Phil De Fries, once struggling with anxiety and a lackluster UFC career, has become a dominant KSW heavyweight champion thanks to therapy and medication, now preparing for his 12th title defense against Arkadiusz Wrzosek.
Phil De Fries stands as the most dominant MMA champion today. The KSW heavyweight titleholder is set to defend his title for the 12th time against Arkadiusz Wrzosek at KSW 107 in Poland. Remarkably, therapy and medication have been key to his success.
Years ago, De Fries struggled in the UFC, unable to maintain a positive record. Now, he’s a finishing machine, proud of the difficult path he’s traveled. “When I fought in the UFC, I felt like I was walking the green mile every fight,” he confessed. “I was terrified.”
De Fries began his professional MMA journey in 2009. By 2011, he was fighting in the UFC, debuting with a win over Rob Broughton. However, a quick loss to Stipe Miocic and subsequent defeats led to his UFC exit. What followed was a desperate search for fights and income.
In 2015, a knockout loss to Thomas Denham left De Fries in disbelief. He was battling personal demons, unaware of his anxiety condition. “I didn’t even know anxiety was a condition,” he admitted, reflecting on his tumultuous past.
His mental health struggles worsened, leading to alcoholism and irrational fears. “I couldn’t leave the house without checking everything multiple times,” he shared. Realizing he had anxiety was a turning point, but depression loomed large.
De Fries hit rock bottom, contemplating suicide. “I used to think about killing myself quite a lot,” he revealed. Drinking offered temporary relief, but the anxiety always returned stronger. He quit fighting for a year, drowning in alcohol.
Yet, there were pivotal moments when he considered quitting for good. Each time, he managed to turn things around. Therapy and medication transformed his life, allowing him to enjoy fighting again. “I haven’t lost a fight since getting the prescription,” he said.
Though his doctor suggests tapering off medication, De Fries is hesitant. “I’m happier and more successful now,” he explained. He plans to retire in a few years and then consider coming off the meds. For now, he’s savoring his career resurgence.
De Fries won the KSW title in 2018 by knocking out Michal Andryszak. Since then, he’s defended it 11 times, defeating notable fighters like Todd Duffee and Augusto Sakai. His next challenge is Wrzosek, an undefeated local with a strong kickboxing background.
De Fries doesn’t plan to out-strike Wrzosek but aims to test his grappling skills. “He hasn’t been checked on the ground yet,” De Fries laughed. Confident in his MMA prowess, he’s ready to exploit any weaknesses.
Ultimately, De Fries has found joy in the sport again. “I’m smiling in the gym and when I walk to the cage,” he said. It’s still scary, but ten times better than before. His journey is a testament to resilience and the power of seeking help.