MMA
Could Oktagon make it in Poland? KSW boss assesses his chances, talks about his relationship with the Czechoslovakian organisation
KSW returns to the Czech Republic. On Saturday night he will be in Liberec with the KSW 91 gala evening. On this occasion, the head of the organization Martin Lewandowski spoke about what chances he thinks Oktagon would have in Poland and what the relationship between the two brands is.
KSW returns to the Czech Republic. On Saturday night he will be in Liberec with the KSW 91 gala evening. On this occasion, the head of the organization Martin Lewandowski spoke about what chances he thinks the Oktagon would have in Poland and what the relationship between the two brands is.
Until recently, it was perceived that KSW and Oktagon had a friendly relationship. Now, however, it is clear from the behaviour of both brands that the rivalry is growing. Tug of war between fighters, now also cage girl, occasional jabs from one side or the other.
Fans in Europe may be excited, of course. To have two big organizations in two neighboring countries that are ranked in the top 5 in the world? Previously unthinkable, now a reality. It’s simply outstanding.
It’s just that when Oktagon decided to expand into Germany and the UK, which seems to be losing a bit of popularity in the Czechoslovakian market, KSW decided to respond. The Polish giant is looking to fill an emerging hole in the market and target the Czech Republic specifically.
The third tournament will take place on our territory on Saturday. The organization’s management makes no secret of the fact that it would like to succeed in our country. The goal is definitely not to end up in Liberec. On the contrary. The ambition is bigger.
Does this affect the relationship between the two organisations? Not according to KSW boss Martin Lewandowski.
“We behave politely and respectfully towards each other. There is no reason why it shouldn’t be so. KSW is on a different path, it has always been that way. Now we are focusing on what we need to do to be successful for at least another 20 years,” he told Sport.cz.
What are Oktagon chances in Poland?
While KSW is expanding into the Czech Republic and will also head to Paris this year, Oktagon is successfully conquering Germany and battling tough conditions in the UK. However, it’s no secret that Ondrej Novotny and Pavol Neruda would like to try their luck in other markets.
The Balkans are in play, and France and Scandinavia have also been bandied about. What about Poland? The bosses of the Czechoslovak number one tended to avoid it. They were referring to the fact that they didn’t want to get in KSW’s shoes. Besides, the Polish market is very specific and entering it would be a lot of trouble.
Not only Oktagon is aware of that, but also KSW. At least Lewandowski pointed this out in response to whether Oktagon could make it in Poland: “I don’t know. I can’t judge. A lot of foreign organizations have tried unsuccessfully to enter the Polish market. I’m only focusing on KSW. Not on what others do and don’t do.”
It’s also worth noting that just as the Oktagon has to fight for attention with the Clash of the Stars organization, so does KSW in Poland. However, in our neighbours, the bizarro is even hotter. Organizations like FAME or CLOUT are running KSW over the top with their viewership.
Source: Sport.cz, KSW