<p>Už za pár dní ho čeká pořádná výzva. Zpátky v České republice přivítá Muradova a na soupeřově domácí půdě to nebude mít zrovna lehké. Světová #58, která zazářila už v Manchesteru a za sebou má obrovské zkušenosti a tréninky s největšími světovými jmény. Jak se Scott Askham cítí před zápasem v Brně?</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/c9ba8603-6581-4067-89f2-b9f28742f1c1/cs.1726674308273.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/3c9efe88-0bab-4727-8125-742fb7e35aae/cs.1726674314405.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><p></p><p><strong>Muradov je silný soupeř. Co myslíš, že na tebe chystá?</strong></p><p>Z mého pohledu nepřináší nic, co bych už neviděl. Budu hrát svou hru a udělám vše, co je třeba.</p><p><strong>Tvoje vítězství na turnaji v Manchesteru, to byl významný comeback. Co tě v zápase nejvíc překvapilo o tobě samotném? Jak tě to ovlivnilo do dalších zápasů?</strong></p><p>Uvědomil jsem si, že patřím do střední divize. Bylo až šokující, jak moc váha ovlivnila mou energii. Takže se moc těším, až se teď vrátím a předvedu skvělou show.</p><p><strong>Překonal jsi pořádné překážky, zejména vážné zranění zad a tři roky pauzy. Jak taková zkušenost bojovníka změní?</strong></p><p>Zasvětil jsem MMA celý život, nikdy pro mě neexistovala jiná možnost. Uvědomil jsem si, jak moc to miluju, a jak jsem nadšený, že jsem zpět. Letos jsem se o sobě znovu hodně naučil a nemůžu se dočkat, až budu zpátky v kleci.</p><p><strong>Duel s Muradovem, navíc na jeho domácí půdě, to je pořádný tlak. Jak to zvládáš?</strong></p><p>Tyhle situace už dobře znám a cítím, že v nich vlastně vynikám, tlak ze mě dostává to nejlepší. Vždycky mě to vyhecuje! Už jen o tom mluvit mě nabíjí energií. Říkám si: Já vám ukážu!</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1005"></oktfightcomponent><p><strong>Jak se plánuješ dostat Muradovovi do hlavy?</strong></p><p>Na váze ukážu svaly a věnuji mu pořádně tvrdý pohled.</p><p><strong>Máš za sebou zápasy i tréninky s nejlepšími zápasníky světa. Kdo z nich měl na tvou kariéru největší vliv?</strong></p><p>Vypíchnout jednoho je těžké, ale trenér Steve Bruno naprosto změnil můj přístup a já jsem díky tomu zaznamenal jednu z nejlepších sérií vítězství v celé kariéře.</p><p><strong>Když se podíváš za tento zápas, kam podle tebe směřuje tvá kariéra? Máš nějaké konkrétní cíle nebo sny, na kterých pracuješ?</strong></p><p>Podepsal jsem smlouvu s OKTAGONEM, takže mým cílem je stát se šampionem! Mám ale ke Kinclovi velký respekt, pomohl mi připravit se na můj poslední titulový zápas, když jsme oba trénovali v American Top Team. Společně jsme absolvovali mnoho sparringů a dodnes jsem mu za jeho pomoc vděčný.</p><p><strong>Bojoval jsi v různých velkých organizacích. Co je pro tebe na OKTAGONU jedinečné?</strong></p><p>OKTAGON pořádá úžasné show po celé Evropě. Jsem nadšený, že teď můžu zažít další zemi a opravdu poznat, co jsou fanoušci OKTAGONU zač. Produkce je neuvěřitelná a já se nemůžu dočkat, až budu stát v záři reflektorů.</p><p><strong>Je něco, co bys Muradovovi vzkázal?</strong></p><p>Prostě přijď! Zápas se blíží, tak pojďme zajistit, aby nás nic nezastavilo. Uvidíme se brzy!</p><p></p><p><strong>Obrovský duel MURADOV VS. ASKHAM už v sobotu! Poslední lístky právě v prodeji.</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="94"></okteventcomponent><p></p>

Zdá se, že Scott Askham nemá o sobotním zápase žádné pochybnosti. Co chystá na Muradova? 

ASKHAM SE MURADOVA NEMŮŽE DOČKAT. CO VZKAZUJE KINCLOVI?  

