As Phil De Fries prepares for his KSW 117 title defense against Marcin Wójcik on April 18th in Warsaw, he has shared candid details about a significant personal battle: years of severe anxiety. This challenge has profoundly shaped both his life and his impressive career, marking his 14th defense of the KSW heavyweight championship.
De Fries’ reign as champion is already the longest in KSW history, and he is determined to extend it against Wójcik, whom he describes as a “knockout machine.” Recognizing the threat, De Fries has adjusted his training camp, focusing on sparring partners who match Wójcik’s physical attributes and fighting style, deviating from his usual routine with Mick Parkin and Tom Aspinall.
“I think it’ll be a record that stands for a very long time, 10 years champion of a major organisation, especially at heavyweight where you make one wrong move and you could be flatlined… I’m going for the finish, first or second round.”
Wójcik, who recently secured a win over former UFC title contender Augusto Sakai, is a formidable challenger, not merely a participant. His move to heavyweight and his proven striking ability present a unique test for De Fries, who has a history of overcoming diverse challenges, including submission victories and decision wins against strong opponents.
De Fries elaborated on the debilitating nature of his anxiety, recounting constant checking of household items, apprehension with phone calls, and a general inability to enjoy daily life. Seeking help, he consulted a doctor, began medication, and experienced a significant release from his anxiety after a few months. He continues his medication and credits this treatment with a marked improvement in his well-being and performance. He shared how the lifting of anxiety allowed him to appreciate the atmosphere of fights and the energy of the arena, transforming his fight week and fight night experience.
“Life wasn’t enjoyable to me. The doctor prescribed these pills and they said it’ll take three months to work, and in three months my anxiety just lifted. I honestly couldn’t believe how good normal felt. My win streak coincides with beating anxiety completely, so I am scared to come off them. When the anxiety lifted, I remember walking out and thinking, ‘This isn’t so bad. I can enjoy this moment a bit. I can enjoy the energy, the arena.’”
He explained that prior to treatment, his fighting style was often reactive, driven by instinct rather than strategic thought. Now, he feels a newfound sense of calm and clarity in the cage, allowing him to learn, adapt, and truly build upon his extensive experience. This mental clarity suggests that De Fries, already a historic champion, may still be in his prime.
Wójcik brings a dynamic blend of speed and power, offering a different challenge than De Fries has faced recently. Nevertheless, De Fries remains the dominant force in the KSW heavyweight division.
KSW 117 is scheduled for April 18th at COS Torwar in Warsaw, Poland. The event features Adrian Bartosiński defending his welterweight title against Andrzej Grzebyk in the main event, with Phil De Fries vs. Marcin Wójcik for the heavyweight title serving as the co-headliner. The card also boasts exciting matchups including Salahdine Parnasse vs. Marian Ziółkowski, Artur Szpilka vs. Errol Zimmerman, and a middleweight title bout between Paweł Pawlak and Mamed Khalidov.
Phil De Fries Opens Up About Anxiety and Fight Preparation
KSW heavyweight champion Phil De Fries has revealed the extent of his lifelong struggle with anxiety, detailing how it impacted his career and personal life. Ahead of his upcoming title defense against Marcin Wójcik at KSW 117 on April 18th, De Fries spoke candidly about seeking treatment and the positive effects it has had on his performance and overall well-being. He also discussed his strategic approach to facing the powerful challenger, Wójcik, whom he respects as a “knockout machine.” De Fries emphasized his intention to finish the fight early, aiming for a victory within the first two rounds, and noted that his successful championship run has coincided with his successful management of anxiety.
Phil De Fries Details Mental Health Battle Ahead of KSW 117 Title Defense
KSW heavyweight champion Phil De Fries is set to make his 14th title defense against Marcin Wójcik at KSW 117. In a recent interview, De Fries disclosed his long-standing battle with severe anxiety, explaining how it previously hindered his ability to enjoy life and perform optimally. He detailed his journey to diagnosis and treatment, highlighting how medication has significantly alleviated his symptoms, leading to a profound improvement in both his personal life and his fighting career. De Fries attributes his current confidence and performance level to overcoming anxiety, and he is focused on securing an early finish against the dangerous Wójcik.
Phil De Fries Opens Up About Anxiety and His Approach to KSW 117 Fight
Ahead of his KSW 117 heavyweight title defense against Marcin Wójcik, champion Phil De Fries has shared a deeply personal account of his struggles with anxiety. He described how the condition made daily life feel unmanageable and fear-driven. De Fries explained that seeking medical help and starting medication proved transformative, lifting the anxiety and allowing him to experience life and his career with newfound enjoyment and clarity. He believes this mental well-being is intrinsically linked to his current impressive win streak and his long reign as champion. For the upcoming fight, De Fries has intensified his preparation, bringing in sparring partners that mimic Wójcik’s style, and he is aiming for a decisive finish in the early rounds.
