<p>Peter Gabal se už tuto sobotu představí na turnaji OKTAGON 71 v Mnichově. Jehou soupeřem bude nováček v organizaci, Elias Jakobi. Jak se těší na německé publikum a koho by chtěl vyzvat do příštího zápasu? To se dozvíš v našem rozhovoru.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/6fa942a6-a716-4d5b-8f70-6ea01513598a/cs.1747055831162.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/c250d97f-5b84-4835-8a4f-86102f87da15/cs.1747055837159.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><p></p><p><strong>Ahoj Petere, turnaj OKTAGON 71 v Mnichově, na kterém budeš zápasit, už se nám pomalu blíží – jak se momentálně cítíš ve formě? A jde příprava podle plánu?</strong></p><p>Cítím se skvěle! Připravuju se zodpovědně a musím říct, že se každou přípravu cítím čím dál líp. Teď už jen doladit váhu a v zápase všechnu práci prodat.</p><p><strong>Svůj poslední zápas si vyhrál poměrně jednoznačně, i když to nakonec skončilo na body. Jak by sis přál vyhrát v Mnichově?</strong></p><p>Určitě bych chtěl zápas ukončit – jestli to bude KO nebo submise, to už je jedno. Chci ukázat, že jsem jiný zápasník než kdysi a můžu soupeřit se špičkou OKTAGONu.</p><p><strong>Tvůj soupeř ještě v profi MMA neprohrál, přesto si podle kurzů favorit. Co od Eliase Jakobiho očekáváš?</strong></p><p>Jsem favorit, protože jsem zkušenější. Můj soupeř sice neprohrál, ale taky má v MMA jen 4 zápasy, navíc s ne moc dobrými soupeři. Tohle bude jeho první opravdová zkouška.</p><p><strong>A jak se na něj připravuješ? Díval si se na některé jeho zápasy?</strong></p><p>Koukali jsme společně s týmem na jeho zápasy, dělali jsme rozbor a podle toho přizpůsobíme taktiku v zápase.</p><p><strong>Jdeš proti německému soupeři v Mnichově, takže se dá předpokládat, že bude hala na straně soupeře. Jak moc fanoušky v zápase vnímáš?</strong></p><p>Fanoušky v zápase vnímám. Mám rád, když mě ženou dopředu. Počítám s tím, že v Mnichově jich moc mít nebudu, ale nijak se tím netrápím – začínal jsem v malých tělocvičnách, kde fanoušci ani nebyli. Navíc jsem podobnou atmosféru zažil už na Slovensku, kde všichni fanoušci fandili soupeři a nijak mě to nerozhodilo.</p><p><strong>Bude to tvůj první zápas před německým publikem, navíc v hale před necelými osmi tisíci diváky. Jak se na to těšíš?</strong></p><p>Hodně se těším! Jsem zvědavý, jaké to v Německu bude. V Mnichově jsem byl jednou a nemám na to moc dobrý vzpomínky, takže doufám, že to bude tentokrát lepší.</p><p><strong>Máš nějaké předzápasové rituály nebo zvyky, které ti pomáhají připravit se na zápas? Ať už fyzicky nebo mentálně.</strong></p><p>Žádné rituály nemám. Myslím, že do MMA nepatří. Když ti pak něco nevyjde podle plánu, snadno tě to rozhodí. Třeba si člověk zapomene svoje šťastný trenky a bude mít v hlavě, že kvůli tomu nevyhraje. To není nic pro mě.</p><p><strong>Jaké máš v OKTAGONu ambice? Je něco, čeho bys chtěl dosáhnout v tomto roce?</strong></p><p>Chtěl bych porazit někoho z velkých jmen OKTAGONu. Když vyhraju, tak bych chtěl vyzvat Buchingera. To ale předbíhám. Nejdřív musím porazit Jakobiho.</p><p><strong>Jak nejraději odpočíváš? Máš nějaké koníčky?</strong></p><p>⁠Odpočívat moc neumím. Kromě MMA mám práci, které věnuju hodně času. Chci se mít jednou dobře, tak se snažím pracovat co nejvíc, dokud jsem mladej. Po zápase bych chtěl jet někam na dovolenou, tak snad se mi to povede a bude s kým jet.</p><p><strong>Na závěr se tě ještě zeptám na tvůj tip na vítěze hlavního zápasu – Poppeck vs Langer. Koho favorizuješ a proč?</strong></p><p>Upřímně nemám ani jednoho z nich nějak moc nakoukané, ale kdybych si měl vsadit, tak asi na Poppecka.</p><p><strong>Je něco, co bys chtěl před svým zápasem vzkázat domácím fanouškům?</strong></p><p>Ať si udělají výlet do Mnichova! Není to tak daleko a věřím, že tam budou super zápasy!</p><p><strong>Díky za tvůj čas a hodně štěstí v Mnichově!</strong></p><p></p><p><strong>Nezbývá než souhlasit – OKTAGON 71 slibuje skvělé zápasy, navíc s početnou českou posádkou! Pokud se nechystáš do Mnichova, určitě si pořiď naše PPV a sleduj akci z pohodlí domova, protože tahle karta bude stát za to!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="110"></okteventcomponent>

Peter Gabal se už tuto sobotu představí na turnaji OKTAGON 71 v Mnichově. Jehou soupeřem bude nováček v organizaci, Elias Jakobi. Jak se těší na německé publikum a koho by chtěl vyzvat do příštího zápasu? To se dozvíš v našem rozhovoru..

