<p>OKTAGON Underground je originální koncept vytvořený naší organizací OKTAGON MMA. Vznikl původně jako speciální soutěžní pyramida, která nabízela skvělou podívanou v době, kdy se svět potýkal s karanténou a omezeními. Aby ani fanoušci ani zápasníci nebyli ochuzeni o svůj milovaný sport, přišli jsme s unikátním nápadem a rozjeli hru podle našich vlastních pravidel.&nbsp;</p><p>O několik let později už tuhle napínavou soutěž sice nevyhlašujeme, s Underground pravidly se však můžete setkat i nadále. Co tedy znamená, když má zápas pravidla Undergroundu?</p><p></p><h2>PRAVIDLA OKTAGON UNDERGROUND: CO JE JINAK?&nbsp;</h2><p><strong>Jednou větou:</strong> Jde o zápas v postoji v malých MMA rukavicích a místo 5 kol se zápasí ve 3 kolech na 3 minuty.&nbsp;</p><p></p><p><strong>Radši v bodech?</strong></p><ul><li><p>Zápas je kratší než klasický MMA zápas. Délka souboje je 3x3, tedy ve třech kolech po třech minutách. V případě remízy se rozhoduje v extra kole navíc.</p></li><li><p>Zápasí se v MMA rukavicích.</p></li><li><p>Dovoleny jsou všechny známé techniky postoje a také klinč a práce na pletivu, obojí však musí být aktivní.</p></li><li><p>Zápas lze pomocí takedownu přesunout i na zem, kde je po třech vteřinách aktivní kontroly uznán jako úspěšný a boj se vrací zpět do postoje.</p></li><li><p>Jsou povoleny submise a páčení v postoji.</p></li><li><p>Ukončení a bodování se pak neliší od klasických pravidel MMA.</p></li></ul><p></p><p><strong>Do detailu: </strong>Podrobně rozepsaná pravidla, nedovolené techniky či způsob bodování naleznete na<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://oktagonmma.cz/underground-rules/"> </a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://oktagonmma.com/underground-rules/"><u>https://oktagonmma.com/underground-rules/</u></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>PROČ VLASTNĚ?</strong></h2><p>Není žádné pravidlo, které by bojovníky poslalo do zápasu podle Underground pravidel. Nejčastěji se tak volí pro atraktivitu zápasu mezi konkrétními jmény, po náročnějším comebacku do klece či pokud na poslední chvíli odpadne soupeř a utkat by se měli zápasníci z jiné váhové kategorie (příkladem je třeba zápas Bartl vs. Magnor na OKTAGONu 42).</p><p>Pravidla Undergroundu nadále přináší napínavou podívanou v postoji, která řadě zápasníků vyloženě svědčí. Podívejte se na naše oblíbené zápasy a přesvědčte se, co tahle speciální hra přináší.</p>

O fenoménu OKTAGON Underground jste už určitě slyšeli. Napínavá soutěž, která překonala koronavirové uzavírky a posílila lásku Čechů a Slováků k bojovým sportům, se navždy zapsala do historie naší organizace. S jejími pravidly se ale v OKTAGONu setkáte čas od času znovu. Co tedy znamená, pokud se bojuje podle pravidel Undergroundu? Jak se zápas liší od klasického MMA a proč se k těmto speciálním pravidlům vracíme?

UNDERGROUND VS. MMA. JAKÝ JE ROZDÍL?

<p>OKTAGON Underground ist ein originelles Konzept, das von unserer Organisation OKTAGON MMA entwickelt wurde. Es entstand zuerst als eine besondere Wettkampfpyramide, die eine glänzende Show lieferte in einer Zeit, als die Welt mit Quarantäne und Beschränkungen beschäftigt war. Damit die Fans und die Kämpfer nicht auf ihren geliebten Sport verzichten mussten, haben wir uns diese einzigartige Idee ausgedacht und angefangen, das Spiel nach unseren eigenen Regeln zu spielen.</p><p>Einige Jahre später geben wir zwar nicht mehr den Startschuss zu diesem spannenden Wettbewerb, die Underground-Regeln werden euch aber weiterhin begegnen. Was bedeutet es also, wenn ein Kampf nach Underground-Regeln ausgetragen wird?</p><p></p><h2>DIE OKTAGON UNDERGROUND REGELN: WAS IST ANDERS?</h2><p><strong>In einem Satz:</strong> Es handelt sich um einen Kampf im Stand mit kleinen MMA-Handschuhen und statt in 5 Runden wird in 3 Runden à 3 Minuten gekämpft.</p><p></p><p><strong>Lieber in Stichpunkten?</strong></p><p>Der Kampf ist kürzer als ein klassischer MMA-Kampf. Die Kampfdauer ist 3x3, also drei Runden zu je drei Minuten. Im Fall eines Unentschiedens gibt es noch eine Entscheidungsrunde.</p><p>Es wird mit MMA-Handschuhen gekämpft.</p><p>Erlaubt sind alle bekannten Techniken für den Standkampf und auch für den Kampf am Netz, wobei beide aktiv sein müssen.</p><p>Der Kampf kann durch Takedowns auf den Boden verlagert werden.<br>Dort gilt die aktive Kontrolle nach drei Sekunden als erfolgreich und es wird danach wieder im Stand weitergekämpft.</p><p>Submissions und Ringen im Stand sind erlaubt.</p><p>Hinsichtlich des Kampfendes und der Punktevergabe gibt es keine Unterschiede zu den klassischen MMA-Regeln.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Im Detail: </strong>Eine genauere Regelbeschreibung, nicht erlaubte Techniken und die Art der Punktevergabe findet ihr unter&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://oktagonmma.com/underground-rules/"><u>https://oktagonmma.com/underground-rules/</u></a></p><p></p><h2><strong>WARUM EIGENTLICH?</strong></h2><p>Für die Kämpfer ist die Teilnahme an einem Wettkampf nach Underground-Regeln keine Pflicht. Meistens entscheiden sie sich dazu wegen der Attraktivität eines Kampfes zwischen bestimmten Namen, nach einem anstrengenden Comeback im Käfig oder wenn ein Gegner im letzten Moment ausfällt und sich Kämpfer aus unterschiedlichen Gewichtsklassen gegenüberstehen würden (ein Beispiel dafür war Bartl vs. Magnor in OKTAGON 42).</p><p>Die Underground-Regeln sorgen weiterhin für eine spannende Show im Standkampf, wie eine ganze Reihe von Kämpfern beweist. Seht euch unsere Lieblingskämpfe an und überzeugt euch davon, was dieses besondere Format zu bieten hat.</p>

