Todd Duffee is set to come out of retirement and challenge KSW’s heavyweight champion Phil De Fries on February 25.
Duffee revealed on today’s episode of The MMA Hour that he’s signed with KSW and will take on their heavyweight king Phil de Fries at KSW 79.
“Who else are you going to call to besides an American to come save the heavyweight division for KSW?” Duffee said to Ariel Helwani.
The Rematch at KSW 79
The 37-year-old hasn’t been in the octagon since 2019 when he suffered a no-contest due to an eye poke against Jeff Hughes at UFC on ESPN+ 16. The same night Justin Gaethje and Donald Cerrone went toe-to-toe in Vancouver, Canada. The American finished with a 3-2 (1NC) record following two stretches with the promotion. Duffee failed to pick up any momentum due to several long periods of inactivity with injuries and issues outside of the cage that prevented him from competing consistently.
Despite his time with the UFC being slightly frustrating, Duffee still holds the third-fastest knockout in UFC heavyweight history when mauling Tim Hague in his debut in 2009.
KSW 79 will mark the second time Duffee has locked horns with De Fries. The pair met in 2012 at UFC 155, with Duffy finishing the Brit in the first-round.
Since their meeting, both men’s careers have taken significantly different paths. De Fries has looked unstoppable as of late and boasts a 10-fight win streak to back it up. KSW 79 will be the eighth defense of his heavyweight crown.
KSW 79 takes place at the Home Credit Arena in Liberec, Czech Republic. Stay tuned for all the latest at Combat Sports UK.
