She had her first professional fight at the age of 46 and has since competed in seven bouts. With immense passion, determination, and a love for having fun and doing what she enjoys, Swiss fighter Danielle Misteli has surprised many with her age. We discussed her unusual journey in detail.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/2f6f5a0a-d2dc-4af4-a203-5e95a04fbe93/cs.1737733954625.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/b4914560-cf70-478e-a920-e625514dd7b8/cs.1737733959862.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent>What inspired you to start MMA at a time when many athletes are concluding their careers?I come from a generation that doesn’t care much about conventions. I do what I enjoy and what feels good for me. Fortunately, I don’t need anyone’s permission—I’m an adult and make my own decisions. Martial arts are my passion, and I pursue it in a way that brings me joy.Did you engage in any other sports before MMA? When I was young, I participated in ski racing, and I also practiced athletics as a complementary activity. My parents are very athletic—my mother is a former ski athlete and even competed in the 1964 Winter Olympics. Sports have always been a life school for me and have helped me in every situation. I am highly competitive and love the challenge of testing myself against others. What initially drew you to MMA? MMA fascinated me because it’s such a versatile sport that demands both physical and mental strength. Plus, it’s amusing how many people think they can defend themselves or act dangerously “when they see red,” especially when you’re practicing martial arts.How did you feel when you first stepped into the gym and began learning MMA?I enjoyed it from the very beginning. However, my inability to learn certain things still frustrates me to this day. I love pushing myself both physically and mentally.What does your life outside of MMA look like? What do you do professionally or personally beyond the sport?My first profession was as an electrician, and later I found my way to social work and recently completed a degree in that field. I work with teenagers and young adults. I’m a mother of three young adults, a single parent, and a proud homemaker. I love cooking, baking, and knitting.How did those around you react when you decided to pursue MMA? Was it easy to gain their encouragement and support?I honestly don’t know because their reactions don’t matter to me. I do what I want—that’s the benefit of being an adult. My children support me unconditionally, just as I support them. The same goes for my parents. Sometimes I miss being part of the “inner circle” of fellow athletes, where gender and age can be barriers.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1122"></oktfightcomponent>Were there any moments during your journey when you doubted yourself or considered stepping away? What gave you the strength to keep going?Yes, there were tough times, especially with injuries or losses. But I’ve learned that every setback is a lesson. The support of my family and my own determination have always kept me going. Besides, the question of continuing doesn’t really arise—it’s a part of me, just like my job.How are you preparing for your OKTAGON debut, and what significance does this opportunity hold for you?As always, I’m training daily, navigating the ups and downs that come with it. Unfortunately, due to work commitments, a fight camp somewhere in Thailand or similar isn’t an option.What are your thoughts on your opponent? Do you see the age difference as a challenge, or does it serve as an additional source of motivation?I’ve already fought high-level opponents, so I don’t think too much about my opponent. I know the women in my division are incredibly skilled, talented, and strong. This fight will be no exception. I focus on myself and my opportunities. The age difference isn’t anything new or unusual for me.In your view, what qualities or perspectives do women bring to MMA that make it truly distinctive?Incredible emotional strength and a strategic approach. It’s inspiring to see how we continuously evolve the dynamics and techniques in MMA.Do you believe women’s MMA receives the recognition it deserves today? It has made great progress, but there’s still so much potential for growth.Are there any fighters or individuals who have served as role models or inspirations for you during your journey?Stephanie Egger, Switzerland’s first female UFC fighter. I really love her style, and she’s an impressive personality. There are others I admire as well, but the list would be too long and probably boring. For the enthusiasts: Who’s gonna carry the boats, and the logs?!What do you see as the most significant challenges women face in MMA—whether in training, during competition, or outside the sport?A major challenge is perception and acceptance. Women often must prove themselves twice as much to be taken seriously. Despite this, we continue to overcome these barriers.What message would you like to share with those who are hesitant to take the first step toward something they feel passionate about, whether in sports or in life?Go for it! It’s never too late to start something new. The hardest step is usually the first one, but after that, a world of opportunities unfolds.Reflecting on your path so far, what has been the most surprising or fulfilling aspect of your journey?Fighting at OKTAGON! Thank you so much for this opportunity!What would you like fans to take away from your story and your performance in the cage?I want to show that passion and hard work make anything possible. Do what you love and invest in yourself and your dreams. At the end of the day, you’re your own best friend and toughest critic. When you go to bed, be proud of yourself and your day, and look forward to the challenges ahead.SMAJIĆ VS. MISTELI – an exciting women's battle next week in Düsseldorf at OKTAGON 66!<okteventcomponent eventid="103"></okteventcomponent>

An incredible story of a fighter for whom age is just a number. How does one start MMA in their late forties?

