Friday, May 20, 2011
by Wojek Rysiewski (wrysiewski@sherdog.com)


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Mariusz Pudzianowski (left) vs. James Thompson is official for KSW 16. | Photo: Jumana Totongi/Sherdog.com

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Former World’s Strongest Man Mariusz Pudzianowski tipped the scales at 123 kilograms (270.6 pounds) before his fourth MMA outing against James Thompson at KSW 16 on Saturday in Gdansk, Poland.

Thompson missed the contracted 127-kilogram (279.4-pound) catchweight by 200 grams (0.4 pounds) at Friday’s official weigh-in. However, Pudzianowski immediately agreed to a fight, so the Englishman did not need to cut the remaining weight.

Both fighters were in good spirits during the weigh-in. In a recent interview, Thompson called the Pole “an extremely ugly creature.” In response, Pudzianowski brought him a mirror so, as he put it, the Brit could realize his own ugliness. Thompson was to quick respond.

“Mariusz invents his own jokes,” Thompson said. “You’re actually an attractive -- but slightly retarded -- man.”

In the event’s co-headliner, Mamed Khalidov and Matt Lindland each missed weight by 200 grams (0.4 pounds) for the 85-kilogram (187-pound) catchweight bout. They elected not cut additional weight and agreed to fight. The Chechen-born Pole is coming off a 33-second armbar victory over James Irvin at March’s KSW 15. Lindland has not fought since his December knockout loss to Robbie Lawler in Strikeforce.

KSW 16
Saturday, March 21
Ergo Arena
Gdansk, Poland