XTB KSW 122 in Rzeszów: title fight and nine MMA bouts at Hala Podpromie
On Saturday, October 10, 2026, the Polish city of Rzeszów will host XTB KSW 122, a mixed martial arts event featuring a showdown between reigning bantamweight champion Vitalii Yakymenko and challenger Marcello Morelli. The event at Hala Podpromie begins at 19:00 local time, and the announced fight card includes nine bouts, featuring several fighters with connections to the host city.
The main sporting prize of the evening is the KSW bantamweight title in the division up to 61.2 kilograms. Yakymenko will defend the belt he won against Sebastian Przybysz for the first time, while Morelli gets another opportunity to claim the title after an unsuccessful previous attempt against the same opponent. They will be joined on the card by Andrzej Grzebyk, Laïd Zerhouni, Marian Ziółkowski, Wilson Varela, Mateusz Makarowski and Adam Soldaev.
KSW, or Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki, is a Polish MMA organization founded in 2004. Its events combine stand-up fighting, wrestling and ground fighting, with victories determined by knockout, technical knockout, submission or judges' decision. Because of the different ways a fight can end, spectators should pay attention to strikes, takedown attempts, control against the cage and submission holds.
For visitors wishing to watch the entire event, it is worth checking ticket availability and securing a seat in good time.
Vitalii Yakymenko vs. Marcello Morelli: first title defense
How did Vitalii Yakymenko become champion?
Ukrainian fighter Vitalii Yakymenko arrives in Rzeszów with a professional record of 11 wins and two losses. Four of his victories have come by knockout or technical knockout, with another four achieved by forcing his opponents to submit. His success stems from his ability to combine stand-up pressure, punches, wrestling and fighting against the cage.
Yakymenko made his KSW debut in 2025 in Rzeszów itself, at XTB KSW 110. On that occasion, he defeated experienced fighter Rogério Bontorin by technical knockout and received the award for the best knockout of the night. That performance paved the way for his title opportunity.
In February 2026, he faced Sebastian Przybysz, the reigning bantamweight champion at the time. Over five rounds, Przybysz tried to maintain distance with straight punches and movement, while Yakymenko looked for opportunities to close the gap, land strikes at shorter range and initiate wrestling exchanges. After 25 minutes, the judges awarded Yakymenko the victory by split decision.
In Rzeszów, he faces a different responsibility. He is no longer a challenger trying to win the belt, but a champion who must prove that he can maintain his advantage against a new opponent.
Marcello Morelli challenges for the top of the division again
Venezuelan fighter Marcello Morelli has eight professional wins and four losses. He has won four times by knockout and once by submission. Ahead of the event, he occupies third place in the KSW bantamweight rankings.
His first appearance in the organization was immediately a title fight. At XTB KSW 107, he stepped in as a replacement to face Sebastian Przybysz. He lost, but the bout was named fight of the night, earning him the attention of fans and another opportunity to prove himself.
Following that defeat, Morelli recorded two consecutive victories. In April 2026, he defeated Werlleson Martins by judges' decision. During that fight, he combined punches and kicks in the stand-up exchanges and successfully used the clinch and ground control in the final round.
Unlike his first attempt to win the belt, when he entered the fight on short notice, he now has the opportunity to demonstrate the preparation he has undertaken for a specific opponent.
A tactical clash that could decide the champion
The main question is who will control the distance and pace. Against Przybysz, Yakymenko demonstrated that he can maintain pressure even throughout a long fight. His attempts to close the distance and change the level of his attacks could force Morelli to defend against the cage.
Against Martins, Morelli showed that he is not limited to striking exchanges. He can transition from stand-up fighting to the clinch and ground control. If he manages to stop Yakymenko from closing the distance, he will create opportunities for his own combinations. If the fight moves to the ground, body positioning, arm control and the ability to return to the feet become important.
Both fighters are capable of finishing bouts before the time limit, but their previous results do not point to an obvious winner. Particular attention should be paid to tactical changes between rounds. In their previous title fights, adjustments and the battle for control of space played important roles.
Laïd Zerhouni and Andrzej Grzebyk: two former title challengers
The second fight of the evening brings together Laïd Zerhouni and Andrzej Grzebyk in the middleweight division. Zerhouni has a record of 15-10 with one no contest, while Grzebyk enters the bout with 22 wins and nine losses.
