Michal Kuzma: Bronze from the World Championship is the result of long-term work and faith
Author: Mgr. Ing. Marek Herda
1. Michal, you became a historic bronze medallist at the IMMAF World Championships. Have you had time to realise what you have achieved? What emotions dominate you?
A few days have passed and my feelings are mixed. It is a huge honour, joy and gratitude, but also disappointment and sadness, especially after the semi-final, which in my eyes I won. I was the better fighter in two of the three rounds, but unfortunately the referees saw it differently. “Everything is as it should be.”
2. Let’s go back to the beginning. How did you get into MMA, who brought you to this sport, and when did you decide you wanted to stand against the best fighters in the world one day?
My very good friend Paľko brought me to MMA. After a few first trainings in the basement of his block of flats, he brought me to Laugaricio Combat Club Trenčín, and I have stayed there ever since my first training.
3. When you left for Georgia, what were your expectations for the world championship? Did you believe you could return home with a medal?
My expectations and plans were to return home as world champion at 65.8 kg and to put a nice full stop on my amateur career. But the plans changed during the trip, and after arriving I learned that I would compete at 74.8 kg.
4. At the world championship you fought in a higher weight category than your natural one. How strongly did you feel this difference, and what was the hardest part of fighting heavier opponents?
I fought at 74.8 kg, although the original plan was to fight at 65.8 kg, which is also why my weight before the flight was adjusted through more than a month of dieting and weight loss. In the fights you could feel the strength and size difference compared with my opponents. But I am grateful for this experience, because it showed me that I can fight and win with the best in the world, not only in my own category but also in categories above my natural weight.
5. During the semi-final route you showed several fantastic performances, including a win by triangle choke. Which fight was the hardest for you, and which one will you most like to remember?
The fight I will remember for a long time, and which was also my hardest, was against Uzbekistan, where I reached the very bottom of my physical strength.
6. The semi-final against the Angolan national team representative was extremely dramatic. How did you experience this fight inside the cage? Did you have a moment when you felt the final was within reach?
The semi-final was very demanding. In the first round my opponent was extremely strong, and it was more or less a fight just to survive to the second round. From the second round the fight was going my way. I outboxed my opponent in the second round, but in the final seconds I took a hard punch that made my knees buckle. I managed to tie him up and take him to the ground. In the third round I controlled my opponent on the ground for the entire round. From my point of view I won the fight, but the referees saw it differently, so, as I said at the beginning, “everything is as it should be.”
7. After the semi-final you said with a smile that at one moment you did not really know who you were fighting. What do you remember from this demanding bout, and how do you assess it now that the first emotions have faded?
Looking back, I remember every moment, but right after the fight it was pure madness. The punch I took at the end of the second round shook me badly, and after the fight I spent about half an hour not knowing which way was north. During that time a story happened: I was lying on a stretcher and asking my coach whether my opponent from Russia had hit me, and the answer I got was that I had been fighting against the Angolan national team representative… 😂🤣
8. You were very close to reaching the final. What upset you most after the fight, and have you already been able to swap the disappointment for the joy of the bronze medal?
Nothing upsets me. I did my maximum, I fought as well as I could and left everything there despite all the obstacles and the fact that I was competing two weight categories higher. I am only disappointed with the points decision in the semi-final, as I mentioned before.
9. Your personal coach Vladimír Lendvay accompanies you on your sporting journey. What does he mean to you, and what role did he play in this historic achievement?
My coach Vladko Lendvay has been with me from the very beginning of my path as a fighter. He shapes me as a person and as a fighter, he guides me, teaches me and raises me. He is my role model, inspiration and motivation. I see him as a member of my family. Without him I would not be where I am.
10. Your national team coach Richard Konc also accompanied you at the championship. How did cooperation with the coaches work, and what helped you most in difficult moments between fights?
Yes, yes, throughout the tournament I had not only Vladko by my side but also Riško Konc, and for that he deserves a huge THANK YOU for his approach and professionalism, which he showed throughout the championship, whether during the fights or outside them. I think this championship strengthened our relationships, and I look forward to what the future will bring.
11. What did it mean for you to represent Slovakia at the highest world amateur level? Did you feel the support of fans, family and people at home in Slovakia?
Representing Slovakia is a huge honour and at the same time a responsibility. I am grateful for this opportunity.
12. You achieved this success in a higher weight category. Richard Konc said that if you return to 65.8 kg, you will make a real impact there. How do you see it? Is a return to this category your next goal?
The 65.8 kg category is my natural one, so I am really looking forward to competing in it again, and I believe I will fulfil Riško’s words.
13. What comes after the world championship? Do you want to continue in amateur MMA and fight for world gold, or are you already thinking about a professional career?
Now I have a few days of rest, and then back to work. Together with my coach we have some plans, visions and dreams, so we will see…
14. What did you have to sacrifice to get this far? Were there moments during your career when you doubted whether all that hard work made sense?
I do not see it as having sacrificed anything. I do what I love and what I enjoy, and I am grateful that I can. Of course I have had difficult moments and periods, but I have a great team and family around me who always support me and are there with me, so this result is the merit of all of us.
15. Today you are a historic medallist and a role model for young fighters. What would you tell boys and girls who are just starting in MMA and dream of a similar success?
Never give up…
16. And finally, to whom would you like to dedicate this historic medal, and whom do you want to thank?
A huge thank you goes to my team LCC FAMILY, to my family and to God. This medal belongs to all of us… THANK YOU…
