By Frank Bonada
Introducing IMMAF Pathways, a brand-new series that will delve into the transformative journeys of IMMAF’s most celebrated Amateur MMA champions.
Our inaugural feature shines a spotlight on Magdalena Czaban, a dynamic atomweight hailing from Poland. Over the span of four years, she evolved into an iconic figure in the amateur MMA landscape, earning a reputation as one of the sport’s most formidable competitors. Join us as we take a closer look at her inspiring journey and remarkable ascent to prominence.
2019 – The Journey Begins
In 2019, Magdalena Czaban embarked on the IMMAF pathway, representing the Polish national team at the 2019 IMMAF European Championships in Rome, Italy.
Already boasting a 4-1 amateur record from competing in various Polish regional promotions, Czaban quickly showcased her prowess by securing a pair of decisive victories in her first two bouts. She dominated Valentina Semal (Ukraine) en-route to a unanimous decision win, before finishing Aeilish O’Hanlon (Ireland) in the first round via TKO.
The stage was set for a showdown in the finals against Ireland’s Nadine Abbott-Bissett, where Czaban’s dynamic skills clashed with Abbott-Bissett’s wrestling-heavy approach. Despite the challenge, Czaban emerged victorious, earning the title of the 2019 IMMAF European Junior Atomweight Champion.
In a surprise twist of fate, Czaban’s next bout under the IMMAF banner would see her immediately rematch Abbott-Bissett, with both athletes now looking to claim the highly sought-after title of IMMAF Junior World Champion.
Abbott-Bissett came out with a point to prove, landing big shots in the clinch and taking her opponent down multiple times. But once again, Czaban refused to allow the Irish athlete more than a minute’s dominance in each round. The Polish European champion executed multiple stunning grappling sequences, taking control of each round with submission attempts and strikes from top position.
Whilst Abbott-Bissett put on a valiant display, Czaban walked away the clear victor in the judges’ eyes, claiming yet another victory, as well as an IMMAF Junior World title. Abbott-Bissett would later go on to become a Senior IMMAF World Champion and has since moved to the pro ranks where she now competes for Combate Global.
2020 – Facing Defeat
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted IMMAF competitions worldwide, but not before Czaban travelled to Australia for the 2020 Oceania Championships. While she triumphed over Australia’s Courtney Gray, Czaban then found herself facing off against Swedish standout Bezan Mahmudi in the finals.
Czaban and Mahmudi left it all on the line in a highlight-entertaining back-and-forth bout. Ultimately, Czaban dropped her first IMMAF loss, coming up short on the judges’ scorecards and returning home with her first silver medal.
2021 – A Triumphant Return
Returning with renewed determination in 2021, Czaban captured her second Junior Atomweight gold at the IMMAF European Championships, claiming statement victories over Inas Ashirbek (Kazakhstan) and Jenna Horto (Finland).
The bout with Horto truly showcased just how much Czaban had evolved in the time since the loss to Mahmudi. Forced to overcome legitimate adversity on multiple occasions, Czaban rose to the challenge, claiming a hard-fought decision win and her second European Jr. title.
2022 – Scaling New Heights
As Magdalena Czaban entered her final year of IMMAF competition, it had become clear that IMMAF had a generational talent in its atomweight division.
With two Junior European Atomweight gold medals to her name, Czaban set her sights on the 2022 IMMAF European Strawweight title, now at the Senior level. This was seen as a great risk by many, as Czaban had often found herself undersized even when competing at atomweight.
Adding to the pressure, Czaban’s first bout at strawweight was against Sweden’s Josefine Modig, an IMMAF World Cup medalist who held high profile victories over multiple IMMAF veterans such as Janika Antinmaa and Nina Back.
The two IMMAF medallist’s went toe to toe, with Czaban’s lightning-fast striking giving her the advantage on the feet, whilst Modig’s slick submissions made her a threat whenever they hit the mat. Each round saw both athletes have moments of success, leading to a split decision from the judges. However, it was Czaban whose hand was raised at the end, winning by the closest of margins.
Not only was Czaban competing up a weight class, but she was being matched up with some of the toughest opponents of her amateur MMA career. Despite all the odds appearing to be stacked against her, Czaban would defeat France’s Delphine Benouaich and Germany’s Songül Karatorak, claiming her third IMMAF European gold medal.
Crowning Achievement
Magdalena Czaban’s crowning IMMAF achievement came at the 2022 IMMAF World Championships, which took place in Belgrade, Serbia. Returning to her natural weight class, Czaban was now focused on attaining the pinnacle achievement an IMMAF athlete can achieve, a Senior World title.
Khushboo Nishad was the first athlete to be drawn to face Czaban. The Indian fighter poised little problem to the three time European and Junior World Champion, with the bout ending via first round TKO stoppage.
In the penultimate bout of the tournament, Czaban was matched up with the athlete whom many believed was to be her hardest test to date, 2x US Open Champion and Olympic Alternate, Victoria Anthony (USA).
However, Czaban put on a masterclass performance against Anthony, culminating in the 3rd round rear naked choke finish.
This secured her spot in the final, opposite Mexico’s Nora Ochoa. The bout didn’t make it out of the first round, as Czaban took Ochoa down, and swiftly progressed to a rear naked choke submission finish.
Life After IMMAF
Now an IMMAF Senior & Junior World Champion, as well as a three-time European Champion, Czaban has since made the decision to go pro. With her first bout set to take place on March 1st against Camila Curutchet at Cage MMA 4, Magdalena Czaban is poised to leave an indelible mark in the world of MMA.
