XTB KSW 123: Bartosiński vs. Łopaczyk Preview – Championship Double-Header in Szczecin

Europe’s premier mixed martial arts promotion returns to Szczecin, Poland, for a massive championship double-header. Scheduled for November 21, 2026, at the Enea Arena (also known as Netto Arena), XTB KSW 123 brings a pair of high-stakes title fights to the forefront.

The event is headlined by a KSW Welterweight Championship bout featuring reigning king Adrian Bartosiński and surging contender Tymoteusz Łopaczyk. In the co-main event, international veterans Valeriu Mircea and Marcin Held will battle for the vacant KSW Lightweight Championship. With a card stacked with former challengers, rising prospects, and a highly anticipated grudge match, KSW’s fifth historical visit to Szczecin promises fireworks from top to bottom.

Main Event: Bartosiński Defends Welterweight Gold Against Surging Łopaczyk

The marquee attraction of the evening sees KSW Welterweight Champion Adrian “Bartos” Bartosiński (19-1) defending his 170-pound crown. Bartosiński has been a dominant force in the division, recently securing a split-decision victory over Madars Fleminas at KSW 116 in March 2026 and a TKO win over Muslim Tulshaev at KSW 113 in late 2025. His lone career blemish came against MMA icon Mamed Khalidov via submission at KSW 100, but in the welterweight bracket, “Bartos” remains the undisputed king.

Stepping up to the challenge is Tymoteusz “Honey Badger” Łopaczyk (14-4), currently ranked #3 in the KSW welterweight division. This title opportunity arose under dramatic circumstances. The champion was originally slated to face Adam Masaev at KSW 122, but a broken metacarpal forced Masaev out of the bout. KSW officials pivoted quickly, rewarding Łopaczyk for his impressive winning streak, which includes a standout submission victory over Andrzej Grzebyk at KSW 119 in June 2026. Łopaczyk brings a dynamic grappling game and relentless pressure, setting the stage for a classic clash of styles against the heavy-handed champion.

Co-Main Event: Mircea and Held Clash for Vacant Lightweight Crown

The lightweight division will crown a new champion in the co-main event as Valeriu Mircea (32-9-1) takes on submission wizard Marcin Held (31-11) for the vacant KSW Lightweight Championship.

This matchup represents a fascinating stylistic contrast between two of the most experienced veterans on the European circuit:

  • Valeriu Mircea: Known for his balanced finishing ability, Mircea boasts 12 knockouts and 13 submissions on his extensive resume. He thrives in chaotic scrambles and possesses the knockout power to end the fight on the feet.
  • Marcin Held: A globally recognized grappling specialist, Held has secured 16 career submissions. His leg-lock game is legendary, and he will undoubtedly look to drag Mircea into deep waters on the canvas.

With the 155-pound strap on the line, fans can expect a high-level chess match where a single mistake could determine the new lightweight king.

Grudge Rematch: Kawa Seeks Redemption Against Moisa

Further down the card, a lightweight grudge match is guaranteed to draw massive local interest. Wojciech Kawa (9-5) will run it back with Oleksandr Moisa (5-2) following their controversial first encounter.

The two previously met in March, a bout that ended abruptly in the first round when Kawa suffered a broken arm during an awkward fall, awarding Moisa a TKO victory. Now fully healed and fighting on his home turf in Szczecin, Kawa is highly motivated to prove that the first result was a fluke. Moisa, however, will look to silence the Polish crowd and prove his striking superiority once again.

Featured Main Card Bouts

The XTB KSW 123 main card is bolstered by several pivotal matchups with divisional implications:

  • Tomasz Romanowski vs. Igor Michaliszyn: In the middleweight division, veteran brawler Tomasz Romanowski faces the dangerous Igor Michaliszyn. Both men are known for their willingness to trade in the pocket, making this a strong candidate for Fight of the Night.
  • Madars Fleminas vs. Mateusz Pawlik: The “Latvian Express,” Madars Fleminas (14-8), returns to the cage looking to rebound from his championship loss to Bartosiński. He faces Mateusz Pawlik (7-3), who is aiming to start a new streak after his recent five-fight winning run was snapped by Adam Niedźwiedź.
  • Maciej Kazieczko vs. Bohdan Danylko: Former lightweight title challenger Maciej Kazieczko (9-5) welcomes Ukrainian prospect Bohdan Danylko (8-1) to the KSW circular cage. Kazieczko’s striking pedigree will be tested against Danylko, who enters on a four-fight win streak with six career finishes.

Undercard Adjustments: Hir Steps In

The preliminary portion of the card has seen a late adjustment in the 79 kg catchweight division. Originally scheduled to face Oskar Szczepaniak, Steven Krt was forced to withdraw due to a knee injury. Stepping in on short notice is Michał Hir, who will look to make the most of this unexpected opportunity under the bright lights of the Enea Arena.

Full Confirmed Fight Card for XTB KSW 123

Bout order is subject to change by the promotion.

Main Card

  • Welterweight Championship: Adrian Bartosiński (c) vs. Tymoteusz Łopaczyk
  • Lightweight Championship (Vacant): Valeriu Mircea vs. Marcin Held
  • Middleweight: Tomasz Romanowski vs. Igor Michaliszyn
  • Welterweight: Madars Fleminas vs. Mateusz Pawlik
  • Lightweight: Maciej Kazieczko vs. Bohdan Danylko
  • Lightweight: Wojciech Kawa vs. Oleksandr Moisa

Preliminary Card

  • Catchweight (79 kg): Oskar Szczepaniak vs. Michał Hir

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