KSW 65 ‘Khalidov vs. Soldic’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Shamad Erzanukaev (134) vs. Bartosz Rewera (137: Missed Weight)

Round 1

Welcome one and all to KSW 65, the final event for the Polish promotion for 2021, capped off with two exciting title bouts. Kicking off the card, we have 20 year-old Shamad Erzanukaev making his professional debut at bantamweight, facing 23 year-old Bartosz Rewera (1-0), who missed weight by a pound. Referee Marc Goddard will work the opening bout. Rewera begins with a 1-2 that barely misses, but it's soon Erzanukaev who gets him against the fence, unleashing a few punches that partially get through and attaining the clinch. Erzanukaev has double underhooks and clearly wants to get it to the ground. Still, Rewera is hanging tough, using a whizzer to stay upright for now. He even manages to regain one underhook. Marc Goddards separates the two men due to a lack of action. Erzanukaev fires a body kick that partially gets through. However, it's Rewera that is stalking him. He gets a little too aggresisve in doing so, as Erzanukaev times a nice double-leg to get him down. However, in the ensuing scramble, Rewera gets out and briefly ends up on top. They end up in yet another clinch against the cage. They grapple for a while, and eventually Erzanukaev gets a nice headlock takedown, landing in the half-guard. Pretty soon, Rewera regains full-guard, at which point Erzanukaev postures fully up. Rewera doesn't move and Erzanukaev uses it to get to half-guard, where he unloads several brutal elbows. Rewera tries to rise, but gets mounted in the process. However, Erzanukaev is too high and Rewera sweeps him, ending up on top. A Erzanukaev armbar attempt is easily defended and both men decide to stand. Erzanukaev launches a huge flying knee and it catches Rewera, who is hurt. He is unable to capitalize on this, though. Suddenly, Erzanukaev looks a little tired and Rewera lands a couple of punches against the cage. Rewera then tries a takedown against the cage to no avail, which is where the round ends. 10-9 Erzanukaev.

Round 2

Erzanukaev fires a body kick that lands, but Rewera uses it to take him down, desperately rotating from the top to get to side control. However, Erzanukaev spins with him and Rewera only ends up in full-guard. Erzanukaev uses butterfly hooks, but Rewera is too heavy and stays on top. They scramble and Rewera goes for a weird possible kneebar. It fails and Erzanukaev uses the opportunity to sweep and gain side control. However, this too is not for long as he doesn't secure position and Rewera scrambles up. Erzanukaev wrestles him back down, however, and is now in side control. He works away with short punches. He then adds a series of hard elbows. He briefly gets the mount, where he continues unloading with punches and elbows. Rewera manages to scramble and get him back to side control, but this round is all Erzanukaev. 10-9 Erzanukaev.

Round 3

The final stanza starts and Rewera is clearly the fresher man. He lands a nice body kick and when Erzanukaev tries to shoot, he easily defends. He fires a head kick soon after that is barely blocked and Erzanukaev's punches are easily avoided. Erzanukaev throws a very tired jab. Rewera partially lands with a combination against the cage and they clinch. A tired Erzanukaev still manages to get Rewera down, draped along his back, with Rewera trying to post up on his knees. It's unsuccessful, as Erzanukaev puts him on his back and briefly takes the back with both hooks in. Rewera tries to turn into him, but Erzanukaev wins the scramble and briefly has a tight arm triangle. He decides to bail on the submission attempt in favor of full mount. This time, he is very patient, trying to secure the base and only then posturing up to rain down GNP. However, Rewera still sweeps him at the perfect time, ending on top. It's not for long, as Erzanukaev sweeps him right back to end on top with 2 minutes left. Rewera tries to kick him off, but Erzanukaev merely passes to side control. He lands a few tired forearms to the face, but nothing significant. Rewera tries to get up, but in the process eats a far more significant punch by Erzanukaev, who tracks him well and stays on top to end the round. 10-9 Erzanukaev (30-27 Erzanukaev).

