UFC middleweight star Michal Oleksiejczuk does not waste time. The Polish fighter has something that is always in demand in any combat sport: the courage to go all out every time. With his striking heavy, kill-or-be-killed, bar-brawler style of fighting, he has made a name as one of the most exciting guys at 185.

Because of this, Oleksiejczuk seemed to have been en route to a title shot. This was the case as the Pole was given shots at top-ranked middleweights over the past year. However, he has not been quite up to the challenge. In this article, we take a look at these losses.

Two recent back-to-back UFC losses for Michal Oleksiejczuk

Michal Oleksiejczuk came into the UFC in 2017, having amassed a 12-2 record since his professional debut in 2014. ‘Hussar’s UFC journey began on a great note, as he defeated future top-5 205-pounder Khalil Rountree Jr. via a unanimous decision. But alas, it was overturned to a no contest by the Athletic Commission since the Pole tested positive for a banned substance.

The rest of his light heavyweight stint was mostly inconsequential, and ‘Hussar’ dropped down a weight class in August 2022. Perhaps expecting an easier time at the 185-pound middleweight division after a mixed record at 205, the move seems not to have worked as expected. Oleksiejczuk is 3-3 at middleweight and is on a two-fight losing streak!

In March 2024, the fighter lost to Brazilian showman Michel Pereira. For their UFC 299 bout, ‘Hussar’ came out firing from the first bell. However, Pereira managed to get through the initial onslaught and chose to take the fight to the ground. Proving yet again just how good of a grappler he is, ‘Demolidor’ caught Oleksiejczuk in a rear naked choke hold in the first round, winning the bout in the very first minute of their middleweight clash.

Hoping to put the loss behind him and eager as always to put on a show, ‘Hussar’ fought Kevin Holland at UFC 302, just three months later. Yet again, however, he suffered from his acute lack of a ground game, as the American caught Oleksiejczuk in the armbar in the first round. Referee Herb Dean, alarmed at his arm being ‘contorted’ unnaturally, jumped in to stop the fight, convinced the Pole’s arm would break otherwise.

‘Hussar’ has protested this stoppage ever since, stating Herb Dean should have let his arm break if necessary! Because of this, his record has taken a hit but that doesn’t take away from his accomplishments.

Michal Oleksiejczuk’s overall MMA record and other losses

While his UFC record may not be anything to write home about, Michal Oleksiejczuk’s overall professional MMA record is notably better. Along with a record of 19-8, and a knockout rate north of event percent, the Leczna native also has an extensive and successful amateur MMA record. ‘Hussar’ has fought in fifteen amateur fights, winning all but one of them.

As expected, most of Oleksiejczuk’s eight losses have come in the UFC, where he has lost six times: thrice at 205 and thrice at 185. Because of this, his record in the Dana White-led league stands as an underwhelming 7-6! However, his record belies his pedigree as a fighter, as his exciting fighting style has turned out to be a double-edged sword. While his bar-brawler fighting style has made him must-see-TV, it has also proved to be a liability at times, leading to some quick losses.

The biggest liability for ‘Hussar’, however, is that he has virtually no wrestling or grappling. If he can sharpen his ground game, he will be less vulnerable to submissions, which have been his kryptonite, especially in his last two fights. Not only will it make him more competitive against grapplers, but it will also complement his already lethal striking, and perhaps improve his record in the UFC going forward.

What do you think about Michal Oleksiejczuk’s pro-MMA career so far? Let us know in the comments below.