At just 30 years old and still unbeaten, Mariusz Ksiazkiewicz wants to build momentum heading into a crucial matchup.
Ksiazkiewicz (7-0) steps into the octagon against Guilherme Miranda (18-8) for a middleweight bout at Teofista: Fight For The Troops on Saturday night in Brandon, MB.
Despite boasting a perfect professional record, Ksiazkiewicz has competed in only one match over the past three years, a gap he believes must shrink if he hopes to attract interest from larger organizations.
"Promotions have reached out and told me 'just a few more victories,'" Ksiazkiewicz shared during a conversation. "But when you stay inactive, they move on."
"My focus remains entirely on Miranda. I'm not anticipating any magic to unfold after this victory, but I'll evaluate what comes next fight by fight."
Ksiazkiewicz hasn't fought once in three years, and over the last six years he has appeared in the cage only three times.
Injuries to himself, injuries to opponents, and canceled fight cards have created a frustrating period that he hopes is finally ending.
"All the reasons why a fight could fall through have played out for me in the last three years," Ksiazkiewicz noted.
"I'm praying that once this fight wraps up, things accelerate and I can string together some consecutive bouts."
Homecoming
A Winnipeg native, Ksiazkiewicz gets to compete in his home province for the first time in over six years—a short drive from where he grew up.
He expressed enthusiasm about fighting near home and intends to savor the experience.
"I've always been the road warrior, showing up in someone else's city as the underdog," Ksiazkiewicz said.
"I've been telling friends and family the exact same thing: the last time I fought in Manitoba was six and a half years ago, so pay attention, because it might be another six and a half years before I step in the cage here again."
Identifying as a middleweight, Ksiazkiewicz holds a notable size edge over Miranda, who has spent most of his career competing at lightweight.
He believes that size advantage will heavily influence the outcome and thinks Miranda erred by jumping up significantly in weight class.
"Moving up 30 pounds is never wise," Ksiazkiewicz explained.
"Being able to absorb strikes at 155 doesn't guarantee you can handle them from a 185-pound fighter. My frame will wear him down, and I'll profit from it as the fight progresses."
Ksiazkiewicz's Shoutouts
"I want to appreciate my friends and family, everyone behind me, my training partners, my coaches (Curtis Brigham, Vitaliy Romankov, Craig Penniston, Dave Zuniga), and my sponsors (The Baltic Brothers, Gorilla Jack Supplements, United Therapies STRIVE, South Winnipeg Physiotherapy)." Follow Ksiazkiewicz on social media: INSTAGRAM
