Afrigather At one time limit, Todd Duffee was one of the vital thrilling heavyweight prospects in MMA. First making his technique to the large stage in 2009 with an unbeaten 5-0 file, the then-23-year-old made a splash in his debut—knocking out Tim Hague simply seven seconds into the primary spherical.
A stunning upset KO loss to Mike Russow (and a few probably ill-considered phrases concerning the UFC pay construction) later and Duffee was again on the regionals. Whereas he returned to the world’s largest MMA promotion in simply two years time, his profession turned snakebit by a protracted collection of accidents. After a KO loss to Frank Mir in 2015, Duffee wouldn’t set foot within the cage for one more 4 years—a return to competitors that resulted in a disappointing no-contest after Duffee suffered a primary spherical eye poke. Finally extra harm issues compelled his retirement from MMA altogether.
Or, no less than they did till now.
In a recent interview on the MMA Hour, Duffee introduced that he was formally returning to competitors. Not with the UFC, nonetheless, however with one among Europe’s premiere MMA organizations: KSW.
“Who else are you going to name to moreover an American to come back save the heavyweight division for KSW?” Duffee joked to Ariel Helwani concerning the information.
Coincidentally, Duffee’s return to MMA ought to have a really acquainted really feel to it. After getting axed from the UFC the primary time round, he returned to the promotion in 2012 towards none aside from present KSW heavyweight champion Phil De Fries. Duffee gained that bout through TKO simply 2:04 into Spherical 1.
De Fries will get his likelihood at revenge in the principle occasion of KSW 79 on the Residence Credit score Enviornment in Liberec, Czech Republic.
‘S-11’ noticed his personal UFC profession come to an finish in 2013, following a nineteen second loss to Matt Mitrione at UFC on Gas TV: Mousasi vs. Latifi. After buying and selling wins and losses on the regionals for the following a number of years, the Sunderland native appears to have hit his stride. He’s at present driving a 10-fight unbeaten streak, having captured the KSW heavyweight title in 2018. If De Fries can defeat Duffee, it would make his eighth consecutive profitable protection of the championship crown.
KSW 79 takes place on February twenty fifth. Alongside the principle occasion, the promotion has additionally introduced a bout between two different fellow former UFC heavyweights—with Viktor Pesta set to tackle Daniel Omielanczuk. Keep tuned to Bloody Elbow for extra information and notes.
In regards to the writer: Zane Simon is a senior editor, author and podcaster for Bloody Elbow. Host of the MMA Vivisection and sixth Spherical, he has lined MMA and the UFC since 2013. (full bio)