DEBUT AT 46? "IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO START," SAYS MISTELI IN A BIG INTERVIEW.

For the first time in history, OKTAGON MMA is coming to Düsseldorf, Germany, with a fight card that will leave no fan indifferent! We've gathered the most exciting highlights and stats to keep you ahead of the game on fight night.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/94e566cb-1677-42d8-8dfe-412aa63ee02d/cs.1738238598233.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/fb917e4f-2957-4728-9f43-889c95f17d8a/cs.1738238605883.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE OF THEIR CAREER</h2>Several fighters will be facing the toughest opponent of their careers in Düsseldorf. One of them is Salamone, who will go up against middleweight champion Engizek in the Tipsport Gamechanger tournament. Similarly, Matěj Peňáz, another contender in the million-dollar pyramid, will face his toughest challenge yet. His opponent, Zawada, is one of only four fighters in the world who have managed to defeat Engizek, making Peňáz's task anything but easy!<h2>UNFINISHED BUSINESS</h2>An intriguing statistic reveals that some fighters have never been finished in their careers. The upcoming battle between Lengál and Ilbay is particularly exciting—both elite strikers have never been knocked out or TKO'd, but they'll certainly aim to change that for their opponent. The same applies to Engizek and Akipa, while Salamone has never been submitted, though he enjoys handing them out to others.<h2>FIGHTING FOR THEIR CITY</h2>The city will shake to its core! OKTAGON’s debut in Düsseldorf brings a lineup full of hometown heroes, most of whom hail from the renowned UFD Gym. Fighters such as Engizek, Zawada, Dulatov, Ilbay, Al, Smajić, and both Solaja brothers will enjoy immense support from the local crowd. It’s going to be a challenge for their opponents to handle the pressure of such a home advantage.<h2>BREAKING INTO THE OKTAGON RECORD BOOKS</h2>OKTAGON 66 will feature some incredible record-breaking moments. Danielle Misteli is setting two records—she is the first-ever Swiss fighter in OKTAGON and, at 46 years old, the oldest competitor—male or female—to ever step into the cage. Despite her late start in professional MMA, she doesn't see her age as an obstacle.TIP FOR YOU: Ever wondered what it's like to start MMA at an age when most fighters have already retired? Read our exclusive<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://oktagonmma.com/en/blog/debut-at-46-its-never-too-late-to-start-says-misteli-in-a-big-interview/"> INTERVIEW</a> with Misteli.Another fighter aiming to etch his name in OKTAGON history is Matěj Peňáz, who currently holds a 9-fight winning streak without a single loss. A victory on Saturday would tie him with David Kozma’s longest winning streak of 10 consecutive wins. Will he break the record?<h2>BROTHERS IN THE CAGE</h2>It’s a family affair! You might have already <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://oktagonmma.com/en/blog/like-a-movie-the-incredible-story-of-the-dulatov-brothers/">read about</a> the Dulatov brothers, who are as passionate about modeling as they are about fighting. But on this card, another set of siblings will be stepping into the cage—Daniel and Zoran Solaja. Can they defend their family name and bring home the victory?OKTAGON 66 in Düsseldorf is just a few days away! Don’t miss the best of European MMA making its debut in this exciting new city.<okteventcomponent eventid="103"></okteventcomponent>

With these facts about Saturday’s event, you'll be the star of the evening.

