Clout MMA: Ex-Schalke star, ex-UFC contender and a translator enter cage in Poland’s new promotion
- Seb Sternik
- 3 August 2023
Just when you thought you’ve seen it all, the Polish freak fight scene is always there to prove you wrong.
Clout MMA is a brand-new organisation in Poland which makes its debut this weekend with a bumper card featuring a former international footballer, a former UFC fighter and even one of the translators for the event. Yes, you read that correctly.
Where do we even begin? How about with the king of the Polish freak fight scene, Marcin Najman.
Say what you want about the 44-year-old, but the one thing you can't deny about El Testosteron is his love for the fight game.
Najman is a former pro boxer, kickboxer, mixed-martial artist and even a bare-knuckle fighter.
While the heavyweight has accumulated his fair share of losses over the years, he is one of the most popular figures in Poland's fight scene.
This weekend he takes on Andrzej Fonfara - a name which will sound familiar to boxing fans.
The 35-year-old is a highly accomplished light-heavyweight boxer who defeated the likes of Nathan Cleverly, Gabriel Campillo, Chad Dawson and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
Fonfara challenged for the WBC world title on two occasions, but both times he fell short against Adonis Stevenson.
This weekend, The Polish Prince will be looking to knock off Najman in his MMA debut.
From sharing the stage with Luis Figo to entering MMA
Tomasz Hajto was never known for his technical ability. Rather, the Polish defender gained a fearsome reputation for his work ethic. Yes, you could pass him, but he would come right back and take your legs out.
It was that attitude that turned Hajto into a cult figure at Schalke 04 - a club for which he made 104 appearances.
The Polish international also featured at the 2002 World Cup and shared the stage with the likes of Luis Figo, Pauleta and Park Ji-sung.
This weekend, the former Southampton and Derby County player will square off with volleyball star Zbigniew Bartman.
At 36, Bartman is 14 years Hajto's junior. Considering his profession, you won't be surprised to hear that at 6ft 6in tall, he also boasts a height advantage.
The 2012 Olympian helped Poland to European championship gold in 2009 and is a well-known sporting figure in the country.
This, unsurprisingly, is one of the most anticipated bouts on the entire card.
More than just celebrities
Former UFC, Bellator and KSW mixed martial artist Jay Silva is also part of the card.
The 42-year-old will take on Tomasz Sarara under K1 rules - an interesting stipulation considering the Pole is an accomplished kickboxer.
The second K1 bout of the night will see Denis Labryga and Dawid 'Crazy' Zalecki lock horns.
Looking at the card, you may spot the name 'Pudzianowski'. This weekend, it's not the five-time world strongest man who will take to the cage, but rather it will be his brother Dominik. No pressure.
Another fight worth mentioning features Polish strongman Konrad Karwat and Michal Waleszczynski.
The latter of the two men is a late replacement for Jaroslaw Sobonkiewicz. He is also the English-Polish translator at the event who decided to step up.
From translating Jay Silva's post-match interviews, to getting into the cage himself is an interesting career choice. But then again, this is the Polish freak fight scene - anything and everything is possible.
Clout MMA 1: Full Card
Marcin Najman vs Andrzej Fonfara
Tomasz Hajto vs Zbigniew Bartman
K1: Jay Silva vs Tomasz Sarara
K1: Denis Labryga vs Dawid Crazy Zalecki
Pawel Bomba vs Dominik Pudzianowski
Konrad Karwat vs Michal Waleszczynski
Ewa Mrs. Honey Wyszatycka vs Paulina Hornik
Tomasz Szalony Reporter Matysiak vs Cezary Czarek Czaruje Golebiewski
Nikola Nikita Alokin vs Monika Najlepsza Polska Dziennikarka Laskowska
Piotr Lizakowski vs Dominik Skowyra
Piotr Pajak vs Wojciech Rekordzista Sobierajski
Kacper Ludwiczek Bocianski vs Mariusz Super Mario Sobczak
