This Saturday night undefeated KSW lightweight champion Mateusz Gamrot (13-0) will aim to once again defend his crown. The 27-year-old initially won the title at KSW 35 with a unanimous decision win over French standout Mansour Barnaoui. ’Gamer’ had finally arrived to the top of KSW after winning his six previous fights in the promotion.

He has since successfully defended his title twice. One was a submission win over Brazilian Renato Gomes but it was his rivalry with Norman Parke, which spanned almost the entirety of 2017, that introduced Gamrot to fans around the world and solidified him as one of Europe’s best lightweights. 

Gamrot is happy that he can finally move past Parke but is also glad he faced the outspoken Northern Irishman as it told him a lot about him.

"For me this story with Norman is over," stated Gamrot. "I won the first fight unquestionably. In the second I won significantly in the first and second round. I looked better and better every minute. I’ve definitely learned that I can fight a as equal on my feet and I do not have to use my wrestling always. It gave me confidence in stand up. I had some time to correct some of the mistakes I made earlier in the preparations. I am glad that I will now face another rival."

That new rival is the exciting and unpredictable Grzegorz Szulakowski (9-1). Undefeated in KSW in four bouts since making his promotional debut at KSW 31, ’Szuli’ has certainly earned his spot as the next challenger for the lightweight title and this is something Gamrot agrees with.

"He is a good fighter," said Gamrot. "He is on a eight fight a winning streak, including four of them in KSW. He is certainly the first contender in KSW lightweight category. This is a good moment for our fight."

Gamrot was in attendance during Szulakowski’s submission win over Szymuszowski at KSW 41 this past December. Standing cageside he watched on knowing that he would be facing either of these men next. Ultimately Szulakowski had his hand raised and Gamrot had his next challenger but he was not impressed with his overall performance.

"I stood there and knew that if Szulakowski or Szymuszowski won in a spectacularly way then the winner would get a title shot," explained Gamrot. "’Szuli’ got the submission in the first round, so I was sure we would meet next but overall I was not impressed by his performance. If he fights liked the way he presented himself in the clash with Szymuszowsk then I’m not worried."

As champion and as an undefeated fighter you expect Gamrot to have supreme confidence heading into this fight and he does, he believes he has an answer for anything Szulakowski throws at him.

"Szuli will want to feel the situation in the beginning and then he will try to get a takedown desperately," smiled Gamrot. "He will try to bring this fight to the ground at all costs. Of course, I will be ready for it and I will have an answer for every action."

KSW 42 is available live around the world on www.KSWTV.com this Saturday night.