TOP HIGHLIGHTS OF OKTAGON 66: BROTHERS IN THE CAGE AND NEW RECORD BREAKERS

Tipsport Gamechanger is approaching, bringing two highly anticipated reserve battles that will determine who deserves to be ready to step up among the elite. Whether it's a clash between the technical German fighter Khajevan and the tough Polish striker Onisczuk, or the rematch between the experienced Ďatelinka and the relentless Cordero, it's clear that we are in for a real spectacle. What can you look forward to?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/34097824-1f58-4ee5-ae68-999dbfdfbe98/cs.1738069937430.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/9d6e84f8-7428-4387-8466-a1fad3ab7258/cs.1738069940154.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>OKTAGON 66: KHAJEVAN VS. ONISCZUK</h2>The German fighter Khajevand has already made his mark in Oktagon when he defeated Mikulášek via submission. His well-rounded style and ability to utilize both striking and ground game make him a dangerous opponent for anyone. However, on the other side of the cage will stand the Polish powerhouse Onisczuk, known for his devastating kicks and five knockouts in the stand-up. Having gone through tough organizations such as Bellator and ACA, he certainly won't leave anything to chance.What to expect? A technical battle versus raw power. If Khajevan manages to take the fight to the ground, he has a solid chance of securing another finish. On the other hand, Onisczuk will aim to keep the fight standing and showcase his destructive power.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1121"></oktfightcomponent><h2>OKTAGON 67: ĎATELINKA VS. CORDERO</h2>This fight is more than just an ordinary rematch—their first encounter ended in a No Contest due to a foul committed by Cordero. Both fighters are eager to settle the score for good this time. Ďatelinka, also known as "Mr. Comeback," returned to Oktagon after a long hiatus last summer and lived up to his nickname by delivering a spectacular knockout in Bratislava. Opposing him is knockout specialist Cordero, who has been in phenomenal form lately—his string of first-round victories speaks for itself. It's no wonder fans were so excited for their initial fight!Cordero recently added another first-round triumph, making it clear that lightning-fast strikes will be flying in this showdown! Don't blink, and get ready for a top-tier spectacle that could shake up the entire tournament.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1090"></oktfightcomponent>Who will become the best middleweight in Europe? Be there. Tipsport Gamechanger kicks off on February 1st in Düsseldorf!<okteventcomponent eventid="103"></okteventcomponent>

The million-dollar tournament will once again feature outstanding reserve bouts. Who will fight for the chance to enter the game?

THESE FIGHTERS WON’T STAY IN THE SHADOWS! WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM THE TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER RESERVE BOUTS?

We’re introducing another top-tier fighter stepping into the OKTAGON cage as a participant in the elite Tipsport Gamechanger tournament. This time, it’s a competitor whose name resonates not only in South Africa’s fight circles but far beyond its borders.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/25cf49e6-d114-4b3e-a392-58e3e3726945/cs.1737661602914.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/16ae2177-6eec-419c-919c-5dc22c3443bf/cs.1737661608570.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>THE CHAMPION FROM SOUTH AFRICA</h2>Mark Hulme is no newcomer to MMA. He joins OKTAGON from South Africa, where he has already secured several championship titles in EFC, the largest organization in Southern Africa. In addition to his titles, he boasts two dominant victories in the middleweight division—both fights ended in the first round via Rear Naked Choke, making it clear that we can expect dangerous submissions. You might also recognize him from the American reality show The Ultimate Fighter, where he competed last year.<h2>GRUELING TRAINING AND MENTAL TOUGHNESS</h2>The gym where Mark trains is known for its intense training regimens, which push fighters to their limits. His team has even implemented a method called "Double Distance", where fighters go through twice the number of rounds planned for their upcoming fights—each round with a fresh sparring partner. Once, Hulme completed 24 rounds under this grueling format, proving his endurance under the toughest conditions.However, it’s not just about physical effort. Hulme places a strong emphasis on mental preparation, incorporating daily meditation, mantras, and a focus on achieving the flow state that brings out his best performances.DID YOU KNOW? A great friend and training partner of Hulme is Dricus du Plessis, a fellow South African and the current UFC middleweight champion.<h2>A JOURNEY TO FIND LIFE'S MEANING</h2>Hulme is not just an athlete—there’s much more to him. One of the most significant moments of his life was a pilgrimage he undertook during the pandemic. Feeling lost, and as a deeply religious person, he wanted to reconnect with God. So, he embarked on a 1,500 km trek from Victoria to Cape Town, armed with nothing more than a borrowed tent and a pair of sneakers.During his 50-day journey, he encountered many people who offered him help and hope. Each kilometer, each meeting, and each challenge taught him valuable life lessons. He even extended his journey to conquer 13 mountain peaks, where he prayed for a specific person or cause at each summit. In the end, he found the sense of purpose he had been searching for, which gave him the strength to move forward.FUN FACT: Hulme has a kind heart. During a training camp in Dagestan, he grew fond of a stray cat. Although he couldn’t take her home, he made sure she found a loving adoptive family and a safe place to stay.<h2>A TOUGH OPPONENT AWAITS</h2><oktfightcomponent fightid="1120"></oktfightcomponent>Hulme will make his debut in Třinec, facing a seasoned opponent—Andreas Michailidis, a fighter well-versed in the Tipsport Gamechanger tournament. In the first welterweight series, Michailidis made it all the way to the final, delivering an impressive performance. Will Hulme rise to the challenge?TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER kicks off on February 1st! Follow your favorites closely.<okteventcomponent eventid="103"></okteventcomponent>

