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"It’s an opportunity to present your skills in front of KSW promoters" – interview with Lukasz Jurkowski
We present you with an extensive interview with Polish MMA veteran, KSW color commentator Lukasz Jurkowski. Juras talks about the upcoming KSW 16 show, his retirement as well as the June’s KSW Camp.
Hi Lukasz. How does it feel to be a retired MMA fighter (laughs)?
- Hello! Actually it’s pretty nice, I can’t complain about anything (laughs). I have a lot work, no time for boredom. I still train, albeit not like a pro fighter, in order to stay in shape. I feel good.
Few days ago I interviewed Toni Valtonen and he told me that you were still young and you’d return to MMA. Will you come back?
- I don’t think so (laughs). I’m a guy who sticks to his decisions even if sometimes it’s hard. It’s a part of my character. Sure, I’m still young enough to have a few fights, but does it make any sense? I did my job for Polish MMA, now it’s time for younger and more talented fighters to have successes around the world.
KSW 16 is only two weeks away. What can you say about this card?
- Many media people doubted that KSW will be able to present a better fight card than the KSW 15 one, but the promoters once again showed that they have many brilliant ideas. We’ll see some great match-ups, experienced fighters and Mariusz’s presence guarantees outstanding ratings. Chapeau bas!
What do you think about one of the headlining fights, Pudzianowski vs Thompson?
- I think it’s an appropriate opponent for Mariusz. Thompson has a recognizable name and should be a good test of where Mariusz is at right now.
In one of the recent interviews you said that you’re concerned that Pudzian may want to trade punches with the Englishman. Is this a wrong strategy?
- James Thompson won ten out his fifteen wins via KO or TKO. He’s got a significant reach advantage and it is foolish to exchange punches with him in the beginning of the fight. Even a technical striker may get caught if such big guy connects to his chin. Mariusz is more comfortable on the ground, so if he puts this fight to the mat quickly, he’ll beat Thompson.
In the second main event fight Mamed Khalidov will face Matt Lindland. Is this a tough fight for the KSW standout?
- It will be a definitely tougher fight than the last one. Matt Lindland brings with him wrestling credentials we’ve never seen in the KSW ring. After facing American wrestlers, many fighters realize how effective their grappling oriented tactics were. Nevertheless, I believe Mamed is such an unpredictable fighter, that Lindland won’t be able to defend against his varied skills.
Pretty much everyone in Poland knows that Khalidov always puts on an exciting show. However, I have a feeling that the clash of two kickboxers Marcin Rozalski and Vitaly Shemetov may still the show at KSW 16. Would you agree?
- It’s a whole different sporting level than Mamed’s fight. In terms of pure excitement, sure Rozal can deliver fireworks. He was matched tough in his second MMA outing, but Marcin is quickly getting better as a mixed martial artist and even if the fight hits the floor it won’t be an easy fight for Shemetov.
Materla vs Zikis is an intriguing fight. What do you think about Michal’s chances?
- Middleweight is undoubtedly the strongest division in KSW. It’s another elimination fight to the title bout against Krzysztof Kulak, who is getting better with his spine injury. The stakes are high here. Zikic is a very tricky opponent, he’s got slick boxing and very good defensive wrestling. So far two Polish fighters weren’t able to defeat his style, but three times a charm, and this time the Pole will be victorious. War Cipao!
What about the rest of the card?
- Jan Blachowicz has very a important fight ahead of him. It’s a quick turnaround for him after the injury, what I think is a good decision even though the opponent is strong. As I said before, Valtonen won’t have the strength advantage over Janek like he had over me. Blachowicz is also more well-rounded than the Finn. Let’s not forget about Kornik, who’ll have his third fight for KSW. I really enjoy watching his Pride-style show.
Besides great fights, what can we expect from KSW16?
- Expect amazing atmosphere in the sold out arena and an exciting TV spectacle with my and Andrzej Janisz’s commentary!
In June KSW Federation holds another camp. Michal Garnys will be responsible for strength and conditioning and you will be the head coach of MMA classes. How will your trainings look like?
- It will be my first time as a head coach. We’ve already prepared cool training plans for groups on different levels of skill. I have a few-year experience as a coach and I’ll do my best so everybody is satisfied with the training regimen during the camp.
What is the purpose of such camps?
- It’s sharpening skills for people who want to be fighters and an introduction to the sport for the beginners as well as a good opportunity to meet some new people and have fun together playing sports or doing other things. Those who attended previous camps know that KSW Team are really fun people (laughs).
Do you believe that trainings with the best pros in Poland can be valuable for up-and-coming MMA practitioners?
- Yes, very valuable. You spar with the best, test your skills, check their training methods and get advice. What’s more it’s also a great opportunity to present your skills in front of KSW promoters who may sign you to fight at their events. To recruit new fighters, we prepared something special for the upcoming camp, details soon!
Many of your understudies believe that you are an outstanding coach. What can you say about that?
- Am I an outstanding coach? Probably not. I have my own ideas how to teach people and structure the classes, which I guess suits my understudies well. However, there are better coaches in Poland. I try to base everything on my experience to pick what is most important in training MMA. Anybody who attended my classes knows that there is no playing around when I coach. You’re either 100% dedicated or you’re quickly gone. MMA and combat sports in general strengthen the character!
What is your ultimate goal as a coach?
- I want my fighter to win a UFC or Strikeforce championship one day (laughs).
Lukasz, thanks for your time and good luck.