PETER GABAL PŘED ZÁPASEM V MNICHOVĚ: CHCI UKÁZAT, ŽE JSEM JINÝ ZÁPASNÍK NEŽ KDYSI

<p>On September 13th, Khalid “The Warrior” Taha steps into the OKTAGON cage to face undefeated German prospect Max Holzer. The promotion’s debut in Hannover promises a spectacular headliner that will have the fans on their feet. This featherweight clash could determine the next title challenger, as the departure of Losene Keita has opened the throne of the division. Who will claim it?</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/bec4ec86-0f95-4c46-8b17-6942deba13c2/cs.1756137332711.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/0a7915c2-da08-4499-be85-eb1181e5b2be/cs.1756137339218.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>A GENERATIONAL TALENT WITH 11 STRAIGHT WINS</h2><p>Born in Dortmund to Lebanese parents, <strong>Taha</strong> has always carried both Germany and Lebanon into battle, walking out with the Lebanese flag. His journey wasn’t easy—his roots and upbringing brought challenges. He started with taekwondo at age six and eventually transitioned to MMA, making his <strong>professional debut in 2013</strong> at <strong>25 years old</strong>. He stormed through the regional scene with 11 consecutive wins across promotions like Fair FC, GMC, and Japan’s Rizin.</p><p>During this time, fighters didn’t earn much, so Taha balanced training with a regular job. Still, his determination was relentless. His sister nicknamed him <strong>“The Warrior”</strong> because he always faced problems head-on—like a true fighter.</p><h2>TESTING HIMSELF AMONG THE ELITE</h2><p>It wasn’t long before the UFC came calling. Taha joined in 2018 and instantly made an impression. Against Salmon, he scored a <strong>25-second KO</strong>, and his battle with Barcelos earned Fight of the Night. UFC brass clearly believed in him, pairing him with tough opponents who could push him toward the bantamweight Top 10. Training at the world-famous <strong>AKA gym</strong> alongside stars like <strong>Khabib Nurmagomedov</strong> and <strong>Luke Rockhold</strong>, Taha had every chance to shine. Despite flashes of brilliance, he couldn’t secure consistent success in the UFC and returned to Europe after five fights.</p><h2>TWO-YEAR BREAK AND BIG OKTAGON RETURN</h2><p>In 2023, Taha fought once more, finishing Valentin with a first-round TKO at FNC. Then came a two-year break. During this time, he got married, bought a house, and started a family—finally enjoying the fruits of years of sacrifice. But the cage kept calling. His comeback came at <strong>OKTAGON 69 in Dortmund</strong>, where he handled the pressure of fighting at home and stopped dangerous Peruvian Jose Zarauza in the second round via TKO.</p><h2>VETERAN VS. RISING GERMAN STAR</h2><p>Now, in <strong>Hannover</strong>, Taha meets one of Germany’s brightest young hopes, <strong>Max Holzer</strong>. Riding an 11-fight win streak, Holzer’s rise mirrors Taha’s early career. This fight is a clash of eras: the seasoned veteran determined to prove he’s still elite vs. the fearless newcomer brimming with confidence.</p><p>Both men respect each other, but that hasn’t stopped the trash talk and heated social media exchanges. Their staredown is expected to be intense—but when the cage closes, it will be all-out war.</p><p><strong>On September 13th in Hannover, and just a week later in Frankfurt, fans will witness two unforgettable OKTAGON events filled with battles, emotions, and big returns. Not only will Taha face Holzer, but we’ll also see the comeback of Czech star David Dvořák and Bulgarian tank Lazar Todev. Don’t miss a second—grab the special PPV bundle for both shows and experience a double dose of world-class OKTAGON action!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="114"></okteventcomponent>

On September 13th, Khalid “The Warrior” Taha steps into the OKTAGON cage to face undefeated German prospect Max Holzer. The promotion’s debut in Hannover promises a spectacular headliner that will have the fans on their feet.

RETURN OF THE WARRIOR: KHALID TAHA AIMS TO SHOCK HANNOVER AND MAX HOLZER

<p>The heavyweight division in OKTAGON is getting a fresh charge! On September 13th in Hannover, two massive warriors collide – Bulgaria’s #1 ranked heavyweight Lazar Todev and Brazilian veteran Luis Barbosa, who makes his debut in the yellow-and-black cage. This clash promises a classic battle of styles: elite jiu-jitsu vs. world-class takedown defense and dangerous striking.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/18085cca-1fda-430d-9d84-562d42b6b645/cs.1755874284437.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/e87c0a02-6ef0-4333-a771-c02c8d40949d/cs.1755874289155.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>BARBOSA – BRAZILIAN WHO FOUGHT THE BEST</h2><p>European fans may see him as a new face, but in the MMA world, Barbosa comes with serious credentials. Over his career, he’s faced legends such as <strong>Francis Ngannou</strong> and <strong>Phil De Fries</strong>. Out of his 17 victories, he’s finished <strong>13 before the limit – 9 of them by submission</strong>. A black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu says it all – once Barbosa drags the fight to the mat, he’s deadly. Riding a four-fight win streak, a victory over Todev would immediately launch him among the top contenders for the heavyweight belt, where the division is waiting for the announcement of Fleury vs. Buday.</p><h2>TODEV: THE HEAVYWEIGHT GATEKEEPER</h2><p>Lazar “The Punisher” Todev has always been just one step away from capturing heavyweight gold, but the title has eluded him so far. His <strong>flawless takedown defense</strong> was only ever broken by Will Fleury in their legendary battle at OKTAGON 68. Outside of title bouts, Todev demolishes opponents one by one and has built a reputation as an <strong>unstoppable tank</strong> on the domestic scene – a fighter who can always surprise. That’s exactly why this matchup with Barbosa is so intriguing. His defense on the ground will be absolutely key. If he manages to keep the fight standing, his chances for victory rise significantly.</p><h2>A PIVOTAL CLASH FOR THE DIVISION’S FUTURE</h2><p>The heavyweight division in OKTAGON is hungry for big fights – and <strong>Todev vs. Barbosa</strong> is exactly what fans have been waiting for. A unique style clash that will determine whether rock-solid defense and striking prevail, or whether<strong> elite BJJ and submissions</strong> reign supreme. The outcome could reshape the entire division, with the winner putting himself firmly in line for a title shot.</p><p><strong>On September 13th, the stands of Hannover’s Zag Arena will shake under the weight of two giants throwing bombs. Todev vs. Barbosa is more than a fight – it’s a battle that may decide the next challenger for the winner of Fleury vs. Buday. Don’t miss OKTAGON 75 in Hannover – be there when Germany trembles under the power of two titans!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="114"></okteventcomponent>

The heavyweight division in OKTAGON is getting a fresh charge! On September 13th in Hannover, two massive warriors collide – Bulgaria’s #1 ranked heavyweight Lazar Todev and Brazilian veteran Luis Barbosa.

