now everything is fine.
Tell us how your “moving around” looks like after such a long hiatus from the sport?
- It’s basically recreation. I’ve plenty of time before my next fight, so for now it’s just recreation.
Your next fight? Is the date of your return already set?
- I plan to fight at KSW Extra in Plock.
Will you face Michal Materla in Plock?
- No, it will be a tune-up opponent.
I assume the successive fight will be for your title.
- Indeed. I hope I’ll rematch Michal Materla. I wholeheartedly root for him in his bout against Matt Horwich.
Since we’ve mentioned Materla, I have to ask you about him. Andrzej Janisz said in the KSW 17 video preview that “Cipao” had returned to MMA a different fighter and had made substantial progress in his MMA game. Would you agree with that?
- Absolutely. His stand-up is much better, he’s evolved as a fighter. Every one of us evolves.
KSW Extra bout, a title defense and then what’s next? Do you plan your MMA future?
- No I don’t. I don’t even think about the title defense yet. I treat the fight in Plock as a test whether I’ll be able to prepare for the championship bout.
A surgery, conflicting diagnosis and now a risky move to continue fighting. How do you feel mentally?
- I’ve decided to return to fighting because it looks like everything moves in the right direction. The risk is always present and I’m willing to take it. If anything bad happens, I’ll have to deal with it then.
Let’s talk about the upcoming KSW 17 – Revenge event. What do you think about Blachowicz vs Sokoudjou rematch?
- It’s a good match-up. I believe Janek earned the right to be able to avenge his March’s loss. I expect it to be a thrilling fight. Janek is mentally prepared so he should do well this time.
I won’t ask about Materla and Horwich as you revealed your personal favorite in this clash earlier. What about Maciej Jewtuszko vs Artur Sowinski?
- I have no idea who takes it. Both of them are high level lightweights. I sparred with Sowinski a few times. It should be a great fight but I don’t see a clear favorite.
What’s your opinion on Mamed Khalidov’s opponent? Paulo Filho has a background in grappling just like you, you must’ve seen many of his fights.
- I predict that Mamed will earn another quick stoppage. One dimensional fighters has no place on the highest levels of MMA at this point of time.
Krzysiek I’ve heard you got yourself a new tattoo. We all know the one you have on your neck, tell about the new one.
- It’s a gladiator’s epaulette filled with flags of countries which I’ve fought in.
Thanks for the interview and good luck with your recovery.
- Thanks, cheers.
Interview Artur Przybysz
Hello Krzysztof. Tell us about your current health status first.
- I get conflicting diagnosis from several different doctors, however, most of them allowed me to begin light training and maybe return to professional competition. I put all my eggs into one basket. It’s possible that it may result in another injury, but that’s how it goes in professional sport.
So have you started MMA training?
- I’ve started to move around a bit. I got a green light only two weeks ago. I had begun training earlier, but the injury relapsed and I had to stop. Fortunately now everything is fine.
Tell us how your “moving around” looks like after such a long hiatus from the sport?
- It’s basically recreation. I’ve plenty of time before my next fight, so for now it’s just recreation.
Your next fight? Is the date of your return already set?
- I plan to fight at KSW Extra in Plock.
Will you face Michal Materla in Plock?
- No, it will be a tune-up opponent.
I assume the successive fight will be for your title.
- Indeed. I hope I’ll rematch Michal Materla. I wholeheartedly root for him in his bout against Matt Horwich.
Since we’ve mentioned Materla, I have to ask you about him. Andrzej Janisz said in the KSW 17 video preview that “Cipao” had returned to MMA a different fighter and had made substantial progress in his MMA game. Would you agree with that?
- Absolutely. His stand-up is much better, he’s evolved as a fighter. Every one of us evolves.
KSW Extra bout, a title defense and then what’s next? Do you plan your MMA future?
- No I don’t. I don’t even think about the title defense yet. I treat the fight in Plock as a test whether I’ll be able to prepare for the championship bout.
A surgery, conflicting diagnosis and now a risky move to continue fighting. How do you feel mentally?
- I’ve decided to return to fighting because it looks like everything moves in the right direction. The risk is always present and I’m willing to take it. If anything bad happens, I’ll have to deal with it then.
Let’s talk about the upcoming KSW 17 – Revenge event. What do you think about Blachowicz vs Sokoudjou rematch?
- It’s a good match-up. I believe Janek earned the right to be able to avenge his March’s loss. I expect it to be a thrilling fight. Janek is mentally prepared so he should do well this time.
I won’t ask about Materla and Horwich as you revealed your personal favorite in this clash earlier. What about Maciej Jewtuszko vs Artur Sowinski?
- I have no idea who takes it. Both of them are high level lightweights. I sparred with Sowinski a few times. It should be a great fight but I don’t see a clear favorite.
What’s your opinion on Mamed Khalidov’s opponent? Paulo Filho has a background in grappling just like you, you must’ve seen many of his fights.
- I predict that Mamed will earn another quick stoppage. One dimensional fighters has no place on the highest levels of MMA at this point of time.
Krzysiek I’ve heard you got yourself a new tattoo. We all know the one you have on your neck, tell about the new one.
- It’s a gladiator’s epaulette filled with flags of countries which I’ve fought in.
Thanks for the interview and good luck with your recovery.
- Thanks, cheers.
Interview Artur Przybysz
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