When five-time World’s Strongest Man winner Mariusz Pudzianowski decided to undertake his first MMA bout, it was against professional boxer and fellow MMA first-timer Marcin Najman, and fans were not sure what to expect. Obviously, if he were to get his hands on an opponent, they’d crumble under his might; however, we see giants or strongmen being toppled by more experienced and skilled adversaries time and time again in our sport.
The action here begins with Pudzianowski stalking Najman, with his power hand cocked and loaded. Pudzianowski eventually sees his opening and unloads with a barrage of low kicks that hit Najman so hard they send him airborne— bouncing around the ring like a pinball. Pandemonium erupts in the arena as the largely Polish crowd in Warsaw cheer on their beloved countryman.
Najman is being hit so hard that he’s no longer showing any signs of composure and the look on his face is one of sheer terror. Unable to withstand the force of the blows, Najman eventually collapses and is overcome with a barrage of devastating ground-and-pound that inevitably stops the contest in the very first round. All in all, Pudzianowski’s first fight was a remarkable display of physical strength and dominance and the start of a very entertaining career.
Mariusz Zbigniew Pudzianowski, known in Poland as Pudzian” or “Pudz” would go on to have a remarkable career in MMA, and it continues to this day. With a record of 17-7-1, and currently on a five-fight win streak, Pudzianowski has amassed a remarkable number of records in the the great KSW (Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki or “Martial Arts Confrontation”) promotion, where he fought almost exclusively. These include:
•Knockout of the Night (Two times) vs. Rolles Gracie Jr. and Michal Materla;
•Most wins in KSW heavyweight history (17);
•3rd most wins in KSW history (17);
•3rd most fights in KSW history (24); and,
•Most knockouts in KSW history (12).