FIGHT STORY: BULGARIAN TANK TODEV TO WELCOME VETERAN BARBOSA

<p>After a long wait, it’s finally here – OKTAGON is coming back to Slovakia! Fans can look forward to a unique night full of tension, emotions, and unforgettable battles. This time, the action takes place at the legendary Ondrej Nepela Winter Stadium in Bratislava, where both Slovak heroes and international stars will collide. Believe us – this will be a night to remember.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/fdd58a51-6489-4d1c-8e2d-d59379b10961/cs.1755705174737.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/ad6decc0-a2bf-4b29-9079-43de7163132a/cs.1755705180590.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>SEMI-FINALS OF THE €1,000,000 TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER</h2><p>The Tipsport Gamechanger has reached its hottest stage – <strong>the semi-finals</strong>.</p><p><strong>Dominik “Hambáč” Humburger</strong>, the last Czech standing in the pyramid, takes on the undefeated middleweight champion <strong>Kerim Engizek</strong>, who hasn’t lost in 11 years. Humburger has already shocked the world twice as the underdog, taking out big names. Now he has the chance to do the impossible – defeat the champion and advance to the finals for the fairytale prize.</p><p>In the second semi-final, it’s the story of the underdog vs. the machine. <strong>Hojat Khajevand</strong> unexpectedly fought his way to the last four, where he’ll face <strong>Krzysztof Jotko</strong>, the Polish veteran with 11 UFC wins and the clear favorite of the entire tournament. Can Hojat stop his machine-like dominance?</p><h2>BUCHINGER RETURNS HOME</h2><p>Slovakia has its legends – and one of them is without a doubt<strong> Ivan “Buki” Buchinger</strong>. A fighter who wrote the history of Slovak and European MMA returns to home soil after a long time. For fans, this is a unique chance to witness live one of the greats – a double OKTAGON champion and a European icon. His return promises an emotional rollercoaster, because whenever “Buki” fights at home, the atmosphere is electric.</p><h2>PIRÁT AND ČEPO ARE BACK</h2><p>Another Slovak superstar guaranteed to ignite the fans is <strong>Samuel “Pirát” Krištofič</strong> – a beloved and controversial showman who always leaves everything inside the cage. After a tough loss to Humburger, he’ll be hungry to bounce back – and what better place than in front of his home crowd? Every fight with Pirát is a war, and no one doubts that the cage will be on fire again.</p><p>Chaos incarnate <strong>Vlasto “El Chapo” Čepo</strong> will face dangerous German striker <strong>Daniel Schwindt</strong>. If anyone in OKTAGON holds the patent for brutal knockouts, it’s Čepo. Bratislava can get ready for another explosive show that will have the fans on their feet.</p><h2>SLOVAK QUEENS TAKE THE STAGE</h2><p>It won’t just be the men delivering the action. Two Slovak warriors will also shine under the spotlight. <strong>Monika Chochlíková</strong>, a world-class striker, will showcase her deadly combinations once again, while <strong>Veronika Smolková</strong>, a fan favorite, brings the relentless fighting spirit that has captured the hearts of the crowd.</p><p><strong>OKTAGON is returning to Slovakia – and it will be spectacular! The legendary Buki, the unique Pirát, the chaotic Čepo, Slovak queens, and the semi-finals of the Tipsport Gamechanger – all in one unforgettable night. October 4th – Ondrej Nepela Winter Stadium, Bratislava. Don’t miss it live – experience the atmosphere only OKTAGON can deliver!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="113"></okteventcomponent>

After a long wait, it’s finally here – OKTAGON is coming back to Slovakia! Fans can look forward to a unique night full of tension, emotions, and unforgettable battles. This time, the action takes place at the legendary Ondrej Nepela Winter Stadium in Bratislava.

OKTAGON RETURNS TO SLOVAKIA: BRATISLAVA IS IN FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE SHOW!

<p>The biggest challenge of his career awaits. On September 13 in Hannover, young Czech talent Jakub Batfalský will face the undefeated Gjoni Palokaj in OKTAGON. If “Batfal” succeeds, he’ll break into the featherweight Top 10. For the more experienced Palokaj, however, a loss would halt his impressive winning streak.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/a718ae16-52c0-43a0-b1b2-d3b0949b09b4/cs.1755609144420.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/9a2fbcef-ad50-4020-847a-c8cdadf1288c/cs.1755609148525.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>FIGHTER AND MODEL: THE PHENOMENON JAKUB BATFALSKÝ</h2><p>At just <strong>21 years old</strong>, <strong>Jakub „Batfal” Batfalský</strong> entered OKTAGON with an impressive résumé — national amateur champion of both Czechia and Slovakia, a bronze medal at the amateur World Championship, and three professional victories. His debut in the yellow-and-black cage didn’t go his way, losing a three-round battle on points to Sami Zarabi, but the experience proved invaluable.</p><p>Since then, he’s been unstoppable — <strong>five straight wins</strong>, the latest in front of a sold-out football stadium in Prague’s Eden, where he defeated veteran Karol Ryšavý. That win improved his record to 8–1 and earned him a shot against a Top 10 featherweight. Palokaj, currently ranked No. 8, will be the biggest test of his young career.</p><p>But Batfalský isn’t only focused on fighting. On August 22, he will also compete in <strong>the final of the prestigious Man of the Year 2025</strong> competition. Just like in MMA, it will come down to performance on the day — from the runway to interviews with the jury. “Batfal” proves that bridging the worlds of combat sports and fashion isn’t impossible.</p><h2>FLAWLESS PALOKAJ FIGHTS AT HOME IN HANNOVER</h2><p>For <strong>nearly three years, Palokaj hasn’t tasted defeat</strong>. He is 4–0 in OKTAGON with wins over names like Pokorný, Novák, and Ryšavý. He stormed into the promotion and has always won on points — but this time, fighting in front of his <strong>hometown Hannover crowd</strong>, he wants to secure his first OKTAGON finish against the rising Czech star.</p><p>The German fighter of Albanian heritage holds an overall record of 11–3, with six finishes (four KO/TKOs and two submissions). His last victory came at OKTAGON 69 against dangerous Slovak striker Marco Novák, where he showcased his ability to hold his own in striking exchanges. Palokaj has made it clear <strong>he’s chasing the featherweight title</strong>, and a fifth consecutive win could push him into title contention. With the division wide open after champion Keita’s departure, the timing couldn’t be better.</p><h2>TWO WELL-ROUNDED FIGHTERS, BUT STRIKING COULD BE THE KEY</h2><p>Both Batfalský and Palokaj belong to a <strong>new generation of fighters</strong> who grew up training MMA as a complete discipline, capable of adapting to any scenario. Still, <strong>both prefer to stand and trade</strong> — and the numbers back it up. Fans can expect fireworks!</p><p>Batfalský will look to use his long reach to keep the <strong>fight at distance</strong>, while Palokaj will try to <strong>close the gap</strong>, press him against the cage, and unleash combinations. Yet in MMA, surprises are always possible — the fight could just as well end on the ground. One thing is certain: this is going to be a spectacular battle!</p><p><strong>Don’t miss OKTAGON’s debut in Hannover! Right now, you can grab a special 2x PPV bundle for OKTAGON 75 and OKTAGON 76 at </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://OKTAGON.tv"><strong>OKTAGON.tv</strong></a><strong>. On September 13, the Zag Arena will shake as OKTAGON hosts its first-ever show in Hannover.</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="114"></okteventcomponent>

The biggest challenge of his career awaits. On September 13 in Hannover, young Czech talent Jakub Batfalský will face the undefeated Gjoni Palokaj in OKTAGON. If “Batfal” succeeds, he’ll break into the featherweight Top 10.