The Official Result

Shamad Erzanukaev def. Bartosz Rewera via Unanimous Decision

Patryk Likus (149) vs. Piotr Olszynka (146)

Round 1

Coming up next, Piotr Olszynka (6-7-1) takes on young 19 year-old prospect Patryk Likus (1-0). While already a huge favorite, Likus hedged his bets by coming in 3 whole pounds overweight against a natural bantamweight. Referee Piotr Jarosz will look to keep them honest. Likus pumps his jab to start, but Olszynka is moving his head well and avoids them. Olszynka fires his own 1-2, but Likus dodges easily. Likus throws more jabs, but none of them are close. A Olszynka leg kick misses. They throw leg kicks simultaneously and each lands. Olszynka throws a left hook that almost clips Likus. Likus responds with a spinning backfist that isn't close. A Likus front kick is closer. Likus awkwardly pulls his head straight back against Olszynka punches, but isn't punished for it. Olszynka lands a leg kick, and Likus finally manages to touch him with a jab. Likus now lands a front kick to the body and nearly succeeds with a roundhouse to the head. Likus continues throwing kicks, including a spinning back roundhouse, but it misses. Olszynka tries an overhand right, but it too misses. A Likus roundhouse kick to the head misses, and a second one is blocked. With a little over a minute left, there has been very little in the way of damage. Olszynka comes forward with punches, misses all of them, but does connect with a leg kick. Olszynka scores with another leg kick, though it's light. Likus tries a flying knee, but it misses, and the follow-up punches are blocked. Olszynka comes forward with a wild flurry, but the left hook lands, even if not hard. I have the big underdog winning the opening round. 10-9 Olszynka.

Round 2

Likus comes forward aggressively to start the second, trying a 1-2 and then a roundhouse kick to the head, but it all misses. A second such attempt is also unsuccessful. However, Olszynka responds with a flurry and courtesy of Likus having his chin straight up, he gets caught with a couple, though the damage isn't great. Likus tries to get it back with a spinning backfist, but Olszynka is out of range. Both men try kicks, but neither succeeds. Olszynka lands another small flurry. He ducks under a Likus spinning back roundhouse kick and clinches, but can't get the takedown. They do, however, clinch along the fence. Olszynka lands a few foot stomps, but nothing big. They trade a few inoffensive knees and Likus lands a few short slaps to the head. Eventually, they disengage and Likus tries another flying knee. It misses, and Olszynka soon lands a nice 2-3 upstairs. Likus does hit a spinning elbow that is only partially blocked. Olszynka gets the better of simultaneous left hook lands. However, he gets too aggressive, and as he is coming forward, Likus throws a spinning backfist that catches Olszynka and lays him out completely cold. The fight is waved off and it's an extraordinary turn-around in a fight I had Likus, the heavily favored young prospect, losing the first 9 plus minutes.

The Official Result

Patryk Likus def. Piotr Olszynka via KO (Spinning Backfist) at 5:00 of Round 2

Anita Bekus (115) vs. Magdalena Sormova (116)

Round 1

Moving up the card, Anita Bekus (4-2) challenges Magdalena Sormova (10-3) at women's strawweight. Referee Marc Goddard again gets the assignment. Sormova begins aggressively, coming forward and throwing punches. None land, but a leg kick does. Bekus fires back but is unsuccessful. After another, weaker leg kick connect, Sormova clinches. However, she tries too hard for the takedown and ends up with Bekus on top of her, in open full guard. Bekus works away with the occasional punch and elbow, which are consistently landing. Sormova, for her part, is happy to stay on her back, doing little to either get up or throw up submissions. Finally, halfway through the round, she begins throwing a few elbows from her back. She looks for a possible triangle, but doesn't get very far, while eating a little bit of punishment from Bekus. Sormova goes for a possible armbar, but it's very loose and she doesn't have Bekus nearly tight enough. While Bekus doesn't defend it correctly, trying to pull it out too quickly, she still gets out quickly and easily enough. Sormova finally scrambles, but is far too slow, and Bekus manages to take her back. It's not very secure and a better fighter would turn into her, but Sormova succumbs to the hold, accepting Bekus on her back, who lands more punches as the round ends. 10-9 Bekus.

Round 2

ormova begins the second round with a nice jab that catches Bekus flush. Bekus soon clinches, knowing now that she has an advantage in the grappling. They grapple along the fence, and Bekus briefly gets a harai goshi, bringing Sormova to her knees. However, she instantly rises and they soon separate. After Sormova throws a kick that is mostly blocked, they clinch again. This time, Bekus simply muscles Sormova down. However, she is very loose and Bekus scrambles to take Bekus' back! She lands a few punches but is way too high. Bekus could easily shake her off to end on top, but doesn't do so. Sormova, meanwhile, doesn't take the opportunity to solidify her base. Sormova manages to stay on top, though, despite how very shaky her position is, landing the occasional short, small punch. She manages to wrap her legs around Bekus' stomach in a weird modification of a body triangle, which is supposed to be around the waist. Still, it works, and Sormova continues landing short punches as Bekus can't get out. They continue in this position, with Bekus now being the one accepting the inferior position and not taking simple steps to get out. Despite being ridiculously high and almost sliding off for the past few minutes, Sormova ends the round on her opponent's back. 10-9 Sormova.