- Thanks and greetings to all MMA fans. I’d like to give my best whishes to Antek and Krzysiek, who are recovering from the injuries. We look forward to your return guys!
Interview by Artur Przybysz
Hi Lukasz. How does it feel to be a retired MMA fighter (laughs)?
- Hello! Actually it’s pretty nice, I can’t complain about anything (laughs). I have a lot work, no time for boredom. I still train, albeit not like a pro fighter, in order to stay in shape. I feel good.
Few days ago I interviewed Toni Valtonen and he told me that you were still young and you’d return to MMA. Will you come back?
- I don’t think so (laughs). I’m a guy who sticks to his decisions even if sometimes it’s hard. It’s a part of my character. Sure, I’m still young enough to have a few fights, but does it make any sense? I did my job for Polish MMA, now it’s time for younger and more talented fighters to have successes around the world.
KSW 16 is only two weeks away. What can you say about this card?
- Many media people doubted that KSW will be able to present a better fight card than the KSW 15 one, but the promoters once again showed that they have many brilliant ideas. We’ll see some great match-ups, experienced fighters and Mariusz’s presence guarantees outstanding ratings. Chapeau bas!
What do you think about one of the headlining fights, Pudzianowski vs Thompson?
- I think it’s an appropriate opponent for Mariusz. Thompson has a recognizable name and should be a good test of where Mariusz is at right now.
In one of the recent interviews you said that you’re concerned that Pudzian may want to trade punches with the Englishman. Is this a wrong strategy?
- James Thompson won ten out his fifteen wins via KO or TKO. He’s got a significant reach advantage and it is foolish to exchange punches with him in the beginning of the fight. Even a technical striker may get caught if such big guy connects to his chin. Mariusz is more comfortable on the ground, so if he puts this fight to the mat quickly, he’ll beat Thompson.
In the second main event fight Mamed Khalidov will face Matt Lindland. Is this a tough fight for the KSW standout?
- It will be a definitely tougher fight than the last one. Matt Lindland brings with him wrestling credentials we’ve never seen in the KSW ring. After facing American wrestlers, many fighters realize how effective their grappling oriented tactics were. Nevertheless, I believe Mamed is such an unpredictable fighter, that Lindland won’t be able to defend against his varied skills.
Pretty much everyone in Poland knows that Khalidov always puts on an exciting show. However, I have a feeling that the clash of two kickboxers Marcin Rozalski and Vitaly Shemetov may still the show at KSW 16. Would you agree?
- It’s a whole different sporting level than Mamed’s fight. In terms of pure excitement, sure Rozal can deliver fireworks. He was matched tough in his second MMA outing, but Marcin is quickly getting better as a mixed martial artist and even if the fight hits the floor it won’t be an easy fight for Shemetov.
Materla vs Zikis is an intriguing fight. What do you think about Michal’s chances?
- Middleweight is undoubtedly the strongest division in KSW. It’s another elimination fight to the title bout against Krzysztof Kulak, who is getting better with his spine injury. The stakes are high here. Zikic is a very tricky opponent, he’s got slick boxing and very good defensive wrestling. So far two Polish fighters weren’t able to defeat his style, but three times a charm, and this time the Pole will be victorious. War Cipao!
What about the rest of the card?
- Jan Blachowicz has very a important fight ahead of him. It’s a quick turnaround for him after the injury, what I think is a good decision even though the opponent is strong. As I said before, Valtonen won’t have the strength advantage over Janek like he had over me. Blachowicz is also more well-rounded than the Finn. Let’s not forget about Kornik, who’ll have his third fight for KSW. I really enjoy watching his Pride-style show.
Besides great fights, what can we expect from KSW16?
- Expect amazing atmosphere in the sold out arena and an exciting TV spectacle with my and Andrzej Janisz’s commentary!
In June KSW Federation holds another camp. Michal Garnys will be responsible for strength and conditioning and you will be the head coach of MMA classes. How will your trainings look like?
- It will be my first time as a head coach. We’ve already prepared cool training plans for groups on different levels of skill. I have a few-year experience as a coach and I’ll do my best so everybody is satisfied with the training regimen during the camp.
What is the purpose of such camps?
- It’s sharpening skills for people who want to be fighters and an introduction to the sport for the beginners as well as a good opportunity to meet some new people and have fun together playing sports or doing other things. Those who attended previous camps know that KSW Team are really fun people (laughs).
Do you believe that trainings with the best pros in Poland can be valuable for up-and-coming MMA practitioners?
- Yes, very valuable. You spar with the best, test your skills, check their training methods and get advice. What’s more it’s also a great opportunity to present your skills in front of KSW promoters who may sign you to fight at their events. To recruit new fighters, we prepared something special for the upcoming camp, details soon!
Many of your understudies believe that you are an outstanding coach. What can you say about that?
- Am I an outstanding coach? Probably not. I have my own ideas how to teach people and structure the classes, which I guess suits my understudies well. However, there are better coaches in Poland. I try to base everything on my experience to pick what is most important in training MMA. Anybody who attended my classes knows that there is no playing around when I coach. You’re either 100% dedicated or you’re quickly gone. MMA and combat sports in general strengthen the character!
What is your ultimate goal as a coach?
- I want my fighter to win a UFC or Strikeforce championship one day (laughs).
Lukasz, thanks for your time and good luck.
- Thanks and greetings to all MMA fans. I’d like to give my best whishes to Antek and Krzysiek, who are recovering from the injuries. We look forward to your return guys!
Interview by Artur Przybysz
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