<p>Local heroes, rising talents, and an unforgettable atmosphere. What's in store for you on Saturday's fight card? Come check it out with us.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/3e305706-3b47-466b-802b-1942681e778c/cs.1731051265386.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/e9ac1044-47de-41b4-97ea-03b38f05b58c/cs.1731051271115.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>BUCHINGER VS. NAFUKA</h2><p>Bratislava will witness a massive clash of generations. The legendary Buki steps into his 54th career fight, having collected two OKTAGON titles, a Cage Warriors title, and three championship belts in M-1 Global. Opposing him is Hafeni Nafuka, one of the brightest MMA talents of today, who at 21 years old has already secured 10 wins. His most recent victory was a historic win over Topallaj in front of 60,000 fans. Will experience triumph over youthful momentum?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1071"></oktfightcomponent><h2>KERTÉSZ VS. APOLLO</h2><p>A throwback to the good old days! A match between two OKTAGON veterans promising a world-class spectacle. Former title contender Kertész, who has defeated Jungwirth twice, will step into the yellow-and-black cage for the 16th time. This time, he faces another stalwart, Apollo – the man who bested Eckerlin in front of a home crowd and defeated last year’s Tipsport Gamechanger winner Veličković. With 41 fights to his name, Apollo has never been finished. This one’s going to be huge.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1067"></oktfightcomponent><h2>PUKAČ VS. DIEDRICK</h2><p>Robo Pukač is a name long etched into the annals of OKTAGON. With 15 years on the scene, he’s faced the likes of Kincl, Kertész, and Jungwirth, never shying away from tough challenges. He wasn’t fazed by a sudden change of opponent either, now facing Englishman Ammari Diedrick. Diedrick is on the hunt for a solid win after dismantling one of Slovakia’s best strikers, Hromek. Four of his five victories have come by KO, three in the first round. Will he break the hearts of the home crowd?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1034"></oktfightcomponent><h2>RYŠAVÝ VS. PALOKAJ</h2><p>Slovak fans never say no to "Bombs" from Ryšavý. The champion of the third OKTAGON Challenge is well-acquainted with the scene, so he’s spicing things up by competing in the featherweight division for the second time. Bratislava will surely cheer him on. His opponent, Palokaj, is no pushover. No one in OKTAGON has yet found a way to beat him, and he’s the only one to defeat Dulatov.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1045"></oktfightcomponent><h2>FODOR VS. LAPILUS</h2><p>He’s been with us from the first OKTAGON Challenge all the way to the 63rd event! František Fodor, with six KOs and two submissions under his belt, has seen it all over the years, so a change in opponent doesn’t rattle him. But Lapilus is no ordinary foe – with 37 fights, draws with stars like Coga and Askhabov, several championship titles, and a black belt in BJJ, will even the experienced Fodor be fazed?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1036"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ABY VS. ZHUMAGULOV</h2><p>One of Europe’s best flyweights and a fighter with a huge heart who has already won the most important battle – against life itself. Despite battling cystic fibrosis and cancer, Aby has proven his passion for MMA with two strong title challenger performances. He will face a formidable OKTAGON newcomer – Zhumagulov from the UFC, who had a streak of bad luck but often appeared as the winner in the eyes of the audience. Ranked #67 globally, he has already won three titles in Fight Nights Global and faced tough opponents like Ulanbekov and Nam, securing valuable wins. Can he shake up the flyweight division?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1040"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ROUŠAL VS. MAGUIRE</h2><p>You never get bored with Roušal. Watching this striking ace's journey in MMA is simply fascinating – his progress is evident with each fight. Although his last bout in Bratislava didn’t go his way, he bounced back in Brno and now dives into another match. His opponent might appear inexperienced, but that’s far from the truth. Maguire is a prominent figure in the Irish amateur scene, with three championship titles and a 2017 fight against Jakub Tichota to his name. Versatile and ready to grind out a win. How will the motivated Roušal respond?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1072"></oktfightcomponent><h2>PAULUS VS. ELONEN-KULMALA</h2><p>Paulus has long been considered one of Slovakia’s biggest talents. The winner of OKTAGON Challenge 5 now faces a tough test as fan-favorite Elonen-Kulmala returns to the organization. Once ranked #80 globally, Elonen-Kulmala enjoyed a four-year unbeaten streak and is currently riding a winning wave, having finished his last two opponents early. Will Slovakia be shaken to its core?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1039"></oktfightcomponent><h2>SMOLKOVÁ VS. SIMPLICIO</h2><p>Veronika Smolková embodies emotion and authenticity. After a tough debut in Bratislava last year, she bounced back with a summer victory, showing her determination. Training alongside Lucie Szabová, she seems to be on a promising path. Facing her is a fierce Brazilian Amazon, Simplicio, who recently ended Šormová’s career with a brutal win, sporting an impressive 4-1 record. Smolková will have her hands full.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1038"></oktfightcomponent><h2>CIGÁNIK VS. ENZ</h2><p>Tomáš Cigánik is another Slovak hope. He nearly bested the tough Staines in the third round and shone in the amateur ranks, winning a title in the Irish organization Clan Wars. His opponent, Kevin Enz, is part of the German crew heading to Bratislava, armed with three first-round wins and a black belt in BJJ.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1073"></oktfightcomponent><p></p><p><strong>OKTAGON 63 is just around the corner! Don’t miss Europe’s best MMA show.</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="99"></okteventcomponent>

Concise, clear, and to the point: What will Saturday’s OKTAGON 63 in Bratislava bring? Check out the full card and stay in the loop.

YOUR GUIDE: OKTAGON 63 FIGHT BY FIGHT

<p>When Radek Roušal appears on the card, entertainment is guaranteed. His cage entrances are always surprising, and so are his rapidly improving MMA skills as an outstanding striker.</p><p>The summer event in Bratislava was a tough test for him, but he learned from it and continues to move forward like lightning. He made a strong comeback in Brno, proving he’s not afraid to go the distance in challenging bouts.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/68b7aac3-2609-4181-b2a7-93f587936f98/cs.1730814134602.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/5162e680-afd4-4857-8f22-c8d15ca7b4b4/cs.1730814141485.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><p></p><p><strong>Who will be waiting for him in the capital this time?</strong></p><h2>NEWCOMER? NOT A CHANCE</h2><p>At first glance, it might seem that Jack Maguire, like Roušal, is at the start of his MMA career and still getting his feet wet in the cage. But the reality is quite different! Maguire is a prominent name on the Irish amateur scene, boasting 15 amateur fights under his belt, making him far from a novice in MMA. He had his first fight back in 2015!</p><h2>THREE-TIME CHAMPION</h2><p>And it doesn’t stop at his cage experience – he was a true amateur ace. He has collected three championship titles in three different organizations. He can grind out victories by decision but is also no stranger to knockouts. Will he have the edge over Roušal?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1072"></oktfightcomponent><h2>FOUGHT TICHOTA AS WELL</h2><p>And here’s something interesting: the hot-blooded Irishman isn’t as distant from the Czech-Slovak scene as it might seem! In 2017, as an amateur, he fought Jakub Tichota at the IMMAF World Championships, already facing one of the biggest Czech talents.</p><p><strong>Will Roušal be in danger? OKTAGON 63 in Bratislava is just days away – BUKI, APOLLO, KERTÉSZ, PUKAČ, and more heroes in action.</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="99"></okteventcomponent>

Jack Maguire is no newcomer to the world of MMA. Who will he face in Slovakia?

