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;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?<h2>PRAVIDLA OKTAGON UNDERGROUND: CO JE JINAK?&nbsp;</h2>Jednou větou: Jde o zápas v postoji v malých MMA rukavicích a místo 5 kol se zápasí ve 3 kolech na 3 minuty.&nbsp;Radši v bodech?<ul><li>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.</li><li>Zápasí se v MMA rukavicích.</li><li>Dovoleny jsou všechny známé techniky postoje a také klinč a práce na pletivu, obojí však musí být aktivní.</li><li>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.</li><li>Jsou povoleny submise a páčení v postoji.</li><li>Ukončení a bodování se pak neliší od klasických pravidel MMA.</li></ul>Do detailu: 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/">https://oktagonmma.com/underground-rules/</a>&nbsp;<h2>PROČ VLASTNĚ?</h2>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).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.

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?

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.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?<h2>DIE OKTAGON UNDERGROUND REGELN: WAS IST ANDERS?</h2>In einem Satz: 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.Lieber in Stichpunkten?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.Es wird mit MMA-Handschuhen gekämpft.Erlaubt sind alle bekannten Techniken für den Standkampf und auch für den Kampf am Netz, wobei beide aktiv sein müssen.Der Kampf kann durch Takedowns auf den Boden verlagert werden. Dort gilt die aktive Kontrolle nach drei Sekunden als erfolgreich und es wird danach wieder im Stand weitergekämpft.Submissions und Ringen im Stand sind erlaubt.Hinsichtlich des Kampfendes und der Punktevergabe gibt es keine Unterschiede zu den klassischen MMA-Regeln.&nbsp;Im Detail: 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/">https://oktagonmma.com/underground-rules/</a><h2>WARUM EIGENTLICH?</h2>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).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.

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?

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.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?<h2>OKTAGON UNDERGROUND RULES: WHAT'S DIFFERENT?</h2>In one sentence: 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.Radši v bodech?<ul><li>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.</li><li>The fighters wear MMA gloves.</li><li>All standard stand up techniques are allowed, as well as clinching and using the cage, both of these have to be used actively, though.</li><li>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.</li><li>Submissions and stand up locks are allowed.</li><li>Finishing and scoring are the same as in classic MMA rules.</li></ul>&nbsp;More details: 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/">https://oktagonmma.com/underground-rules/</a>&nbsp;<h2>WHY?</h2>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).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.

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?

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.<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>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?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1203"></oktfightcomponent><h2>KERIM ENGIZEK vs. MICK STANTON</h2>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?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1180"></oktfightcomponent><h2>DOMINIK HUMBURGER vs. MARK HULME</h2>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?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1204"></oktfightcomponent><h2>KRZYSZTOF JOTKO vs. MAREK MAZÚCH</h2>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?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1225"></oktfightcomponent><h2>PIOTR WAWRZYNIAK vs. HOJAT KHAJEVAND</h2>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?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1240"></oktfightcomponent><h2>RADEK ROUŠAL vs. ADRIAN HAMERSKI</h2>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.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1207"></oktfightcomponent><h2>DAVID ZAWADA vs. KAMIL ONISZCZUK</h2>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.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1218"></oktfightcomponent><h2>DANIEL LIGOCKI vs. ANDRE LANGEN</h2>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.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1242"></oktfightcomponent><h2>VOJTĚCH KHOL vs. RAPHAEL FEDERICO</h2>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.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1241"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MICHAELA HLAVÁČIKOVÁ vs. NIAMH KINEHAN</h2>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?<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