BATFALSKÝ FACES THE TOUGHEST TEST OF HIS CAREER: GJONI PALOKAJ UNBEATEN IN OKTAGON

<p>OKTAGON 74 delivered plenty of surprises. Humburger defied the odds by defeating star contender Mark Hulme. Szabová confirmed her dominance, becoming the bantamweight champion. And two former homegrown stars — Martin Buday and David Dvořák — announced their return to OKTAGON.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/6ee422f3-a7b3-4b4b-bb01-f1bc1d8798fd/cs.1755519545484.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/b069cab9-aaf4-4e57-b908-081ee4d1a7b7/cs.1755519548187.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>MOVES IN THE WORLD RANKINGS</h2><p>Here’s how the Štvanice winners climbed the global MMA ladder:</p><p><strong>Lucia Szabová</strong> became the new queen of bantamweight, and her win over Bolander catapulted her into the world’s Top 20 — specifically 17th place. She is now the highest-ranked woman across all weight classes in OKTAGON.</p><p><strong>Kerim Engizek</strong> gained eight spots after his dominant victory over Stanton, now sitting at No. 51 in the middleweight global rankings.</p><p><strong>Dominik Humburger</strong> shocked fans and pundits with a crushing KO over favorite Hulme in round two, jumping 21 places to No. 79 worldwide.</p><p><strong>Hojat Khajevand</strong> pulled off another upset of the night, edging Piotr Wawrzyniak in a close battle on points. After two reserve fights in the Tipsport Gamechanger, patience and hard work finally paid off — he’s now one of the four semifinalists in the million-euro bracket.</p><h2>RETURN OF HOMEGROWN HEROES</h2><p>Štvanice also witnessed two massive comebacks. <strong>Martin Buday</strong>, the hottest free agent in heavyweight MMA, returns to OKTAGON to reclaim his title. He even signed his contract on the back of promoter Ondřej Novotný in the middle of the stadium. The former champ, who went 7–1 in the UFC, left many wondering why he was released. Big organizations lined up for him, but Buday chose to come home — back to OKTAGON and Slovakia. Details of his return will follow soon.</p><p>We also saw the announcement of <strong>David Dvořák</strong>’s return. The Czech flyweight has 21 fights, 16 finishes, and left the UFC with a 3–3 record. Now, he’s back in OKTAGON with one goal: to bring the flyweight belt back to the Czech Republic. On September 13, he’ll face the dangerous <strong>Mohammed Walid</strong> in Hannover. Will Dvořák prove his pedigree, or will the new generation of OKTAGON fighters catch him off guard?</p><h2>TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER SEMIFINALS</h2><p>After the quarterfinal battles, the four semifinalists are set. <strong>Dominik Humburger</strong>, the last Czech left in the bracket, will face reigning middleweight champion <strong>Kerim Engizek</strong>. For Humburger, it’s a dream matchup — testing himself against the champ has been his goal since joining OKTAGON. He enters as the underdog once again, but he’s already made a habit of surprising everyone. Can he find a way past the champ who hasn’t lost in 11 years?</p><p><strong>Hojat Khajevand</strong> finally gets his shot. After two wins in reserve bouts, he capitalized on his quarterfinal chance, narrowly defeating Wawrzyniak on points. Against all odds, he’s now one of the final four. His next opponent? The tournament’s biggest favorite, <strong>Krzysztof Jotko</strong>. The Polish UFC veteran once again proved why he’s a threat to the entire division, completely neutralizing Marek Mazúch before sealing a TKO win late in round two. Can Khajevand withstand the onslaught, or will Jotko slice through to the final like a hot knife through butter? We will find out all this on October 4 in Bratislava! Tickets are on sale, so don't wait around.</p><p><strong>Štvanice had it all — big upsets, the return of beloved homegrown legends, and thrilling Tipsport Gamechanger action. But now, all eyes turn to the next stop. On September 13, OKTAGON makes its debut in Hannover, Germany, and the OKTAGON 75 card promises a night to remember. Don’t miss David Dvořák’s return to the yellow-and-black cage and the heated showdown between local heroes Holzer vs. Taha. This is one you can’t afford to miss — secure your PPV now and be part of OKTAGON’s first chapter in Hannover!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="114"></okteventcomponent>

OKTAGON 74 delivered plenty of surprises. Humburger defied the odds by defeating star contender Mark Hulme. Szabová confirmed her dominance, becoming the bantamweight champion. 

