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In the co-main event of KSW 120, Augusto Sakai faced off against Artur Szpilka.
The former WBC heavyweight title challenger stepped into the ring today for his seventh MMA bout. The popular “Szpila,” after his memorable loss to Arkadiusz Wrzosek, bounced back by submitting Errol Zimmerman and knocking out Michal Martinek in the second round. It was this victory over the Czech fighter that opened the door for him to the rankings in the heavyweight division.
But before Artur Szpilka could even begin to think about a bout with Phil De Fries or a rematch with Wrzosek, he had to face off against the experienced Augusto Sakai. The Brazilian has fought all over the world—including in Bellator and the UFC. His record in KSW has been mixed so far. He made up for a title fight loss with a victory over Szymon Bajor, but most recently he had to concede defeat to Marcin Wójcik.
ROUND 1. – Szpilka took the center of the cage and controlled the position from the start. Sakai slowly advanced toward the Pole and landed a kick to the calf. The Brazilian knew what to watch out for and looked to attack from a distance. Szpilka moved well around the ring and landed a precise straight punch to the ribs. The Pole then went on the offensive, closed the distance, and landed a strike on Sakai, who remained unfazed. The Brazilian unleashed a series of middle kicks, to which Artur responded with body shots. “Szpila” also looked for a left hook, hoping to knock his opponent’s head off. Sakai went for a high kick, to which the Pole reacted with a shrug. Szpilka responded with a few punches and a great combination finished off with a precise hook! Augusto Sakai launched a series of kicks, but a devastating right hand sent him to the canvas! The Pole rained down strikes from above, but the Brazilian managed to get back on his feet. Another attack from the Pole—a left hand landed on Sakai’s jaw… and a moment later, he threw a reckless high kick, after which he slipped.
ROUND 2. — Sakai followed the Pole, who kept moving the whole time. Artur feinted with his torso, trying to position the Brazilian, but the first punch was blocked by his guard. The next ones, however, landed and already cut open his eyebrow. Szpilka unleashed heavy punches and added low kicks to the mix. “Szpila” absorbed his opponent’s attacks, as the Brazilian wasn’t looking to grapple at all—and that was supposed to be his advantage. Sakai landed some middle kicks, to which Szpilka responded with body shots. The Brazilian was fighting on the retreat because Szpilka was effectively pressuring him. Sakai tucked behind a double guard, took a few punches from the Pole… but he spun around and took “Szpilka” down! He immediately closed in on him on the ground, while Artur remained active, landing elbows from the bottom. Sakai dominated on the ground, and Szpilka focused on defense.
ROUND 3. – Sakai came out more aggressively in the final round and quickly started throwing kicks. Szpilka was told by his coach to attack mainly with straight punches, ignoring the hooks. The Pole escaped the clinch against the fence brilliantly, landing a right uppercut in the process. “Szpila” kept circling the cage. He slipped unluckily while attempting a left hook and immediately took a kick to the ribs. A powerful left straight from “Szpila,” who didn’t rush the Brazilian unnecessarily. Sakai, meanwhile, kept threatening him with a right hook and, shortly afterward, a high kick. Szpilka landed a straight punch, and during the exchange, he nonchalantly dropped his guard and landed his own blows. The Pole was closing in on Sakai more and more often, who was hiding behind his guard—and even took a high kick right into it. At times, Szpilka lacked decisiveness—when he had the Brazilian at the right distance, he didn’t throw an uppercut or a hook, only to attack a moment later.
RESULT: Artur Szpilka won by unanimous decision.
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