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.<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>OKTAGON 74 will feature the fourth-ever female main event in the organization’s history – and this one is set to be a real battle! In the title fight, Norway’s armbar queen Cecilie Bolander will face the undefeated Slovak star Lucia Szabová. While Bolander will be stepping into her sixth professional fight, she’s already fighting for the title for the third time in her career. She has eight victories by armbar, while Szabová has four – so we’re in for an exciting world-class display. And it’s not just talk – Szabová is currently ranked 23rd in the bantamweight world rankings, 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.<h2>STEEL STRENGTH FROM POLAND</h2>Poland will have a strong presence at Štvanice – not just in numbers, but in quality. Piotr Wawrzyniak 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. Krzysztof Jotko 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 never lost in Europe. 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.<h2>YEARS OF DOMINANCE</h2>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 15 straight victories. But he’s not alone – Mark Hulme hasn’t lost in over two years and is one of the biggest favorites to win the Tipsport Gamechanger tournament. Daniel Ligocki adds to the list with a perfect record since 2020, keeping a clean slate with four straight wins. And let’s not forget Lucia Szabová, who has never tasted defeat in professional MMA. She holds a 9-0 record in OKTAGON. Will she maintain it in her first title fight?<h2>OUTSIDE THE CAGE</h2>Our fighters also have a lot to offer outside the cage. Cecilie Bolander 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. Dominik Humburger 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 Radek Roušal? 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!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.<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

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.<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>Hi Cecilia, thanks for your time. How are you feeling right now? Is your preparation going as planned?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.The last fight against Pudilová was quite tough—how long did it take you to get back into training?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.How did you celebrate winning the title? And how did your surroundings react?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.Of course, you’ve gained more fans and media attention. Have you noticed this back home in Norway?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.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?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.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?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.You’ll soon experience the atmosphere of a summer tournament under the open sky in the cage. How are you looking forward to that?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.At Štvanice, you’ll face your first title defense against the undefeated Szabová. How do you view your opponent?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.How do you generally prepare for your opponents? Do you watch their fights, or do you prefer to focus on yourself?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.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?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.I assume you follow OKTAGON events. Is there any fighter you never miss? What do you enjoy about their fights?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.Finally, what would you like to say to OKTAGON fans who are planning to come to Štvanice?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!<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.

BOLANDER BEFORE TITLE DEFENSE: NO ONE PUTS MORE PRESSURE ON ME THAN MYSELF

A legend returns. After two years off and retirement, Daniel "Drake" Weichel – former M-1 champion, Bellator star, and German MMA icon – is putting on the gloves again. And not just anywhere. He will step into the OKTAGON cage for the first time, right in his hometown of Frankfurt! Fans can look forward to the return of a fighter with over 50 professional fights, 22 submissions, and 6 KO wins. One of Europe’s most respected fighters of all time is back, and he's hungry.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/62ee02c2-e4d8-40d2-a8cb-aff78477cf3c/cs.1754299018408.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/7e2ed31e-997f-4aed-959e-5c8ddc72fe7b/cs.1754299022789.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>HUMBLE BEGINNINGS AND BIG DREAMS</h2>Weichel hails from Michelstadt, a small town near Frankfurt. He’s been involved in martial arts since childhood – starting with Jujutsu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, gradually expanding his skillset until he arrived at MMA. At 18, he had his first professional fight. It was during a time when the German MMA scene was still in its infancy, but Daniel already knew where he wanted to go. He worked hard, traveled across Europe to tournaments, and gathered experience.<h2>CHAMPION IN RUSSIA, WARRIOR IN AMERICA</h2>The turning point came in 2010 when he won the prestigious M-1 Global title, one of the biggest MMA promotions outside the UFC. In Russia, "Drake" defeated local favorites and caught the attention of international promoters. Four years later, he made his debut in the American Bellator promotion, where he became the face of the organization over the next decade. He fought for the title twice and participated in an incredible 18 bouts against top fighters, including Patricio Freire and Emmanuel Sanchez.<h2>BLACK BELT IN BJJ, BUT ABOVE ALL A TRUE PROFESSIONAL</h2>Physical preparation, a disciplined approach, and an extremely intelligent game – Weichel can break his opponents down from the ground up. His 22 submissions speak for themselves – on the ground, he’s like an anaconda, and once he secures a position, few can escape. He has never shied away from a challenge and enters every fight with 100% confidence, which is why he has earned the respect of the European MMA community. After leaving Bellator in 2023, he announced his retirement, but as often happens, his fighter’s heart called for another challenge.<h2>FIRST TIME IN OKTAGON. AND RIGHT AT HOME!</h2>OKTAGON 76 in Frankfurt will be a special event. Not only because of the arena and atmosphere but also because of the return of a local hero. "Drake" will make his debut in the yellow-black cage, right in front of his home crowd. "I feel that now is the right moment. In my hometown, with my fans behind me, I want to show once again what I have been passionately dedicated to for over 20 years," said Daniel after announcing his return. For the fans? A dream come true. And for Weichel himself? A chance to close his career on his terms. Not as an observer, but as a fighter who still has something to say. And who knows – maybe the hunger for gold will awaken in him once again. One thing is for sure: Frankfurt will be on its feet. He will face the extremely dangerous striker Tounkara, who has already fought in OKTAGON against Buchinger and will try to give the German legend a crushing welcome.Weichel won’t be the only one to get the fans’ blood pumping in Frankfurt. Also, appearing at OKTAGON 76 is another local name that has quickly won the hearts of the audience – the phenomenal Frederic Vosgröne. OKTAGON 76 promises an electrifying atmosphere, the return of a legend, and tough battles. Want to be there? Don’t hesitate and get your ticket before it’s sold out. History will be made here.<okteventcomponent eventid="112"></okteventcomponent>

