Okniński Criticizes Lewandowski and KSW! “When a Pole leaves, we give him a hard time”

Mirosław Okniński makes no secret of the fact that he doesn’t like the way Martin Lewandowski reacts to the departures of Polish and foreign fighters from KSW. “The Skin Hunter” pointed to the example of Salahdine Parnasse and contrasted it with his previous approach toward Polish fighters.

Over the years, Salahdine Parnasse has become one of KSW’s biggest stars. Although he was unable to win the organization’s third championship belt, his performances in the lightweight division showed that the “Lion of Atlas” possesses skills on par with the world’s best.

After his appearance at the MVP MMA gala, the Frenchman signed a contract with the UFC. In his debut in Paris, he quickly dispatched Dan Hooker, finishing him in the first round. Martin Lewandowski was also in attendance, watching his former fighter’s performance up close.

To some fans, this might have seemed a bit ironic, especially in light of earlier remarks by the co-owner of KSW, who had stated that he had no intention of going out of his way to attend Robert Ruchala’s fights.

Okniński: “We need to support Polish athletes”

In an interview with Fansportu TV, Mirosław Okniński admitted that he himself didn’t share the same level of enthusiasm surrounding Parnasse’s UFC debut.

“The Skin Hunter” noted that he himself was curious about this fight, in part because the Frenchman competed in an organization that takes a very strict stance on doping.

” But I wouldn’t get all excited about some ‘Parnasse’ or other,” Okniński told Michał Tuszyński.

The editor noted that, over the years he spent in KSW, Parnasse had become “sort of one of our own” for many Polish fans. He also mentioned that Martin Lewandowski was present at the event in Paris.

It was then that Okniński pointed out the difference in how fighters leaving KSW were treated.

• Well, Martin was there because he’s happy he produced him, but… I’d be happier… When a fighter from KSW—a Frenchman—leaves, we go to his corner. When Gamrot or another fighter leaves, we tell him, to put it bluntly… — Coach Mirek stumbled over his words, and Editor Tuszyński recalled what had been said about Ruchala. — Exactly, when a Pole leaves, we give him a hard time, but when a Frenchman leaves, we stand in his corner.

The coach made it clear that he doesn’t approve of this approach and, for his part, prioritizes supporting local players.

• I just don’t like it. I support Polish products,” added “The Leather Hunter,” who listed the local companies he works with. – We need to support Polish businesses and Polish athletes. I’m nice to foreigners, but if they take advantage of my hospitality, they’ll get a kick in the a**.

Okniński did not, therefore, criticize Parnasse’s success itself, but rather the way KSW treats various fighters after they leave the organization. In his opinion, Polish fighters should be able to count on at least the same level of support as foreign stars.