Even though the chorus of Mariusz Pudzianowski's walkout song promised that “you will feel respect,” James Thompson did not take those lyrics to heart, submitting an exhausted Pudzianowski in front of a partisan Ergo Arena crowd at Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki 16.
Tested early on by the immense strength of the Pole, “Colossus” was thrown to the ground just before swiftly regaining his composure. Later inside the very first round, Pudzianowski unleashed a flurry on the backpedaling Brit, but he could not locate Thompson's chin and inevitably gassed himself out. By the three-minute mark, the former strongman looked exhausted. Following Thompson took him to the mat late inside the period, Pudzianowski expended what small remained of his stamina although attempting to escape Thompson's mount.
The break between rounds did small to lessen Pudzianowski's fatigue. The Pole was promptly taken down to begin the second frame, and Thompson pounded away until he spotted an arm-triangle chance. Specifically 1 year following suffering his very first pro loss to Tim Sylvia, the former five-time “World's Strongest Man” tasted MMA defeat for the second time.
“I tried. I failed. I apologize to you,” said the exhausted and dismayed Pudzianowski. “I'm certain I will probably be disappointed, but I will go forward.”