LOOKING BACK AT OKTAGON 74: ŠTVANICE STARS AND BIG RETURNS TO THE CAGE

<p>The legendary Štvanice once again delivered an evening full of emotion, dramatic twists, and moments to be remembered for years. From the lightning-fast ending of the title fight to the evenly matched wars that only the judges could decide. Here’s how each fight looked to those holding the fighters’ fate when it came down to points.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/b4af8883-5c9b-4c13-97f7-7096dea336b2/cs.1754984424893.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/88353b82-2683-4b65-86b7-7f1d557a8730/cs.1754984430835.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>CECILIE BOLANDER&nbsp;vs.&nbsp;LUCIA SZABOVÁ</h2><p>The highly anticipated title clash ended quickly and unfortunately. Within seconds, the pair went to the ground, but Bolander injured her knee in the fall. Szabová seized the initiative, punished heavily on the ground, and the referee stopped the fight.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1203" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>KERIM ENGIZEK vs. MICK STANTON</h2><p>No need for the judges here. From the opening bell, Engizek controlled the pace, defended Stanton’s takedown, moved to a dominant position, and unleashed ground-and-pound. A flurry of clean shots forced the referee to stop it in the first round – TKO victory for the German champion and a ticket to the Tipsport Gamechanger semifinals.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1180" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>DOMINIK HUMBURGER vs. MARK HULME</h2><p>It didn’t go to the scorecards, but it was close and dramatic. Hulme dominated the first round, holding “Hambáč” down and hunting for a submission. Humburger weathered the storm, got back up, and turned the tide in round two, marching forward and dropping the favorite with an elbow. Referee stepped in – KO win for Humburger, who will face Engizek in the semifinals.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1204" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>KRZYSZTOF JOTKO vs. MAREK MAZÚCH</h2><p>If it had gone to points, the result would have been obvious – Jotko was in control throughout. Perfectly timed takedowns, heavy ground strikes, and zero chances for Mazúch to implement his game. The Polish veteran finished by TKO late in the second round, sparing the judges the math.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1225" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>PIOTR WAWRZYNIAK vs. HOJAT KHAJEVAND</h2><p>The only Gamechanger quarterfinal decided by the judges. Khajevand took round one with sharp striking, while round two went to Wawrzyniak, who also found success on the ground. The final round was close, but the judges saw a bit more work from the German fighter of Iranian descent. Hojat advances to face Jotko in the semifinals.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1240" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>RADEK ROUŠAL vs. ADRIAN HAMERSKI</h2><p>First round to Hamerski. In round two, the Pole slowed, Roušal unleashed combinations and those signature body shots that eventually broke his opponent. TKO win for “Ruchy” – no need for scorecards.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1207" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>DAVID ZAWADA vs. KAMIL ONISZCZUK</h2><p>The judges had to unravel this close contest. Oniszczuk defended takedowns well and used his height advantage, while Zawada pressed forward. As time went on, the Pole’s activity and accuracy increased. All three judges scored it for Oniszczuk in every round. He now serves as the alternate for the Gamechanger semifinals.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1218" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>DANIEL LIGOCKI vs. ANDRE LANGEN</h2><p>Scorecards stayed blank – Ligocki ended it in round one with two precise knees to the head. Langen went down and the referee waved it off. Third straight first-round win for the Třinec hurricane.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1242" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>VOJTĚCH KHOL vs. RAPHAEL FEDERICO</h2><p>Federico edged the first round with more activity in the stand-up, but Khol threatened with takedowns. In the second, the Czech took over – one judge even scored it 10–8. Khol sealed the deal in round three with a submission.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1241" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>MICHAELA HLAVÁČIKOVÁ vs. NIAMH KINEHAN</h2><p>The opening bout was the only women’s fight and the only one to go the distance. An even striking battle with both trading hard shots. Hlaváčiková started well, but Kinehan was more active late. The judges narrowly awarded her the victory.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1230" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><p><strong>Štvanice once again proved why it’s called the most beautiful event of the year – fast finishes, wars to the final bell, and powerful stories. Next stop? Hannover, September 13 in Zag Arena – don’t miss it!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="114"></okteventcomponent>

The legendary Štvanice once again delivered an evening full of emotion, dramatic twists, and moments to be remembered for years. From the lightning-fast ending of the title fight to the evenly matched wars that only the judges could decide. 

OKTAGON 74 THROUGH THE EYES OF THE JUDGES: ONLY THREE FIGHTS WENT TO THE SCORECARDS!

<p>Štvanice delivered! The most beautiful event of the year brought action-packed fights under the open sky. Lucia Szabová became the new bantamweight champion, and Dominik Humburger upset favorite Hulme to advance to the Tipsport Gamechanger semifinals.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/a67f430b-5025-45e5-ab0b-768a69792dc8/cs.1754850660982.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/ff3e6797-fe2d-4632-80cc-3f7cc7b0ee46/cs.1754850639256.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>CECILIE BOLANDER vs. LUCIA SZABOVÁ</h2><p>The highly anticipated title bout between the undefeated Szabová and champion Bolander ended quickly. Early in the first round, Szabová took Bolander to the ground, but during the fall, Bolander dislocated her knee. It popped back in, but she couldn’t put weight on it. After a barrage of heavy ground-and-pound, the referee stepped in, and the “Silent Killer” became the new queen of the bantamweight division.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1203"></oktfightcomponent><h2>KERIM ENGIZEK vs. MICK STANTON</h2><p>Engizek showed why he’s been an undefeated champion for 11 years. He shut Stanton down completely, defended his takedown attempt, and moved into a dominant position. From there, he unleashed a barrage of strikes, opening Stanton up badly. A few more shots later, the fight was stopped—Engizek wins by TKO and moves into the Tipsport Gamechanger semifinals.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1180"></oktfightcomponent><h2>DOMINIK HUMBURGER vs. MARK HULME</h2><p>Coming in as a big underdog, Humburger proved once again he can’t be underestimated. He and Hulme delivered a war. In round one, Hulme controlled on the ground, hunting for submissions, but Humburger defended well and stood up. In round two, both fighters were fatigued, but the Czech soldier kept pressing forward and dropped Hulme with a brutal elbow. Humburger shocked the experts and moves on to the semifinals of the European MMA Champions League.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1204"></oktfightcomponent><h2>KRZYSZTOF JOTKO vs. MAREK MAZÚCH</h2><p>Jotko proved why he’s so dangerous. After neutralizing Ion Surdu in his last fight, he put on another clinic against Slovak powerhouse Mazúch. Perfectly timed takedowns, smart stand-up, and heavy shots on the ground left Mazúch with no answers. Jotko controlled every round and finished with a TKO late in the third. Will Khajevand find a way past the Polish veteran?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1225"></oktfightcomponent><h2>PIOTR WAWRZYNIAK vs. HOJAT KHAJEVAND</h2><p>Khajevand’s incredible run in the Tipsport Gamechanger continues! After two reserve bouts, he scored a huge quarterfinal win. In round one, he outstruck Wawrzyniak, while the Pole took over in round two and even got the fight to the ground. The third was razor-close, but Khajevand edged ahead. The German now meets Krzysztof Jotko in the semifinals.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1240"></oktfightcomponent><h2>RADEK ROUŠAL vs. ADRIAN HAMERSKI</h2><p>Roušal is right at home on Štvanice, once again delivering a unique walkout. But Hamerski started faster, using his kicks to trouble Roušal in round one. Late in the round, the Czech found some rhythm, and by round two, Hamerski slowed down. Roušal began landing combinations and crushed Hamerski with body shots, folding him in half before finishing on the ground. Two straight wins for Roušal—who should he fight in Brno?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1207"></oktfightcomponent><h2>DAVID ZAWADA vs. KAMIL ONISZCZUK</h2><p>This reserve Gamechanger bout saw the young Pole use his height to fend off Zawada’s takedowns, wearing the veteran down. As the fight progressed, Zawada faded, and the judges awarded Oniszczuk the win. He now stands as the alternate for the semifinals.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1218"></oktfightcomponent><h2>DANIEL LIGOCKI vs. ANDRE LANGEN</h2><p>Ligocki is a phenomenon—third short-notice fight, third first-round finish. Langen barely touched him before being pinned to the fence and eating two brutal knees to the head, dropping him for the finish. When will we see Ligocki back in action? Hopefully soon.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1242"></oktfightcomponent><h2>VOJTĚCH KHOL vs. RAPHAEL FEDERICO</h2><p>“The Mountain Wind” Khol had a fantastic OKTAGON debut. Round one was slightly in Federico’s favor, but Khol threatened with takedowns. In round two, Khol took control and early in round three locked up a guillotine that forced the tap. Now 3-0 as a pro, Khol called out Radek Roušal—will we see it happen?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1241"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MICHAELA HLAVÁČIKOVÁ vs. NIAMH KINEHAN</h2><p>Two fearless strikers made their pro MMA debut with an exciting opener. Hlaváčiková even got the early takedown, but most of the fight stayed standing with wild exchanges. The close contest went to the judges, who gave it to Kinehan. Still, Hlaváčiková showed promise—hopefully we’ll see her again soon in the yellow-and-black cage.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1230"></oktfightcomponent><p><strong>Štvanice once again delivered an unforgettable night of battles, drama, and emotion. Next stop—Hannover. Max Holzer vs. UFC veteran Khalid Taha, plus more top fights on September 13th at Zag Arena. Will you be there?</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="114"></okteventcomponent>