Sicher habt ihr schon vom OKTAGON Underground Phänomen gehört. Der spannende Wettbewerb, der die Beschränkungen der Corona-Pandemie überstand und die Liebe der Tschechen und Slowaken zum Kampfsport gestärkt hat, ist für immer in die Geschichte unserer Organisation eingegangen. Die dazugehörigen Regeln werden euch bei OKTAGON aber immer wieder begegnen. Was bedeutet es eigentlich, wenn nach Underground-Regeln gekämpft wird? Wie unterscheidet sich ein solcher Kampf vom klassischen MMA und warum kehren wir zu diesen speziellen Regeln zurück?

UNDERGROUND VS. MMA: WAS IST DER UNTERSCHIED?

<p>OKTAGON Underground is an original concept created by our organization OKTAGON MMA. It originated as a special competition bracket that offered a great show at a time when the world was struggling with quarantine and restrictions. In order to ensure that neither the fans nor the fighters had their beloved sport taken from them, we came up with a unique idea and started the game according to our own rules.</p><p>A few years later, we don't organize this exciting competition anymore, but you can still encounter the Underground <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://rules.So">rules.So</a> what does it mean when a match has Underground rules?</p><p></p><h2>OKTAGON UNDERGROUND RULES: WHAT'S DIFFERENT?</h2><p><strong>In one sentence: </strong>It is a stand up fight with small MMA gloves and instead of five rounds, the fight is divided into three roundsof three minutes each.</p><p></p><p><strong>Radši v bodech?</strong></p><ul><li><p>The fight is shorter than a classic MMA fight. The length of the fight is 3x3, which means three roundsof three minutes each. In case of a draw, an extra round will decide.</p></li><li><p>The fighters wear MMA gloves.</p></li><li><p>All standard stand up techniques are allowed, as well as clinching and using the cage, both of these have to be used actively, though.</p></li><li><p>Takedowns are allowed to take the fight to the ground, where a success is called after three seconds of active control and the fight goes back to stand up.</p></li><li><p>Submissions and stand up locks are allowed.</p></li><li><p>Finishing and scoring are the same as in classic MMA rules.</p></li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>More details: </strong>For more detailed rules, prohibited techniques, or how points are awarded, please visit<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://oktagonmma.cz/underground-rules/"> </a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://oktagonmma.com/underground-rules/"><u>https://oktagonmma.com/underground-rules/</u></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>WHY?</strong></h2><p>There is no rule that would send fighters into a fight following the Underground rules. Most often, it is chosen for the attractiveness of a fight between certain big names, after a challenging comeback to the cage or if an opponent cancels at the last minute and two fighters of different weight classes are supposed to face each other (for example the Bartl vs. Magnor fight at OKTAGON 42).</p><p>The Underground rules make for a thrilling show in stand up, where many fighters are right at home. Watch our favorite fights and see for yourself what this special game has to offer.</p>

You've certainly heard about the phenomenon that is OKTAGON Underground. A thrilling competition that overcame the coronavirus related lockdowns and strengthened the love that Czechs and Slovaks have for martial arts and has forever left its mark on the history of our organization. But in OKTAGON, you will come across the Underground rules from time to time. So what does it mean to fight according to the Underground rules? What makes this fight different from classic MMA and why do we keep coming back to these special rules? 

UNDERGROUND VS. MMA. WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

<p>Today, we’re introducing another name joining the Tipsport Gamechanger cage. But we’re sure you’ve heard of Krzysztof Jotko before…</p><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><p>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…</p><p><strong>FUN FACT:</strong> 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.</p><h2>THE AMERICAN DREAM</h2><p>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.</p><h2>ENDURANCE ABOVE ALL</h2><p>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.</p><h2>THAILAND AND JAPAN</h2><p>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.</p><p>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?</p><h2>FACE-TO-FACE WITH DRACULA</h2><p>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.</p><p><strong>JOTKO OR SURDU? Follow your favorite in the TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER tournament!</strong></p><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?