IRISH STAR FROM THE AMATEURS! MAGUIRE HEADS TO OKTAGON

<p>A fight no one saw coming is heading to Bratislava! And it will be a true test on home turf – defending Slovakia’s honor will be none other than the legendary Ivan Buchinger. Let’s dive into the story behind this monumental fight.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/6647a418-e889-45e4-aeb0-40ab85e9f756/cs.1730732019699.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/23af28d0-37bf-4057-9289-17a47fe7c2d1/cs.1730732029815.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>CLASH OF GENERATIONS</h2><p>38 years old with 53 fights versus 21 years old with 11 fights. This will be a battle of the old school versus the new generation, featuring one of Germany’s top MMA talents who’s been dominating the scene. Buchinger has faced this challenge before – just last year, Jakub Dohnal tried to take him down, only to witness Buki’s resurgence, proving retirement was not an option. Will Nafuka be the one to dethrone the legend in front of a home crowd? Or will we once again see Buchinger’s incredible conditioning and unmatched experience shine through?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1071"></oktfightcomponent><h2>OKTAGON RECORD HOLDER</h2><p>Ivan Buchinger is a legend for good reason. He holds numerous records in OKTAGON, with an impressive 36 finishes before the final bell. Not only was he a two-time OKTAGON champion, but also a three-time M-1 Global king and a Cage Warriors champion! He has dismantled seasoned warriors and upstarts alike, all of whom aimed to make a name at his expense – in vain.</p><h2>THE BIGGEST TALENT ON THE SCENE?</h2><p>Who is Hafeni Nafuka, the man stepping up to face Buchinger? As an OKTAGON fan, you likely already know the threat he poses to Bratislava. At just 21 years old, he has already fought 11 times, with only one loss to his name and eight victories secured before the limit. His most recent win, handing Topallaj his first career defeat in front of 60,000 fans, was nothing short of spectacular. But this is undoubtedly the biggest challenge he’s faced so far. Will he be the one to take Buki out of the game?</p><p><strong>This is a fight you cannot miss! The BUCHINGER VS. NAFUKA showdown at OKTAGON 63 in Bratislava – don’t miss it!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="99"></okteventcomponent>

OKTAGON 63 has announced a fight that could redefine Slovak MMA forever.

WILL THIS BE BUCHINGER'S END?! BRATISLAVA AWAITS A MEGA FIGHT

<p> We’ve reached a major milestone – OKTAGON 62 set a world record, rewriting not only global history but also our own, yellow-and-black story. In collaboration with the&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/mma_statistix/">@mma_statistix</a> profile, we bring you a unique overview and statistics, starting from the very first OKTAGON event! Ready for an epic ride?&nbsp;</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/0b0dded3-d92e-402e-8edc-f8d3410a892c/cs.1729871697935.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/d5b4cd03-2f47-48c2-80e7-29ce38389106/cs.1729871707891.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><p></p><p><strong>Let’s take a look at the unbelievable numbers accumulated over the past eight years!</strong></p><h2>HOW MANY FIGHTS HAVE TAKEN PLACE?</h2><p>A total of <strong>726</strong> fights have taken place inside the OKTAGON cage – and if we include the UNDERGROUND rules matches, the number increases by 101. So, we’re getting close to <strong>1,000</strong>! Note to self: remind the production team to make a cake with 1,000 candles.</p><h2>HEADING TOWARD A MILLION</h2><p>Ticket sales have far surpassed the cake limit. Our organization has sold over <strong>530,000</strong> tickets, so we’re on the road to a million. To put it into perspective, printing that many tickets would take about 10 days. Luckily, we’re eco-friendly! And just to be clear, following counts exclude UNDERGROUND events, otherwise, we’d probably lose track.</p><h2>OKTAGON MARATHON? PLAN YOUR VACATION</h2><p>If you’re planning to binge-watch from OKTAGON 1, we recommend informing your workplace. The total viewing time is <strong>4 days, 18 hours, 36 minutes, and 29 seconds</strong>. We hope your boss is a fan too!</p><h2>KO, SUBMISSION, OR DECISION? THE NUMBERS DON’T LIE</h2><p>Things get wild in the OKTAGON cage, and sometimes the judges might get bored! Finishes before the limit are much more common than decisions. There have been <strong>284 KOs</strong> and TKOs, and <strong>152 submissions</strong>, across <strong>16</strong> different submission techniques. In the first round, fights ended 262 times, more often by KO. A total of <strong>280</strong> fights have gone the distance and ended by decision.</p><h2>DRAWS? NOT REALLY!</h2><p>Draws are rare here – it’s usually all or nothing. Across 62 events, there have only been <strong>7</strong> draws, with two "no contests" (can you remember who caused them?). And only <strong>1</strong> disqualification, so thank you to the fighters for behaving honorably in the cage!</p><h2>A FULL PLANE OF FIGHTERS</h2><p>A total of <strong>540</strong> fighters have competed in the yellow-and-black cage. That’s about the same capacity as a full Boeing 747, 10 buses, or one large school! We’re considering whether to send them all on vacation or start the OKTAGON University.</p><p>Needless to say, we offer you the best. Currently, OKTAGON boasts <strong>26 fighters</strong> in the world’s top 100, and <strong>40</strong> in the top 150. Come see their quality in action!</p><h2>A CAGE ON WHEELS: WHERE DID WE LIKE IT THE MOST?</h2><p>OKTAGON has traveled far and wide. We’ve visited <strong>4 countries, 17 cities, and 30 arenas</strong> and stadiums! Our most frequent stop is Prague, where we’ve hosted <strong>20 events</strong>. And we’ll be back in December at the O2 Arena, where tickets are selling out fast, so don’t miss out!</p><h2>NOT ALL EVENTS ARE THE SAME!</h2><p>And what about the events themselves? You probably already know a lot about the latest OKTAGON 62, so let’s look back at history.</p><p>For example, the event with the most fights on the card was a record <strong>13</strong>, which happened at OKTAGON 3, 30, and 33. Just to clarify, our matchmakers are not into numerology or the number 3...</p><h2>WHERE DID THE FIGHTS END QUICKLY, AND WHERE DID THE JUDGES SWEAT?</h2><p><strong>OKTAGON 18</strong> passed like a tornado, with its fights lasting just a clean <strong>46 minutes</strong> – none of the 10 bouts went to the judges, and most ended in the first round. To those who arrived later that evening, we sincerely apologize...</p><p>On the other hand, <strong>OKTAGON 61</strong> in September in Brno was a true marathon – if you thought it was the longest event ever, you guessed right. It broke the record not only in length but also in the number of fights that had to go to the judges. Fighters took their time, battling it out for <strong>2 hours and 26 minutes</strong> in the cage. Not to mention the battle with sleepiness at 1 AM during the press conference!</p><h2>FINISHES GALORE</h2><p>Blink, and you would’ve missed <strong>OKTAGON 12</strong> – where a record number of KOs and TKOs were set in one night, totaling <strong>9</strong>. At <strong>OKTAGON Prime 3</strong>, submissions were in the spotlight, with fighters delivering <strong>6</strong> submissions that evening.</p><h2>WITHOUT YOU, IT WOULDN'T HAPPEN</h2><p>What a ride, right? And we sincerely thank you for it! Stick with us for more historic moments that we’ll continue to create together. <strong>The plan for next year is already out, so pick a show and enjoy the best European MMA action for yourself!</strong></p><oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DBEoQc7MwZA/?img_index=1"></oktinstagramcomponent>