A legend returns. After two years off and retirement, Daniel "Drake" Weichel – former M-1 champion, Bellator star, and German MMA icon – is putting on the gloves again. And not just anywhere. He will step into the OKTAGON cage for the first time, right in his hometown of Frankfurt!

DANIEL WEICHEL: THE LEGEND OF GERMAN MMA IS COMING TO OKTAGON

Jakub "CHIMP" Tichota returns to the cage after seven months. At OKTAGON 74, he will face Raphael Federico. One of the most promising young Czech talents is moving back to the featherweight division, where he has secured all his victories and fought twice for the title. Will he manage to break his losing streak? Read the article to get reacquainted with Czech "Chimp".<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/a8e0ab8c-f771-479d-94ab-6d1447389e01/cs.1753969573054.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/0735bb76-86d5-460c-9fc8-de42733a1e0c/cs.1753969579105.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>WHERE DID THE NICKNAME "CHIMP" COME FROM?</h2>The nickname has been associated with Tichota for so long that many new fans don’t know its origin. When Jakub was young, he traveled with his parents to Tanzania. While they worked on a project, Jakub befriended a group of chimpanzees who accepted him into their group, effectively serving as his peers. It’s a bit of an alternative Tarzan story. For Jakub, it remains a powerful and important memory, which is why he chose the nickname to remind him of that time.<h2>KARATE MASTER AND THE SWITCH TO MMA</h2>Tichota started karate at the age of seven, which was his first experience with combat sports. Jakub's talent was evident from the start. He quickly became a national champion and finished third at the Junior World Championship. However, he felt karate lacked enough contact, so at the age of 12, he switched to MMA, which immediately captivated him. At 14, he had his first amateur fight against a 26-year-old opponent. Although he lost by decision, he managed to break the older opponent's nose! Following this, he had several more successes in the amateur circuit—becoming a multiple Czech champion, winning the African Open IMMAF championship, and with a 37-9 record, he turned professional.<h2>A GENERATIONAL TALENT EVERYONE TALKED ABOUT</h2>Tichota generated huge expectations even among amateurs. At his age, he was an extremely mature and versatile fighter with a high fighting IQ. This, combined with his mature demeanor, high ambitions, and praise from coaches and experts, put immense pressure on the 20-year-old Tichota. His professional debut came in February 2020 against Michal Konrád. He passed this tough first test with flying colors—by the beginning of the third round, he took Konrád's back and secured an RNC, which left no escape. Even under the pressure of expectations, he finished his debut before the limit, and a new Czech MMA hope was born.<h2>TITLE FIGHTS: PROOF OF A WARRIOR’S HEART</h2>After his debut at OKTAGON, Tichota quickly collected four more victories—against names like Denis Tripšanský, Dawid Kareta, and the fan-favorite fisherman Elonen-Kulmala. Tichota's success took him to the top of the division, and his title shot didn't take long to come. At the end of 2022, he fought for the featherweight title for the first time against the dangerous Georgian Mate Sanikidze. The five-round battle went to the judges' decision, with Sanikidze being declared the winner by a slim margin.His second title opportunity came just four months later. Losene Keita, having won the lightweight belt, targeted the featherweight division for his second belt. Originally, he was supposed to fight Sanikidze, but an injury forced Sanikidze out, and Tichota accepted the challenge on short notice. In the first round of the fight, Keita broke Tichota's collarbone, but Jakub refused to give up and fought Keita until the fourth round! Although he ultimately lost by TKO, he showed the heart of a fighter and earned the admiration of fans and experts alike.<h2>STRUGGLES IN LIGHTWEIGHT AND A RETURN BACK</h2>After two lost title fights, Jakub decided to change weight classes. He found it difficult to cut weight for lightweight and felt he wasn't performing at the level he desired. His first fight in his new weight class offered a clash with another young talent with high ambitions—Englishman George Staines. However, Staines, undefeated at the time, proved to be a tough challenge, and Tichota lost again by decision. This was followed by a disappointing fight with Ozan Aslaner, and suddenly the Czech "Chimp" found himself with four losses in a row. Now, however, he returns to the featherweight division, where he has previously thrived and performed his best. His opponent at Štvanice will be Raphael Federico from Italy.The young Italian, nicknamed "Virtuoso" is a similar case to Tichota—a young, ambitious fighter with high expectations. Now, he will need to prove his worth on the biggest European stage—OKTAGON, against the home crowd favorite at a sold-out Štvanice.How will Tichota perform on his return? Will his comeback to the featherweight division be more successful than his move to lightweight? We will find out on August 9 at OKTAGON 74. Don't miss the unique atmosphere of the summer tournament under the open sky. Only 100 tickets left, so don't wait and secure your spot now!<okteventcomponent eventid="119"></okteventcomponent>

