De Fries’ Polish delight with his British world first

SUNDERLAND heavyweight mixed martial arts star Phil De Fries says “watch this space” after he upset the odds to become KSW heavyweight champion. De Fries, who had a fivefight run with the UFC between 2011 and 2013, became the first Britishborn fighter to win a world title in KSW – a big MMA promotion run in Poland, largely considered one of the leading organisations in Europe. Although going in to the bout last Saturday against Michal Andryszak as the underdog, De Fries managed to overcome an early onslaught from the home favourite to score a takedown and then finish the fight off on the ground with punches that forced the referee to step in.

De Fries reflected: “Coming away with the win is fantastic, especially since I was a heavy underdog.

“It was tough but I felt I was pretty dominant throughout and it was definitely a good fight for the fans.

“In many ways (the hostile crowd) delivers pressure, but I always had faith in my ability from the start. I wasn’t that hurt, in retrospect, during the fight. His shots were landing on the gloves mostly, but it was pretty tense when he came out firing so quickly. “It feels amazing, especially to bring the belt back to the North East as it’s most prestigious belt that’s come here.”

The 32-year-old, who trains out of Team Fish Tank in Roker, Sunderland, has had plenty of ups and downs throughout his career.

He lost three of his five UFC fights, although two of those were against current champion Stipe Miocic – who also now holds the record for most defences of the UFC heavyweight title – as well as highly rated ex-NFL star Matt Mitrione, currently competing in, and favourite to win, Bellator’s heavyweight Grand Prix.

Known more as a wrestler back then, De Fries has developed his skillset a lot since then and is currently on a three-fight winning run which has taken him to the number one spot in the British heavyweight rankings.

So what does his future hold? Would he like another shot in the UFC?

Well, the title win was fight one of a four-fight deal he has signed with KSW, and his message to any potential challenger was simple...

“UFC is possible in the future but I’m extremely happy with KSW for the time being really.

“Just watch this space. That belt is staying with me!”