Round 3

Sormova ambles forward, but eats a solid Bekus right cross that causes her to back up. She soon initiates a clinch, but this ends up being a wrong move, as Bekus muscles her down and ends up on top. Now in the scramble, it's Bekus who takes Sormova's back, and as with her opponent, she is very, very high. Sormova is doing a better job of getting her off, so Bekus bails on the position and returns to half-guard, where she lands the occasional small punch to the head. Rather than trying to get up, Sormova throws her own punches off her back. Bekus lands a few short forearms, which are more meaningful than her punches. Bekus tries to pass, but remains in half-guard. Soon, in fact, Sormova retains full guard, although she is still eating a steady diet of strikes. Suddenly, Bekus fires a solid right hand that lands flush. She doesn't follow it up though, going back to the same rate and intensity of GNP. Sormova spins for an armbar, but again, it's loose and Bekus isn't in major trouble. Still, it does stop the GNP, as Bekus has to fight it off. Again, she tries to just pull it straight out, and while sub-optimal, it works. Bekus ends up on her feet now, and Sormova tries upkicks. She doesn't land any significant ones, and when Sormova slowly posts up, Bekus dives all over her, soon switching to the back and then getting her back down to end the fight, adding a few elbows for good measure. 10-9 Bekus (29-28 Bekus).

The Official Result

Anita Bekus def. Magdalena Sormova via Unanimous Decision

Damian Piwowarczyk (206) vs. Marc Doussis (205)

Round 1

At light heavyweight, we have a battle of unbeaten fighters as Damian Piwowarczyk (4-0) takes on Marc Doussis (7-0). Referee Tomasz Bronder appears for the first but not last time tonight. Doussis races across the cage and picks up and slams Piwowarczyk. As Piwowarczyk tries to get back to his feet, Dousiss shows off his mammoth strength again, suplexing him! He continues throwing around Piwowarczyk like a ragdoll, but can't keep him down. He does, however, land a hard knee to the head on one get-up by Piwowarczyk. Only a little over a minute in, and Doussis has slowed down, as he and Piwowarczyk are in a 50/50 position in the clinch. The pace now slows down considerably from its electric opening. A little under 3 minutes in, and it's now Piwowarczyk who lands a big knee, hurting Doussis. Piwowarczyk goes for a guillotine choke, but it's a big mistake, allowing Doussis to get on top. However, Piwowarczyk soon scrambles out and they're back to the feet, where Doussis is suddenly looking very slow as he eats a punch. They clinch again and Piwowarczyk lands another solid knee. Now, Piwowarczyk is digging nice uppercuts in the clinch, which Doussis is simply eating. Doussis tries for a single-leg but is unsuccessful and Piwowarczyk punishes him with punches and knees. As Doussis lumbers forward, Piwowarczyk spins and goes for an Anaconda choke. It looks very tight and he rotates into Doussis, but Doussis is tough and gets out. Doussis is very tired backing up, drunkenly stumbling on his feet. He is still firing though, landing two very weak leg kicks, but then falling on a jab. Piwowarczyk is looking for a possible guillotine choke with 20 seconds left, but gives it up. He then batters Doussis with punches from short range as the belln sounds. What a round! 10-9 Piwowarczyk.

Round 2

Piwowarczyk is aggressive to start the round, but that's a mistake, as Doussis has enough energy to take him down. He seeks to pass and briefly takes the back, but Piwowarczyk once again does a great job scrambling up. Doussis has already depleted his energy and simply lets Piwowarczyk attain top position. Piwowarczyk quickly slices through his guard to mount, where he begins unloading a series of sharp, straight punches. Doussis gives up the back, and Piwowarczyk gets both hooks in. He looks for a rear-naked choke, but it's not there, and Doussis again turns around, briefly giving up mount again. He then tries to sweep, but finds himself firmly in a Piwowarczyk triangle armbar. While not the tightest of triangles, Doussis is simply too tired to fight it and is already low on oxygen. He has no choice but to top. An impressive victory by Piwowarczyk, showing that flashy slams and great physical strength mean little at this level of MMA without cardio.