<p>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.</p><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><p></p><p>"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!</p><h2>WHAT’S DIFFERENT THIS YEAR?</h2><p>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!</p><h2>DÜSSELDORF WITH THE HOME CHAMPION</h2><p>The new season kicks off in Düsseldorf, Germany, which is already nearly sold out – and for good reason!</p><p>The highlight of the evening will feature the reigning champion, <strong>Engizek</strong>, undefeated for nine years, fighting in his hometown. In the first round, he’ll face the rising MMA star <strong>Salamone</strong> from France, known for his versatility and ability to finish most opponents before the time limit.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1086"></oktfightcomponent><p>Additionally, <strong>Matěj Peňáz</strong>, a big name in the middleweight division, will return to action. He’ll square off against <strong>David Zawada</strong> in a match that’s been brewing with tension for months. This fight was destined to happen.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1115"></oktfightcomponent><h2>FIRST TIME IN TŘINEC</h2><p>Three more matches will take place in Třinec, marking OKTAGON’s debut in this city.</p><p>Czech fan favorite <strong>Miloš Petrášek</strong> will chase his dream, but first, he’ll have to get past the dangerous Englishman <strong>Stanton</strong> in the opening round.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1119"></oktfightcomponent><p>Another highly anticipated match, now part of the pyramid, features the incredibly resilient <strong>Wawrzyniak</strong>, respected throughout the organization, against <strong>Mazúch</strong>, whose knockout power has even seasoned fighters on edge. His last highlight was a quick KO at Eden.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1118"></oktfightcomponent><p>To complete the trio of thrilling bouts, OKTAGON newcomer <strong>Hulme</strong>, a submission and grappling specialist, will make his debut in the cage. His opponent, however, is no stranger to the cage – <strong>Andreas Michailidis</strong>, the Greek giant and last year’s Tipsport Gamechanger finalist, who’s back with his sights set on the million-euro prize.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1120"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ACTION-PACKED KARLOVY VARY</h2><p>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.</p><p>We’ll definitely see <strong>“Pirát” Krištofič</strong> in action, but the question remains – who will be the wildcard joining the game for the first time this year? Any guesses?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1108"></oktfightcomponent><p>When it comes to middleweights, no one should overlook <strong>Vlasta Čepo</strong>. Fans can look forward to a clash of hard-hitting finishers. Čepo rarely lets fights reach the second round, while his opponent, <strong>Kartal</strong>, has most of his victories within the time limit, half of them in the very first round.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1117"></oktfightcomponent><p>Rounding out the stacked lineup is the newly crowned welterweight champion, the star “<strong>Dracula” Ion Surdu</strong>. 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 <strong>Jotko</strong>.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1116"></oktfightcomponent><h2>WHAT REMAINS THE SAME?</h2><p>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.</p><p><strong>WHO’S YOUR FAVORITE? FOLLOW THE THRILLING TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER 2025!</strong></p><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?

<p>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.</p><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><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p><strong>DID YOU KNOW?</strong> His nickname, "Ours Blanc," means "Polar Bear" in French.</p><h2>RETURN TO MIDDLEWEIGHT</h2><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p><strong>FUN FACT: </strong>Salamone faced Will Fleury, the new light heavyweight champion, in 2022!</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1086"></oktfightcomponent><p>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?</p><h2>KEITA’S DARK HORSE</h2><p>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.</p><h2>PROUD OF HIS HOMETOWN </h2><p>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.</p><p><strong>ENGIZEK VS. SALAMONE on February 1 in Düsseldorf! Don’t miss the opening fights of TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER 2025.</strong></p><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

<p>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>!</p><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><p><strong>14 events</strong></p></li><li><p><strong>148 fights</strong></p></li><li><p><strong>43 TKOs/KOs</strong></p></li><li><p><strong>31 submissions</strong></p></li><li><p><strong>0 draws</strong></p></li><li><p><strong>72 decisions</strong></p></li><li><p><strong>2 no-contests </strong>(a record for a single year!)</p></li><li><p><strong>71 debuts</strong></p></li></ul><h2>HOURS UPON HOURS OF ACTION</h2><p>Want to rewatch every fight from last year? You’ll need nearly an entire day! In total, there were <strong>18 hours, 44 minutes, and 42 seconds</strong> of pure fighting action.</p><p>Three events even made it into the <strong>TOP 5 longest OKTAGON evenings: OKTAGON 61</strong> in Brno took the crown, <strong>OKTAGON 62</strong>, a night to remember, followed closely, and <strong>OKTAGON 57</strong> rounded out the pack.</p><p>It was a year packed with hours of the best MMA entertainment!</p><h2>LIGHTNING-FAST FINISHES</h2><p>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?</p><p><strong>Fastest TKOs/KOs of 2024:</strong></p><ul><li><p><strong>14 seconds </strong>– Milan Ďatelinka (OKTAGON 59)</p></li><li><p><strong>36 seconds</strong> – Arijan Topallaj (OKTAGON 55)</p></li><li><p><strong>43 seconds </strong>– Andrej Kalašnik (OKTAGON 56)</p></li><li><p><strong>48 seconds</strong> – Akonne Wanliss (OKTAGON 56)</p></li><li><p><strong>53 seconds </strong>– Michael Deiga-Scheck (OKTAGON 55)</p></li></ul><p><strong>Fastest submissions of 2024:</strong></p><ul><li><p><strong>1:00 </strong>– Jaime Cordero (OKTAGON 64)</p></li><li><p><strong>1:47</strong> – Shem Rock (OKTAGON 56)</p></li><li><p><strong>2:09</strong> – Laura Kirtzel (OKTAGON 57)</p></li><li><p><strong>2:57</strong> – Marek Bartl (OKTAGON 64)</p></li><li><p><strong>3:00</strong> – Wahed Nazhand (OKTAGON 60)</p></li><li><p><strong>3:06</strong> – Shem Rock (OKTAGON 58)</p></li></ul><h2>A YEAR OF NEW CHAMPIONS</h2><p>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 <strong>6 new champions</strong> (Creasey, Martin, Engizek, Surdu, Bolander, Fleury) and one returning champion, <strong>Keita</strong>.</p><p>Nearly every division crowned a new king or queen! However, one fact that won’t delight Czech and Slovak fans: after <strong>OKTAGON 65</strong>, no Czech or Slovak fighter holds a title anymore.</p><p>Interesting note: Only one title fight ended in the first round—the clash between <strong>Surdu and Brito</strong> at <strong>OKTAGON 64</strong>.</p><h2>A RECORD-BREAKING YEAR</h2><p>2024 was undoubtedly a special year for OKTAGON. As you may already know, OKTAGON 62 shattered the world record for MMA event attendance.</p><p>Overall, nearly <strong>200,000 fans</strong> attended OKTAGON events last year, averaging 13,500 fans per event. Two major stadiums played a significant role in this achievement. The tour visited <strong>4 countries, 10 cities</strong>, and <strong>13 different arenas or stadiums </strong>in total!</p><h2>YOUR 2024</h2><p>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!</p>