Štvanice delivered! The most beautiful event of the year brought action-packed fights under the open sky.

OKTAGON 74 RESULTS: SZABOVÁ CROWNED NEW QUEEN, HUMBURGER MARCHES ON IN TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER

<p>After two years, Prague’s Štvanice will come alive again with a gala MMA event. OKTAGON 74 will be the seventh tournament held at this legendary venue, and it’s going to be a spectacular return. We have the title fight between Bolander vs. Szabová, the quarterfinals of the Tipsport Gamechanger, and many other amazing matchups. Go through the fight-by-fight preview and get ready for the most exciting tournament of the year.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/f624ebfa-1060-44d8-8d60-a21fa506258d/cs.1754661395609.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/0de5db8f-6680-4998-9309-32372547287c/cs.1754661400673.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>CECILIE BOLANDER vs. LUCIA SZABOVÁ</h2><p>A battle of the champion and the undefeated challenger. The highly anticipated title bout between Bolander and Szabová will showcase the best of women’s MMA. Bolander is entering her sixth professional fight, but it will be her third title bout. She is confidently entering her first title defense. However, Szabová has never lost in MMA. Her 9-0 record speaks volumes, and she’ll be aiming to capitalize on her first title opportunity. Will Bolander remain on top, or will we see the crowning of a new bantamweight queen?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1203"></oktfightcomponent><h2>KERIM ENGIZEK vs. MICK STANTON</h2><p>Kerim Engizek is a phenomenon that doesn’t need much introduction. The undefeated OKTAGON champion for almost 11 years plans to add another valuable scalp to his resume. While Polish fighter Oniszczuk caused him trouble in the first round, Engizek will be aiming to prove that he rightfully deserves to be the king of the middleweight division. Opposing him will be the representative of the old English school, former Cage Warriors champion Mick Stanton. In the round of 16, Stanton decisively eliminated fan-favorite Petrášek, and now he has his eyes set on another favorite. Will he back up his strong words in the cage?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1180"></oktfightcomponent><h2>DOMINIK HUMBURGER vs. MARK HULME</h2><p>The last Czech hope in the Tipsport Gamechanger million-dollar pyramid. The home Viking and professional soldier Dominik Humburger impressed fans with a brutal performance against Krištofič at OKTAGON 70 in Karlovy Vary. Now, he faces the biggest challenge of his career against the precise South African Mark Hulme. Hulme eliminated first-season Tipsport Gamechanger finalist Michailidis in the first round and has quickly become one of the main favorites for the overall victory in this year’s pyramid. But Humburger is an extremely tough nut to crack and has already surprised once – will he do it again at Štvanice?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1204"></oktfightcomponent><h2>KRZYSZTOF JOTKO vs. MAREK MAZÚCH</h2><p>A man whose experience on the world stage is unmatched in OKTAGON. Krzysztof Jotko has 17 UFC bouts under his belt and hasn’t fought anyone outside of the top 100 world rankings since 2014. In Karlovy Vary, he defeated champion Ion Surdu and made it clear that he came to win. Instead of Vlasta Čepo, he’ll face his feared Slovakian teammate Marek Mazúch, who has a reputation for the hardest punches in OKTAGON. Mazúch entered the pyramid as a “Lucky Loser,” but that doesn’t change the threat he poses to any opponent. Will he catch Jotko with one of his famous punches? Or will we see a surgical performance from the Polish veteran?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1225"></oktfightcomponent><h2>PIOTR WAWRZYNIAK vs. HOJAT KHAJEVAND</h2><p>The final quarterfinal of the European MMA Champions League offers an incredibly interesting clash of styles. After Matěj Peňáz had to withdraw due to infection, the new opponent for the Polish tough guy Piotr Wawrzyniak is the dangerous Hojat Khajevand. Wawrzyniak is no stranger to OKTAGON – he has fought for the title twice, became the interim middleweight champion, and is the only one to finish Vlasta Čepo by KO/TKO. Hojat has had five fights in OKTAGON, winning four of them, all by finishes before the limit. While Wawrzyniak relies on a tough stand-up and clinch game, Hojat is a grappling specialist but has won his last two fights by TKO. Who will become the last semifinalist of the Tipsport Gamechanger?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1240"></oktfightcomponent><h2>RADEK ROUŠAL vs. ADRIAN HAMERSKI</h2><p>Brno’s bad boy Radek Roušal cannot be missed at Štvanice, and his special entrance – what will he have prepared this time? In Karlovy Vary, he adopted Kutyła’s nickname and entered dressed as a butcher. Now he faces his gym teammate Adrian Hamerski, who comes to OKTAGON with one goal in mind – to avenge his friend Kutyła. There is real heat between the two fighters. With both being strikers, we expect brutal exchanges and a finish before the limit.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1207"></oktfightcomponent><h2>DAVID ZAWADA vs. KAMIL ONISZCZUK</h2><p>An extremely interesting reserve fight in the Tipsport Gamechanger – German veteran and fan-favorite David Zawada against the gutsy Polish fighter Kamil Oniszczuk. On one side, there is experience and calm, on the other, there’s aggression and power. Oniszczuk was close to a miracle and the biggest surprise of this season, narrowly losing to the star Engizek on points. Zawada, on the other hand, suffered a brutal loss by TKO from Czech sniper Matěj Peňáz and will be looking to redeem himself at Štvanice.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1218"></oktfightcomponent><h2>DANIEL LIGOCKI vs. ANDRE LANGEN</h2><p>There’s no one as dangerous on short notice as Třinec’s shooter Daniel Ligocki. Earlier this year, he earned two victories within 14 days at two consecutive tournaments – an incredible feat! Now, he’s taken a short-notice fight against German tough guy Andre “Angry” Langen, a newcomer to OKTAGON. A clash between two fighters who don’t leave decisions to the judges.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1242"></oktfightcomponent><h2>VOJTĚCH KHOL vs. RAPHAEL FEDERICO</h2><p>The fresh “Wind from the Mountains” has arrived in OKTAGON, as the young Czech talent Vojtěch Khol calls himself. A three-time Czech amateur champion and a protege of Patrik Kincl, Khol comes to OKTAGON with two wins under his belt and a wealth of amateur experience. He accepted this fight on short notice in place of the injured Jakub Tichota. His opponent will be Italian “Virtuoso” Raphael Federico. Another member of the new generation of fighters looking to make their mark at the top. This will be Federico’s second fight in the yellow-black cage – his first attempt didn’t go as planned, but he’s coming to Štvanice even hungrier for victory.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1241"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MICHAELA HLAVÁČIKOVÁ vs. NIAMH KINEHAN</h2><p>A double MMA debut for two experienced strikers. Michaela Hlaváčiková is known to fans from her Muay Thai fight against Lucia Szabová. The successful striker from Olomouc will now face one of the world’s most accomplished strikers, Niamh Kinehan. The British fighter boasts a 23-5-1 record, and now she wants to bring her skills into the MMA world. Whose debut will be victorious in the end?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1230"></oktfightcomponent>

