MMA Worldwide

Krzysztof Soszynski: Preparing for Opportunity

Posted by Brett Atchley on the 8 October 2009 | No Comments

Krzysztof Soszynski is a current top contender in the UFC at the light heavyweight division. He is referred to as the “Polish Experiment” because of his imposing and what would appear to be genetically engineered appearance. He was first introduced to the main stage of MMA as a team member of the IFL’s Anacondas under MMA icon Bas Rutten. He experienced moderate success in the IFL making it to the Grand Prix Semifinals before suffering a loss to Ben Rothwell. The IFL would shut down after that event leaving a stable of viable athletes with very few options in terms of perusing their careers. For Soszynski, it seemed to only fuel his desire to succeed. He would go on to achieve a six fight win streak before appearing on The Ultimate Fighter in the 8^th season losing on the show but winning in its finale where he was subsequently signed by the UFC. In August of 2009 his six fight win streak was to come to an end in his close decision loss to Brandon Vera.

 

Riad Youseff, promoter of Fight Nite Entertainment in northern Washington was bringing Krzyszof to his event as a special guest. Fight Nite Entertainment is quickly becoming a premier promotion in the state of Washington for its dynamic match-making facilitated by West Coast Fight Club’s Cody Houston and it’s attention to bringing in world-class athletes to support it. Krzyszof was due to arrive in Washington from Temecula, CA where he trains with Dan Henderson’s Team Quest. His wife Genevieve would be accompanying him and I was asked by Riad to stay with them through the process of his obligations.

 

MMA Worldwide had previously spent time with Soszynski in Temecula where R.J Clifford interviewed him on a variety of points sometime back. One could see that his appearance was in a total contradiction to his demeanor. What I mean by that is that Kryzszof appears intimidating and mechanical but as we would soon find out he was none of those things when encountered in a social setting. Throughout the afternoon we talked about many things having to do with his chosen profession, experiences, family and life in general. I observed his interaction with the fans. He was more than willing to interact with them, sign autographs and pose for pictures. Some of the younger fan base would have to be coaxed in approaching him but after the initial connection they were put immediately at ease brought on by a smile and his tendency to bring himself by leaning down to them at their level to speak with them.

 

MMA Worldwide: We’re glad you could make it. How was the flight?

 

Krzysztof Soszynski: Glad to be here. The flight was good. We had a couple hours in Seattle to wait but, no problems

 

Genevieve Soszynski: They have a great sushi bar in the Seattle airport. I’m glad it worked out that way.

 

MMAWW: Is this your first time in Washington?

 

KS: No it’s been a few years ago. There was an IFL event here that I fought in. I really like it around here; it reminds us of Ontario in a lot of ways. This all brings back so many good memories of the very beginning of my career. The first time I ever fought was in a barn. The guy was paying fifty dollars. (Laughs), there were a lot of small shows back then and none as nice as this one. These fighters are fortunate to be able to experience something like this early in their career. It just has that energy and smell…….I don’t know, it’s not something you can put your finger on. What I do know is that it feels good to see that it still happens.  

 

MMAWW: Am I hearing you correctly in that you would like to be closer to the roots of the sport so to speak?

 

KS: (Smiling) I guess that’s what it is on one level. I always want to remember where I came from. Genevieve and I used to promote our own shows not so long ago and it was then that I stayed connected. There are times when it gets crazy and busy when I’m on the road or getting ready for a fight. That’s where all my focus and attention are. There are particles of transformation that take place in me. I have to remember those days and places like this. I am by nature a guy that likes to be out of the hustle and insanity of the big city. That’s why we like Temecula. It’s not a big town at all. It’s a pretty close community.

MMAWW: MMA Worldwide were out there some months ago at Dan Henderson’s ranch is that correct?

KS: Yes, it was before Dan’s fight with Bisping. RJ (Clifford) and a crew of guys came out and did some taping of us. Dan had the batting cages out there. It was a good time. We get together like that a couple times a week when we can. Dan’s got those cages amped up to throw balls at like 92 mph. If a guy is out of place or not paying attention he’s gonna get tagged. It’s pretty wild at times.

MMAWW: Do you ever partake in any hunting with Dan?

KS: Not yet but, I would really like to. It always seems that he and I are never at the same place that would allow that to happen. It seems that I’m coming in as he is going or visa versa. I would really like to be on the same fight card as he is but that has never happened and I don’t see it happening anytime soon.

MMAWW: What are your thoughts on your last fight with Brandon Vera?

KS: (Smiles) Well, when you leave it in the judges hands anything can happen right? I think that I’m pretty well rounded as a fighter. I just feel like there’s a small piece to my game that is missing. When I find that piece or the person that can help me utilize it, I think that I’m going to be very tough to beat.

MMAWW: Do you have an idea of who you’re going to seek out in that area?

KS: Yes, a couple of camps actually. Greg Jackson is a tremendous coach and technician but, he is actually very busy at this time so I’m going back to work with Mark Dellagrotti. He’s a very simple and effective coach from all that I have seen and heard from others. I like his style.

MMAWW: How do you see Brandon measuring up against Randy (Couture)?

KS: Brandon is a very technical fighter, he really is that strong physically but he uses his agility and knowledge very well. He was fighting south-paw in our fight which was unusual, being a south-paw myself there aren’t many of us. That seems to be an area that Randy has had trouble with in the past. All in all though, I really don’t think Brandon will be able to stay away from Randy. I see Randy making the adjustments he needs to make for the fight to win it.

MMAWW: I initially thought that Brandon was a south-paw and was quickly corrected by Randy that he switches his leads.

KS: Yes, he has that ability to switch which make him more dangerous. I would love to go and train with Randy for his fight with Brandon.

MMAWW: When you’re not getting ready for a fight, what is it that you like to do?

 

GS: If you really want to get him going ask him about his poker playing?

 

MMAWW: Okay, how about poker Krzysztof?

KS: (Smiling) Yes, I like poker very much. It’s a challenge and pretty exciting. When I’m online, Gen has to take the pictures off the wall and basically move anything out of the way that I can break.

 

GS: (Laughing) it’s that damn river card that does it to him every time.

MMAWW: Do you prefer to play online or live?

KS: I much prefer to play in person. It’s the whole history, and ceremony of it all. Just being there playing. I can read people so much better which goes without saying. Have a cigar and good drink or two and just enjoy it win or lose.

MMAWW: Are you up or down in the money column?

KS: Let’s just say that I’m having fun and I’m not going broke.

MMAWW: So that takes up your down time?

KS: No, not at all. I have a son named Nicholas that I spend all time I can with from a prior marriage. We do a lot of things together and we’re like best friends. I was so young when he came into my life that I was a kid myself. So it’s like we are both growing up together. We have a great time and a very good relationship. Lot’s of laughs.

MMAWW: You and Genevieve have been together for how long?

KS: We have been together for 12 years and we have a strong bond. We have been through this entire journey together. It has been very good for the most part, there are things in life that challenge us but we are secure together in anything we do

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MMAWW: Is there anything else you would like to add?

 

KS: I look around here at these athletes with dreams of being in the UFC one day and think to myself that it doesn’t seem that long ago that I was dreaming the same thing. They can do it if they just give it their all and commit to it. They have to be sure that it is what they want. I hope it happens for those who want it.