Have you ever wondered how many KOs have happened in our events? This statistic from @mma_statistix will blow your mind!

700 FIGHTS, ONLY SEVEN DRAWS: EIGHT YEARS OF OKTAGON IN NUMBERS

<p>Trušček is a phenomenon you don’t see often. With his incredible record, he has surpassed even the legendary Buchinger securing the number one spot for the most fights. This is an insane stat for the guy who’s already gearing up for his arrival in Bratislava.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/c64c06bf-3645-4f97-afe0-39d40693ec41/cs.1729695129867.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/0cf54273-22d6-4979-a041-b68bf1902efa/cs.1729695134954.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>MORE WINS THAN BIRTHDAYS</h2><p>He started his professional career in 2007 and has been stepping into the cage for over <strong>17 years</strong> now. And he doesn’t take it easy—he’s one of the most active MMA fighters, with a record that’s hard to keep track of: <strong>83 fights</strong>, <strong>44 wins</strong>, and <strong>41</strong> of them before the final bell! He’s scored 24 KOs and 17 submissions. He’s celebrated more victories than birthdays—and <strong>at</strong> <strong>36</strong>, retirement doesn’t seem to be on the horizon. Quite the opposite. While others are bowing out, he’s unstoppable. Throughout his career, he’s <strong>fought in four weight classes</strong>—featherweight, lightweight, middleweight, and now mostly welterweight.</p><h2>ON A ROLL</h2><p>Trušček has been on a hot streak recently. Things got heated at the weigh-ins when Akipa went after him, leading to a wild brawl. But karma bit the younger German back, as the experienced fighter choked him out in the second round the next day. Just a few weeks later, Ivica was already stepping into another fight at FNC, and again—victorious! Will he get his third win in Bratislava?</p><h2>PUKAČ IS WAITING!</h2><p>Next up for him is Robo Pukač, who’ll be waiting for him on his home turf in Bratislava. Pukač may not have 100 fights under his belt yet, but he’s seen plenty of action in the cage and knows OKTAGON like the back of his hand. The “Bratislava Prince,” who’s only four years younger, will be aiming to claim a home victory at all costs. But it seems like this Croatian dynamo just can’t be stopped lately... How will it all play out?</p><p><strong>DON’T MISS IT! BRATISLAVA WILL ONCE AGAIN WITNESS EUROPE'S BEST MMA ON NOVEMBER 9TH!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="99"></okteventcomponent>

Unbelievable stats for the Croatian fighter. Will he hit the big 100 soon?

IVICA TRUŠČEK: THE ABSOLUTE OKTAGON RECORD HOLDER! 

<p>At OKTAGON, we’ve cooked up something fresh that you won’t want to miss. The Neruda Cup is back and bigger than ever – and now you’ve got the chance to stir the pot and score some epic prizes. Introducing the MMA Fantasy League, where every OKTAGON fan can dive into the action like never before.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/2c2d883c-e241-4024-a96e-58a42a7cd4bf/cs.1729512935055.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/1b3ca4a7-ff5b-46e2-9568-24c19723d15e/cs.1729512940636.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>STEP INTO THE GAME</h2><p>In the MMA Fantasy League, you get to choose <strong>TWO fighters</strong> for each OKTAGON event. It’s all in your hands – pick the warriors you believe in, and send them into battle. Together with other fans, you’ll form a powerhouse team to take on the competition, but here’s the twist: you’ll also be competing with each other for the top spot! Expect intense showdowns in <strong>Regional Leagues</strong>, <strong>Partner Leagues</strong>, and loads of other categories, where only the best will rise to the top.</p><p>Curious about how the scoring works in this one-of-a-kind MMA Fantasy League?</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/a618c272-b9ee-415c-a25f-75bf95ec017f/cs.1729512651955.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/8526b0d2-8735-44e0-9435-507f0f7e9bce/cs.1729512655531.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>COMPETE FOR EXCLUSIVE PRIZES</h2><p>Everyone who joins has a shot at winning not only the prestigious Neruda Cup trophy, but also some seriously cool rewards. You could win:</p><ul><li><p>&nbsp;PPV access</p></li><li><p>&nbsp;Tickets to live events</p></li><li><p>&nbsp;Exclusive merch</p></li><li><p>&nbsp;Once-in-a-lifetime experiences and hangouts with the fighters</p></li><li><p>&nbsp;Partner giveaways and much more!</p></li></ul><p>But wait, there’s more! Brands and sponsors can jump in too, building their own teams and joining the fun. You might’ve seen OKTAGON fighters like Karlos Vémola or Honza Široký popping by partner companies and trying their hand at different jobs. There’s plenty more of that coming, and you get to call the shots by voting on what happens next.</p><h2>BE FIRST IN LINE: PRE-REGISTRATION IS OPEN!</h2><p>Here’s your shot to get a head start. Pre-registration for 2025 is now open, and the best part? You can start playing for <strong>FREE</strong> right now.</p><p>Just <strong>PICK 2 FIGHTERS</strong> from the OKTAGON 63 card in Bratislava. Who’s your top pick? Sign up through the form <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSekbCzE3FnpuSUl3OC-6AsmWMuwxuhBCVBPowG33jzeS2MdTQ/viewform">HERE</a> and kick off the game!</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/7bf970f8-8424-4fee-936f-465ec1906495/cs.1729513412493.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/99267b0d-98e3-4550-9313-c2592a723972/cs.1729513416391.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent>