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

<p>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.</p><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><p>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.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1032" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>VÉMOLA VS. FLEURY</h2><p>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.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1076" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>PUDILOVÁ VS. BOLANDER 2</h2><p>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!</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1114" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>MAGÅRD VS. SEVERINO</h2><p>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!</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1085" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>ÚŠKRT VS. SCHWINDT</h2><p>A match where the audience was upset by the stoppage in the second round. Even the first round didn’t go well for Úškrt.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1066" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>SARDARI VS. DIMIĆ</h2><p>Sardari made sure he wouldn’t leave it to the scorecards! He finished his opponent in the second round.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1113" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>TICHOTA VS. ASLANER</h2><p>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!</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1082" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>NOVÁK VS. KURHELA</h2><p>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.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1035" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>GABAL VS. BAJRAMI</h2><p>After the flurry of points, here’s a fight where things were clear from the very first round. Gabal overwhelmed his opponent on points.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1112" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>BATFALSKÝ VS. TOPORCER</h2><p>In the opening bout, Batfalský saved the judges some work by finishing his opponent in the very first round.</p><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.

SCORECARDS FROM OKTAGON 65: SEE THE FIGHTS THROUGH THE JUDGES' EYES

<p>The unforgettable card lived up to all the expectations it set. Tipsport Gamechanger has its king, and although Vémola lost the title in the final fight at the O2 Arena, he certainly didn’t lose his honor. Bolander went from being a substitute to becoming the champion, while veterans like Mågård, Úškrt, and Tichota experienced disappointment. Sardari confirmed his abilities, and right from the start, Czechoslovakian fans were cheering for wins from Batfalský, Novák, and Gabal.</p><p><strong>Here are the detailed results of all the matches:</strong></p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/7782dbb5-013e-44d0-8331-448ac7f9b82c/cs.1735517635043.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/f01219b7-fdb1-4615-9399-feffe09141a2/cs.1735517643621.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER: PARADEISER VS. KEITA – TIPSPORT PERFORMANCE OF THE NIGHT</h2><p>The evening reached its peak with the final of the million-dollar pyramid, which also featured the OKTAGON lightweight title. It was such a big match that it seemed neither finalist was eager to start. The fight eventually opened with a kick from Rony, followed by many more. Keita’s incredible speed and agility took the first round in his favor. The second round was also the final one—Paradeiser made several strange decisions that turned out to be his downfall. After managing to close Keita's eye, Paradeiser attempted a takedown, but a mistake led to a devastating elbow, costing him both the Tipsport Gamechanger trophy and the title. Losene Keita is the new double champion, with injury being the only thing that has stopped him so far. The birthday boy got the best gift plus the bonus for the best performance of the night. And another fantastic edition of this tournament is behind us!</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1032"></oktfightcomponent><h2>VÉMOLA VS. FLEURY</h2><p>This is a ride we’ll probably never forget. Karlos entered the cage with enormous fan support pushing him further. In the first round, Fleury surprised everyone by immediately going for a takedown and putting Karlos under serious pressure on the ground. Then came a wild exchange of strikes, with Karlos taking some incredibly hard hits. He staggered, and it seemed like it was just a matter of seconds before the Czech legend would be finished. But no. Karlos survived what felt like three near-death moments in a row, then took Fleury down, where it even looked like he might get a submission. The second round brought a fresh burst of energy, and of course, Vémola brought the fight to the ground. Both fighters spent a long time testing their strength, but Fleury controlled the situation with hard strikes. The round ended against the fence. The rest of the fight was marked by understandable fatigue from both men, but neither gave up, despite how tough it was. Fleury gradually realized he would have to rely on points to secure the win. In the last 30 seconds, Karlos tried for a miraculous KO, but it didn’t happen. Even though Terminator didn’t win a round, he certainly won the fans' hearts and earned the respect of everyone who watched this breathtaking performance. The title, however, went to the new light heavyweight champion, Will "F*cking" Fleury! Let’s see if he faces Muradov, whom he immediately challenged with his characteristic boldness after his win.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1076"></oktfightcomponent><h2>PUDILOVÁ VS. BOLANDER 2</h2><p>It was destiny that Pudilová and Bolander met just three months after their first duel, which the Czech favorite won narrowly. Substitute Bolander wanted her title shot so much that she finally got it. Once again, it was incredibly close and tough. Pudilová initially struggled with distance in the stand-up but eventually figured out how to land on Bolander, opening up bloody cuts on her face. After three rounds, the fight continued as a very even contest, almost like a boxing match. In the fourth round, Pudilová closed Bolander's eye, but Bolander didn’t stop and made it clear that the final round would decide the winner. Bolander seemed to realize that this was her last chance and found her final reserves of strength—suddenly, she landed with such precision that she won the longed-for title, by just one point. The emotions that the champion's belt triggered in her were wild and unstoppable.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1114"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MÅGÅRD VS. SEVERINO</h2><p>The pace set by the main card didn’t slow down in this fight between Denmark’s "Shark" and newcomer Severino. He entered the cage with an intense energy, reminding everyone of the disqualification that had made him famous. The strikes Severino landed early on in the fight looked like they would end it in record time, but the fight went on much longer. Severino denied Mågård’s attempts to take him down, but in the second round, Severino started showing signs of fatigue. Mågård returned the energy from the start and, had he not chosen to take the fight to the fence, we might have seen a KO from Denmark. Severino came into the final round with fresh energy and confidence, but Mågård wasn’t to be outdone and demonstrated his experience and endurance. Despite Severino’s energy, the third round was decisive, and the Brazilian newcomer claimed victory by split decision. This is a fighter we will definitely hear more about.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1085"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ÚŠKRT VS. SCHWINDT</h2><p>The fight that set the whole arena on fire only gave fans a short break after the first round. The cage saw just about everything—striking exchanges, flying elbows, illegal blows, and a wild back-and-forth dominance between the two on the ground and against the cage. Halfway through the second round, when Schwindt got Úškrt to his back and started landing a barrage of strikes, the referee had no doubt and awarded the win to the German by TKO, despite the protests from the crowd.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1066"></oktfightcomponent><h2>SARDARI VS. DIMIĆ</h2><p>Dimić felt the damage. In the reserve bout for Tipsport Gamechanger, Sardari came in with everything he had from the start and dominated the fight. His opponent, who accepted the match at the last minute, became a perfect example of what Sardari is capable of. The Dutchman didn’t drag out the suffering. In the second round, Sardari expertly choked him out and confirmed his place as a fighter with a strong reputation in the organization.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1113"></oktfightcomponent><h2>TICHOTA VS. ASLANER</h2><p>Even at the end of the year, Tichota, who was trying out the lightweight division for the second time, didn’t have much luck. Although he entered the cage as the favorite, Aslaner immediately crushed any doubts about himself by breaking Tichota's nose early in the fight. Tichota struggled to gain control throughout the match, with Aslaner nearly sending him home by the end of the first round. Though Tichota found some rhythm in the second round, his attempts in both stand-up and on the ground weren’t enough to secure the win. In the end, Aslaner won by split decision, despite Tichota's efforts.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1082"></oktfightcomponent><h2>NOVÁK VS. KURHELA</h2><p>Marco Novák once again showed the huge progress he’s made in MMA. Ironically, his stand-up, where he is usually strong, wasn’t as effective at times. Kurhela was more precise in the stand-up, but both fighters were determined to get the fight to the ground. After a wild exchange in the second round, they finally went to the ground, where Novák took a hard hit that caused a bump on his forehead. The final round was a back-and-forth battle, with neither fighter giving an inch. In the end, Marco Novák won by decision.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1035"></oktfightcomponent><h2>GABAL VS. BAJRAMI</h2><p>Like a game of cat and mouse. Gabal didn’t waste any time and immediately knocked Bajrami to the ground. The German tough guy survived the first round, which was marked by a brutal ground battle. In the second round, Bajrami briefly had the upper hand when he got Gabal to the ground, but it didn’t last long. Gabal almost submitted him, but Bajrami managed to escape. The final round was a frantic scramble for position, but the judges awarded the win to Gabal, though Bajrami certainly didn’t make it easy for him.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1112"></oktfightcomponent><h2>BATFALSKÝ VS. TOPORCER</h2><p>The local favorite, Batfalský, entered the cage with great energy, accompanied by a Czech rap star, who helped him get in the right mindset. Batfalský started the fight strong and had the upper hand from the start. It only took 1 minute and 41 seconds for Toporcer to hit the ground, where the 22-year-old talent finished him off. Now that’s how you get the crowd fired up!</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1083"></oktfightcomponent>