Mark Hulme is traveling all the way from South Africa to compete in the million-dollar pyramid. What's his story?

MEET HULME: THE CHAMPION FROM SOUTH AFRICA WITH A BIG HEART

If you are a fan of combat sports, the name Dulatov is surely not unfamiliar to you. The talented brothers Tamerlan, Islam, Djibril, and Sulumbek have a story that could easily be the plot of a movie. And soon, we will see Tamerlan in action, right in his hometown of Düsseldorf.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/26547bc9-4781-4450-8a32-d63afe59cefe/cs.1737473294942.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/69c52490-3909-49f2-80c5-d127cd31634f/cs.1737473300337.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>ARRIVAL IN GERMANY</h2>More than 15 years ago, the Dulatov family was forced to flee from Chechnya and found refuge in Düsseldorf. However, the beginnings were far from easy. They had to overcome prejudice and the challenges of life in a new country. Thanks to their strong family bond, they managed to overcome all obstacles and gradually earned recognition – and an outstanding career.<h2>A STELLAR CAREER IN THE WORLD OF FASHION</h2>Düsseldorf turned out to be the perfect place for the four charismatic brothers. The first to break into modeling was Djibril. His discovery was completely accidental – a casting agency worker approached him while he was shopping in a mall. What started as a funny incident quickly turned into a career: Djibril shot his first campaign for the world-renowned brand Lanvin.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/B81rAtGISPV/"></oktinstagramcomponent>Soon, his brothers followed suit. Prestigious offers from brands like Armani, Gucci, and Diesel kept pouring in. Islam even became the main face of Versace, which is considered the pinnacle of success in the fashion industry. But not everything is rosy – modeling is still often condemned in their homeland as inappropriate from a religious perspective.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BtRTIXEH7WI/"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>COMBAT SPORTS</h2>Aside from modeling, they share another passion – the world of combat sports. All the brothers have dedicated themselves to it and have achieved remarkable success. They started with boxing and kickboxing, but today they are professional MMA fighters. Islam and Tamerlan, in particular, are big stars, known especially from our cage. Islam has even recently signed a contract with the UFC!<h2>CHILDREN OF FORTUNE</h2>A healthy lifestyle, sports, and a thriving career – all luxuries they could hardly dream of as refugees. Today, they train alongside the best coaches and world stars. That is why they dream of opening a gym one day, where immigrant children can prepare themselves and start writing stories similar to the Dulatov brothers.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CdDCTD2uiya/"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>DULATOV IN THE CAGE? THIS FEBRUARY</h2>Tamerlan is preparing for his fight in Düsseldorf, where he will surely receive enormous support from the home crowd. Last May, this fighter even had the opportunity to train alongside the legendary Michael "Venom" Page!<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/C7gyty4o4SG/"></oktinstagramcomponent>OKTAGON 66 PACKED WITH LOCAL STARS AND CZECHOSLOVAK FIGHTERS. ON FEBRUARY 1ST IN GERMANY!<okteventcomponent eventid="103"></okteventcomponent>

From immigrants to stellar careers in fashion and sports. And not just once, but four times. Read the full story of the Dulatov brothers.