The Official Result

Damian Piwowarczyk def. Marc Doussis via Submission (Triangle Armbar) at 2:21 of Round 2

Adam Niedzwiedz (175) vs. Miroslav Broz (175)

Round 1

In a rare 175 pound catchweight affair, Adam Niedzwiedz (8-4) meets Miroslav Broz (11-3). Referee Piotr Jarosz presides over this one. Broz comes forward very aggressively with punches and being off-balance, Niedzwiedz falls down. He uses the opportunity to grapple. After a wild scramble, Niedzwiedz ends on top. He is soon able to pass to side-control. Niedzwiedz is being cautious with his offense, throwing the occasional short punch, and Borz soon gets back to half-guard. Niedzwiedz is patient, and after a while, gets back to side-control, adding a few knees to the body from there. He tries to step over to mount but is blocked. He then makes an interesting decision to rotate back into the full guard. He then rotates back out into the half-guard, and soon, back to side-control. He tries to step over into mount again, but instead is back in the full-guard. Soon transitioning to half-guard, which Borz isn't even trying to stop, he lands a few short forearms, the most offense we've seen in a while. He then gets back to side control and lands a few more knees to the body, though none are hard. He lands an elbow for good measure. He then tries to get to North-South, but Borz keeps him in side control. Finally, Borz posts up with 15 seconds left in the round and tries to strike. However, nothing solid lands. 10-9 Niedzwiedz.

Round 2

Niedzwiedz lands a leg kick and Borz misses an overhand right counter. As Borz comes forward, Niedzwiedz shoots a very quick double-leg takedown and easily puts Borz on his back yet again. He is soon back in side-control and lands a few knees to the body. He then moves back to half-guard, where he chips away with short punches to the head. Borz is content to hang out on the bottom, absorbing damage. Yet again Niedzwiedz gets to side control and looks to pass to mount. He lands a few small, short elbows. He then lands a few short shoulders halfway through the round. With the referee urging more action, he lands a few more knees to the body with 2 minutes left. He then postures up a little and lands a few elbows. Borz gives up his back in trying to get up and Niedzwiedz takes up. He is ridiculously high, but Borz isn't quite able to shake him off, perhaps being tired or simply not as good on the ground. Niedzwiedz is all over his back, controlling the wrists. He lands the occasional nuisance punch. Borz finally manages to get out with 30 seconds left and is now on top himself! He lands a few small left hands to the head. Niedzwiedz is content to end the round on the bottom eating them, although he eats a few hard ones as time expires. This makes the round fairly close as Niedzwiedz did little on top, but I still have him edging it out. 10-9 Niedzwiedz.

Round 3

Niedzwiedz looks noticeably tired to begin the round. Borz punches his way onto the inside and it's him taking Niedzwiedz down! He stands up and lands a series of hard hammerfists which Niedzwiedz isn't even trying to defend. Niedzwiedz is utterly exhausted now, moving very slow and labored off his back. Borz is tired too, but not so much that he can't inflict damage. He tries to land several powerful haymakers standing, but is just out of range. After a few leg kicks, the referee stands them back up. Niedzwiedz lands a leg kick and moves back with his hands down. Borz soon clinches and easily takes him down, ending up in the full guard. Niedzwiedz is looking for a possible submission, but has nothing, and Borz postures and stands with half a round remaining. He spends a while kicking Niedzwiedz's legs, who is still grounded. Niedzwiedz is slow to rotate with his opponent, and Borz lands a hard hammerfist at one point. At another, Niedzwiedz sits up and eats a punch. However, the referee soon stands them up, a decision I disagree with. Niedzwiedz looks drunk on his feet, missing a wild kick and then going for a desperate takedown which leaves him on the canvas again, with Borz standing. Borz touches him with a few punches but can't land the haymaker, and the ref again restarts them on their feet. Niedzwiedz is drunkenly going back with his hands down. He ducks a Borz right hook, and as soon as they clinch, he is on his back again. Niedzwiedz lands a few hammerfists. He lands an elbow and then stands up, partially landing a punch as he dives back into the guard as time expires. A tough fight to score. 10-8 Borz (28-28 Draw).

The Official Result

Adam Niedzwiedz and Miroslav Broz fight to a Draw (Majority)

Michal Kita (244) vs. Marek Samociuk (252)

Round 1

In the card's lone heavyweight bout, 41 year-old veteran Michal Kita (20-13-1), fresh off knockout losses to Darko Stosic and Philip de Fries, takes on an easier foe in Marek Samociuk (3-1). Referee Marc Goddard will handle the big boys. Samociuk throws a leg kick that misses, but Kita's connects. Kita throws a body kick that partially lands. Samociuk now lands a hard leg kick. He then lands another leg kick, and then yet another hard leg kick. Kita lumbers forward but eats a right hand. Samociuk ducks under a Kita overhand right and soon lands yet another leg kick. Kita misses the jab, and then Samociuk lands a body kick. Kita partially lands his own leg kick. Samociuk goes back to the well with a leg kick. This time, Kita shoots and manages to get Samociuk down. He immediately postures up and lands a right hand. He then moves into half-guard and lands a few hard elbows. He postures up again and Samociuk is solidly on the floor, eating the ensuing elbows. He fully stands and now lands several hard punches to the grounded Samociuk. Samociuk tries to posture up but gives up the back. Kita takes it and mercilessly unleashes punch after punch to the head of Samociuk, absolutely none of which are defended. After a barrage of unanswered blows, Marc Goddard has no choice but to stop the contest. The contest was a night and day contrast between the feet and floor.