Check out the detailed results of the last OKTAGON this year, which was packed with incredible moments. 

OKTAGON 65 RESULTS: NEW CHAMPIONS CROWNED

<p>Tomorrow brings us a fight card like no other: 3 title fights and the very best of the entire organization under one roof at the O2 Arena. Let’s take a look at what you can look forward to!</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/98a62caf-82bd-4a7a-8f3d-db07b0b7af6a/cs.1735396294296.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/efe84b88-5cad-44bd-b72a-f1e6a9982545/cs.1735396299849.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER: PARADEISER VS. KEITA 2</h2><p>The grand finale of the million-dollar pyramid and a rematch that countless fans have been dreaming about! This isn’t just about the title of the best lightweight in Europe and life-changing money, but also the championship belt (thrown into the mix by the current lightweight king Rony) and the top spot in the P4P rankings across all OKTAGON weight classes. Rony tore through the pyramid like a hot knife through butter, and after a tough first round, he hasn’t stumbled once – he is at the peak of his powers. Similarly, the stellar Keita is aiming to become the champion of two divisions at once. One of the biggest fights in the organization’s history will decide: will Keita take everything from Rony, or will Paradeiser comfortably sit on the throne that took so much hard work to reach?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1032"></oktfightcomponent><h2>VÉMOLA VS. FLEURY</h2><p>This one is personal! Will Fleury came to OKTAGON, insulted nearly the entire division, and immediately called out Karlos. And his plan worked. After crushing defeats of Škvor and Langer, the world’s #45 got exactly what he wanted. Beyond the title fight, this is also about personal revenge! Vémola allegedly injured Fleury during a training session in England years ago and never even apologized. While the Czech legend has no recollection of this, Fleury still can’t let it go! Will we see the legend and current light heavyweight champion in trouble, or will he leave as the king once again?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1076"></oktfightcomponent><h2>PUDILOVÁ VS. BOLANDER 2</h2><p>Szabová cannot step in at the last moment, which is undoubtedly a great pity. However, the replacement, Bolander, is fully prepared to seek revenge for her last encounter with Pudilová, and this time it’s for the title. Their first fight already delivered an unforgettable and incredibly tough spectacle. Undoubtedly an excellent replacement, Bolander is a huge Norwegian talent, while Pudilová only recently returned after two years away from the UFC, where she made history as the first Czech woman to compete. It was her relatively close victory over Bolander in Brno that earned her this title fight, which fatefully brings both women back into the cage.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1114"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MÅGÅRD VS. SEVERINO</h2><p>Bantamweight’s number one, Mågård, has already proven multiple times that he doesn’t fear much. When Igor Severino, a controversial new signing, announced his arrival to the organization, Mågård gladly took up the challenge. After some trash talk on social media, it’s time to settle it in the cage. Severino is a huge threat not just for the bantamweight division. His only career loss came from a disqualification in the UFC for biting his opponent – now he’s figuratively sharpening his teeth for the “Shark”!</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1085"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ÚŠKRT VS. SCHWINDT</h2><p>Úškrt has experienced a lot in the cage – from Kertész, through Monster, to Magnor, whom he finished in the first round. Now he faces a sudden change of opponent, as Polívka is ill, and German substitute Daniel Schwindt steps in. Schwindt has 7 professional fights under his belt, and all his victories have come before the time limit. He’s no pushover.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1066"></oktfightcomponent><h2>SARDARI VS. DIMIĆ</h2><p>The last reserve fight of this year's Tipsport Gamechanger tournament has undergone a last-minute change, but the excitement is guaranteed. Sardari, a former two-time Cage Warriors champion and a top Dutch lightweight fighter, has never been knocked out but has racked up numerous finishes himself. In the first round of the pyramide, he almost defeated Keita! Dimić, a Serbian talent, didn’t hesitate to step in on short notice just days before the fight and stands out with his explosive style. Will Sardari's calm and experience prevail, or will the fierce Serbian energy take the win?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1113"></oktfightcomponent><h2>TICHOTA VS. ASLANER</h2><p>Jakub Tichota is a rare phenomenon – at just 23 years old, he already has two title fights and challenges that his older colleagues are only now preparing for. His path to the top was interrupted by a serious injury, which ultimately forced him to change weight classes. This will be his second fight in the lightweight division, this time against Germany’s skilled Aslaner, who has already become a champion in one of Germany’s organizations. For him, too, this is a fresh start after a long-term injury. Who will enter the new year as a winner?