In a dramatic showdown at the FAME MMA 25 gala held in Częstochowa on April 5, 2025, Denis "Bad Boy" Załęcki faced off against Filip Bątkowski in a highly anticipated boxing match that ended controversially with Załęcki's disqualification. The bout, which was contracted under the rules of boxing with small gloves and without a time limit, showcased the intense rivalry between the two fighters, each eager to prove their dominance.
Załęcki, a prominent figure in the FAME MMA scene, entered the ring with a reputation for his aggressive style, having previously lost to Natan Marconi and Adrian Cios by disqualification. However, he managed to bounce back with a victory over Piotr Hallman, who had just made his UFC debut. Fans were eager to see if Załęcki could maintain his momentum against Bątkowski, who was looking to recover from a recent loss to Marcin Wrzosek.
The fight commenced with an explosive start, as Załęcki immediately applied pressure on Bątkowski, pushing him against the ropes. Within the first minute, he landed two powerful hooks that seemed to set the tone for the match. Bątkowski, despite being on the defensive, managed to withstand the initial assault and began countering Załęcki's advances.
As the fight progressed, both fighters exchanged blows, with Bątkowski attempting to close the distance and land effective counters. However, Załęcki's strategy was to keep the pressure on, and he threw a wrestling-style takedown that earned him a warning from the referee. This early warning would foreshadow the escalating tensions in the ring.
After about seven minutes of back-and-forth action, Bątkowski landed a clean left punch that sent Załęcki to the canvas for the first time, prompting a count from the referee. Although Załęcki quickly regained his footing and re-entered the fray, the momentum began to shift as Bątkowski started to find his rhythm.
With fatigue setting in for both fighters, the exchanges became increasingly brutal. Bątkowski, visibly battered, continued to press forward, landing several significant punches. However, Załęcki's frustration began to show as he resorted to illegal strikes, hitting Bątkowski in the back of the head during a clinch. This earned him another warning, and the referee was clearly on high alert for any further infractions.
In a pivotal moment of the match, Załęcki struck Bątkowski in the back of the head again, prompting the referee to stop the fight. Despite the controversial nature of the strike—replays suggested that Załęcki may have missed—he was disqualified, handing Bątkowski the victory after 15 minutes and 30 seconds of intense competition.
Post-fight, Bątkowski expressed mixed feelings about his win, stating, "I felt victorious, but I would have preferred to knock him out." Załęcki, on the other hand, was visibly upset and declared, "I don’t want to fight him anymore because he gave up." This exchange highlighted the emotional stakes involved in their rivalry, which had been brewing for some time.
The FAME MMA 25 event featured a full card of exciting matchups, including Magdalena Loskot's victory over Sandra Staniszewska earlier in the evening, which set the stage for the main event. The fight card also included notable bouts such as Kamil "Taazy" Mataczyński vs. Alberto "Afrykańska Maczeta" Simao and Wojciech Gola vs. Łukasz "Tuszol" Tuszyński, showcasing a range of fighting styles and talents.
With this disqualification, Załęcki's recent struggles continue, marking a disappointing chapter in his career following a brief resurgence. Meanwhile, Bątkowski's victory may serve as a crucial turning point, potentially reigniting his path in the competitive landscape of FAME MMA.
As fans reflect on the chaotic nature of the fight, questions remain about the future of both fighters. Will Załęcki be able to regroup after this setback, or will Bątkowski's victory propel him into a new era of success? Only time will tell as the FAME MMA saga continues to unfold.