Poland’s KSW is set to make their debut in the Czech Republic.
The rise of Czech MMA has been ongoing for a couple of years now, with Jiri Prochazka landing in the UFC and claiming light heavyweight gold (prior to vacating the title due to injury), and Oktagon MMA becoming one of Europe’s better regional promotions.
Now, KSW will debut in the country with KSW 79 on February 25, 2023 at the Home Credit Arena in Liberec, Czech Republic.
Promotion officials announced the news via press release recently.
KSW has previously held events in the U.K., Ireland, and Croatia, but saw its international expansion halted during the coronavirus pandemic. The Czech Republic show will mark its first event outside Poland since the onset of COVID-19.
While no match-ups have been made official for KSW 79, a trio of heavyweight fighters are expected to compete next month, including heavyweight champion Phil De Fries. With seven defenses of his heavyweight title, De Fries (22-6, 1NC), a former UFC talent, has become one of the most successful heavyweights outside the UFC and arguably Bellator MMA.
Another former UFC talent, Czech Republic’s own Viktor Pesta, will make his promotional debut at the event. Pesta will be returning to the heavyweight division after a stint at light heavyweight that saw him claim gold in Oktagon MMA, then enter the PFL regular season last year.
Former Glory heavyweight and Polish kickboxing star Arek Wrzosek (1-0) will compete in MMA for the second time at the event.
