Artur Szpilka, a former opponent of Deontay Wilder, is making significant strides in the world of mixed martial arts.
Previously a heavyweight boxing contender with a professional record of 24 wins and 5 losses, Poland`s Artur Szpilka recently rebounded from his initial MMA defeat last year, which came via a rapid 14-second TKO.
Szpilka`s return took place at KSW 105 this past Saturday. He competed in his home country on the same fight card as strongman legends Eddie Hall and Mariusz Pudzianowski, the five-time World`s Strongest Man, whom Szpilka had previously stopped in a fight.
While Pudzianowski is arguably his most recognized opponent in MMA, it`s also notable that Szpilka engaged in a nine-round battle with the then-WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder before `The Bronze Bomber` ended the contest with a knockout in their 2016 bout.
Given his extensive boxing background, Szpilka`s method of victory in his latest cage fight was particularly unexpected.
Artur Szpilka Overcame Early Knockdown Against Former Kickboxer
Having been an active MMA fighter for close to three years, Szpilka improved his professional record to 4 wins and 1 loss when he faced former kickboxing standout Errol Zimmerman in their heavyweight clash.
His fifth professional MMA fight concluded relatively quickly.
Weighing in at 252 lbs, Szpilka was knocked down early in the opening minute by Zimmerman and had to fight defensively on the ground to survive the initial onslaught.
Despite Zimmerman`s strong start to the round, he was ultimately unable to finish the Polish fighter, and Szpilka managed to regain his footing.
Artur Szpilka Secured His First Submission Win at KSW 105
Following the early trouble, Szpilka successfully executed a takedown, a move that ultimately led to Zimmerman`s defeat.
Less than two minutes into the first round, Szpilka transitioned to top control and initiated an attempt at an arm triangle choke.
Within moments of applying pressure, Zimmerman was compelled to submit to the choke.
After competing in 29 boxing matches and 4 prior MMA bouts, the relatively new mixed martial artist Artur Szpilka earned his inaugural submission victory. This marked an emotional occasion for the 36-year-old fighter competing in his native Poland.
In the aftermath of his win, Szpilka issued a challenge to his former opponent Arkadiusz Wrzosek, who had previously knocked him out in just 14 seconds during their fight at KSW 94 last May.
