This weekend sees more MMA action in Poland as the Gliwice Arena hosts KSW 77. The main event is a heavyweight fight between Mariusz Pudzianowski and Mamed Khalidov, although two belts are on the line. Sebastian Przybysz vs. Jakub Wiklacz for the KSW bantamweight championship is the co-main event.
The KSW light heavyweight championship fight between Ibragim Chuzhigaev and Ivan Erslan takes place immediately before that.
Former KSW middleweight and light heavyweight champion Mamed Khalidov (35-8-2) will meet five-time world’s strongest man Mariusz Pudzianowski in the largest fight in KSW history and one of the biggest fights ever in Europe on December 17 at XTB KSW 77 in Gliwice, Poland (17-7).
Both guys have been attributed to the success of KSW and have been pillars for the expansion and popularity of MMA across Europe over the last two decades, owing to their popularity and performances.
How To Watch KSW 77: Khalidov vs Pudzian Live Free:
Viewers around the world can watch the action live on the following channels and here for free:
When KSW 77: Khalidov vs Pudzian:
- Date: Saturday, Dec. 17
- Time: 1:00 p.m. ET/ 6:00 p.m. GMT
KSW 77 gets underway at 1 p.m. ET/ 6:00 p.m. GMT.
Where is KSW 77: Khalidov vs Pudzian:
- Arena Gliwice, located in Gliwice, Poland, will serve as the host venue for KSW 77
KSW 77 Fight Preview:
Khalidov is widely recognized as one of the best fighters never to compete in the UFC, and his epic twenty-fight undefeated run in KSW from 2007 to 2017 is largely regarded as one of the sport’s greatest streaks. The 42-year-old has also won KSW crowns in two separate weight divisions across three decades.
Pudzianowski’s MMA career has taken a different path. He made his MMA debut in 2009 after dominating the sport of strongman, capturing a record-breaking five world’s strongest man titles. We have seen the progression of his fighting ability since his debut, and over the years he has defeated UFC and Pride veterans, Olympic medalists, and previous KSW champions. The 45-year-old is now on a five-fight win streak, all by TKO/KO, his best run in MMA.
This bout is expected to be the most expensive in European MMA history, and it will also kick off a new naming rights agreement with financial business XTB that will last until 2023.
The thrilling trilogy fight between KSW bantamweight champion Sebastian Przybysz (10-2) and Jakub Wikacz (13-3-1) will take place as the co-main event of XTB KSW 77, as the Polish couple aim to settle their score once and for all.
Last week, the 45-year-old aroused concerns about his health by uploading a photo of a bruise on his left leg.
Nonetheless, during Wednesday’s news conference, Pudzian clarified his situation, saying: “My coaches did an excellent job of preparing me. I’ll give it my all, as I always do. I wasn’t lazing around for the last eight to ten weeks.
“Those who follow me on social media are aware that I took a week off following my battle with Michal [Materla]. I went back to work every day, in the mornings and evenings.
KSW 77: Khalidov vs Pudzian Match Card:
- Mariusz Pudzianowski vs. Mamed Khalidov; Heavyweight
- Sebastian Przybysz vs. Jakub Wiklacz; KSW bantamweight championship
- Ibragim Chuzhigaev vs. Ivan Erslan; For the KSW light heavyweight championship
- Daniel Rutkowski vs. Lom-Ali Eskijew
- Andrzej Grzebyk vs. Emil Weber Meek; Welterweight
- Patryk Kaczmarczyk vs. Pascal Hintzen; Featherweight
- Bogdan Gnidko vs. Madalin Pirvulescu; Light heavyweight
- Adrian Gralak vs. Yann Liasse; Lightweight
- Shamad Erzanukaev vs. Carl McNally; Bantamweight
- Michal Domin; Featherweight vs. Patryk Likus; Featherweight
- Wiktoria Czyżewska vs Aleksandra Karaseva
