Former Deontay Wilder opponent Artur Szpilka is making a significant transition into the world of mixed martial arts, achieving a notable victory in his latest bout.
A former heavyweight boxing contender with a 24-5 record, Poland`s Artur Szpilka recently rebounded from his first MMA loss, which was a quick 14-second TKO suffered last year.
Szpilka fought again at KSW 105 on Saturday in his native Poland. The event also featured fellow heavyweights like Eddie Hall and five-time World`s Strongest Man winner Mariusz Pudzianowski, whom Szpilka previously defeated.
While Pudzianowski is his most notable MMA opponent to date, it`s also worth recalling that Szpilka lasted nine rounds with then-WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder before `The Bronze Bomber` secured a knockout win in their 2016 boxing match.
Despite his extensive boxing background, Szpilka`s most recent victory in the cage was achieved in a truly unexpected manner.
Szpilka Recovers from Early Knockdown Against Kickboxer
Now an MMA fighter for nearly three years, Szpilka improved his professional record to 4-1 when he faced former kickboxing standout Errol Zimmerman in a heavyweight contest.
The fight, his fifth in MMA, didn`t last long.
Szpilka, weighing 252lbs, was promptly knocked down by Zimmerman in the opening minute and was forced to defend himself on the canvas.
Despite his strong start, Zimmerman couldn`t finish the fight, and Szpilka managed to get back to his feet.
Unexpected First Career Submission Win for Szpilka
Szpilka then secured a takedown, which ultimately signaled the beginning of the end for Zimmerman.
Less than two minutes into the first round, Szpilka moved to secure an arm-triangle choke from top control.
Within moments of the submission being applied, Zimmerman had no choice but to tap out.
After 29 professional boxing bouts and his first 4 MMA fights, the still-developing Artur Szpilka earned his career-first submission victory, a seemingly emotional moment for the 36-year-old fighting in his home country.
Following the win, Szpilka called out Arkadiusz Wrzosek, the opponent who handed him that quick 14-second knockout loss at KSW 94 last May.
