http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2015/12/15/10219626/former-m1-champ-talks-vacating-title-ufc-aspirations-reebok-deal-usada-drug-testing-mma
After spending two years atop the heavyweight ranks in Russia, longtime M-1 Global champion Marcin Tybura needed a change.
Over the past few months, Tybura underwent significant shifts in his professional life. He left the United gym in Poland to join Berkut Arrachion Olsztyn, home to KSW middleweight champion Mamed Khalidov and UC strawweight champ Joanna Jedrzejczyk.
"I've changed everything," Tybura told BloodyElbow.com. "I now have good sparring partners in my gym. The facilities in my old gym weren't good and I think the gym I train at now is more qualified. I've also changed my coach and I think that will be for the best."
The lifestyle shift didn't end there. Tybura then vacated his M-1 Global heavyweight title - a belt he defended on two occasions - to begin negotiations with the UFC. While nothing is certain yet, Tybura is confident that his risk will be worth the eventual reward.
"I don't know what is going to happen now. There are a few options and it is hard to say which one will be the best now. Everything will be clear in the coming weeks."
The 13-1 heavyweight fought eight times over the span of two years for M-1 Global and gained more popularity in Russia than in his native Poland. A move to the UFC would expand his fan base and place him amongst the elite competitor at his weight class.
"The UFC was like a dream for me that I thought would never come true two or three years ago," Tybura explained. "Now there is a real opportunity for me to get there and I like that a lot. Once I'm able to go to the UFC, I will."
Given the UFC first venture to Poland earlier this year, Tybura has aspirations to headline one of the promotion's next shows in his native land.
"It would be great for me to headline the Polish events. I hope one day that I can do that."
While the UFC is considered the Holy Grail for aspiring fighters, the promotion's recent changes in sponsorship and drug testing made many reconsider signing long term contracts with the UFC. Tybura is far from concerned with the Reebok sponsorship, as he believes it would be a step up from his previous arrangement.
"I don't really think about that. In my specific case, I'm from Poland fighting in Russia. It is already hard for me to get sponsors. I'm much more well known in Russia than in Poland. It is difficult to get sponsors so the Reebok deal is not a problem for me."
Tybura reiterated similar sentiments with the newly implemented USADA anti-doping program in the UFC.
"Absolutely. I like it. That is one of the reasons why I really wanted to go to the UFC. I never did drugs so I want to go there and fight clean and against clean opponents. Drug tests don't bother me."
Never heard of him. Educate me.
Why's it say he vacated his title when he lost it in a fight? 
D241 -
Never heard of him. Educate me.
He is a tough well rounded young heavyweight that has finished a few decent heavyweights.
13-1 and has finished Smoldarev, Grabowski, Perak, and Gluhov.
MediumRareMistake - Why's it say he vacated his title when he lost it in a fight?
He did not lose the HW title. The fight vs LHW champ Puetz was a non-title fight since Puetz was returning to defend his LHW title and compete in that division rather than move up to heavyweight.
Volkov is back in M-1 and is fighting Smoldarev for the vacated M-1 HW title.
BJ Penn Forever -Thanks for the info brothaMediumRareMistake - Why's it say he vacated his title when he lost it in a fight?
He did not lose the HW title. The fight vs LHW champ Puetz was a non-title fight since Puetz was returning to defend his LHW title and compete in that division rather than move up to heavyweight.
Volkov is back in M-1 and is fighting Smoldarev for the vacated M-1 HW title.
Once you see this guy perform in the UFC, UG will embrace this dude.
He is the real deal.
Killer on the ground but Puetz exposed him.
Definitely one of the best HWs not currently in the UFC, and a lot younger than say, Kharitonov or Kongo. If he's available they should absolutely sign him.
I thought the UFC was slavery?
http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2016/1/21/10807118/ufc-signs-polish-heavyweight-marcin-tybura-m-1-global-champion
Can't wait to see Tybura in the UFC.
At 30, now is his time to compete with the best.
Tybura is fighting Timothy Johnson on April 10th on UFC Fight Night Croatia.
Has a big boy to deal with today in Tim Johnson.
Tybura by TKO in the 3rd is my prediction.
War Tybura!
Ive got to go with johnson on this one 