French fighter Zerhouni ranks fourth in the middleweight division. He has earned six victories by knockout and eight by submission. In KSW, he is known for fights that end before reaching the judges' scorecards. His most recent appearance was an unsuccessful title challenge against Paweł Pawlak in December 2025, when he lost by submission.
Grzebyk is a former middleweight and welterweight champion of the FEN organization, and throughout his career he has recorded 13 knockout victories and three submission wins. In KSW, he is known for his attacking approach and willingness to engage in open exchanges.
However, he arrives in Rzeszów following three consecutive defeats. In June 2026, he lost by submission to Tymoteusz Łopaczyk. His coach, Witold Kostka, emphasized the need for greater tactical discipline, especially when Grzebyk begins accepting risky exchanges after absorbing strikes.
This bout will carry additional significance for the home crowd because Grzebyk has connections to Rzeszów. From a sporting perspective, it is also interesting that he is testing himself at middleweight after competing in the welterweight division. Against Zerhouni, defending against pressure, choosing the right moment to counterattack and controlling exchanges against the cage could prove crucial.
Mateusz Makarowski vs. Adam Soldaev: former training partners become opponents
One of the most intriguing lightweight bouts will pit Mateusz Makarowski against Adam Soldaev. Makarowski has a record of 14-7-1 and sits third in the lightweight rankings. Soldaev has ten wins and three losses and is currently the top-ranked fighter in KSW's featherweight division.
Makarowski is on a three-fight winning streak. At XTB KSW 110, he defeated Welisson Paiva by technical knockout in the second round. He is known for his aggressive punching attacks, and ten of his fourteen professional victories have come by knockout.
Soldaev last competed in November 2025, when he attempted to win the interim featherweight title against Patryk Kaczmarczyk. He lost by submission in the fifth round after a demanding fight involving numerous striking exchanges and wrestling situations.
The two fighters previously trained and sparred together, so they are familiar with at least some of each other's habits. Makarowski will aim to impose his pace and punching power, while Soldaev will need to find a way to enter and exit exchanges safely. Competing in a higher weight class adds another interesting element for Soldaev.
Marian Ziółkowski and Wilson Varela: a rematch with unresolved sporting questions
Marian Ziółkowski, the former KSW lightweight champion, will face Wilson Varela again. Their first encounter took place in April 2024 at XTB KSW 93 in Paris.
On that occasion, Ziółkowski attempted to use straight punches and takedowns, while Varela responded with pressure in the stand-up exchanges. The contest ended in a technical knockout victory for Varela after Ziółkowski was unable to continue fighting because of a shoulder injury.
Ziółkowski has a record of 26-11-1, with one no contest. After a difficult period and defeats against Salahdine Parnasse and Marcin Held, he defeated Aymard Guih by technical knockout in May 2026.
Varela enters the rematch with a record of 13-8. He is a former KSW title challenger and a lightweight champion of the Hexagone MMA organization. His last two appearances ended in defeats.
The first fight did not provide a completely satisfactory sporting resolution to their rivalry. In the rematch, it will be interesting to see whether Ziółkowski can maintain distance for longer and use his wrestling, or whether Varela can repeat his success through pressure and accurate stand-up attacks.
Other fights worth watching
Sergiusz Zając, representing the Spartakus Rzeszów club, will face Salim El Ouassaidi in a catchweight bout with an agreed limit of 95 kilograms. Zając has nine wins and two losses, with eight of his victories coming by knockout. His most recent appearance, against Damian Piwowarczyk, ended in defeat, but the contest was named fight of the night.
El Ouassaidi has a record of 12-4 with one no contest and also has eight knockouts. He last competed in August 2026 and won by knockout. He arrives in Rzeszów to make his KSW debut.
In the lightweight division, Welisson Paiva (12-5-1, one no contest) will face undefeated Igor Włodarczyk (3-0). Paiva is attempting to bounce back from two consecutive defeats, while Włodarczyk has won both of his previous KSW fights by rear-naked choke. Their matchup offers an interesting contrast between stand-up experience and the ability to finish fights on the ground.
The heavyweight division features Szymon Bajor and Kacper Paczóski. Bajor, with a record of 26-13, is a former KSW title challenger and a fighter with experience competing in the PFL and Rizin organizations. Paczóski has four professional victories, all achieved before the time limit. For him, this will be a demanding test against a considerably more experienced opponent.
