AJ and Piotr Lisek in the KSW 113 octagon – money and controversy

AJ vs Lisek at KSW 113 – a fight that could change the rules of the game

The KSW 113gala , scheduled for 20 December 2025 at the Atlas Arena in Lodz, is attracting the attention not only of MMA fans, but also of people not normally associated with the sport. All thanks to a surprising juxtaposition: Adam “AJ” Josef will face Piotr Lisek, one of the most successful Polish athletes. This fight, although treated by many as a freak-fight, is also a symbol of the increasingly strong interpenetration of the worlds of professional sport, influencer marketing and mixed martial arts.

Who are the fighters? AJ and Lisek – two different worlds, one octagon

Adam “AJ” Josef is a figure well known to fans of freak federations. He has gained popularity through his social media activity and fights in organisations such as FAME MMA and Clout MMA. His image combines the qualities of a showman and a fighter, making him an ideal candidate for media match-ups. He sees his move to KSW as a chance for sporting ennoblement – a confirmation that he is ready to step up to a higher level, not only medially, but also athletically.Piotr Lisek, on the other hand, is a completely different story.Poland’s national pole vault representative, multiple medallist at the world and European championships, until recently associated only with athletics stadiums. For him, a professional appearance in MMA is not only a new challenge, but also an experiment that has caused quite a stir in the sports community. So far, he has fought one bout, in which he defeated Dariusz Kazmierczuk.

When and on what terms will the AJ vs Lisek fight take place?

The duel will take place at the XTB KSW 113gala , which will take place just before Christmas – on 20 December in Lodz. The fight has been contracted at the 100kg limit, and the fighters will face each other over three rounds of three minutes each. The organisers have introduced restrictions – including a ban on ground elbows. Both fighters will make their KSW debuts with this show, which in itself makes this fight special. The gala will be broadcast on PPV and interest is already pointing to record viewing figures.

Record-breaking paydays for the competitors – how much will AJ and Piotr Lisek earn?

According to media reports, the AJ vs Piotr Lisek fight is not only a sporting event, but also a financial one. The total remuneration pool for both fighters is expected to be as high as PLN 800,000, which places this fight among the best paid in the history of Polish MMA. Although the exact amounts have not been disclosed, it is said that the bulk will go to AJ, due to his media power and experience in attracting an audience. Lisek, on the other hand, can count on a solid debut, which – regardless of the outcome of the fight – will significantly increase his recognisability also outside the world of athletics.

Controversy surrounding freak fights in KSW – what do the fans and the environment have to say about it?

The criticism of KSW’s decision to introduce freak-fighters to its fight card is not silent. Some fans believe that this type of juxtaposition lowers the sports level of the federation, which for years has built its prestige on serious fighters and championship fights. On the other hand, there is also no shortage of opinions that opening up to media fighters and athletes from other disciplines is a natural step towards increasing the popularity of MMA in Poland. The fight between AJ and Lisek is therefore not only a clash of two different personalities, but also a symbol of a new chapter in KSW’s history.

How do AJ and Lisek compare to other freak fighters in KSW?

Comparing AJ and Lisek to previous instances of freak fights in KSW, it is clear that the federation is testing new directions. In the past, KSW’s octagon appearances have included Szymon Kołecki, an Olympic champion who proved he could turn physical strength into real success in MMA. However, Kołecki definitively ended his weightlifting career before he entered the cage. In the case of Piotr Lisek, the situation is more controversial, as he still functions as an active athletic competitor.AJ, on the other hand, recalls the cases of fighters such as Popek, who entered KSW with the baggage of experience in other, less professional federations. Although opinions on their presence were divided, there’s no denying that they attracted huge viewer attention. Like AJ, they became a magnet for new fans who may not have been interested in MMA before. In this context, AJ and Lisek create a unique combination of two worlds – sport and online – that could prove to be a golden marketing shot.

Is KSW becoming the new home for freak fights?

The AJ vs Lisek fight is not just one event – it’s a test that could determine the direction KSW federation will take. If the juxtaposition turns out to be a success, both in terms of sports and marketing, we can expect more similar fights in the future. The organisers are well aware that attracting a younger, more ‘socialmedia’ audience is the key to further development. KSW is not abandoning its sporting identity, but is showing that it can adapt to changing realities and audience expectations.