LIKE A MOVIE. THE INCREDIBLE STORY OF THE DULATOV BROTHERS

Today, we’re introducing another name joining the Tipsport Gamechanger cage. But we’re sure you’ve heard of Krzysztof Jotko before…<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/7d17d2ec-b63e-42fb-846f-452f19a875c7/cs.1737124154632.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/159405da-2a39-41b7-b3d1-3485f86f5f9f/cs.1737124159509.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>FROM BREAKDANCING TO THE UFC</h2>Let’s start from the beginning. The Polish fighter made his professional debut in 2010 at just 20 years old. That’s when his incredible journey began—three years and 13 fights undefeated, including wins over the first Tipsport Gamechanger season champion, Bojan Veličković, and Martin Zawada. After such a stellar start, there was only one offer he could accept…FUN FACT: Before Jotko got into combat sports, he was a successful breakdancer. That’s why he often celebrates his victories by spinning on his head. However, he hasn’t tried these moves on his opponents yet.<h2>THE AMERICAN DREAM</h2>This marked the beginning of a long chapter in the UFC. Over 11 years, Jotko participated in 17 bouts. Among those was a planned match with Makhmud Muradov, which was canceled during the pandemic. Jotko not only settled in America but also started training there, preparing to this day with the elite American Top Team. This extraordinary chapter of his life solidified his place among Poland’s prominent sports figures.<h2>ENDURANCE ABOVE ALL</h2>His career didn’t end with the UFC. Today, Jotko boasts 25 wins, 17 of which went to the judges’ decision—proving that wearing him out is no easy feat. In November, after a long break, he returned to the cage with a second-round finish, and he surely has similar plans for his next opponent.<h2>THAILAND AND JAPAN</h2>Asia is his second home. He lived in Thailand for several years, falling in love with the local food, people, and training conditions—not to mention motorcycle rides.He also has a strong connection to Japanese culture. One of his favorite series is the legendary Dragon Ball Z, and he even has a tattoo of a character from the show. Can you guess which one?<h2>FACE-TO-FACE WITH DRACULA</h2>The opening fight of the million-dollar tournament promises to be thrilling. Jotko will face the newly crowned welterweight champion, who’s not satisfied with success in just one division—Ion Surdu is at the peak of his career and ready to fight for millions. First, though, he’ll have to get past one of the tournament’s top favorites, Krzysztof Jotko, who is backed by both fans and experts.JOTKO OR SURDU? Follow your favorite in the TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER tournament!<okteventcomponent eventid="107"></okteventcomponent>

Meet the contender stepping into the cage to battle for millions. What do you need to know about him?

TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER: WHO IS JOTKO AND WHAT MAKES HIM THE FAVORITE?

