Former Dana White's Contender Series prospect Mariusz Ksiazkiewicz is gearing up to return to competition this weekend.
On the card at LFA 130 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Ksiazkiewicz (9-1) is set to headline in a middleweight matchup versus Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner Alessandro Gambulino (12-3), who is also stepping into the LFA for the first time. Gambulino enters the bout riding a three-fight win streak, with two of those victories coming by early-round submission.
Ksiazkiewicz, 32, appears unfazed by what his opponent brings to the fight, particularly regarding overall skill set.
"He is a black belt, I think a six-year black belt. It isn't a secret," Ksiazkiewicz said during a conversation with MMA Empire.
"Look at him fight; if it isn't a BJJ type fight, he doesn't bring much else with him. I'm big for the weight class; I knocked out a top 205er my last fight. He is small for for the weight class. I respect him and his BJJ skills, but he better hope this goes to the ground early or it'll be a quick night for him. He doesn't want any part of striking with me."
Looking ahead, the newcomer to LFA isn't stressing over when the UFC might reach out.
Ksiazkiewicz has reportedly been on the UFC's radar for some time, and he believes the opportunity is just waiting to materialize.
"I mean, I'm not sure what they are looking for to be honest," Ksiazkiewicz noted.
"I felt I was ready for that call after last fight. I don't know, can't dwell on it honestly. The call will come when it comes; it is coming. Until then, I'll focus on winning as many fights as I can until it comes."
Despite joining a prominent new promotion, he views the path forward as familiar terrain.
Fighting under the LFA banner—short for Legacy Fighting Alliance, a promotion known for developing UFC-caliber talent—the Polish fighter told MMA Empire he signed a three-fight agreement.
"My management has a great relationship with LFA. It is not exclusive, I can fight elsewhere regionally if I don't have an upcoming fight with LFA. It is a long time coming. I feel I've been in talk with LFA for awhile at this point," he explained.
"It is special, you know, LFA is a big-time promotion and will help me improve to the next step in the near future. To be headlining is what is truly special."
Ksiazkiewicz's last outing came in December 2021, roughly five months prior. In the pandemic-disrupted era many fighters have endured, competing twice in six months represents a sense of routine that few on the regional circuit have experienced recently.
"It is normal. It feels almost weird to be doing it," Ksiazkiewicz remarked.
"It has been a lot of training for the last few years. Almost everyone is a different fighter than they were two years ago. It feels normal; I'm happy to compete as much as possible and this allows that to happen."
Follow Ksiazkiewicz on social media: INSTAGRAM
