Borys Mańkowski vs Vaso Bakočević confirmed as co-main for KSW 51

Former welterweight champion Borys ‘The Tasmanian Devil’ Mańkowski (19-8-1) will take on the always exciting Vaso ‘The Psycho’ Bakočević (39-18-1) in the co-main event KSW 51 at the Arena Zagreb in Zagreb, Croatia on November 9.

The former and longest reigning KSW welterweight champion Mańkowski will be looking to bounce back from a tough couple of years that saw him on the wrong end in fights against Mamed Khalidov, Roberto Soldic and Norman Parke, and a period that has also limited his cage time due to injuries. Prior to this bad run he was considered one of the best welterweights in Europe with dominant wins over the likes of John Maguire, Jesse Taylor and David Zawada. Now he will aim for KSW 51 to be turning point and is motivated to get back to winning ways.

However, standing in his way is the returning Vaso Bakočević, one of the most popular and outspoken fighters from the Balkan region. ‘The Psychopath’ really lives up to his moniker by competing against anyone at any weight including heavyweight. It has been over five years since the 30-year-old last fought in KSW and he comes back into the promotion on an impressive 13-1 run which includes wins over UFC veterans Maciej Jewtuszko and Hermes Franca. This contest promises to be one of the most thrilling of the night and there is already words shared by Bakočević.

“I’m happy I’m back blah blah blah f**k that… and f**k Borys Mańkowski,” said Bakočević. “KSW is coming to the Balkans for the first time and they know who runs the show around here, they know who ‘EL PAPY’ is over here so I’m glad we made a deal. I’m also glad I got a “big name” opponent because after I whoop him I’m already in the mix for a title shot. Another former KSW champ I’m gonna whoop and then I’m coming for KSW gold.”

KSW 51 takes place November 9 from the Arena Zagreb in Zagreb, Croatia and will be headlined by a monster main event between five times worlds strongest man Mariusz Pudzianowski (12-7) and Bosnian bodybuilder/social media star Erko Jun (3-0).

KSW 51 Fight Card

Main Event

Heavyweight
Mariusz Pudzianowski (12-7) vs Erko Jun (3-0)

Co-Main Event

161lb Catchweight
Borys Mańkowski (19-8-1) vs Vaso Bakočević (39-18-1)

Inaugural Bantamweight Title
Antun Račić (23-8-1) vs Damian Stasiak (11-6)

Featherweight
Filip Pejić (14-2-2) vs Krzysztof Klaczek (12-6)

Middleweight
Aleksandar Ilić (12-2) vs Cezary Kęsik (9-0)

More fights TBA