With the new version of the Neruda Cup, you can jump in, shake things up, and maybe even change the fate of the fighters!

GET IN THE OKTAGON! NERUDA CUP IS CHANGING THE GAME

<p>That was something! The biggest MMA tournament in the world exceeded all expectations. Germany knows its king, while Czech fans lost theirs in a brutal fight. Names like Coga and Holzer sent the crowd into absolute madness, heavyweights reminded everyone how hot their blood boils, and Will Fleury stirred up trouble in the light heavyweight division. 60,000 fans had their blood freeze in their veins as Dalisda lost her title. Simply unforgettable.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/c433017f-5f8f-426c-a012-180d7fce176a/cs.1728772505322.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/ba9bfaa3-ad2c-4ef0-8b22-1d9bfc1aa414/cs.1728772514094.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><p></p><p>Check out the results of all the matches with us and relive the duels of this incredible night.</p><h2>ECKERLIN VS. JUNGWIRTH</h2><p>What happened at the stadium when Germany's two biggest stars walked out is hard to describe. As Jungwirth entered, the entire arena sang along, forming a massive choir with a world record crowd. Then it was time for the home king, who didn’t skimp on the show. The stellar performances continued after the grand entrance accompanied by a rap star—Eckerlin kept scoring, even on the scorecards. Round after round, he had the upper hand over Jungwirth, although the referee had to step in several times to remind him of the rules. The king of Stuttgart was losing more and more, succumbing to hard punches and ground pressure. When Jungwirth failed to surprise in the last round, the outcome was clear. Jungwirth fought with his heart, as always, but it wasn’t enough for the new OKTAGON belt. Welcome the king, Eckerlin!</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="943"></oktfightcomponent><h2>KINCL VS. ENGIZEK</h2><p>Kerim Engizek’s entrance naturally left no one in the stadium cold. Czech fans got to experience what it’s like when the crowd boos their beloved champion, Kincl, on a grand scale. Engizek’s fans kept pushing him forward, while they let no mistake from the Czech representative go unnoticed. The audience enjoyed all five long rounds. Both fighters were very cautious, but Engizek showed just a bit more courage. And it paid off—round by round, he read Kincl better and better. By the fourth round, there was a glimmer of hope for the champion, but it was just a flicker. The judges were clear from the start, only occasionally scoring a round as even. And so, to the delight of the crowd in the arena and the disbelief of Kincl’s fans, the longest-reigning current champion was dethroned. A historic moment at a historic tournament.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1021"></oktfightcomponent><h2>COGA VS. RAČIĆ</h2><p>Max Coga's fight wasn’t for a title, but it was more than special for the audience—the home superstar’s arrival at OKTAGON was as stellar as expected. In the cage, both men set a brutal pace—and while Račić got in some action in the first round, he didn’t stand a chance in the second. The brutal KO that Coga delivered caused a frenzy in the crowd. The arena was on its feet, and the roar could be heard beyond the state borders. A dream for Coga and the 60,000 fans in the arena.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="952"></oktfightcomponent><h2>SAMSONIDSE VS. TORRES</h2><p>Niko Samsonidse promised that after ten months of injury recovery, he would return stronger and better. And these weren’t empty promises. The German fighter was truly hungry for victory, and his hunger was felt throughout the massive stadium. During the second round, he lived up to his words by choking out Torres. "One Love" is back in the game!</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1022"></oktfightcomponent><h2>TODEV VS. PAŁASZ</h2><p>The heavyweights put on a show like only these giants can. The first round didn’t bring much drama, and the judges favored Pałasz. But in the second round, the tables turned. Todev took control and then destroyed his opponent with strikes, causing him to collapse gradually, until he fell completely. The KO is secured, and Todev will fight for the title once again.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1024"></oktfightcomponent><h2>HOLZER VS. TRABELSI</h2><p>Max Holzer won over the crowd even before the fight started, earning the title of Fan Favorite by entering the cage on a scooter in his usual humorous style. The crowd decided to fight alongside him and cheered him on loudly from the first round. Holzer delivered total dominance—first with punches, then on the ground, crushing Trabelsi everywhere and steadily increasing the pace. It paid off not to let up. Just before the end of the fight, he managed to finish his opponent on the ground, securing a TKO win! A 9-0 record and a frenzied arena—this is a career whose stardom is reaching for the skies!</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1043"></oktfightcomponent><h2>TIPSPORT PERFORMANCE OF THE NIGHT: DALISDA VS. MARTIN</h2><p>Surprise of the evening? For the full stadium, definitely the shock of the year… Mallory Martin stepped into the cage as a completely different fighter than the one Dalisda faced the first time. From the very start, Martin overwhelmed the shocked champion, and tens of thousands of spectators held their breath more and more. The first three rounds went to Martin, which undoubtedly shook Dalisda’s confidence. This only made it easier for Martin, who took her time and meticulously dismantled the champion, leaving the stadium in shock. We wouldn’t want to be in John Newman’s shoes, who had to try and lift the frozen crowd’s spirits. And Martin? The best performance of the night, a huge success and the start of a new chapter. A proud coach Velicković stood in the corner. Wow!</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1031"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MACHAEV VS. HENDIN</h2><p>This was a fight every MMA fan had to appreciate. Both fighters put on a high-level performance, and we could only marvel at their exchanges, textbook wrestling, and technical prowess. As Karlos said, despite the chilly weather in the stadium, these two fighters broke a sweat in the demanding three rounds. The first round was close, but Machaev clearly dominated the following ones and took home a unanimous decision win.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1023"></oktfightcomponent><h2>LANGER VS. FLEURY</h2><p>The bell rang, and the fairy tale was over. All the fans of the unique Langer had their hearts broken, as the tornado named Fleury was too much for him. After a minute and a half, the bold Irishman delivered a devastating KO, and Langer hit the canvas. It’s now clear that the light heavyweight division has a new shark in its waters. After his epic victory, Fleury called out Karlos Vémola, who has yet to respond decisively to the challenge.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1014"></oktfightcomponent><h2>NAFUKA VS. TOPALLAJ</h2><p>Here, too, the audience showed that they were enjoying the night to the fullest, not hesitating to express both their support and their dissatisfaction loudly. Hafeni Nafuka dominated the fight, but it was through a rather static ground game, with few strikes thrown. Topallaj was devastated by his loss on points, but even Nafuka didn’t show much enthusiasm. His post-fight interview was met with loud boos… A bittersweet, yet valuable win for Nafuka.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1012"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ILBAY VS. DEIGA-SCHECK</h2><p>The first fight of the evening warmed up the audience perfectly. Ilbay wasted no time, landing a KO on his Brazilian opponent just three minutes into the fight, getting the crowd on their feet. Congratulations, that’s what we call the “opener” of the year!</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1020"></oktfightcomponent>

