A return to competition is imminent for former UFC heavyweight champion Josh Barnett, who will take on current KSW heavyweight champ Phil De Fries in a submission grappling match at “KSW: Epic” on Feb. 24 in Gliwice, Poland.
KSW announced the matchup Friday on social media.
The most dominant champ in KSW history vs. a true combat sports legend! 🤩
𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠
🇬🇧 @phildefriesmma
vs. @JoshLBarnett 🇺🇸Celebrating 20 years of KSW!
XTB #KSWEpic | Feb 24 | #Gliwice
🎟️ @eBiletPL | 📺 PPV https://t.co/KEwIlAHwkA pic.twitter.com/eFPt52gTZO— KSW (@KSW_MMA) February 2, 2024
Barnett, 46, hasn’t competed in MMA since September 2016, but he’s sparingly partaken in grappling matches. He most recently competed at the 2023 Catch Wrestling World Championship event in October, losing a decision against Owen Livesey.
De Fries, a one-time Bellator and former UFC fighter, has proven to be KSW’s greatest champion with nine consecutive title defenses dating back to October 2018. De Fries, 37, most recently defeated Szymon Bajor by rear-naked choke technical submission last July at KSW 84.
