Poland's Mateusz Szczeciński Wins the Polaris 38 Welterweight Grand Prix

Poland's Mateusz Szczeciński is the new Polaris welterweight world champion. On July 11, 2026, at the Bath University Sports Village in Bath, England, the Academia Gorila standout fought through a stacked eight-man Grand Prix, winning three matches in a single night to claim the title and a $30,000 prize.

For European grappling, it was a statement performance. Szczeciński entered as one of several European names in the bracket and left as the last one standing, retained his Polaris welterweight world title.

The Road to the Final

Szczeciński opened his night against Deandre Corbe, finishing with a signature achilles lock in the second round. In the semifinal he needed even less time, catching Michael Liera Jr. with a highlight-reel armbar in the first round to book his place in the final.

On the other side of the bracket, PJ Barch worked his way through with a decision win over Wales' Taylor Pearman before submitting Norway's Tommy Langaker with a rear-naked choke in the first round of the semifinal.

An All-Action Final

The final pitted Szczeciński against PJ Barch, who had won the welterweight Grand Prix at Polaris 27. It went the distance, with the Polish grappler edging a narrow split decision to take the belt.

Three fights, three wins, and $30,000 to take home to Poland.

A Strong European Presence

Beyond the champion, the bracket carried a distinctly European flavour. Poland's Sebastian Patyk pushed Tommy Langaker to an overtime decision in the quarterfinals, while Norway's Langaker reached the semifinals before running into Barch. Wales' Taylor Pearman also earned his place among the world's best welterweights.

Full Grand Prix Results

Quarterfinals:

• Mateusz Szczeciński def. Deandre Corbe (achilles lock, Rd. 2)
• PJ Barch def. Taylor Pearman (decision)
• Michael Liera Jr. def. Carson Coles (decision)
• Tommy Langaker def. Sebastian Patyk (overtime decision)

Semifinals:

• Szczeciński def. Michael Liera Jr. (armbar, Rd. 1)
• Barch def. Tommy Langaker (rear-naked choke, Rd. 1)

Final:

• Szczeciński def. PJ Barch (split decision)

Bantamweight Gold

In the co-main event, Sarah Galvão captured the vacant bantamweight title, submitting Zara Di Tofano with a darce choke in the first round. Representing Atos, Galvão remains undefeated in black belt superfight competition.

About Mateusz Szczeciński

Mateusz Szczeciński represents Academia Gorila, one of Poland's most respected competition teams. Known for a dangerous leg-lock game and a relentless pace, he has become one of Polaris' most reliable finishers.

His run at Polaris 38 marks a career-defining result and cements his place among the top welterweights in the sport. With the world title now in Polish hands, there is plenty for European fans to be excited about.