The Official Result

Michal Kita def. Marek Samociuk via TKO (Punches) at 3:22 of Round 1

Roman Szymanski (156) vs. Mateusz Legierski (156)

Round 1

Moving on, Roman Szymanski (14-6) looks to derail undefeated 25 year-old Mateusz Legierski (7-0) in a lightweight clash. Referee Tomasz Bronder will have the best vantage point in the house for this one. Szymanski goes for a jumping knee which misses and then clinches. He manages to get Legierski down. Szymanski is in the closed full guard. He lands a few short punches, but nothing significant. Legierski looks to posture on his hops, but Szymanski blocks any attempts before they can even begin. Szymanski goes for some short shoulder strikes, but isn't landing anything significant. Finally, halfway through the round, the referee stands them up. Szymanski scores almost immediately afterwards with a leg kick. After Legierski answers with a leg kick that mostly misses, Szymanski shoots a double-leg and easily gets his foe to the ground. This time, he manages to step over into the half-guard. He is working hard to get into side-control, but Legierski is blocking him from doing so. He temporarily gets it, but Legierski then rgains half-guard. Legierski is undeterred and gets side-control. As Szymanski tries to get up, Legierski takes his back. Legierski is on his knees and Szymanksi is landing knees to the body. Suddenly, it's Legierski who has his back, but not for long, as they both stand at range as the bell ends to signal the first round. 10-9 Szymanski.

Round 2

Legierski starts aggressively, landing a leg kick. Szymanski lands a jab to the body. Szymanski, off a Legierski leg kick, shoots in on another double-leg and again gets his opponent down. Once again, he finds himself in the closed full guard. He briefly postures up, but then returns to being on top of his opponent, landing a right hand. Szymanski is more active than he was in the first, slamming his opponent and then adding a few elbows for good measure. He postures up and lands a short, cutting elbow and then another one, which Legierski is defending worse this round. Once agin, using the fact that Legierski is glued to him, Szymanski gets a small slam off. He follows this with several right hands to the body. He postures up and lands a few more short elbows. Legierski briefly tries butterfly hooks to get him off, but this merely ends with Szymanski in half-guard. Szymanski now looks for a possible arm triangle, but soon abandons it and goes back to the well with short punches and elbows. Legierski is going for a half-guard sweep, but Szymanski is too heavy from the top. Suddenly, Szymanski unloads with a series of hard punches to the side of Legierski's head, and one of them causes him to go limp! The referee steps in. A very impressive, dominant victory for Szymanski!

The Official Result

Roman Szymanski def. Mateusz Legierski via KO (Punches) at 4:47 of Round 2

Damian Stasiak (145) vs. Ali Eskiev (146)

Round 1

At featherweight, Damian Stasiak (13-7), who has won 2 straight in KSW, both by submission, faces Chechneyan and ACB veteran Ali Eskiev (9-2), who hasn't lost since 2013. Referee Piotr Jarosz is the third man in the cage. Both men begin very tentatively, firing jabs. Stasiak partially lands a front kick to the body. Suddenly, when Stasiak crashes the pocket, Eskiev unleashes a monster overhand right and it seems to briefly clip Stasiak. However, he doesn't folllow up on the strike. Stasiak gets back out and circles at range. Eskiev lands a straight right to the stomach. Stasiak throws a 3-2, but both punches are blocked. Eskiev catches Stasiak with a right cross, making Stasiak even more cautious. Stasiak dodges an Eskiev right cross along the fence and they clinch. They exchange knees, though none are hard. Finally, Eskiev pushes Stasiak off. Stasiak misses an overhand right and very nearly eats a knee for his troubles. Eskiev again clips Stasiak with an overhand right, forcing him to clinch. Eskiev soon pushes him off. Stasiak tries a leg kick, but gets countered hard with a right cross, knocking him down. Eskiev goes to work with vicious ground-and-pound, a mix of hammerfists, punches, and elbows, many getting through. The referee is taking a very close look. However, Stasiak manages to tie up Eskiev in the nick of time. Eskiev decides to stand up with 30 seconds left, perhaps believing he can knock out his opponent. Stasiak retreats straight back and then goes for a very tired takedown attempt. Eskiev walks him down and lands a big uppercut, forcing another clinch. A very one-sided round for Eskiev. 10-8 Eskiev.