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1082"></oktfightcomponent><h2>GABAL VS. BAJRAMI</h2><p>Peter Gabal, the IMMAF vice-champion of the world, showcased his dominance with an impressive 18-second victory at PML, proving he’s ready to take on bigger challenges. Opposing him is Bajrami, a fighter who has defeated all his opponents before the time limit with devastating strikes, perfected through years of training in boxing and MMA. Two finish specialists facing off in a bout that promises to deliver an electrifying spectacle.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1112"></oktfightcomponent><h2>NOVÁK VS. KURHELA</h2><p>Marco Novák continues his transformation into a successful MMA fighter. At OKTAGON 59, he earned a valuable victory against Roušal, dominating on the ground. The WKU kickboxing world champion now holds a three-fight win streak, all of which ended before the time limit. Against the versatile Finnish fighter Eemil Kurhela, an experienced amateur champion, Novák faces a crucial test of his all-around skills.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1035"></oktfightcomponent><h2>BATFALSKÝ VS. TOPORCER</h2><p>Twenty-one-year-old Batfalský, the Czech and Slovak amateur champion, is riding a two-fight win streak, with four of his five victories coming by finish. He’s gained experience alongside the stellar Keita. Slovak talent “El Diablo” Toporcer boasts two KOs and two submissions, finishing his first three professional fights in the first round. Which of these two rising talents is heading for the top?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1083"></oktfightcomponent>

Concise, clear, and organized: what will the best card in OKTAGON history bring? Go through it all and stay in the loop.

YOUR GUIDE: OKTAGON 65 FIGHT BY FIGHT

<p>In just a few days, Prague’s O2 Arena will host the best fight card we’ve ever seen. We turned to the stars of OKTAGON for their predictions. And who better to ask than the newly crowned champion Ion Surdu and the experienced David Kozma?</p><p>Will you trust their picks?</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/5ffe1308-3441-4f32-ba4c-ed3de5d31d29/cs.1735313471041.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/87efe335-4d5b-4fbf-83e4-6b84132424e2/cs.1735313476669.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>TIPSORT GAMECHANGER FINAL: PARADEISER VS. KEITA 2</h2><p>The pinnacle of the pyramid, where it’s not just about a dream prize money but also the title of Europe’s best lightweight. Rony Paradeiser has even thrown his championship belt into the mix, and there’s the added stake of the top spot in the P4P rankings across all weight classes. It’s truly all or nothing!</p><p><strong>Ion Surdu:</strong></p><p>Only one team can be here—only Paradeiser. I train with Rony and do my training camps with him. I know how heavy his hands are, how strong his legs are. He’s on a completely different level now compared to two or three years ago. Back then, it was just fists and fights. Now, Rony is on another level, while Keita is more or less at the same level. If Rony catches him, Keita will go down—either a knockdown or a knockout. So, yes, Rony. Rony by points or KO/TKO.</p><p><strong>David Kozma:</strong></p><p>I think this time, Rony wins. Their first fight was already very close, but I believe Rony has improved more since then. I see it being a great firefight, where Rony’s accuracy will prevail, and he’ll win on points.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1032"></oktfightcomponent><h2>VÉMOLA VS. FLEURY</h2><p>The reigning king and legend, Karlos Vémola, has accepted a tough challenge in the form of world #45, the hot-headed Irishman Fleury, whose plan to claim Vémola’s belt has been flawless so far. Will he complete his mission, or will Karlos silence him?</p><p><strong>Ion Surdu:</strong></p><p>Vémola vs. Fleury—that’s a banger! Vémola is the biggest star in OKTAGON. He’s a champion at 93 kilos and was also the champion at 84 kilos. He’s already a legend. Fleury is an experienced guy with KO power, solid grappling, and good wrestling. I’ll say Vémola wins by submission. If it ends in a knockout, it’ll likely be Fleury, but my pick is Vémola by submission.</p><p><strong>David Kozma:</strong></p><p>A really tough opponent for Karlos. Stylistically, he won’t like this matchup. Fleury is big and strong, which will make him hard to take down, and Karlos could tire himself out in the process. But it’s a five-round fight, and I think Karlos will dig deep and pull it off with heart.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1076"></oktfightcomponent><h2>SHARE YOUR PICKS AND WIN €2.5 MILLION!</h2><p>What about you? What’s your take? Don’t hesitate to share your picks with us! Submit your predictions for free in the Tipsport Gamechanger Challenge and win one of the prizes totaling €1 million, including the grand prize of €100,000. Join the competition <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://tipsportgamechanger.com/cs/challenge/">HERE.</a></p><okteventcomponent eventid="98"></okteventcomponent>

We asked two welterweight stars for their insights into Sunday’s title fights.

