KSW 77: Mamed Khalidov vs. Mariusz Pudzianowski preview and prediction
By Alec Arritola
Preview and prediction for Mamed Khalidov vs. Mariusz Pudzianowski at KSW 77.
Two mixed martial arts legends will clash in a star-studded super-fight to headline Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki 77.
Arguably the two biggest names on the KSW roster, Mariusz Pudzianowski (17-7) and Mamed Khalidov (35-8), will meet each other in the cage on Dec. 17 at the Arena Gliwice in Gliwice, Poland, for a heavyweight showdown.
The 45-year-old Pudzianowski is currently riding a five-fight knockout win streak, with back-to-back first-round finishes. His most recent victory was over Michal Materla at KSW 70 in May.
Khalidov will move up a staggering two weight divisions from middleweight to face Pudzianowski at heavyweight for this bout. Khalidov, the former light heavyweight and middleweight champion, has not fought since his Dec. 2021 knockout loss to Roberto Soldic. Additionally, Khalidov has lost four of his past five contests.
The KSW 77 co-main event will feature a trilogy bout between reining the bantamweight champion Sebastian Przybysz (10-2) and the challenger Jakub Wiklacz (13-3).
Who will win at KSW 77: Mamed Khalidov or Mariusz Pudzianowski?
Given his weight discrepancy and recent lackluster performances, Khalidov seems to be at a genuine disadvantage against the five-time “World’s Strongest Man” winner. While Khalidov has lost four of his last five fights at middleweight, Pudzianowski has strung together a five-fight knockout win streak at heavyweight.
Despite some glaring disadvantages, Khalidov still poses a legitimate threat to Pudzianowski. Before his downturn, Khalidov had amassed 34 wins in 35 fights across two weight divisions, winning the vast majority by finish. Khalidov is a dual threat on his feet or the ground, holding 15 knockout and 16 submission victories. Conversely, Pudzianowski has never won by submission.
While Khalidov has the skill set to win this fight, all the signs point towards a Pudzianowski finish.
Prediction: Pudzianowski via knockout
Next. KSW 70 results: Mariusz Pudzianowski KO's Michał Materla. dark