Round 2

Stasiak begins the round backing up. Eskiev lands with a clean jab and then partially gets a right hook through. Eskiev lands another hard jab and then follows it with a right cross that has Stasiak backing up. After landing a body punch, Stasiak again clinches. He manages to stall Eskiev for a while against the cage. Stasiak lands a knee to the head, perhaps his first solid strike of the contest. Stasiak, after a while, lands a knee to the gut. Eskiev responds with a short uppercut and Stasiak lands another knee. However, Eskiev expertly manages to rotate his opponent and eventually get him down. Eskiev is now in his opponent's half-guard. Eskiev does a fine job of controlling the wrists, preventing a possible wall-walk. He postures fully up, and then beckons his opponent to stand with him. Stasiak misses a front kick. Stasiak fires a head kick and it's blocked. He does, however, touch Eskiev with a spinning back-kick to the stomach. Eskiev blocks another head kick and then a second one. Eskiev blocks a 1-2 and then dodges a front kick to the body. Eskiev is far more defensive now, perhaps feeling tired, though Stasiak isn't capitalizing. Stasiak tries a spinning back elbow, but it's solidly blocked. Eskiev goes for a right cross but Stasiak ducks under and clinches. Suddenly, Stasiak comes forward and lands a few solid punches! Eskiev fires a few power punches at the bell, but they miss. A very close round and a big turn-around for Stasiak. 10-9 Stasiak.

Round 3

Eskiev begins the round with a jab. He tries a kick and Stasiak catches it, but isn't quite able to get the takedown from it, as Eskiev acrobatically recovers. As Eskiev comes forward, Stasiak clinches, where he has been doing better and better. However, Eskiev has partially recovered his energy, and again gets the same turning trip against Stasiak that he did the previous round. This time, he works the position, and when Stasiak tries to sweep, briefly gets the mount. However, Stasiak soon regains half-guard and even full-guard. In full-guard, Stasiak lands some hard elbows to the head from the bottom. Eskiev decides to stand. On the feet, Eskiev looks very tired, as Stasiak comes forward and lands short punches and knees. On one such exchange, he lands a hard right hook. Stasiak suddenly feels tired as well, and Eskiev comes forward, albeit with little effect. Off a missed Stasiak head kick, Eskiev lands a hard overhand right that hurts his foe. He then comes forward and scores with a few hooks to the body. Stasiak responds with a head kick that is blocked and then Eskiev gets a nifty takedown. Stasiak fights for a possible kneebar as time expires. They both rise and exchange punches to end a very spirited fight. 10-9 Eskiev (29-27 Eskiev).

The Official Result

Ali Eskiev def. Damian Stasiak via Unanimous Decision

KSW Featherweight Title Fight:
Daniel Torres (146: Missed Weight) vs. Salahdine Parnasse (145)

Round 1

Now in the co-main event, we have our first KSW title bout, as we have an exciting rematch between defending champion Daniel Torres (12-4) and Salahdine Parnasse (15-1-1), whose lone defeat was a knockout loss via a sensational forearm strike to Torres in the KSW 58 main event. Should be an exciting showdown. Referee Marc Goddard gets the assignment. Both men begin very cautiously. Torres misses a leg kick. Parnasse misses one of his own in return. Torres goes for a big left hook that Parnasse dodges, but it initiates a clinch. Torres gets double underhooks and pushes Parnasse to the cage, but can't get the takedown. Both men land short, nuisance punches against one another. Torres lands a nice knee to the body. However, Parnasse gets out and is now the one pushing Torres against the cage. Torres lands another knee to the body and they disengage, returning to striking at range. Parnasse misses a couple of front kicks. Torres scores with a nice body kick. Parnasse soon responds with a leg kick, though it's not that hard. Torres comes forward, lands a body kick, and it's Parnasse who clinches. However, Torres gets the better of him and nearly gets off a throw. He tries very hard to get a follow-up trip, but Parnasse stays on his feet, now pushing Torres into the cage. Torres pushes him off and they're back to striking at range with 90 seconds left. Parnasse misses a 1-2. Torres misses a wild right hook, but Parnasse's attempt to get a takedown is blocked as well. Parnasse comes forward and dodges another Torres right hook. A nice round for the champion. 10-9 Torres.

