Melvin Manhoef

By Timothy J. Gilbert

Two of fighting’s most powerful middleweight will face off at KSW 23 with Poland’s Mamed Khalidov meeting the recently defeated Melvin Manhoef.

Khalidov (26-4-2) is currently riding a six-fight win streak, with victories coming over such respected fighters as Kendall Grove, Matt Lindland and James Irvin. He has finished his opponent in 24 out of 25 fights, with only a single defeat over the past seven years.

The heavy-handed Manhoef (27-10-1 1NC) comes into the fight off of a decision loss to Brock Larson at One FC 8. Manhoef is slipping as of late, dropping four of his last eight fights (one no-contest). Still, Manhoef puts immense power behind every one of his punches, putting together an incredible resume consisting of 25 knockouts.

The two will face off at KSW 23, which takes place on June 8 at Ergo Arena in Gdansk/Sopot, Poland.

UFC veteran Kendall Grove (27-12-1) is also scheduled to make his return to the organization at KSW 23. He looks to secure a win after losing to Khalidov at KSW 21 in December.