After two years, Prague’s Štvanice will come alive again with a gala MMA event. OKTAGON 74 will be the seventh tournament held at this legendary venue, and it’s going to be a spectacular return.

OKTAGON 74 FIGHT BY FIGHT: ŠTVANICE WILL SHAKE TO ITS CORE

<p>OKTAGON 74 will take place this Saturday at the legendary Štvanice. What do you know about the fighters on the card? Some interesting facts may surprise you. Read the article with records and interesting facts and be a star, whether you watch it live or from the comfort of your home.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/29e51f3e-24b5-461b-a4e5-3d5436da7ffe/cs.1754565955105.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/de1ab382-17d6-49e2-8a90-3602cf0293c4/cs.1754565959100.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>THE WOMEN'S TITLE FIGHT</h2><p><strong>OKTAGON</strong> <strong>74</strong> will feature the <strong>fourth-ever female main event </strong>in the organization’s history – and this one is set to be a real battle! In the title fight, Norway’s armbar queen <strong>Cecilie Bolander</strong> will face the undefeated Slovak star <strong>Lucia Szabová</strong>. While Bolander will be stepping into her sixth professional fight, she’s already fighting for the title for the <strong>third time in her career</strong>. She has <strong>eight victories by armbar</strong>, while Szabová has four – so we’re in for an exciting world-class display. And it’s not just talk – Szabová is currently ranked <strong>23rd in the bantamweight world rankings</strong>, while Bolander is ranked 71st. But here’s the catch: when she went for the OKTAGON title, Bolander wasn’t even ranked! This bantamweight queen battle is one you simply can’t miss.</p><h2>STEEL STRENGTH FROM POLAND</h2><p>Poland will have a strong presence at Štvanice – not just in numbers, but in quality. <strong>Piotr Wawrzyniak</strong> is the only fighter to have finished Vlasta Čepo by TKO, and he’s never been knocked out or submitted. From his last six fights, he’s fought for the title four times – and that speaks volumes. <strong>Krzysztof Jotko</strong> will face Mazúch, and for the first time since 2014, his opponent is ranked outside the Top 100 in the world. Jotko himself is ranked #42 worldwide and has <strong>never lost in Europe</strong>. And watch out – he was supposed to face Macha Muradov in the UFC, but the fight fell through. Could we see that clash in the yellow-and-black cage? More Polish names will join in – Kamil Oniszczuk, who never gives up, and rookie Adrian Hamerski, who wants to avenge his teammate Kutyła and teach Radek Roušal a lesson.</p><h2>YEARS OF DOMINANCE</h2><p>Kerim Engizek has been undefeated for nearly 11 years. Yes, you read that right! Since September 2014, he has not found a challenger, and he holds the longest win streak in OKTAGON with <strong>15 straight victories</strong>. But he’s not alone – <strong>Mark Hulme</strong> hasn’t lost in over two years and is one of the biggest favorites to win the Tipsport Gamechanger tournament. <strong>Daniel Ligocki </strong>adds to the list with a perfect record since 2020, keeping a clean slate with four straight wins. And let’s not forget <strong>Lucia Szabová</strong>, who has never tasted defeat in professional MMA. She holds a <strong>9-0 record</strong> in OKTAGON. Will she maintain it in her first title fight?</p><h2>OUTSIDE THE CAGE</h2><p>Our fighters also have a lot to offer outside the cage. <strong>Cecilie Bolander</strong> appeared on the Norwegian reality show Vinnerschkalle, where she faced historic sports challenges. Aside from that, she loves traditional Norwegian costumes – and she shared more about them in our exclusive interview, which you can find on the website. <strong>Dominik Humburger</strong> is not only a warrior in the cage but a true hero outside it. He auctioned a special military knife to support war veterans, received an award from President Pavel, and now trains self-defense in the army. “Hambáč” is more than just a fighter – he’s an inspiration. And <strong>Radek Roušal</strong>? He’ll make you laugh. He took on the role of selling women’s underwear for his partner Nela Slováková – and how did it go? Check out the video on our YouTube and get ready for a good dose of fun!</p><p><strong>Want to be part of it? Watch OKTAGON 74 at Štvanice – a tournament full of stories, records, and groundbreaking moments awaits you on August 9th! Get your PPV at a discounted price and make sure you don't miss anything.</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="119"></okteventcomponent>

OKTAGON 74 will take place this Saturday at the legendary Štvanice. What do you know about the fighters on the card? Some interesting facts may surprise you.

