Undefeated Polish standout Jakub Kazuba is exactly where he wants to be right now.
Kasbah (12-0), who won the 2023 lightweight season of the Professional Fighters League Europe, is happy with his training in Florida. He returned to PFL Europe for the 2024 season in hopes of pocketing an extra $100,000 check rather than move on to the tournament-based league’s global season. His campaign has been going well so far, with a decision win over Kain Musa in March. The 29-year-old will face Daniele Scatizzi across the cage in the semi-finals on September 28 in Glasgow, Scotland.
Having started his career 12-0, he knows he is now in his prime as an athlete and is focused on training every day. Kazuba utilizes his coaching staff, including his wife, and absorbs everything taught like a sponge. Speaking to Sherdog.com ahead of the semifinal pairings, Kazuba talked about the perseverance he’s developed over his career, why he returned to PFL Europe, and how he represents Polish MMA.
“I’m just being consistent and focusing on training every day,” Kazuba said. “One of my favorite quotes is about always being average. That’s all I think about, very short-term. I have a coach for everything. My wife I have a hitting coach and a wrestling/jiu-jitsu coach and they really help me stay accountable and consistent. gives me different perspectives, but then it’s up to me to evaluate myself, and the truth lies somewhere in between.”
After winning PFL Europe in 2023, Kazuba sat and watched the merger between parent company PFL and Bellator MMA, unsure of what his position would be within the organization. The Olsztyn, Poland, native said he wasn’t fazed in the slightest by the chance to cash an additional six-figure check if he won three games in a year, but said it all worked out in the end.
“With the PFL merging with Bellator and bringing Bellator players into the season, we had no other choice,” he admitted. “Then they decided to leave me in PFL Europe, but I was happy with that because I think if I had had the chance to choose, I would have chosen to stay.” More time to prepare I want to keep getting better. I want to compete more at my level. But after this fight, I’m ready for whatever happens. ”
As his professional career progressed beyond the Florida-based Combat Night Promotions, he competed further away from the Gracie Barra Jacksonville team. Back in front of fans on his home continent, Kazuba has grown up representing Poland in major organizations.
“It was an honor to win. After the fight in Paris, I was finally able to enjoy this glory.” [at PFL Europe 1 in 2024] Having the time off allowed me to appreciate what I did. I was happy to get more exposure in Poland for the first time. Winner of Poland’s Best Discovery of MMA Award. I am slowly becoming recognized in Poland. That’s the point. I intend to compete in PFL Global and win $1 million and represent Poland in that way,” Kazuba said confidently.
Standing in his way as he chases another PFL Europe title is Italy’s Scatizzi, a Bellator veteran who won his only PFL Europe match earlier this year. Knowing his opponent’s aggressiveness, Kazuba believes that cardio could be the biggest factor in the clash at PFL Europe 3.
“He’s a very ruthless guy. He comes forward,” the Polish fighter said. “It’s going to come down to whoever gets tired first, whoever lets go. It’s that simple. It’s going to be a good fight, it’s going to be a hell of a fight, it’s probably going to be one of the best matchups on this card. It will be fun.”
A win over Scatizzi will see Kazuba back in the championship game, and he believes he has the tools and talent to take advantage of this second chance and claim another PFL European crown.
“Consistency and strength,” he noted. “I’m very consistent, I have good conditioning, I’m healthy and I’m going to be strong here. I’m going to be the most consistent fighter they’ve ever seen and fight four times a year. , it’s going to look great. I say that’s what makes a future legend.”
