On June 8^th at KSW 23 in Gdańsk/Sopot’s Ergo Arena the talented MMA Team Ełk product Mateusz Zawadzki will make his KSW debut. We asked “Barni” about his preparations for Mateusz Gamrot bout and his future plans.

Hi Mateusz. You signed a contract with KSW early this year. Where you surprised by the fact that Maciej Kawulski and Martin Lewandowski want you on their events?

- I believed that this day would  come and I’d be fighting for KSW. I’m happy that one of my dreams came true.

How much time did you take to consider the KSW offer?

- The offer was great, so it didn’t take me long to agree to sign the deal (laughs).

What does it mean to you to become a fighter for the best MMA promotion in Europe?

- It’s a next step in my career and the great honor to fight for KSW and represent my city Ełk and my team MMA Team Ełk.

Many people compare KSW shows to now defunct Pride. What can you say about our events?

- It’s a great spectacle, where everything set down to the last detail.

You will make your debut at KSW 23 against Ankos Zapasy’s Mateusz Gamrot. What can you say about your opponent and where do you see your chance to earn the victory?

- He is a strong and dynamic wrestler, but along with my coaches we identified some holes in his game which we’ll try to expose on June 8^th. You will see what I’m talking about when the bell rings. I can assure you that I’ll be ready for his takedowns and guillotines.

How will your preparations for this fight look like? Will you train only in Ełk with your father and your team or do you plan to visit other gyms?

- I’ll spend most of my preparations here in Ełk. I have great sparing partners in Ełk, whose names will heard around Poland soon. At the end of April I will visit one gym Warsaw and in May I’d like to train in Arrachion Olsztyn for couple of days. The last part of my training camp will be held in Ełk, though.

In which area of MMA do you feel the strongest and why?

- I feel strong in every area (laughs). It was always my goal to be a well-rounded fighter, because in order to be good, you need to versatile!

You have fought most of your bouts at welterweight. In KSW you’ll be fighting at lightweight. Will it be a problem for you to cut this weight. Have you ever fought at under the 70 kilograms?

- Last time I fought at lightweight I was eighteen years old and it was at the amateur competition. Not long ago I walked around eighty-four kilograms, but cutting down to the contracted limit won’t be a problem for me. I know my body very well.

KSW lightweight division is pretty stacked with talent. Maciej Jewtuszko is the champ but there are also such talented fighters as Artur Sowiński, Curt Warburton or the above mentioned Gamrot. You won’t get any easy fights, don’t you think?

- Indeed, I don’t expect easy fights, that’s a motivation for me and I’m looking forward to it. I want to fight the best!

Last but not least I’d like to ask you about your future. What are your plans for your life and your sporting career?

- I want to succeed in MMA and take advantage of the chance I’ve received. I’m committed 100% to be the best and win the KSW belt. We will see if I make it.

Mateusz thank you for your time and good luck at KSW 23 on June 8^th in Ergo Arena in Gdańsk/Sopot. Feel free to thank your sponsors and people who help you.

-I’d like to thank my father who is my coach and has always been with me. I’d like to thank my sparing partners and my brother who help me in tough preparations for this fight, my lovely sister who always roots for me and my girlfriend who deals with my moods before the fights (laughs). Special thanks to Krzysztof Biernacki and Dariusz Szczur, who are my managers and owners of 3F Fedaration, where I fought before, to Martin and Maciej for the chance they gave me and to my buddy Sonic Soniao Valerianow for his constant support. Sincere thanks to Drużyna Mistrzów and my sponsors: No Problem, TanieSuple.com, Piękna Góra Rudziewicz and Optivita Nutrition. Cheers to everyone who will support me in Ergo Arena or on TV!