ANALYSIS FROM KOZMA AND SURDU: WHO WILL BECOME THE CHAMPION IN PRAGUE?

<p>It feels like it went by in a flash—another year packed with the best of European MMA in the Tipsport Gamechanger is behind us. This year showcased the top talents of the lightweight division, featuring gripping stories and breathtaking battles. Let’s take a journey through time to relive the path to the spectacular finale we’ll witness this Sunday at the O2 Arena.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/6e476f82-0e63-4615-a70e-69560d244d2f/cs.1734969057136.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/dc747f09-1534-47c5-b7e2-c42ac6e0e4f7/cs.1734969066660.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>IT ALL STARTED IN MARCH</h2><p>Most of the Round of 16 took place in March at the OSTRAVAR Arena, where six fighters secured their spots in the next stage:</p><p><strong>Legierski </strong>triumphed over Kohout, <strong>Bogdanović </strong>shocked Nafuka, leaving him in tears, <strong>Duque</strong> surprised everyone, particularly his opponent Grabinski, <strong>Machaev</strong> obliterated one of the biggest favorites, Amirkhani, <strong>Torres</strong> defeated the second Czech contender Lengál, and <strong>Rony Paradeiser</strong>, now a finalist, edged past Korkmaz, despite battling illness during his preparation.</p><p>But wait—are we missing someone?</p><h2>A WILD FIRST ROUND: INJURIES, CONFLICTS, AND DRAMA</h2><p>Not everything went smoothly.</p><p><strong>Losene Keita</strong>, who will step into the finale in just a few days, was a highly anticipated addition to the tournament. However, shortly after his participation was confirmed, an injury sidelined him from competing in Ostrava. Fans, however, voted for him to get a second chance, which he seized in May in Frankfurt by defeating Sardari on points. Yet, his Dutch opponent gave him a tough fight, and there were moments when it seemed Keita’s journey might end there.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/5caef68c-1c63-45f6-b9d8-2e4ab4806b06/cs.1734970076536.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/abd3f371-7b79-46de-b772-f11cc934d28c/cs.1734970085650.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><p></p><p>Then came the <strong>Wanliss vs. Siraj</strong> saga—a story many might prefer to forget. The cocky Englishman and Sweden's top lightweight served up a heap of drama. What started as provocation from Wanliss turned into an ugly attack by Siraj's coaches, and their match was canceled at the last minute. The two were given another chance in Birmingham, but the tension persisted. Ultimately, Wanliss emerged victorious, though he didn’t exactly win over the fans.</p><h2>QUARTERFINALS IN THE SUMMER HEAT</h2><p>The pyramid’s opening round set up more storylines than anyone could have anticipated. The quarterfinals, featuring four matches, were split between Prague and Bratislava.</p><p>In Prague’s Eden Arena, in front of nearly 30,000 fans, Wanliss was soundly defeated by <strong>Legierski</strong>, to the delight of the audience. The evening’s surprise came from powerhouse Acoidan <strong>Duque</strong>, who, against expectations, knocked out the promising Machaev with remarkable skill.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/79cce653-5f4d-4e08-8d68-0f00f0ddcee0/cs.1734970213950.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/09440213-9692-45ff-85aa-168ac5f0e4ad/cs.1734970217872.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><p></p><p>In Bratislava, the future finalists faced off. <strong>Losene Keita</strong> achieved a TKO against Bogdanović in the second round, while <strong>Rony Paradeiser</strong> defeated Torres on points. Both advanced to the semifinals, sharing the joy of their progress.</p><h2>SEPTEMBER: HIGH STAKES, BIG DECISIONS</h2><p>Time flew by, and suddenly, it was the semifinals! The million-dollar pyramid showdown took place in Brno, with the match between<strong> Legierski and Keita</strong> as the centerpiece. Both fighters were unusually cautious, aware of the stakes and the dangers they faced in the cage. A few precise strikes from the Belgian star and a decisive points victory secured his spot in the grand finale.</p><p>The Canary Islands’ miracle, <strong>Duque</strong>, faced a relentless <strong>Paradeiser</strong>, but the Slovak champion proved too much to handle. With a precise KO, Rony ended his opponent’s run with just over a minute left in the match.</p><h2>WHO WILL BE EUROPE’S BEST LIGHTWEIGHT?</h2><p>And so we arrive at the year’s end and the grand finale that fans have been dreaming about since the tournament began: champion <strong>Paradeiser</strong> versus the star <strong>Keita</strong>. The Slovak fighter is clearly in the form of his life, even putting his championship belt on the line. Additionally, the fight will determine the top spot in the pound-for-pound rankings across all weight classes. For Rony, it’s all or nothing; for Keita, it’s a chance for glory, wealth, and the title of double champion.</p><h2>SHINING IN THE RESERVE BOUTS</h2><p>Let’s not forget those who served in the reserve bouts, ready to step in when needed. <strong>Attila Korkmaz</strong> stood out, earning fans’ admiration twice as a “Lucky Loser.” Outstanding performances also came from <strong>Buki</strong> and <strong>Sardari</strong>, who will make his second appearance in the reserve match on Sunday against <strong>Legierski</strong>.</p><h2>YOU CAN WIN TOO!</h2><p>The action-packed year culminates with a new addition: the Tipsport Gamechanger Challenge! You can play for valuable prizes or even 2.5 million by sending us your predictions for the winners. Join the contest <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://tipsportgamechanger.com/en/challenge/">HERE</a>.</p><h2>NEW DIVISION, NEW CHALLENGES</h2><p>Curious about what’s next? The Tipsport Gamechanger 2025 will feature the middleweight division, and exciting announcements are already on the horizon.</p><p><strong>For the biggest reveals, join us on Saturday, December 28, at 4:30 PM in the O2 Universum or online during OKTAGON TIME, where you’ll be the first to learn what’s coming next!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="108"></okteventcomponent>

Thrilling duels, high drama, and unexpected twists. What led us to the grand finale of the Tipsport Gamechanger?