Round 2

Parnasse begins the round well, faking with a quick leg kick and then immediately going upstairs, rocking Torres. However, he doesn't follow up and the pace slows. As Parnasse comes forward, Torres clinches and pushes him into the fence. Torres lands a few short knees to the thighs. Parnasse switches to a headlock, looking for a possible guillotine, but Torres jukes him and then pushes him off. Parnasse partially gets through a lightning-quick right cross. Parnasse lands a fast, hard leg kick, but it's low. They soon resume. As Torres comes forward with a quick, it's Parnasse who shoots and gets a nice takedown. However, in the ensuing scramble, Torres gets back up and is now the one pushing Parnasse into the cage. Parnasse stays upright with a whizzer and soon pushes him off to return to range. Torres barely blocks another Parnasse head kick that gets through. Parnasse scores with a jab, but Torres gets a left hook partly through. Parnasse touches Torres with a jab. Torres partly gets a left hook through and then adds a right hook for good measure. They briefly clinch, where Torres lands a knee to the body, but then return to range. Torres again brawls forward and lands a short left hook. Parnasse retaliates with a jab. Torres misses a flying knee as the bell sounds. A nice bounceback round for the challenger. 10-9 Parnasse.

Round 3

Torres bounces easily at range. Parnasse touches him with a leg kick, more to test the distance than anything. Torres comes forward with punches and it's Parnasse who briefly hits a single-leg before Torres immediately gets up. Parnasse lands a jab. Torres chases after him but is unable to connect. Torres partly lands a front kick to the body but then eats a clean jab. Parnasse soon lands yet another nice jab. Torres crashes forward and throws a left uppercut, but Parnasse ducks and clinches in time. Torres throws a nice headkick that Parnasse only barely defends. Parnasse lands another jab. Parnasse throws a right cross, Torres slips it, but then misses his own hooks. Parnasse lands another very nice jab and then a second. Torres clinches, and when Parnasse defends, Torres locks in a very deep guillotine. He marches Parnasse to the cage with it, giving him nowhere to escape. However, Parnasse guts through it and takes Torres down. In the ensuing scramble, Torres manages to sweep Parnasse and get on top! Torres utilizes a very interesting tactic; with a Dagestani leg trap, he repeatedly punches Parnasse in the butt! Torres still technically has mount, but Parnasse is holding his head down and he is lower on the body. Torres works his way up, with the occasional short punch, as Parnasse tries to find a hip. Parnasse tries to get up, but Torres returns him to the canvas. However, in the process Parnasse gets half-guard and then gets to full-guard. Torres lands a few nuisance punches as the round ends. Parnasse looks tired. 10-9 Torres.

Round 4

Parnasse begins the round landing a jab. Soon, he lands a couple of leg kicks too, though all three strikes lack the steam of his earlier ones. He lands another leg kick for good measure. A body kick of his is blocked, though. Torres gets touched by another Parnasse jab. Parnasse does a good job circling, landing two more jabs. Suddenly, with 3 minutes left, and losing the round, Torres shoots in hard. Parnasse defends, but Torres has the better position along the cage. Eventually, he manages to lift Parnasse and take him down. However, in the ensuing scramble, it's Parnasse who gets top position, settling into half-guard with less than half the round left. Torres shrimps to the fence and expertly wall-walks back up. He eats a nice 1-2 from Parnasse and then a body kick. Parnasse pops him with another jab. I noted that Parnasse was tired at the end of round 3, but Torres is more tired still. Parnasse lands a nice leg kick. With a minute left, the crowd becomes restless, perhaps expecting more fireworks. Parnasse responds by touching Torres with a jab. He soon lands a cleaner one. Parnasse now landing a third jab. Parnasse throws a head kick that is blocked but a leg kick of his gets through. Torres comes forward and when Parnasse tries to get him down, Torres lands a nice right uppercut, his best of the stanza. It's not enough, though, and I have it all tied up going into the final round. 10-9 Parnasse.

Round 5

Parnasse begins the round again popping Torres with a nice jab. Torres misses a few punches and Parnasse hits him with another neat jab. Torres decides to clinch, but Parnasse is ready, and they're in a 50/50 position. Parnasse soon pushes him off and returns to range. Parnasse fires off a head kick that is barely blocked and Torres' strikes are avoided, too. Torres reaches forward badly with a right hand, but isn't punished for it. Parnasse is clearly tired now, too. Parnasse paws and Torres comes forward, but nothing lands. Both men miss hooks at short distance. Parnasse misses a left cross but connects with a right jab. Halfway through the final round, and it's anyone's fight. Parnasse lands a jab, and then another nice one that snaps Torres' head back. Torres throws a lumbering right cross that is blocked. Parnasse lands two more jabs, peppering Torres. Parnasse now lands a couple of jabs and also two left hooks as Torres crashes the distance, though none are too hard. Parnasse continues moving well and lands yet another jab. He blocks a few Torres kicks to th stomach and then hits him with another clean jab. As Torres comes forward, Parnasse now nails him with a clean 1-2, forcing Torres to think more of defense. Paransse lands a short punch. Torres desperately clinches with 40 seconds left, and he uses his last bit of strength to get an outside trip, landing in half-guard. However, he is too tired to do much from on top, merely holding on. The championship fight ends. I have the challenger edging it out. 10-9 Parnasse (48-47 Parnasse).

