5 Defining Moments: Bartosz Fabinski

The Line Up this Saturday for XTB #KSW90! 🤩

Which fight are you most looking forward to? pic.twitter.com/R2v0orSwwO

— KSW (@KSW_MMA) January 16, 2024

In the entertaining realm of fists and skill where warriors carve their legacies into the canvas, KSW 90 promises a symphony of combat. Among the distinguished fighters set to grace the cage is Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran Bartosz Fabinski, as he gears up to face Laid Zerhouni on Saturday at COS Towar in Warsaw, Poland.

From the nurturing nook of Warsaw to the global stage of the UFC, Fabinski’s journey is marked by defining moments that mirror his growth as a martial artist. As we delve into the chapters that shaped “The Butcher,” let us unravel the tale of a fighter who continues to carve out his story in the sport.

1. An Ascent from Familiar Ground

Fabinski’s journey into mixed martial arts began in Warsaw, Poland. Starting with judo training at 7, his interest in fighting ignited in 2010, when he joined the Nastula Team under Olympic gold medalist Pawel Nastula. This established the foundation and shaped the core of Fabinski’s refined MMA skills.

2. Fashioned for Gold

Debuting in November 2011, Fabinski swiftly rose through the MMA ranks and achieved a record of 11-2 by 2014. He won the Professional League of MMA middleweight championship at PLMMA 29, where he put away Michal Szulinski with elbows in the first round.

3. A Victorious Premiere

In his Ultimate Fighting Championship debut, “The Butcher” faced Garreth McLellan at UFC Fight Night 64. Fabinski secured a unanimous decision, thoroughly dominating with powerful takedowns and ground control. This victory marked a significant milestone in his career, highlighting his ability to control and overpower opponents on the grand international stage of the UFC.

4. Matters of Control

Fabinski still holds the second spot in the all-time UFC record for control time percentage with an impressive 79.1%—a clear validation of his commanding presence. He held the record for a long time, until UFC heavyweight prospect Jailton Almeida surpassed him with 89%.

5. Staying Power

After his successful UFC debut, Fabinski went on to a three-fight winning streak inside the Octagon, defeating Emil Weber Meek and Hector Urbina in subsequent appearances. He won all three fights via unanimous decision. He secured his victory over the aforementioned McLellan at a time when the South African was on a formidable six-fight winning streak—a run that notably featured a triumph against the scheduled UFC middleweight title challenger Dricus Du Plessis.