And it’s here! Just as we crowned the king of the Tipsport Gamechanger lightweight pyramid, Losene Keita, the third season of the European MMA Champions League is upon us. This league has firmly established itself as one of the most memorable events in OKTAGON history. This time, middleweight fighters will compete for the grand prize.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/46d6ce59-e129-4cff-bbf7-2d0723d309da/cs.1736955316299.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/7766636e-ddc4-4b34-9a31-d5ba3f5ece7b/cs.1736955323300.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent>"We’re looking at the most stacked season of the European MMA Champions League yet. Fans can expect an incredible quality of matches and the highest number of local fighters in the pyramid. I’m also thrilled that the Tipsport Gamechanger will span multiple events," says Ondřej Novotný, the promoter of our organization. Let’s dive into the details!<h2>WHAT’S DIFFERENT THIS YEAR?</h2>This year’s edition brings a significant change. The first round, the Round of 16 of this prestigious competition, won’t take place during a single event but will be spread across three locations in two countries. Let’s see which matches you can expect where and when so you don’t miss a thing!<h2>DÜSSELDORF WITH THE HOME CHAMPION</h2>The new season kicks off in Düsseldorf, Germany, which is already nearly sold out – and for good reason!The highlight of the evening will feature the reigning champion, Engizek, undefeated for nine years, fighting in his hometown. In the first round, he’ll face the rising MMA star Salamone from France, known for his versatility and ability to finish most opponents before the time limit.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1086"></oktfightcomponent>Additionally, Matěj Peňáz, a big name in the middleweight division, will return to action. He’ll square off against David Zawada in a match that’s been brewing with tension for months. This fight was destined to happen.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1115"></oktfightcomponent><h2>FIRST TIME IN TŘINEC</h2>Three more matches will take place in Třinec, marking OKTAGON’s debut in this city.Czech fan favorite Miloš Petrášek will chase his dream, but first, he’ll have to get past the dangerous Englishman Stanton in the opening round.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1119"></oktfightcomponent>Another highly anticipated match, now part of the pyramid, features the incredibly resilient Wawrzyniak, respected throughout the organization, against Mazúch, whose knockout power has even seasoned fighters on edge. His last highlight was a quick KO at Eden.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1118"></oktfightcomponent>To complete the trio of thrilling bouts, OKTAGON newcomer Hulme, a submission and grappling specialist, will make his debut in the cage. His opponent, however, is no stranger to the cage – Andreas Michailidis, the Greek giant and last year’s Tipsport Gamechanger finalist, who’s back with his sights set on the million-euro prize.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1120"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ACTION-PACKED KARLOVY VARY</h2>The final stop of the first round will be Karlovy Vary. This time, instead of movie stars, the city will host the elites of one of the toughest sports.We’ll definitely see “Pirát” Krištofič in action, but the question remains – who will be the wildcard joining the game for the first time this year? Any guesses?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1108"></oktfightcomponent>When it comes to middleweights, no one should overlook Vlasta Čepo. Fans can look forward to a clash of hard-hitting finishers. Čepo rarely lets fights reach the second round, while his opponent, Kartal, has most of his victories within the time limit, half of them in the very first round.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1117"></oktfightcomponent>Rounding out the stacked lineup is the newly crowned welterweight champion, the star “Dracula” Ion Surdu. He’s facing a tough challenge in the form of a massive tournament favorite, the current world #43 with 11 UFC wins – none other than Polish ace Jotko.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1116"></oktfightcomponent><h2>WHAT REMAINS THE SAME?</h2>As always, you can look forward to top-notch MMA and a series of reserve matches, which, as we saw last year, often bring thrilling surprises and feature excellent fighters. Also returning is the fan-favorite Lucky Loser poll, which allows the best fighters eliminated from the pyramid to re-enter through reserve bouts.WHO’S YOUR FAVORITE? FOLLOW THE THRILLING TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER 2025!<okteventcomponent eventid="103"></okteventcomponent>

Explore all the matches in the Round of 16 of the million-dollar pyramid.

BIG OVERVIEW: FIRST ROUND OF TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER. WHERE, WHEN, AND WHO?

