It’s an extraordinary honour for me to be able to do an interview with this man – the legendary fighter from Poland… Just for you MarcinWrzosek, “The Polish Zombie”.
Hello Marcin and thank you very much for your time.
How old were you when you first started training martial arts?
My first martial arts experience goes back when Iwas around ten years old. Me and my older brother signed up for judo classes, we trainedgot about a year and as so many kids before, we got bored. Later I went back to training when I was 16 after watching some pride and ufc highlights.
What excited you about martial arts?
I am super excited especially about my future fights at ksw
Why exactly did you choose MMA ?
I did choose mma because it is closest to the real combat as you can get.
How old were you when you first stepped in the ring?
I think I was 21 when I did my first amateur fight and some 3 months later I switched to training mma.
You are an inspiration to many young people only starting out in MMA. What’s your advice to all young fighters?
My advice for young fighters is just to keep turning up for training and avoid all unnecessary distractions.
How did you get the nickname Polish Zombie?
I received this nickname from my manager at the time after a fight in Scotland. I have busted my opponents face and we were both covered in blood, somebody twitted this pic and wrote ‘they look like zombies’ and so my manager came up with name Polish Zombie.
Which is the victory in your career that you treasure the most?
I would rank my fight against ufc prospect Arnold Allen asmy favourite for a simple reason that I was determined to quit mma if I lose the fight. I won andthus decided to keep going. Also fight against Sowinski was an important one since I won my KSW belt.
You fought in many big organizations. Where did you feel the best?
I have to say KSW, they really know how to treat fighters’ right plus they have a team of great people working for them. They also know how to put on a show, their events are always sold out.
What are your memories of working with Connor McGregor?
Connor is a good guy as I remember him from the shows, he was always cool with me. Even today we exchange messages from time to time.
You have an impressive score 12-4. Do you look for a particular rematch?
My last loss is the one I would like to get revenge for the most. Also a payback for two split decision losses on my record would be nice (one in ufc and one against current cage warriorsfw champion).
In your opinion, what’s the secret of success in martial arts?
I think just to keep your mind open and always learn new stuff since the whole mma game is evolving very quickly.
Many people think that martial arts are not a sport at all, but just violence. What is your message to those people?
My message to those people is just to stay in their caves as they clearly must be living in the stone age.
Poland has many excellent fighters competing in some of the best organisations. What are the reasons behind this?
I think it’s just the case of our mentality, Polish people are hard working and humble and I think that’s the key to success.
Describe yourself in three words ?
Smart, handsome and strong.
What your opinion on referee trickeries and manipulations?
It does happen too often nowadays especially in lower tier shows where promoters don’t want their fighters to lose but I think it’s just wrong and they should be punished for that.
Undoubtedly KSW 39 is a spectacle of a special kind. Could you describe the feeling when a 60.000 strong crowd cheers and supports you?
I just felt like a rock star walking out to the cage.
Sadly you were defeated on KSW 39. Were you disheartened by this setback you or are you even more motivated now?
Of course Iwasn’t happy that I lost especially in a rather boring fashion, but I took nothing but extra motivation from it. I can promise right here nobody will sit on my back like that again.
Which fight do you remember best?
I barely remember any of my fights.
What is your life motto?
I will do the best translation I can, ‘road to victory often take you through tough times’.
What are your goals and wishes?
My main goal is to avenge my last loss and get my ksw title back.
Do you have some more fights in schedule after KSW Warszawa ?
I do have one more fight in my current contract.
How do you recharge your batteries?
I just came back from a week long holiday with my fiancé. It was nice to get away but still Icouldn’t wait to get back to training.
What’s your opinion on the use of prohibited substances in sports?
I’m completely against it. I’m happy more there’s more emphasis on testing these days. I think it’s fair when everybody is on the same page.
If you look back, would you change anything or decide otherwise?
No, my life choices made me the person I am today.
Where and with whom do you train?
Year and a half ago I quit my job and I moved to Lodz, Poland, to start training full time. Since then I train with Shark Top Team which is one of best teams in Poland. We have a lot of good pro fighters in our team but the most significant name is the former ufc title contender K. Kowalkiewicz.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself filthy rich living in a mansion on some tropical island.
What kind of a man is Marcin in private?
He is definitely a fun guy to hang out with.
You travel a lot. Do you have any anecdotes from the road you’d wish to share with us?
I cant recall any at the moment.
What do you do in your free time?
When I’m in training my free time is to rest, chill with my missus and play with my French bulldog, Ali.
What is your favourite food?
I do like Italian cousin, all kind of pastas and pizzas.
Perhaps a message for our readers in Slovenia?
Keep following me on social medias and everywhere to see where this journey takes me.
“The Polish Zombie” in action :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RktFkUW6zok&t=117s
Thank you for your time and all the best in future
Milan Krušič
Photo credits:Polish zombie fb