Few 26-year-olds have had as many different experiences in the MMA world as Chris Horodecki.
From a stint in the TKO promotion to a run in IFL to a series of fights in WEC to a cup of coffee in Bellator and across the regional Canadian MMA scene, Horodecki has fought for an outstanding amount of promotions for someone in his mid-twenties.
Horodecki is scheduled to return to Bellator tonight at Bellator 119 at Casino Rama where he will face veteran featherweight Marlon Sandro in a main card tilt. A fight that Horodecki believes will give him the platform to showcase his new identity as a martial artist.
“I’m a completely different fighter now than what most remember me for,” said Horodecki. “I was a young, inexperienced kid full of piss and vinegar, just read to explode. Now I’m 26 – I’m a veteran of the sport but I still have all the advantages of his youth.”
Horodecki also has a chip on his shoulder heading into his second run in Bellator.
“I’m ready to make my comeback. I’m ready to take my spot back. I got that fire burning under my ass right now,” said Horodecki. “I’m here in Bellator to take my spot back – period.”
When Horodecki makes his way into the cage tonight, he’ll rely on his improved skills, determination and in-cage experience.
“Nothing can fluster me. I’ve been through it all and I’ve seen it all. I’ve main-evented on big shows and I’ve fought alongside all the hungriest guys on local shows,” he said. “I’m still only 26. So-called ‘hot prospects’ are still just emerging at that age but the down-side is that everyone knows the up-and-comers still have to experience, endure and bounce back from all the things I’ve already been through.”
As ready as Horodecki is to compete against one of Bellator’s top featherweights. Make no mistake, the fight with Sandro is no grudge match.
“Marlon Sandro is a fighter I respect. He’s a veteran of the sport, he’s been around forever and he’s a former world champion,” said Horodecki. “He’s a big, heavy puncher and he’s skilled everywhere. But I’m ready to bring it to him. I’ve done my homework and I’ve watched his fights, and I match up very very well with him.”
As important as beating Marlon Sandro is, that’s not the only goal on Horodecki’s mind. The other is to remind fight fans why he used to be considered one of the sport’s premier prospects.
“You’re going to see the best Chris Horodecki you’ve ever seen, for my city, for my country. Prepare to see Chris Horodecki version 2.0.”