Complete XTB KSW 122 fight card
According to the published card for October 10, the event includes the following matchups:
- Vitalii Yakymenko - Marcello Morelli: bantamweight title fight, 61.2 kg.
- Laïd Zerhouni - Andrzej Grzebyk: middleweight, 83.9 kg.
- Mateusz Makarowski - Adam Soldaev: lightweight, 70.3 kg.
- Marian Ziółkowski - Wilson Varela: lightweight, 70.3 kg.
- Sergiusz Zając - Salim El Ouassaidi: catchweight, 95 kg.
- Welisson Paiva - Igor Włodarczyk: lightweight, 70.3 kg.
- Szymon Bajor - Kacper Paczóski: heavyweight, 120.2 kg.
- Andrzej Karkula - Kamil Korzeniowski: bantamweight, 61.2 kg, preliminary card.
- Kristians Boguzs - Kacper Cholewa: lightweight, 70.3 kg, preliminary card.
The preliminary fights are also scheduled to be broadcast free of charge on the KSW and CANAL+ SPORT POLSKA YouTube channels. Viewers outside Poland can watch the event through KSWTV, while in Poland it will be broadcast on the CANAL+ platform.
Weigh-in results and the latest important information before the fights
The results of the morning weigh-in published on October 9 revealed several important details. Vitalii Yakymenko and Marcello Morelli both made the required weight of 61.2 kilograms for the title fight.
Three fighters exceeded the permitted weight limits. Laïd Zerhouni was 1.1 kilograms over the limit, Adam Soldaev was 0.9 kilograms over, and Sergiusz Zając was 2.6 kilograms over.
KSW confirmed financial penalties and the deduction of one point from each fighter at the beginning of the first round. This circumstance could be especially important if their bouts go to the judges' scorecards, as it changes the scoring situation from the outset.
On October 9, the day before the event, a fan zone was also organized at Galeria Rzeszów, located at al. Piłsudskiego 44. The program includes meetings with fighters, audience questions, an open media workout and a public weigh-in ceremony at 19:00.
Hala Podpromie: KSW returns to a familiar venue
XTB KSW 122 takes place at Regionalne Centrum Sportowo-Widowiskowe Podpromie im. Jana Strzelczyka, better known as Hala Podpromie. The arena is located at ul. Podpromie 10, 35-045 Rzeszów, not far from the Wisłok River and the city center.
The main arena has retractable stands with 4,304 seats, and the floor area can be adapted to accommodate additional seating for certain events. The exact layout and number of available seats at the MMA event depend on the placement of the fighting area, production equipment and spectator sections.
KSW returns to this arena following XTB KSW 110, held on September 20, 2025. On that occasion, Muslim Tulshaev defeated Andrzej Grzebyk by technical knockout in the first round, while Vitalii Yakymenko secured an important victory over Rogério Bontorin. Of the ten fights at that event, seven ended before the scheduled time limit.
Spectators attending an MMA event in person can observe details that are sometimes lost in television broadcasts: fighters' reactions after takedown attempts, changes in pace, coaches' instructions during breaks and preparations for entering the fighting area.
The view from the stands is particularly interesting for observing movement and control of space. Ground fighting can be harder to follow from seats farther away, so when selecting a ticket it is worth considering the location of the section and visibility of the fighting area.
How to reach the arena and where to park?
Hala Podpromie is located south of the historic center of Rzeszów, near Most Zamkowy and the city's riverside walkways along the Wisłok. The arena can be reached on foot from the main city square, Rynek, in approximately 15 to 25 minutes, depending on the chosen route.
Visitors arriving by car should take into account possible parking restrictions directly beside the arena. The large open area in front of the building is used for various events, and part of it may be reserved for production and organizational purposes.
Public transport provides access to the wider area around the arena. Useful bus stops are located near Szopena and Kilara streets. Current routes, departure times and any service changes should be checked through the ZTM Rzeszów system, especially for the return journey after the event.
International visitors can also use Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport. According to the airport, the train connection between Jasionka Lotnisko station and Rzeszów Główny takes approximately 18 minutes. From the central railway station, the journey can be continued by public transport or taxi.
The exact time at which the arena doors will open has not been confirmed in the available event information. Visitors are therefore advised to check the details on their tickets and the latest announcements before setting off. They should also allow enough time for security checks and finding their seating section.
Rzeszów: what to see before attending the event?
