As KSW 117 approaches, reigning KSW heavyweight champion Phil De Fries is preparing for another title defense. However, he recently shared candid details about his ongoing struggle with anxiety, which has significantly shaped his life and career. De Fries also discussed his training regimen for his upcoming bout against Marcin Wójcik on April 18th in Warsaw. The heavyweight title fight is scheduled as the co-main event at XTB KSW 117, marking De Fries’ 14th defense of his championship.
Phil De Fries Aims for Early Finish in KSW 117 Title Defense
This fight continues one of the most impressive title reigns in European MMA history. De Fries’ 14th defense not only extends his personal record but also solidifies his status as the longest-reigning heavyweight champion in KSW history.
Marcin Wójcik is a formidable challenger, not merely a placeholder opponent. He enters this contest on the heels of a December victory over former UFC title contender Augusto Sakai, marking his second fight in the heavyweight division and adding considerable anticipation to the matchup.
In a recent interview, De Fries acknowledged the threat posed by Wójcik, referring to him as a “knockout machine.” Consequently, his training camp has adapted, focusing on sparring partners who possess similar physical attributes and fighting styles to Wójcik, deviating from his usual training with familiar fighters like Mick Parkin and Tom Aspinall.
“I think it’ll be a record that stands for a very long time, 10 years champion of a major organisation, especially at heavyweight where you make one wrong move and you could be flatlined… I’m going for the finish, first or second round.”
Wójcik, who spent a significant portion of his career at light heavyweight, is known for his dynamic movement and striking. However, De Fries has successfully overcome a diverse range of opponents during his KSW tenure, including securing a submission win against Arkadiusz Wrzosek in June 2025 and a decision victory over Augusto Sakai in June 2024.
The Impact of Anxiety
De Fries spoke openly about suffering from severe anxiety for many years. He described the constant need to check doors and appliances, the fear associated with everyday phone calls, and periods where managing normal life felt overwhelming. He eventually sought online information about his symptoms, consulted a doctor, and began medication. Within a few months, he experienced a significant reduction in his anxiety. He continues to take the medication and believes this change coincided with substantial improvements in both his personal life and his performance in the cage.
“Life wasn’t enjoyable to me. The doctor prescribed these pills and they said it’ll take three months to work, and in three months my anxiety just lifted. I honestly couldn’t believe how good normal felt. My win streak coincides with beating anxiety completely, so I am scared to come off them. When the anxiety lifted, I remember walking out and thinking, ‘This isn’t so bad. I can enjoy this moment a bit. I can enjoy the energy, the arena.’”
He explained that prior to treatment, he fought without a sense of calm, often relying on instinct rather than truly processing his surroundings. Now, he feels capable of thinking strategically within the cage, accumulating valuable experience, and even appreciating aspects of fight week and fight night. For a champion in the midst of a historic reign, this newfound ability to enjoy the experience is significant, suggesting that his best years may still be ahead of him.
Wójcik presents a challenge with his speed, power, and unique fighting style, differing from many of De Fries’ recent opponents. Nevertheless, De Fries remains the dominant force in the KSW heavyweight division.
Watch KSW 117
KSW 117 is scheduled for April 18th at COS Torwar in Warsaw, Poland. The event features Adrian Bartosiński defending his welterweight title against Andrzej Grzebyk in the main event, with Phil De Fries’ heavyweight title defense against Marcin Wójcik as the co-main event. The card also includes notable bouts such as Salahdine Parnasse vs. Marian Ziółkowski, Artur Szpilka vs. Errol Zimmerman, and a middleweight title fight between Paweł Pawlak and Mamed Khalidov, offering a compelling mix of championship contests, established stars, and crossover appeal.