HOW DID TIME FLY IN THE TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER 2024? RELIVE THIS YEAR'S EXCITING EDITION

<p>Her last fight left everyone speechless – she managed to push Lucie Pudilová to the edge, and it was just a hair’s breadth away from her being the one to fight for the title now. Their bout was talked about as one of the best of the evening, and Bolander is attracting more and more fans. However, the Norwegian fighter doesn’t have it easy… yet she relentlessly pursues her goals.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/a55b254c-e928-473f-825f-cbe99e32582f/cs.1734711257963.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/15e0548f-f9c1-471d-817b-9b4f99568d10/cs.1734711258372.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><p></p><p><strong>Your last fight against Pudilová was incredibly close. How do you look back on that fight now? Do you feel like you deserved the win?</strong></p><p>I mean, feeling like you deserve to win—I don’t know. The judges are there, they’re doing their job, and I trust them. So, I guess she deserved the win. What I know from the fight is that it’s a fight I should have ended way earlier. But the circumstances were different, and all I can say is that if I meet her again, it will not be a judge’s decision.</p><p><strong>You are currently the backup for the title fight between Szabová and Pudilová – how challenging is it to stay ready to jump in if needed? Do you think about that possibility, or are you solely focused on your own fight?</strong></p><p>I’m still at that level where I need to improve in all aspects of MMA. It doesn’t matter who’s on the other side of the cage—it probably never will. But I know where I’m going. The one on the other side is just another piece of the puzzle, someone I have to get through to reach the next level.</p><p>It’s not very challenging to be a backup in this title fight. Honestly, this is probably the first time I’ve ever hoped someone would get injured or sick so I can step in. It’s not personal. I just want that title fight more than probably any of the other girls.</p><p><strong>We’re curious about the situation of MMA in Norway, where the sport is reportedly illegal. What’s your take on that?</strong></p><p>I definitely want to be part of making MMA legal in Norway. I do think it will happen, and I hope to help the process.</p><p><strong>How does the legal situation in Norway practically complicate your career and your preparation for fights?</strong></p><p>It complicates things for the career. It makes it way harder to get sponsorships. For me personally, the hardest part is not having any insurance for what I do, which bothers me a lot. Most people don’t have insurance because they expect something bad to happen, but because it’s a safety net. It would be nice to have that backup.</p><p><strong>Is it even possible to train in your country?</strong></p><p>It’s absolutely possible to train properly here. We have a lot of great people, but competing in MMA is hard.</p><p><strong>What advice would you give to Norwegian girls who want to pursue MMA?</strong></p><p>I have a very simple mentality: if you want to do something, figure it out and make it happen. It doesn’t matter if there’s a lot of support or none at all. If you want it enough, you’ll find a way.</p><p>That’s my philosophy. If you don’t have something, it’s just a matter of time before you get it. It’s up to you to figure out how to go from point A to point B.</p><p><strong>Women in MMA are generally still often underestimated. What do you think women bring to the sport?</strong></p><p>I think we create this perception ourselves to some extent. For me, I present myself as a feminine woman—soft and approachable on the outside—but when I step into the cage, I bring what I need to prove I can fight. I understand that women in MMA are underestimated. We’ll never be boys or guys, but that’s not my goal. I don’t care about how people view me outside the cage. I want people to look at me as a fighter. I don’t want people to watch me because I’m a woman or because of how I look. I want them to watch me because they like how I fight.</p><p><strong>Is there anything that women in MMA have to deal with that’s particularly challenging compared to men?</strong></p><p>Weight cutting in female divisions is harder. Physically, fighting isn’t something natural for women. Our bodies aren’t made for it, but we still do it.</p><p><strong>How did you get into MMA?</strong></p><p>As for how I got into the sport, I think it’s about the people. Everywhere I’ve gone, I’ve stayed because of the people I’m surrounded by. I’ve always loved the people in combat sports, and that’s why I’ve stayed.</p><p><strong>What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far in your career?</strong></p><p>My biggest lesson is to trust myself more than I ever have before. I know what I’m capable of, and what I don’t know yet will come with time. The most important thing is: don’t stress. Whatever happens, happens for a reason. Your job is to work through it, learn from it, and build from it.</p><p><strong>You’re fighting right after Christmas, which is usually a time of rest and good food for most people. How do you balance the festive atmosphere with the hard training for a fight?</strong></p><p>I’m just focusing on the fight. I don’t really care about the Christmasy things. I think it’s nice, but I’m not big on traditions. Fighting is what I love, so that’s my focus.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1070"></oktfightcomponent><p><strong>Does it also mean you can’t see your family that much?</strong></p><p>I love spending time with my family, and I’ll still be seeing them every day while I’m training. It’s not much different; there’ll just be more family around. It’s going to be nice.</p><p><strong>And what about New Year’s Eve, do you have any New Year’s resolutions?</strong></p><p>My resolution is to have good fights. I want my family and friends to stay safe and sound, and I want to help those around me who need it. That’s all I want for the new year.</p><p><strong>THE BEST OKTAGON CARD IN HISTORY IS HERE! OKTAGON 65 ON DECEMBER 29 IN PRAGUE – DON’T MISS IT!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="98"></okteventcomponent>