What is KSW?
KSW, short for Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki, is Poland’s top MMA promotion — and one of Europe’s biggest combat sports organizations. Founded in 2004, KSW built its name on spectacle, nationalism, and real fight talent. While the UFC was conquering America, KSW was packing arenas in Warsaw and Gdańsk, growing regional stars and putting Poland on the global MMA map.
How KSW Sets Itself Apart from UFC and Bellator
Where the UFC emphasizes sport and rankings, KSW leans into drama and grandeur. They’ve held record-breaking stadium events, most notably KSW 39 at PGE Narodowy, drawing over 57,000 fans — the second-largest MMA crowd in history. Their walkouts are theatrical, their production unmatched outside the UFC, and their matchmaking often prioritizes entertainment over strict meritocracy.
Importantly, KSW also cultivates long-term local heroes. While the UFC rotates international cards, KSW doubles down on Polish and Eastern European talent, building loyal hometown fanbases around fighters like Mamed Khalidov, Roberto Soldic, and Tomasz Narkun. These aren’t one-off attractions — they’re cornerstones of the brand.
The Global Rise: From Poland to the World
KSW’s profile exploded in the mid-2010s. Events like KSW 50 brought the brand to London, while top talents like Dricus du Plessis and Soldic made waves in the UFC and other international promotions.
Watching Soldic and Du Plessis tear through global promotions now? It makes you realize just how deep KSW’s talent pool really is. And with new faces like Salahdine Parnasse and Adrian Bartosiński rising fast, KSW 108 signals a new generation taking over.
Legendary Fighters and Fights
No conversation about KSW is complete without Mamed Khalidov. A cultural icon in Poland, Khalidov delivered fireworks against names like Borys Mańkowski (watch here) and heavyweight strongman Mariusz Pudzianowski at KSW 65.
Phil De Fries, the long-reigning heavyweight champ, has quietly become one of the most dominant forces in all of MMA. His win over Tomasz Narkun at KSW 47 and his extended title run are covered in depth in MMAtown’s blog: see this article and this highlight reel.
Other classic wars worth revisiting? Soldic vs. Du Plessis remains a defining clash between future UFC contenders, and Parnasse vs. Rajewski is a technical masterclass with European flair.
Why English-Speaking Fans Should Pay Attention
If you’ve written off KSW as “just a regional show,” it’s time to take a second look. This is a league where world-class athletes are forged — then exported to the UFC or PFL. It’s also a rare blend of elite production value, true knockout power, and emotionally charged rivalries that feel absent in homogenized U.S. events.
MMAtown has followed KSW closely, especially through exclusive video coverage like KSW 108’s promo, KSW 107 weigh-ins, and KSW 106 recap. For English-speaking fans craving something different — this is your way in.
KSW Is Here to Stay
With consistent cards, international reach, and a growing pipeline of elite fighters, KSW is no longer Europe’s “best kept secret.” Call it what you want — a proving ground, a spectacle, or Poland’s answer to the UFC — but KSW is here, and it’s not going anywhere.
Explore more of our KSW content below and stay tuned for full fight cards, results, and exclusive breakdowns. You’ll be ahead of the curve when the next breakout star emerges from Warsaw, Paris, or Prague.
Quick FAQ
Where can I watch KSW events?
You can stream KSW live at KSWTV.com or on select regional broadcasters depending on your location.
Is KSW only for Polish fighters?
Not at all. While KSW started in Poland, it features talent from across Europe and beyond — including Brazil, South Africa, the UK, and more.