Introducing the first debutant set to premiere in OKTAGON in the opening round of the new Tipsport Gamechanger season. Today, we’re telling you more about the dangerous "Polar Bear" from France... Meet Anthony Salamone.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/516301de-d83b-4730-9f31-ffb8606b0d51/cs.1736874709996.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/aafa4249-33db-4694-a9ff-012a8f72688e/cs.1736874703772.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>BETWEEN GRECO-ROMAN WRESTLING AND MMA</h2>His beginnings were certainly remarkable, though Salamone himself admits he wasn’t much of a sports enthusiast as a child. Born in Tourcoing, France, he only started practicing combat sports as a teenager. After discovering MMA, he also decided to dive into Greco-Roman wrestling, a discipline with a strong tradition in France.At the age of 16, Salamone made his professional MMA debut – and it’s worth mentioning that he finished his first opponent in the first round with a Rear Naked Choke. This happened in Belgium, as MMA was still illegal in France at the time. For this reason, Salamone leaned more toward traditional wrestling for several years.And he excelled – he became a national champion multiple times and even represented France on the national team. He describes his early career as constantly switching between wrestling and MMA. Wrestling remained a part of his journey for ten years.DID YOU KNOW? His nickname, "Ours Blanc," means "Polar Bear" in French.<h2>RETURN TO MIDDLEWEIGHT</h2>Thirteen years of professional fighting brought many stellar moments. Salamone has finished all his fights before the time limit, with most victories coming in under two minutes! However, he can also win on points, and his ground-game experience makes him a persistent and dangerous opponent.He is now returning to the middleweight division after 3.5 years, having competed exclusively in light heavyweight since 2022. Middleweight, however, seems to suit him best – he remains undefeated in this weight class.FUN FACT: Salamone faced Will Fleury, the new light heavyweight champion, in 2022!<oktfightcomponent fightid="1086"></oktfightcomponent>In the pyramid’s opening round, Salamone faces a real challenge – the reigning champion, Engizek, who defeated Patrik Kincl in the fall to claim the middleweight throne. Will Salamone be the one to shake Engizek’s confidence?<h2>KEITA’S DARK HORSE</h2>Who does last year’s Tipsport Gamechanger winner, Keita, trust? He’s all in on Salamone, naming him as his favorite and even sending him into the fight. This endorsement from Keita undoubtedly carries weight with fans.<h2>PROUD OF HIS HOMETOWN </h2>Salamone is proud of his French roots and his northern region. He dreams of one day building a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to combat sports in his hometown, where France’s best fighters could train.ENGIZEK VS. SALAMONE on February 1 in Düsseldorf! Don’t miss the opening fights of TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER 2025.<okteventcomponent eventid="103"></okteventcomponent>

Who is the OKTAGON debutant entering the Tipsport Gamechanger against the division champion?

INTRODUCING: ANTHONY SALAMONE, KEITA'S FAVORITE TO WIN

2024 is behind us, leaving unforgettable moments etched forever in OKTAGON’s yellow-and-black chronicles. From the Tipsport Gamechanger and the King of Germany title to thrilling championship battles and a world attendance record, let’s dive into the highlights prepared in collaboration with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/mma_statistix/">@mma_statistix</a>!<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/05658328-3504-4762-88b0-2abcd2557bcb/cs.1736194720709.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/61d41042-df8c-431c-b4ab-f8d7f5b0d586/cs.1736194725781.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>BY THE NUMBERS: WHAT DID 2024 BRING?</h2><ul><li>14 events</li><li>148 fights</li><li>43 TKOs/KOs</li><li>31 submissions</li><li>0 draws</li><li>72 decisions</li><li>2 no-contests (a record for a single year!)</li><li>71 debuts</li></ul><h2>HOURS UPON HOURS OF ACTION</h2>Want to rewatch every fight from last year? You’ll need nearly an entire day! In total, there were 18 hours, 44 minutes, and 42 seconds of pure fighting action.Three events even made it into the TOP 5 longest OKTAGON evenings: OKTAGON 61 in Brno took the crown, OKTAGON 62, a night to remember, followed closely, and OKTAGON 57 rounded out the pack.It was a year packed with hours of the best MMA entertainment!<h2>LIGHTNING-FAST FINISHES</h2>Let’s speed things up! Some fighters made quick work of their bouts, ensuring they didn’t contribute to the marathon events. Who were the fastest finishers of 2024?Fastest TKOs/KOs of 2024:<ul><li>14 seconds – Milan Ďatelinka (OKTAGON 59)</li><li>36 seconds – Arijan Topallaj (OKTAGON 55)</li><li>43 seconds – Andrej Kalašnik (OKTAGON 56)</li><li>48 seconds – Akonne Wanliss (OKTAGON 56)</li><li>53 seconds – Michael Deiga-Scheck (OKTAGON 55)</li></ul>Fastest submissions of 2024:<ul><li>1:00 – Jaime Cordero (OKTAGON 64)</li><li>1:47 – Shem Rock (OKTAGON 56)</li><li>2:09 – Laura Kirtzel (OKTAGON 57)</li><li>2:57 – Marek Bartl (OKTAGON 64)</li><li>3:00 – Wahed Nazhand (OKTAGON 60)</li><li>3:06 – Shem Rock (OKTAGON 58)</li></ul><h2>A YEAR OF NEW CHAMPIONS</h2>Let’s move to the top of the divisions! Last year, the tides truly turned as most reigning champions relinquished their belts. In total, we saw 6 new champions (Creasey, Martin, Engizek, Surdu, Bolander, Fleury) and one returning champion, Keita.Nearly every division crowned a new king or queen! However, one fact that won’t delight Czech and Slovak fans: after OKTAGON 65, no Czech or Slovak fighter holds a title anymore.Interesting note: Only one title fight ended in the first round—the clash between Surdu and Brito at OKTAGON 64.<h2>A RECORD-BREAKING YEAR</h2>2024 was undoubtedly a special year for OKTAGON. As you may already know, OKTAGON 62 shattered the world record for MMA event attendance.Overall, nearly 200,000 fans attended OKTAGON events last year, averaging 13,500 fans per event. Two major stadiums played a significant role in this achievement. The tour visited 4 countries, 10 cities, and 13 different arenas or stadiums in total!<h2>YOUR 2024</h2>And how do you rate last year inside the cage? Cast your vote in the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://oktagonmma.com/en/best-of-2024/">BEST OF 2024 POLL</a> and decide on the top performances of 2024!

