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, July 18, to face Brazil’s Rayla Nascimento, her most experienced MMA opponent to date, at XTB KSW 120. 

As fight night approaches, she answered questions regarding the balance of her dual careers in boxing and MMA, her upcoming bouts at XTB KSW 120 and the role models who inspired her journey and how far she plans to go.  
 
1. While you are undefeated in MMA and in boxing as the IBO champion, how do you approach the balance to maintaining progress in both sports and how far do you plan to take it? 
 
“Actually, for me it isn't too difficult because boxing is a very important part of MMA. Even during my MMA training camps, I still get to train what I love the most. Before a boxing match, I spend about two months focusing only on my hands. I'm going to keep doing both sports until the end of my career. I love boxing and I love KSW!”

2. What did you think of the recent KSW women's title fight(Sara Luzar Smajić vs. Wiktoria Czyżewska)and do you have any thoughts about challenging for that title at the higher weight? 

“First of all, it was a great fight. The girls showed that women’s MMA isn’t boring. Sara’s pressure exposed a lot of holes in Wiktoria’s striking game. During the off-season, my weight is sometimes even below the bantamweight limit, so in my opinion, this matchup doesn’t make much sense.” 

Laura’s manager - Michal Pernach added:  
 
“Laura hopes that KSW will introduce a flyweight title in the future. As a professional athlete, her goal is naturally to compete for it, win it, and become the KSW flyweight champion. At the same time, she has not given up on her dream of winning another world boxing title. Her primary goal remains the WBC world title, and we are continuing to work towards making that happen.”

3. After two successful KSW appearances, what has surprised you most about competing in MMA compared with boxing?

“Because I don’t have to cut as much weight for MMA, there isn’t a 55 kg division in MMA, I feel much better during fight week. On fight day, it’s the same. I’m a warrior, so it doesn’t matter what the rules are—I was born to destroy!”

4. Rayla is your most experienced MMA opponent to date. What statement does a win here make?

“I think this is a test of my skills. A victory over a fighter like that would likely establish me as a legitimate MMA fighter, someone capable of contending for the number one spot in the flyweight rankings.”

5. Which part of your MMA game has improved the most since your debut that fansperhaps haven't seen yet? 

“I am growing in every respect. I made my debut quite soon after deciding to sign the contract, so the debut itself was a huge unknown. However, I think the most important thing was overcoming my fear of the ground game, and I believe I succeeded in that.”

6. What motivated you to enter MMA and pursue both careers?

“First of all, I need competition and a goal, but also money because I’ve worked hard my whole life, harder than I ever thought was possible. But I’m a real warrior. I love challenging myself and proving people wrong.”

7. Did you find inspiration infighterssuch as Holly Holm or Joanna Jedrzejczyk to following a similar path from striking to MMA, or to add another level of your own by doing both at the same time? 

“Joanna and Holly are living legends! Naturally, I watched Joanna’s fights and thought I could be just as effective in the stand-up game. I believe I can take the level of women's boxing in MMA to new heights.” 

XTB KSW 120 takes place live on CANAL+ in Poland and is available to international viewers on KSWTV.COM with free-view prelims on KSW Youtube. 

Weigh-ins are set for Friday, July 17th, with ceremonial weigh-ins streamed live via KSW Youtube at 19:00 CEST, in addition to KSW Fan Zone proceedings, open workouts and special guests from 16:30 CEST.