Several
years ago, Mariusz Zastawny was looking for a new way to channel his
competitive drive, and after diving into martial arts training, the former body
builder knew he had found what he was looking for. Since beginning that new
chapter in 2008, Zastawny has gone on to compete in four professional MMA
bouts, and is busy preparing for his next challenge at King of the Cage
Canada’s “Stand and Deliver” card.
“I
got started back in 08,” Zastawny said while recalling the first steps he made
into mixed-martial-arts. “Before that I was involved in competitive
bodybuilding, which I found very political. I really enjoyed training, and
being at the gym; I really loved the competition aspect, but I wanted to do
something that was a little more black-and-white in terms of end results and
judging.”
When
Zastawny decided to enter the MMA world, the Poland born fighter didn’t
anticipate to be making his pro debut not long after. In March, 2009, Zastawny
launched his MMA career by recording a first round, TKO win over Cody Zatorski at
KOTC Canada’s “Turbulence” card.
“It
definitely started as just a hobby,” said the 36 year-old, Edmonton resident,
who wrestled in high school. “I just wanted to see if I could do something with
my wrestling. I was really intrigued with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and the
submission game. It just kind of took off on its own.”
After
winning his pro debut, Zastawny dropped his next two bouts, before returning to
the win column last March at KOTC Canada’s “Brawl in the Mall 4” card. On that
night Zastawny scored another first round win by stopping Jason Rorick.
“I
think so far, I’ve been a pretty straightforward what you would expect from a
wrestler,” said Zastawny, while discussing what he brings to the cage. “I can
exchange with the best of them and as soon as I have that opening to take a guy
down and grind out a win, is normally my go to move. This time around, however,
I’m fighting a guy with the same amount of experience, probably more experience
in the wrestling game, so it should be a really good challenge for me.”
Zastawny
is referring to fellow KOTC vet Mike Froese, who he will fight at the
promotion’s upcoming November 16th, “Stand and Deliver” event at Edmonton’s
Mirage Banquet.
“I’ve
actually been to the gym he trains out of and I trained with him a couple of
times a couple of years ago,” Zastawny said about Froese, who is coming off a
submission loss to KOTC Canadian Middleweight Champion Elmer Waterhen in March.
“He’s had a lot of success, more fights, and more time to train than I have.”
“Previously
we were in different weight categories,” Zastawny added. “This is the second
time the fight’s been offered to me, so I basically see it as a sign. It’s
meant to happen. It keeps getting thrown on the table. I don’t know if its the
organization, or if it’s him personally wanting this fight. It’s been offered
twice now so I took it.”
The
November 16th bout will be contested at a catchweight of 200 pounds.
“I’ve
had a hard time making 205 before,” Zastawny said. “This time around, however,
I’ve had a long layoff due to work and other things in my life, so I’m actually
coming into this fight a little bit lighter. So I’m hoping to make a new weight
of 200...this will be my first time cutting down that low, so it’s all about
the experience and whether or not it works for me.”
And
what kind of fight does Zastawny expect fans will witness at “Stand and
Deliver”?
“This
is going to be a pretty quick fight,” said Zastawny, who in particular,
credited Edmonton vet Cody Krahn for helping him prepare for Froese. “It’s just
going to be a matter of who gets the takedown first. You’re looking at two
guys, with the same style of fighting, and same type of aggression just wanting
to impose their will. It’s a matter of who pulls the trigger first.”
Tickets
for “Stand and Deliver” can be purchased by heading to ClubZone.com or at the
Wild West Shooting Centre.
