KSW 66 features a lightweight title fight between Marian Ziolkowski and Borys Mankowski. Ziolkowski is the defending champion in a long lineage of champions that come from Poland’s premier promotion. He goes into the fight this weekend looking to further prove his point that he is indeed the best in the world and with a win, he might be just that.
Ziolkowski’s career started like many others. He began in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu then quickly found mixed martial arts. He didn’t waste any time as an amateur and took his first professional fight quite fast.
“I started BJJ trainings for few months and I decided to move to MMA quickly. Then, after next few months I had my first professional bout,” which was in 2011 putting Marian Ziolkowski competing at over ten years now.
Marian Ziolkowski really turned his game around and made his way to the title after changing camps. His move over to WCA Fight Team in Warsaw, Poland has paid massive dividends. Since that change, Ziolkowski has only dropped one fight, a decision to Mateusz Gamrot and captured the title in his very next fight. Ziolkowski say that change, and his coach are the reasons for his success.
“I’ve changed my club/gym in 2018 and from that moment I know I am at the right place to be. I’ve improved my game a lot in WCA Fight Team and my coach, Robert Jocz, is my sport ‘guide’ now.”
That move has really paid off. WCA Fight Team boasts some of the best fighters in Poland. Ziolkowski has the opportunity to train with names like Marcin Naruszczka, Daniel Omielanczuk, and of course, former UFC light heavyweight champion, Jan Blachowicz. Ziolkowski attests to the hard work and ethic put into MMA by the Polish.
“Me and Jan Blachowicz, we train in the same gym, so I really can confirm that he is a perfectionist and really nice man. What makes our nation so good in MMA is being used to hard work and also I believe we have really strong characters.”
Marian Ziolkowski Becoming Champion
Fighting for KSW is a dream come true. For Marial Ziolkowski, it’s the energy, the atmosphere, and the fans that make fighting for the Warsaw promotion the best in the world for him.
“KSW makes a great show and brings high level on every possible aspect. I feel really good here, people are really professional and the atmosphere of the event is outrageous.”
When Marian Ziolkowski captured the belt at KSW 57, it was truly a dream come true. But, he would not rest on his laurels. Ziolkowski achieved a goal many dream of and few actually accomplish. But he did not believe he was finished. While some reach the top and don’t know what’s next, Ziolkowski knew exactly what he needed to do. He turned that desire for the belt into keeping the belt.
“I truly wanted that belt. I felt like accomplishing one mission and starting new one (defending it) at the same time.”
Defending The Title at KSW 66
Marian Ziolkowski has a task in front of him: Borys Mankowski. Mankowski has won three straight in KSW and looks to solidify his own legacy. But Ziolkowski is confident in his camp. He believes he’s the best version of himself and that will show at KSW 66.
“Everything went very good,” said Ziolkowski. “No injuries, no problems. My conditioning grew to another level. I feel sharp, confident and just ready.”
As for his intentions, Marian Ziolkowski plans on dominating KSW and then plans to move over to a certain large promotion across the pond to take over the most stacked lightweight division: the UFC.
“I want to clean out KSW’s lightweight division and after I do that, I might think about the other side of the ocean,” Ziolkowski says with a wink.
January 15, 2022, Ziolkowski kicks off KSW’s year by defending his title at KSW 66. He believes the intrigue of the event, the drama of the title on the line and more makes KSW must watch MMA.
“I believe KSW 66 will be a great show. Each fight makes some questions and the answers will be given on Saturday. Try to be with us!”
Tune in on the 15th of January, 2022 to catch Marian Ziolkowski defend his title at KSW 66.