Rzeszów is a city in southeastern Poland and the main center of the Subcarpathian Voivodeship. Its historic market square, Rynek, the city's underground chambers known as Rzeszowskie Piwnice and the area around Zamek Lubomirskich are among its recognizable attractions.
Visitors who arrive early can walk from the city center toward the castle and the Rzeszowska Fontanna Multimedialna fountain, then continue toward Hala Podpromie. The city is compact enough for some of its best-known attractions to be connected on foot.
The proximity of the city center and the sports venue is also convenient for visitors planning to have dinner before the event begins. However, because of the expected crowds on Saturday, it is useful to plan the return journey to the arena and avoid leaving entry until the last few minutes.
What should you know for an evening at Hala Podpromie?
The announced starting time for XTB KSW 122 is 19:00, and the ticket is valid for one day of the event. The total duration of the event is not determined in advance, as it depends on how many fights end before the scheduled rounds are completed, judges' decisions and breaks between bouts.
To follow the complete program, it is advisable to arrive before the preliminary fights. Particular attention should be paid to Karkula and Korzeniowski, two fighters with experience finishing bouts by submission, as well as young Kristians Boguzs, who enters his matchup with Kacper Cholewa undefeated.
As the evening progresses, the sporting focus shifts to bouts between experienced title challengers, the lightweight rematch and the defense of the bantamweight title. Local fighters Grzebyk, Zając and Bajor further connect the event to the Rzeszów crowd.
Before arriving, it is worth securing the appropriate ticket, checking the rules regarding bags and other items, and choosing a way to return from the arena in advance. Visitors traveling from other cities are also advised to check the last evening departures of public transport services.
Sources:
- KSW MMA - XTB KSW 122, event starting time, announced fight card and weight divisions:
https://www.kswmma.com/en/news/xtb-ksw-122-where-to-watch
- KSW MMA - Weigh-in results, fighters' weights and announced penalties:
https://www.kswmma.com/aktualnosci/wyniki-porannego-wazenia-przed-gala-xtb-ksw-122-w-rzeszowie
- KSW MMA - Vitalii Yakymenko and Marcello Morelli's paths to the title fight:
https://www.kswmma.com/aktualnosci/droga-do-xtb-ksw-122-vitalii-yakymenko-i-marcello-morelli
- KSW MMA - Form and previous appearances of Laïd Zerhouni and Andrzej Grzebyk:
https://www.kswmma.com/aktualnosci/droga-do-xtb-ksw-122-lad-zerhouni-i-andrzej-grzebyk
- KSW MMA - Mateusz Makarowski and Adam Soldaev, fighter profiles and their shared history:
https://www.kswmma.com/aktualnosci/droga-do-xtb-ksw-122-mateusz-makarowski-i-adam-soldaev
- KSW MMA - Rematch between Marian Ziółkowski and Wilson Varela:
https://www.kswmma.com/index.php/aktualnosci/droga-do-xtb-ksw-122-marian-ziolkowski-i-wilson-varela
- KSW MMA - Sergiusz Zając and Salim El Ouassaidi, opponent change and fighter profiles:
https://www.kswmma.com/aktualnosci/sergiusz-zajac-z-nowym-rywalem-na-gale-xtb-ksw-122
- KSW MMA - Szymon Bajor and Kacper Paczóski, experience and previous appearances:
https://www.kswmma.com/aktualnosci/droga-do-xtb-ksw-122-szymon-bajor-i-kacper-paczoski
- KSW MMA - Results of the previous XTB KSW 110 event in Rzeszów:
https://www.kswmma.com/aktualnosci/xtb-ksw-110-wyniki-na-zywo
- Asseco Resovia Rzeszów - Hala Podpromie address, capacity and venue features:
https://www.assecoresovia.pl/klub/hala/
- Odkryj Rzeszów - Directions to the arena, public transport, walking routes and parking:
https://odkryjrzeszow.pl/hala-podpromie-w-rzeszowie-dojazd-mpk-parking-i-wejscia-na-wydarzenia/
- Port Lotniczy Rzeszów-Jasionka - Railway connection between the airport and the city's central station:
https://www.rzeszowairport.pl/en/passenger/access-to-the-airport/access-by-train
- Urząd Miasta Rzeszowa - Historical and tourist attractions of the city:
https://erzeszow.pl/47-marka-miasta/7121-atrakcje-turystyczne.html