UFC heavyweight contender Tom Aspinall called on the KSW matchmakers to book heavyweight champion Phil De Fries against former World’s Strongest Man Mariusz Pudzianowski in a titanic heavyweight title fight later this year.
Aspinall, currently rehabbing his knee after reconstructive surgery following his unfortunate injury-TKO loss to Curtis Blaydes at UFC London, was in training partner De Fries’ corner at KSW 74, where he saw his friend dominate Ricardo Prasel to register his seventh successive title defence.
De Fries stands alone as the most dominant champion in KSW history, and after the fight, the Englishman said he was levels above Brazilian grappler Prasel, who had no answer to the Sunderland man’s smothering ground game.
“Yeah, he’s a good grappler but I don’t think people realise how strong I am,” De Fries said backstage after his win.
“He grappled with me and I think (he thought) ‘s**t!’ so he I think he I got the feeling.
“It was great to get the sub against a submission guy. He’s very good you know? He almost had me on my back – that’s never happened. Credit to him, but I’m the champ and I’m staying here.”
Then talk turned to De Fries’ next assignment, as he revealed that he has one bout left on his 2022 deal, and that he hopes to take it in December against Pudzianowksi.
“I’ve got another fight on my contract that has to be done by this year, so hopefully the end of December,” he said.
“Hopefully ‘Pudzian,’ maybe Stosic, whoever. I just want to fight, be busy, have a good time and drink beers!”
Just in case De Fries’ laid-back callout wasn’t emphatic enough, Aspinall stepped into shot, grabbed the mic and issued a definitive call to the KSW matchmakers.
“Listen, let’s get that Pudzianowski fight on, because these guys are too easy for this guy,” he said before almost toppling through the advertising backdrop.
“Let’s get the Pudzianowski fight on because these guys are too easy for Phil. He’s smashing them too easy!” he continued.
“We need Mariusz Pudzianowski next, please! Come on KSW! Let’s make a real fight for this guy! Come on!”
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