How did the biggest MMA tournament in history turn out, and who made their mark as the winner?

RESULTS OF OKTAGON 62: THE KING WAS CROWNED!

<p>Endurance, calm, and composure – these were the key aspects of tonight. Rony and Keita will face off in a breathtaking final of the Tipsport Gamechanger million-dollar pyramid. Muradov nailed his comeback, while Pudilová had a tough welcome back from the UFC. The home crowd in Brno was delighted by the local trio Kalašnik, Lengál, Roušal, and of course, the fantastic Hron in his final dance in the cage. On the other hand, the dream was shattered for Tichota, who was cruelly handled by Staines, and it was similarly bitter tonight for Sanikidze. The evening started off well for the local fighter Stanovský and also for Sardari, who both showed great form.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/9fad2fc9-a44e-488e-892c-d3b5a558e984/cs.1727006566925.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/d9e7f4fa-e4df-4fb1-ad84-239cf130b43a/cs.1727006575266.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><p></p><p>How did things unfold in Brno, fight by fight?</p><h2>PARADEISER VS. DUQUE</h2><p>Good things come to those who wait. And today, that was especially true for those hoping for a beautiful, quick finish at the very top of the evening. Rony Paradeiser once again showed that he's enjoying the absolute peak of his career, skillfully capitalizing on his Spanish opponent's mistake, leaving him no second chance. He earned the Performance of the Night award and secured his place in the million-dollar final in just a minute and a half, also putting his OKTAGON lightweight championship belt on the line. We have something to look forward to!</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1010"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MURADOV VS. ASKHAM</h2><p>A performance that impressed Karlos Vémola and Jiří Procházka at the microphones – that was Muradov's return from the UFC. Askham is a world-class opponent, but Muradov relentlessly pursued his goal. He systematically and persistently wore down the Englishman, showing no fear of ground techniques and eventually also dominating the stand-up game. No reckless attempts, just an incredibly confident performance that all three judges rewarded with points. Welcome back, Mach, this was magnificent!</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1005"></oktfightcomponent><h2>KEITA VS. LEGIERSKI</h2><p>This fight was a tough nut to crack even for experienced bettors, and there was no clarity even after it began. Keita once again showed a slightly different side tonight than what we're used to. Both fighters were unusually cautious, aware of the danger in the cage and the gravity of the situation. A few precise strikes and a clear win by decision sent the Belgian star to the final of the elite pyramid. Now, we get to see a showdown between two real rivals.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1009"></oktfightcomponent><h2>PUDILOVÁ VS. BOLANDER</h2><p>The determined and spirited Bolander gave Pudilová a real challenge. The Czech star was tough in the stand-up, even delivering a bloody nose blow in the first round! But things took a turn when the Norwegian fought back and surprised Pudilová, like when she threw her to the ground. A tense and thrilling fight where Bolander kept pushing, and neither woman slowed down. Pudilová narrowly won by decision, but it wasn’t an easy comeback! As for Bolander? She surely gained more than just bloody scars tonight – she’s earned plenty of new fans.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1007"></oktfightcomponent><h2>KALAŠNIK VS. PALAIOLOGOS</h2><p>Kalašnik didn’t hold back from the start, but as we know, Palaiologos is a tough and unpredictable opponent, which was confirmed again today. However, the Greek's patience didn’t pay off. "Vagabund" performed well in the stand-up, and the final takedown nearly became his undoing when he almost landed an illegal knee. He was penalized with a point deduction, but otherwise, he fought with all his might on home soil, and it paid off. A big win for Kalašnik!</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="949"></oktfightcomponent><h2>LENGÁL VS. FRY</h2><p>This was nerve-wracking. Lengál’s fighter’s heart was beating stronger than ever. Fry wasn’t easy to outsmart, confirming his reputation as a dangerous opponent, especially when he landed a precise head kick on Vlado and continued with kicks to the body. But with Lengál, you don’t mess around in the stand-up. While the first round was fairly balanced, in the second, the local favorite started asserting himself. At 2:25, he delivered hard knees to his opponent and confidently finished the fight before the limit.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="950"></oktfightcomponent><h2>HRON VS. SIKKING</h2><p>The last dance of a long and incredible career! According to UNDERGROUND rules, Hron got his rematch with Fred Sikking, who wanted to settle the score with the Czech legend. The Czech fighter enjoyed his final ride thoroughly and showcased everything he had learned over the years – unleashing brutal strikes of all kinds and giving Brno an amazing shootout. After the first round, the doctor stopped the battered Sikking, and it was clear – Hron defeated his opponent for the second time, this time before the limit. The winner then ended his career in an unusual way, handing one of his gloves to his coach. We can only speculate what this means.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1019"></oktfightcomponent><h2>SANIKIDZE VS. CARTWRIGHT</h2><p>Once again, it didn’t go well for Sanikidze in the bantamweight division. At the start, it looked like a very promising chokehold that Cartwright nearly succumbed to! But it didn’t work out. From then on, the British fighter took control of the game. There was no shortage of submission attempts from both sides, but Cartwright had the upper hand today. This was confirmed by a unanimous decision win.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1013"></oktfightcomponent><h2>TICHOTA VS. STAINES</h2><p>A clash of two massive Czech talents brought some truly intense moments. Staines stormed into the fight from the very beginning, landing punches that Tichota will likely remember for a long time. Staines may seem shy at home, but in the cage, he once again transformed into a determined beast, and the Czech representative didn’t have it easy at all. All three rounds were painful for Czech fans and Kuba Tichota alike, and today, England celebrated. We think Staines is now striking fear into even experienced fighters!</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1017"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ROUŠAL VS. BAHAJI</h2><p>Ruchy prepared his favorite prison entrance for Brno and kind of trapped himself in the fight as well. The two men relentlessly tested their strength on the ground and in the clinch, and the Czech striker didn’t hold back with powerful punches, landing 125 significant strikes compared to his opponent's 25! Tonight was all about endurance and keeping a clear head. He kept using every weapon he had against his opponent. And it paid off – Ruchy didn’t back down! Brno couldn’t have been happier when Roušal earned a hard-fought decision victory.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1011"></oktfightcomponent><h2>KORKMAZ VS. SARDARI</h2><p>Although Korkmaz has amazed fans twice before and even gave Rony a tough time, tonight wasn’t his night. Sardari delivered harsh and well-aimed strikes, leaving Attila mainly in defense, trying to withstand everything his opponent threw at him. Only at the end of the second round did he come back with a solid head kick, dramatically intensifying the situation in the cage. In the third round, though, everything returned to normal, and Sardari earned second victory of the evening, also by decision.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1015"></oktfightcomponent><h2>STANOVSKÝ VS. SHADRIN</h2><p>The Czech fighter with Greek roots gave Shadrin a tough time right from the start. Gleb felt more comfortable in the stand-up, so Stanovský didn’t hesitate to take the fight to the ground, both in the first and second rounds. It wasn’t a clear domination, as Shadrin landed some solid kicks, but both rounds went to the local fighter. It became clear that the Greek would have to go for a finish, but it didn’t work out. Brno celebrated as Jan Stanovský earned a well-deserved decision victory</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="985"></oktfightcomponent>