How was the year 2024? Together with @mma_statistix, we bring you a unique summary!

THE ULTIMATE 2024 RECAP: OKTAGON’S MOST MEMORABLE YEAR YET

We've got something you'll definitely find interesting. The scorecards from the action-packed OKTAGON 65 are full of tension. See how a single point can often change a fighter's life.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/9aef38b4-2e82-4296-aea1-0507493c4a21/cs.1735921962989.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/92ac440a-d241-42b1-9297-5fc28280ca16/cs.1735921968951.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER: PARADEISER VS. KEITA 2</h2>The first round of the Tipsport Gamechanger final was very close, but all the judges clearly scored it for Keita. He confirmed his dominance with a finish in the second round and could celebrate his birthday with the best gift of all.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1032" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>VÉMOLA VS. FLEURY</h2>Unbelievable things happened in the cage, while there was clear agreement among the judges on the winner—Will Fleury was decisively crowned the new champion! Karlos didn’t win a single round on the scorecards, but he undoubtedly won over the fans with his performance, putting his whole heart into the fight.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1076" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>PUDILOVÁ VS. BOLANDER 2</h2>A real treat for numbers lovers. One of the judges scored the fight for Lucie Pudilová. The match was a constant back-and-forth with evenly matched rounds. But in the end, there can only be one winner!<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1114" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>MAGÅRD VS. SEVERINO</h2>Another interesting scorecard. In the second round, two judges saw it as even, while the third judge was more impressed overall by Mågård. Sometimes, it’s just that close!<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1085" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>ÚŠKRT VS. SCHWINDT</h2>A match where the audience was upset by the stoppage in the second round. Even the first round didn’t go well for Úškrt.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1066" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>SARDARI VS. DIMIĆ</h2>Sardari made sure he wouldn’t leave it to the scorecards! He finished his opponent in the second round.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1113" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>TICHOTA VS. ASLANER</h2>The scorecard for Tichota’s fight is certainly of interest. Despite his efforts, he failed to secure a victory in his new division for the second time. It should be noted, though, that the winner wasn’t decided until the third round!<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1082" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>NOVÁK VS. KURHELA</h2>This one was a nail-biter. Kurhela led on points in the first round, and the second round was scored even by two judges… but in the end, it was Novák who triumphantly had his hand raised as the clear winner.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1035" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>GABAL VS. BAJRAMI</h2>After the flurry of points, here’s a fight where things were clear from the very first round. Gabal overwhelmed his opponent on points.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1112" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>BATFALSKÝ VS. TOPORCER</h2>In the opening bout, Batfalský saved the judges some work by finishing his opponent in the very first round.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1083" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent>

How did the judges score the fights at the O2 Arena? We've got the scorecards for all the bouts.

DEBUT AT 46? "IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO START," SAYS MISTELI IN A BIG INTERVIEW.

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