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Bartłomiej Mac isn’t expecting an easy ride or a chance to set a new record. The winner of the last tournament is looking for a major challenge right from the start at GROMDA 26.
“There are no better fighters than Poles, so in Extra Fight, I’d most like to face a fellow Pole—a tough guy who’ll put up a solid fight against me, ” says Bartłomiej MACU Mac, winner of the GROMDA 25 Tournament. The Rzeszów native will have his next fight on September 4 at the GROMDA 26: POLSKIE KOLOSEUM event.
GROMDA 26: POLISH COLOSSEUM will take place on Friday, September 4. The event will be streamed LIVE at http://GROMDA.tv.
Editor: The traditional “warm-up” question—who would you like to face in the GROMDY mini-ring?
MACU: For me, the most important thing is that it be someone who will give me a challenge… I’d like to fight someone strong so I can show what I’m capable of. I want to move forward, so I need good opponents—not the kind who will hold me back.
Mateusz “DZIKI” Hoffman wasn’t able to make it to the tournament finals at the end of May. What do you think of him?
He’s a cool guy; we can go head-to-head. Besides, I’d shut up those skeptics who say the tournament isn’t over yet. A fight like this would definitely settle the matter, if it’s still bothering anyone.
Would this matchup be a dream come true today?
I don’t mean to take anything away from Mateusz—I have nothing against him—but to be honest, I’d prefer someone even better. And if it does come down to a fight with DZIKI, I’m sure I’ll win.
At the last DEUTSCH event, you defeated Civet in the first round and Baki Magamaev in the fourth. Maybe you should keep the momentum going and take down another foreign opponent?
If he had steel-like hands and great defense, I’d say “yes.” Although, in my opinion, we Poles are the best at GROMDZIE, so let the champions fight the champions. That’s why I have a small plea for the organizers: Poles against Poles—because they’re badasses! I’d love to fight a fellow Pole.
How did you end up at GROMDY, and why so late?
Relax, it’s not that late—I’m only 21, after all. But it’s true, I’ve been following GROMDĘ since I was 16 or 17, and I’ve always dreamed of making it here. Besides, I knew it would happen someday. I have a great coach who sees potential in me, knows I like to fight, and submitted my application, making a strong case for me… It’s “Jaguar’s Paw”—a great guy, I can confirm. On Fridays, when we part ways after the last practice of the week, he tells me: “Take care of yourself.” Sometimes you have to have fun on the weekend, but in moderation. But there have been times when I’ve come back to the training hall on Monday with a cut on my head and a black eye.
Even before you made your debut in GROMDZ, there were already rumors that you had to watch out for MACU…
I’m happy about this, and the credit goes mainly to my coach. He really believes in me. Besides, when I take on a challenge, I give it 100 percent. No messing around—just getting down to business. Before the GROMDY Tournament, some friends told me, “MACU, maybe you’ll win one fight, but the whole thing? I don’t think so, sorry.” But my coach was convinced I’d win.
How would you describe yourself as a GROMDY athlete?
MACU is a relentless guy, always pushing forward with an insatiable competitive drive. The desire to win really fires me up, and I realize that my aspirations have to be backed up by hard work. My physical stats aren’t spectacular—184 cm, 84 kg—but I have plenty of strength, determination, and charisma.
Are you still working on the construction site?
I took a break before the gala, but after GROMDZ, I’m getting back to this work because it’s where I feel at home. I couldn’t sit behind a desk.
Rzeszów is one of the powerhouses in our bare-knuckle boxing organization. Will you spar with DON DIEGO or ZIOMUS and ZIOMEK?
I recently had the chance to spar with Mateusz Kubiszyn during training—he’s a cool guy who showed me a few tricks. My coach and I spent a lot of time analyzing my rounds with DON DIEGO; there were plenty of lessons to be learned.
Did you get a real lesson from Master GROMDY?
Let Mateusz tell us more… I definitely felt his strength advantage, because DON DIEGO weighs 12 kg more. He’s a very experienced fighter who’s great at “reading” his opponent during a fight. I learned that the hard way. I went in with a lot of respect for him, but the first round went pretty well. Then Mateusz Kubiszyn figured me out and landed a right cross. But this wasn’t a one-sided sparring session. I’m glad that DON DIEGO is now defending his title, and Adam ZIOMEK will also be fighting. We faced him and Mateusz ZIOMUS before my debut at GROMDZIE. That’s the strength of the Rzeszów team!
Who else has impressed MACU?
It’s definitely Denis ROMUŚ, Romek. He’s not exactly a spring chicken, but he has the physique and strength of a 20-year-old. I’ve seen him fight and land those lucky punches. He’s a really cool guy, both as an athlete and as a person.
Source: press release.
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