What a night! Who walked away as the winner? Check out the detailed results of the entire Brno card.

OKTAGON 61 TOURNAMENT RESULTS: WHO ARE THE TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER FINALISTS? 

<p>If you didn’t win in the first round, you had to fight until the end! That’s how you could summarize the night in Oberhausen, Germany, in one sentence. Niklas Stolze took home the Performance of the Night bonus, the winner of PROJECT Y was crowned, and we saw two amazing comebacks from Bartl and Bahník. Hromek surprised us on the ground, while the Czech-Slovak team left disappointed, with Handanagić, Kohout, and even Buchinger returning home without victory. Meanwhile, the local crowd celebrated the performances of Akipa, Palokaj, and perhaps even Shaaban. We also witnessed the amazing victory of Nazhand and his Rear Naked Choke. An unfortunate strike stopped the fight between Cordero and Ďatelinka just seconds after it started.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/26e68c49-9f2a-490b-a130-c7fdec1a40ed/cs.1725814228522.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/a7018034-d24b-418e-9b0d-13dd7895b02a/cs.1725814234448.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><p></p><p>Check out the detailed results of each fight and stay updated!</p><h2>BUCHINGER VS. ESKIEV</h2><p>The lightweight division held its breath – Eskiev, making his OKTAGON debut, made his mark in the most dangerous way possible. Buki’s speed was sluggish from the start, while Eskiev’s heavy shots, especially with the lead hand, landed one after another. Buki tried to respond with kicks, but his typical slow first round proved costly this time. Eskiev secured a TKO victory at 4:10 of the first round. It seems Germany just isn’t a lucky place for Buki.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1003"></oktfightcomponent><h2>PERFORMANCE OF THE NIGHT: STOLZE VS. KOHOUT</h2><p>One knee strike, and it was lights out – with a bonus in the bag! And that was just in the first round. Kohout fought bravely, but Stolze struck with precision and force. It was a miracle Kohout was even able to react. Seconds later, it was clear: Stolze decisively finished Kohout, and the swift victory went to the home turf. In his post-fight speech, Stolze even called out David Kozma, hinting at an exciting welterweight matchup!</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="987"></oktfightcomponent><h2>CORDERO VS. ĎATELINKA</h2><p>It was fast, but not in the way we expected. Ďatelinka immediately took Cordero to the ground, but Cordero unintentionally fouled him with a hit to the back of the head. After just a few seconds (and a long discussion among the referees), the fight was ruled a No Contest, leaving us without a winner. We wish Ďatelinka a speedy recovery!</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="996"></oktfightcomponent><h2>GRABINSKI VS. BAHNÍK</h2><p>A big moment of redemption for Jakub Bahník! After a rough stretch in his career, he managed to defeat the toughest opponent of his career so far. Grabinski is a big name, and it’s no surprise that he was tough and relentlessly tried to get his opponent to the ground. One of the judges even had the local fighter as the winner, but Bahník convincingly claimed the split decision victory and called out Shem Rock after the fight! The team from Hradec Králové, led by Patrik Kincl, truly stands strong together.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="997"></oktfightcomponent><h2>NAZHAND VS. HANDANAGIĆ</h2><p>He came, he saw, he choked him out. Unlike his previous close win, today there was nothing to question – Nazhand silenced all his doubters. Exactly three minutes into the fight, he finished Max Handanagić with a Rear Naked Choke. Huge celebrations on the Afghan side, while the Czech team faced bitter disappointment. Clean work, no doubt!</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="988"></oktfightcomponent><h2>PALOKAJ VS. ARTEAGA</h2><p>Gjoni Palokaj first had to battle with the uncertainty of who his opponent would be. Two opponents dropped out due to illness, and Arteaga stepped in at the last moment. Palokaj fought determined and well-prepared, though his opponent still showed dangerous moments. However, Palokaj convinced all the judges and secured a dominant win on points – and looking at the fight statistics, it’s no surprise!</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1027"></oktfightcomponent><h2>SHAABAN VS. ENZ</h2><p>Win or lose? Hassan Shaaban convinced most of the judges in the three-round fight and won by split decision, but among fans, he lost tonight. Kevin Enz rallied late in the third round, and things were looking hopeful, but Shaaban managed to escape the choke, much to the disappointment of the crowd. Shaaban’s over-the-top gestures and attitude after the fight didn’t help either, as the arena made their feelings clear. One thing is certain: the win stays at home, but Shaaban didn’t win many fans tonight.