OKTAGON 74 RECORDS AND FUN FACTS: WHAT YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT THE STARS OF ŠTVANICE

<p>This Saturday, during OKTAGON 74, Cecilia Bolander will face her first title defense. After recently defeating the first Czech woman in the UFC, Lucie Pudilová, she now aims to stop the winning streak of Slovakia's “Silent Killer” Lucia Szabová. How is her preparation going? And what does she expect from her fight at Štvanice? Find out all this and more in our interview.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/b7a41586-ab82-4c0b-81e1-7bd297b4a64d/cs.1754383817819.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/80b8701c-4ff1-402c-9dd3-02f4df8b3fdb/cs.1754383822405.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><p></p><p><strong>Hi Cecilia, thanks for your time. How are you feeling right now? Is your preparation going as planned?</strong></p><p>Absolutely! The preparation is going really well. My body is fit, my mind is fit. Everything is going according to plan. Way better than the last two fights.</p><p><strong>The last fight against Pudilová was quite tough—how long did it take you to get back into training?</strong></p><p>Well, I don’t really know why my face looked so beaten (laughs). But actually, I got a staphylococcal infection and ended up in the hospital for about five days. Now, however, I’ve sorted out all my health issues and feel much better. I guess you could say you saw me at rock bottom, so from here on, it can only go up.</p><p><strong>How did you celebrate winning the title? And how did your surroundings react?</strong></p><p>I celebrated with close friends and family. When we flew home, we were greeted with flowers and cake, then we went to a club and that was it. We just enjoyed life for a bit. Personally, it’s not that big of a deal for me. I just want to have good fights, and I want to see myself evolve. Honestly, I’m not that proud of the last fight, so I didn’t feel the need to celebrate too much.</p><p><strong>Of course, you’ve gained more fans and media attention. Have you noticed this back home in Norway?</strong></p><p>After the fight, I did get a bit of attention, but unfortunately not much more than when I was still an amateur. It’s still not that easy to spread success in MMA here because it’s illegal. It’s not part of the Norwegian sports system, so people don’t really know about it, and it’s hard for them to get behind the hype. I hope that will change in the future.</p><p><strong>I know MMA isn’t that popular in Norway, and organizing events is even banned. What was it like for you to stand in the Eden stadium in front of so many fans?</strong></p><p>It was so much fun! I love the connection with the fans, and I love it when even just one person moves to my song or just vibes with it. I love it, and seeing others enjoy it too – that’s probably the closest I get to pure happiness and bliss.</p><p><strong>In an interview, you mentioned that through your success, you’d like to help change the perception of MMA in your country. Do you think that change is happening?</strong></p><p>I think that change will happen slowly, and hopefully, one day it will be legalized. I feel like I’m playing my part in it. We need someone who doesn’t represent the “gangster” style, I would say. I’m just me, and I represent myself. I don’t want to act like something I’m not. So I think just being myself and constantly improving is the best way to get people to focus on it, so eventually, it gets legalized in Norway.</p><p><strong>You’ll soon experience the atmosphere of a summer tournament under the open sky in the cage. How are you looking forward to that?</strong></p><p>I’M SO EXCITED! I hope it will meet all the expectations. I’m an athlete who loves the fans, I love the noise, the crazy music, the lights – basically everything. I love that part of the game, so I’m really excited.</p><p><strong>At Štvanice, you’ll face your first title defense against the undefeated Szabová. How do you view your opponent?</strong></p><p>I’m super excited to meet her. I wouldn’t say I’m threatened. I think it’s a really good matchup. I think both of us have roughly the same skill levels, and then I would say I’m way stronger and probably in better condition, so I just can’t wait to get in there and prove it.</p><p><strong>How do you generally prepare for your opponents? Do you watch their fights, or do you prefer to focus on yourself?</strong></p><p>I mostly focus on myself, but of course, my team watches her fights, and I also watch some fights, and we aim for the style we need for that particular fighter. But I still have a lot of areas I need to work on myself, so most of my time goes into working on myself.</p><p><strong>Now, stepping away from MMA for a moment – on Instagram, you have several photos in traditional costumes. How did you get into that? Is it a family tradition? What do you enjoy about it?</strong></p><p>Where I’m from, every girl has one. It’s called bunad and it’s the national dress. The one I have was made by my mom from scratch. Every stitch you see was made by my mom, so it means a lot to me. And when I put it on, I feel really good, really beautiful. It’s a Norwegian tradition that has been around for decades. You also usually wear the one that represents your region.</p><p><strong>I assume you follow OKTAGON events. Is there any fighter you never miss? What do you enjoy about their fights?</strong></p><p>To be honest, I’m not a huge fan in terms of watching the fights. I spend a lot of time doing MMA, and I usually don’t have the need to watch it so much. But I love it when we watch it with my friends in a group. And I’m a fan of anyone who knows how to entertain.</p><p><strong>Finally, what would you like to say to OKTAGON fans who are planning to come to Štvanice?</strong></p><p>It doesn’t really matter if you cheer for me or not. I just really hope you enjoy the event, and that I will satisfy every need you have when it comes to watching MMA. And I’m not letting you leave the arena not entertained. That will never happen as long as I’m on the card. I’m really excited to see everyone, and I can’t wait!</p><okteventcomponent eventid="119"></okteventcomponent>

This Saturday, during OKTAGON 74, Cecilia Bolander will face her first title defense. After recently defeating the first Czech woman in the UFC, Lucie Pudilová, she now aims to stop the winning streak of Slovakia's “Silent Killer” Lucia Szabová.

PETER GABAL PŘED ZÁPASEM V MNICHOVĚ: CHCI UKÁZAT, ŽE JSEM JINÝ ZÁPASNÍK NEŽ KDYSI

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