The Official Result

Salahdine Parnasse def. Daniel Torres via Unanimous Decision

KSW Middleweight Title Fight:
Mamed Khalidov (185) vs. Roberto Soldic (184.75)

Round 1

Lastly, in the main event, Polish fighting legend Mamed Khalidov (35-7-2), who captured the middlweight title in a shocking and incredible 36 second knockout of heavily favored Scott Askham, snapping a 3 fight losing streak, seeks to fend off KSW welterweight champion Roberto Soldic (19-3), moving up to challenge him, who has 16 of his wins via knockout. Khalidov is also 41 years old to Soldic's 26 years. Referee Tomasz Bronder will get the final championship assignment. Khalidov begins with a couple of kicks, but Soldic dodges out of range. Khalidov fires another big head kick, but it's telegraphed and Soldic avoids it as well. Khalidov jumps forward with a flying knee, but he misses and Soldic partially scores with a right cross. Soldic lands a leg kick, and after Khalidov misses one of his own, adds another one for good measure. Soldic throws a huge overhand left that Khalidov blocks. Khalidov with a nice right cross that partially gets through. Soldic comes forward with a vicious overhand left but misses. Khalidov gets a few kicks through. Soldic throws a leg kick that is neatly checked by Khalidov, who uses it to get a nice takedown. The pace now slows. Halfway through the round, Khalidov opens up with some punches to the body and tries to advance position. However, Soldic gets to the cage and stands up. Khalidov lands a short elbow to the head. Khalidov expertly changes levels for an ankle pick, but Soldic defends. Then, it's Soldic who gets off a textbook harai goshi hip throw. However, Khalidov gets up and they return to striking range. Suddenly, Soldic lands a head kick that hurts Khalidov. Khalidov drunkenly dodges a few punches and seems to have partly recovered. Soldic lands a leg kick. Soldic loads up on a huge left cross that Khalidov steps out of range of. Khalidov is already noticeably slowed down, but still lands a front kick to the body. Soldic lands a leg kick. Khalidov goes for a crazy flying knee, it misses, and Soldic lands a hard leg kick. 10-9 Soldic.

Round 2

Soldic goes back to the well with a leg kick, which lands. Soldic then adds another one, as Khalidov is moving slower. A Khalidov leg kick misses. Soon, Soldic lands a third leg kick. Soldic then decides to shoot in on the hips, and soon gets an outside trip against Khalidov. Soldic immediately clips Khalidov with a very hard elbow on the chin, but then gets up, punishing Khalidov's legs with kicks. Khalidov is famous for his upkicks and throws them as Soldic tries to advance position. However, one of Soldic's kicks to a grounded Khalidov is very low, prompting a cry of agony from Khalidov and a break to the action. After a considerable pause, they resume, now on the feet. Soldic lands a leg kick and then a sharp right hook. Khalidov tries to respond with a head kick, but it's blocked. An interesting Khalidov right uppercut is blocked as well. Soldic lands a left cross to the body and soon a leg kick. Soldic tags Khalidov with a couple of left hands against the cage. A Soldic leg kick is finally checked but he partially gets a punch through to the body. Khalidov goes for a nice spinning elbow that partially lands, but it doesn't slow Soldic down much. Soldic partially gets a big left cross through and now has Khalidov against the fence. He lands twice to the body and then once to the head before Khalidov gets off there. Khalidov is firing, but not landing. Suddenly, he gets a shot through but Soldic nails him back with a huge right hook. Both men are wobbled! They continue brawling, but this is not to Khalidov's advantage, as he eats another monster right hook, right on the button, that lays him out completely cold! Wow! Yet another sensational victory for Roberto Soldic, now a KSW double champ, and certainly one of the very best fighters outside of either the UFC or Bellator. As Soldic celebrates, Khalidov is still out cold on his back.

The Official Result

Roberto Soldic def. Mamed Khalidov via KO (Punch) at 3:40 of Round 2