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1026"></oktfightcomponent><h2>AKIPA VS. SCHOBER</h2><p>These guys are tough. Three rounds that had everyone holding their breath, Akipa and Schober gave it their all with unbelievable intensity. Outstanding performances from both fighters with no sign of quitting. Right up until the end, it was unclear who would win on points – even to the fighters themselves, who both celebrated in the cage and raised their arms in victory. Although Akipa stumbled a bit in the final round, it wasn’t enough to take away his unanimous decision victory. The Austria-Germany derby went in favor of the home team tonight!</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1025"></oktfightcomponent><h2>HROMEK VS. AL</h2><p>As is often the case, strikers are increasingly surprising us with their ground game in MMA. It was the same in the Hromek vs. Al fight, which saw more ground action than many might have predicted. Emir-Can Al was showing surprisingly low energy in the fight, and the Slovak fighter easily handled him. The judges were in unanimous agreement, and no one in the arena or watching at home was surprised by the result in Hromek’s favor. Congratulations to Slovakia!</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="989"></oktfightcomponent><h2>BARTL VS. SOLAJA</h2><p>The beast is back! Bartl stormed into the fight with fierce determination and didn’t give his German opponent a moment to breathe. He unleashed a barrage of punches until he “saved” Solaja by finishing him at 2:53 of the first round. Welcome back, Marek, and hats off to your incredible form!</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="995"></oktfightcomponent><h2>PROJEKT Y: KIRTZEL VS. RESO</h2><p>Laura and Haifa fought their way to the final in PROJECT Y, and both proved they absolutely deserved to be there. After three highly competitive rounds, the talented Laura Kirtzel emerged as the winner of the night and the entire competition!</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="998"></oktfightcomponent>

We just witnessed an evening full of thrilling bouts. How did OKTAGON 60 play out, and who walked away victorious?

OKTAGON 60 RESULTS: ALL OR NOTHING! INTENSE FIGHTS, IMPRESSIVE BAHNÍK, AND STRONG FIRST ROUNDS

<p>In Germany, he has already defeated one Czech opponent and now he's preparing for another. The talented Wahed Nazhand is one of those fighters who embody the motto "There's a fighter in each of us," inspiring not only with his athletic performances. Let's dive into the story of the first Afghan fighter to step into the OKTAGON cage!</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/aa39a812-4dbb-44a0-94fe-9ece41fea2f5/cs.1724678711476.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/47e3eefc-3802-48d0-9436-e9d935a11af4/cs.1724678717115.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>A CHAMPIONSHIP BELT CHANGED HIS LIFE</h2><p>When Wahed Nazhand entered our cage, he was by no means a newcomer to combat sports. His career began in Afghanistan, where he became the champion of the SLFC organization. This success brought him significant recognition and fame - fans began to recognize him on the streets and follow him on social media. However, his fame also had a dark side. alongside admiration, threats began to emerge.</p><h2>NEW LIFE</h2><p>In 2021, the situation in Afghanistan drastically changed when the Taliban took power. For Nazhand, this meant only one thing - he had to escape. Leaving his homeland wasn't easy, but Wahed eventually found a new home in Hamburg, Germany. Despite all the hardships, he never forgot his roots. Every time he steps into the cage, he proudly carries the Afghan flag, representing his country, which he has not turned his back on, even though the new regime forced him to leave.</p><h2>HUMBLE BEGINNINGS</h2><p>He always dreamed of becoming a fighter. As a child, he admired the heroes on posters and wished to be like them when he grew up. But the path to his dream wasn't easy. Before becoming a champion, he worked as a bookseller, earning just 63 euro cents a day. Yet, he never stopped training and believing that one day he would break through. His first fight in 2015 took place under very modest conditions—in a dark and dirty room, where water from a leaking pipe dripped directly into the cage. But he won his first fight and began to carve out his path as a fighter.</p><h2>INSTAGRAM BRONZE</h2><p>Today, Wahed Nazhand is the third most-followed fighter in OKTAGON on Instagram, with nearly half a million followers. This is a testament to his immense popularity, not just among Afghans. The only ones ahead of him are Mach Muradov and Hatef Moeil.</p><oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/C--ECHHszds/?hl=cs&amp;img_index=1"></oktinstagramcomponent><p><strong>Follow the journey of this talented fighter! On September 7th, he will face Handanagić in Oberhausen in an exciting duel. Will he destroy another Czech opponent?</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="97"></okteventcomponent>