On Štvanice, he took his first major step toward the European elite. Now he stands before another life-changing challenge. Vojtěch Khol is one of the biggest Czech talents, and in the O2 Arena he will test himself against German prospect Hugo Vach. In our interview, he talks about how he views his opponent, reflects on Štvanice, and reveals what his first post-fight meal will be.

Hi Vojta, how are you feeling a few weeks before the fight, and what phase of preparation are you currently in?

I feel great. I’m at the stage where everything is being finalized, sharpened, and fine-tuned. Preparation is, of course, long and demanding, but this final phase is even more important—maintaining maximum focus in training while also being more careful to avoid injuries. Overall, I feel amazing and I’m really looking forward to the fight.

Your opponent will be Hugo Vach. How do you see him as a fighter?

Honestly, I didn’t know him before, but of course my team and I have studied him now. He’s a well-rounded and very solid fighter. I’m approaching this responsibly and definitely not underestimating him. He’s another opponent who will test my abilities, and I’m looking forward to delivering a great fight together.

When you think back to your OKTAGON debut, what comes to mind first?

Above all, the unbelievable atmosphere at Štvanice. That moment when I walked out. The fans are so incredibly close that it completely absorbs you. When I’m lying on my “deathbed” one day, this will definitely be one of the memories running through my head. It was absolute madness.

Štvanice is considered one of OKTAGON’s iconic events. What was it like fighting in such a unique setting?

It was an invaluable experience. A beautiful summer event, outdoors. The stadium is built in such a way that even when I was standing in the cage, it felt like the very last row was right next to me. It was a huge experience both personally, because of the atmosphere, and professionally. I accepted the fight on short notice against a very high-quality opponent and was also viewed as the underdog.

The fight with Federico was very close and was decided by a guillotine in the third round. How do you evaluate your performance in hindsight? What did the fight give you?

It really was close. Federico won the first round, I won the second, and the guillotine decided it in the third. Looking back, there were obviously a lot of mistakes, but you have to judge it in context. I accepted the fight at the last minute, and in six days you can’t really train anything very specific. We focused on a game plan with my coaches, but miracles can’t happen in such a short time.

Considering everything, I’m happy with the performance. It gave me confidence and confirmed that when you have your mindset right, anything is possible. It was an honor to fight Federico. Beating such a high-level opponent at an iconic event and submitting a black belt—that’s a fighter’s dream.

You’ll be fighting in the O2 Arena for the first time. Is it a dream come true, or are you trying to treat it like any other fight?

I try to treat it like any other fight. Of course, I’m aware that Štvanice and the O2 Arena are iconic OKTAGON venues and that every fighter who signs with the organization wants to fight there. It happened for me within a year, which I truly appreciate and am very grateful for.

That’s why I’m now trying to be as prepared as possible to deliver my best performance. I’ll enjoy the fact that I’m fighting in the O2 Arena after the fight—when I’m sitting at home with potato salad. Right now, it’s simply another step on my journey.

There will be roughly twice as many people in attendance compared to Štvanice. Do you notice the crowd during the fight, or do you get tunnel vision?

There may be twice as many people, but it’s dark, dim, and the cage is heavily lit, so you don’t really notice the crowd that much. At Štvanice it was daylight, and it felt like the fans were literally pressed against the cage. I always enjoy the walkout and take in the atmosphere until the cage door closes. After that, it’s tunnel vision—I focus only on my performance, my opponent, and my coaches in the corner.

You train under Patrik Kincl and David Dvořák, who will also be fighting on the same card. Will they be in your corner, or will the roles be divided differently?

Honestly, we haven’t discussed it yet. I think it will be better to divide the roles. At All Sport Academy, we have a really strong team—Václav Štěpán, Lukáš Chotěnovský, my brother, and other guys who are with me at every training session. For me, it’s important that Patrik and David can fully focus on their own fights. I’ll definitely get advice from them at the hotel and in the locker room, but in the cage itself, the guys from the team will corner me.

What is it like when all three of you are in peak fight camp at the same time? Are the sessions harder, or do you take more care due to injury risk?

It’s great. We help each other, push each other, motivate one another. You can feel it in training—the atmosphere is excellent, and everyone is fully focused. It’s an honor for me to be on such a stacked card alongside my coaches. I’m enjoying every single moment of this preparation.

What does your ideal training day look like? Do you have any rituals you can’t start without?

An ideal training day starts with good sleep. Sleep and recovery are the foundation, so that’s my priority. If I sleep well, I feel great. I don’t really have a strict ritual, but I do enjoy a good coffee during the day—ideally a filter coffee.

Many people see you as one of the biggest talents of the next generation. What do you think is the most important thing to succeed in MMA today?

Sure, people may see me as a talent, but I don’t really play into that. I think this sport is mainly about a fighter’s approach and mindset.

I want to be seen more as a regular guy who worked hard for everything. When you have your head straight, know what you want, know what you’re chasing and why you’re doing it, then I think you’re unstoppable. Discipline and mental work are the most important things.

How do you think modern MMA differs from MMA 10–15 years ago?

In absolutely everything. The level of performances, the quality of fighters, gyms, and coaches. Back then, it was a big deal if 500 or 1,000 people showed up to an event. Today, the biggest arenas across Europe are sold out. MMA has moved forward incredibly. For me, MMA today and MMA 10–15 years ago are almost two completely different sports.

A fight at the end of December means dieting over Christmas. How painful is that? And what will be your first meal after the fight?

It doesn’t bother me at all. I’m happy that I have another fight. That it falls on the holidays—well, whatever. There are always events during the year: Christmas, Easter, summer holidays. I focus on the fact that I get to fight and that it’s at a beautiful event. And that I’ll eat good food a few days after Christmas? I really don’t care. My first meal will definitely be potato salad with schnitzel. And maybe some Christmas cookies if my mom sends some.

What do you do in your free time when you switch off from MMA for a bit? Do you have something that helps you recharge?

I like spending time with my family and closest friends. I enjoy being active—going for walks, skating, hiking in the mountains, or going to the sauna. I try to spend time with myself, ideally somewhere in nature, and also give time back to the people closest to me. During fight camp there isn’t much space for that, which makes those moments even more special afterward.

One last question about our new essence “Face Your Fear”—what does “facing your fear” mean to you personally?

For me, it’s important not to fight fear, but to face it head-on. Fear is something our mind creates—fear of losing, fear of a bad performance, or fear of failing. When I face it directly and have my mindset right, I know that anything is possible. The key is simply not to freak out.

And what message would you like to send to the fans who will support you in the O2 Arena?

I truly appreciate their support more than they can imagine. Cheer, support me, and I promise I’ll do everything I can to deliver the best possible performance and be the best version of myself. A win would be the cherry on top. We’ll all enjoy the whole evening together. Thank you so much, and see you in the O2 Arena!

Not only Vojtěch Khol, but many domestic fighters are now in the final phase of their preparation ahead of OKTAGON 81. Less than two weeks remain until the spectacular conclusion of 2025. Last tickets are still available. If you don’t want to miss this stacked card, click the link below and secure your seat today!

SZABOVÁ: PRVNÍ NÁVRAT K MMA PO PORODU

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