On January 17th, the Radomskie Centrum Sportu will play host to KSW 114, an event headlined by the elite lightweight clash between Salahdine Parnasse and Marcin Held. However, for those watching the middleweight rankings, the real story lies in the return of the Croatian powerhouse, Andi Vrtačić.
After a calculated hiatus throughout the latter half of 2025, Vrtačić returns to face the gritty Mateusz Gola. This isn't just a comeback fight; it is the launchpad for what Vrtačić promises will be the most defining year of his career.
We had the opportunity to sit down with Andi ahead of his trip to Radom. In the past, Vrtačić was often categorized as a pure striker, a technical kickboxer navigating an MMA world. But according to Andi, that version of him no longer exists.
"I worked on every aspect of my game" Vrtačić told us. In a short interview.
The focus in his camp has clearly shifted from simply winning exchanges to dominating entire rounds. Vrtačić looked physically imposing and mentally sharp, signaling that the "striker" label is one he plans to shed starting January 17th.
Vrtačić isn't shy about his intentions for the calendar year. While many fighters offer the cliché "one fight at a time," the Croatian is playing the long game.
"I am coming to Radom to make a statement," he asserted. "My goal is to be in the title shot conversations by the end of the year 2026. I want the belt, and Mateusz Gola is simply the first man standing in the way of that destiny."
To reach that goal, Vrtačić must handle the pressure of Gola, a fighter known for his "zombie" style and relentless forward movement. It is the perfect litmus test for Andi’s improved wrestling and defensive grappling.
While the spotlight shines brightly on Vrtačić’s return, the rest of the KSW 114 card ensures that the energy in Radom will be electric from the first bell.
The event also features a stacked undercard, including the return of former light heavyweight champion Ibragim Chuzhigaev and a clash of rising stars as Wiktoria Czyżewska faces international competition.
As the KSW cage doors lock in Radom, the journey begins for Andi Vrtačić. If he can translate his "every aspect" training into a dominant performance against Gola, the 2026 middleweight title race just found its most dangerous dark horse.