Top of the Class: The Figlak Brothers are the next big siblings in MMA
Siblings in the UFC are becoming a popular trend. Last season on Contender Series, we saw the Cosce Brothers earn contracts on the same card. We have also been blessed to watch the Shevchenko sisters tear through the flyweight division. With the sport continuing to grow, fight fans have been introduced to the up-and-coming Polish duo fighting out of the Cage Warriors promotion.
Meet the next sibling pair that should be on your radar, if they aren’t already… The Figlak Brothers have been destroying the competition on the regional circuit at lightweight and welterweight, generating hype one stoppage at a time. Michal Figlak is an exciting 155er to watch who has a thirst for finishes. The best part though, is he often doesn’t fight without his brother Mateusz Figlak on the same card.
There is no sibling paring more exciting to watch on the regional scene right now.
Why were The Figlak Brothers selected for our Top of the Class List?
You can always count on Mike Figlak being in your face when locked in the cage. The last time we saw him, he finished the fight via Doctor’s Stoppage earlier this year. Currently undefeated with no signs of that changing anytime soon, Mike will search for his 5th stoppage when he returns at CW 129.
Like his brother Mike, Matt has a knack for finishes and taking on the best competition possible. You’ll notice a trend in their records too. Though Matt is not undefeated, he has 4 finishes on his record and will also search for his 5th at Cage Warriors 129. It is more than likely that they end up in the UFC at the same time, following the sibling trend. Before that can happen, the Figlaks will be making their return on October 2nd, a card that closes out another trilogy event set up by Cage Warriors.
If there’s one thing you should know, is the last time they fought on the same card, both finished their fight… They are very reminiscent of the Diaz brothers with their style of fighting and as fans slowly hop on the hype train, they too will see that. Since re-joining Cage Warriors last year, Mike has gone 3-0, extending his pro record to 5-0. He also went 10-2 as an amateur.
Matt on the other hand is 5-1 with his only loss as a pro coming to the UFC’s newest 170er, Ian Garry. Since returning to the promotion last year alongside his brother, Matt has been a finishing machine as well. With only one of his fights having gone the distance, he is proving that he belongs in the cage under the brightest lights possible.
Interview
By now, fans should understand that The Figlak Brothers are as game as they come. Take a look at their resumes and how they finish fights and that’s all the validation you need… But if you’re new to the Polish brothers, know they’ve been married to the game in pursuit of their dreams.
“I’ve been chosen to do this and this is my life,” said Matt. “I’ve sacrificed and dedicated myself to this sport and will go through any opponent to get to my dream.”
They get one step closer to their goals at Cage Warriors 129, and you better believe they’re planning to make a statement. “By next year we will both have titles in Cage Warriors and move onto the UFC,” said Matt. Like most fighters fighting with the yellow gloves, they are in no rush and want to make sure they claim gold before moving on to the big leagues. A decision that truly is admirable in a sport where so many rush their careers.
Fighting on the same card for the third time in their professional careers, expect to see fireworks. They feed off each other’s excitement and always have their one job in mind, and that’s not leaving it to the judges.
“It’s double the excitement for us and the fans [fighting on the same card]. We stay professional, go in the cage and do our job. And that is win in spectacular fashion.”
-Matt Figlak
Fighting in two of the most stacked divisions, the brothers are confident when they look towards the upper echelon of the division. “When I get to the top of the UFC in a couple years time, it would be great to test my self against Gaethje, Poirier and McGregor,” said Mike. “I believe with my fighting style, the fights would be incredible.”
He’s not wrong. But that is if those men are still fighting when Mike enters the top-10 of the UFC. As for Matt, when looking at the top of the welterweight division, he feels he’s the missing puzzle piece. “I think with a few more fights under my belt, I will fit right in the top of the UFC welterweight division. And with my style of fighting will have exciting fights and finishes in the UFC.”
There’s no doubt that the dedication and sacrifice is starting to pay off for the brothers. Dreams are within reach and everything is in sight. There will come a time where both men have nothing left to prove on the regional scene, and it seems like the time is nearing.
“When I look at the people in my division, I feel like they haven’t got it—like I’m on a different level overall,” said Matt. His brother added, “I know it’s my time now and I can’t wait to keep putting on great performances at Cage Warriors, which will then lead me to getting signed to the UFC.”
Aside from their records and finish rate, it’s the sacrifice, dedication and mindset that sets The Figlaks apart from the rest of the regional fighters in their divisions. Keep an eye on these two as they continue to climb the regional ranks…
Congratulations to Mike & Matt Figlak on being selected for our inaugural Top of the Class List!
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