Jakub "CHIMP" Tichota returns to the cage after seven months. At OKTAGON 74, he will face newcomer Raphael Federico.

JAKUB TICHOTA RETURNS TO THE FEATHERWEIGHT DIVISION. WILL HE REPEAT HIS PREVIOUS SUCCESSES?

Heart vs. mind. That’s how the clash between Czech soldier Dominik "Hambáč" Humburger and South African champion Mark Hulme in the quarterfinals of the Tipsport Gamechanger million-dollar pyramid can be described. Both made their debuts in OKTAGON during the first round of the tournament and both delivered hard finishes against more experienced fighters. "Hambáč" will once again enter as the underdog. Will he convince the bookmakers of his quality?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/614a2923-a47e-4fad-8c48-c56a91caa223/cs.1753722459399.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/70c08453-3e22-432c-ad7a-00bfd5c46a31/cs.1753722464889.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>DOMINIK HUMBURGER: BODY OF STEEL AND A HEART IN THE RIGHT PLACE</h2>Dominik "Hambáč" Humburger is still a new face in the OKTAGON scene, but he doesn't shy away from it. A soldier by profession, he began his pro MMA career in 2021 and has since amassed a record of 10–2, with eight of his wins coming by finish! He caught the attention of local fans during his debut at the Karlovy Vary event, where he knocked out Samuel Krištofič in an incredible battle. Now, in the quarterfinals of the Tipsport Gamechanger, he faces another tough test – talented South African Mark Hulme. Dominik will again enter as the underdog, but this seems to suit him – just think back to his performance against "Pirate."Outside the cage, "Hambáč" is as inspiring as he is inside. He recently received a military award from President Petr Pavel, and he had a charitable project where he auctioned off a special military knife, donating the proceeds to war veterans and their families. He now trains hand-to-hand combat and self-defense in the army. Dominik is also known for his tattoos – some referencing Viking myths and Valhalla, while others have deeper family significance. For example, the Star of David on his body reminds him of his great-grandmother, who survived a concentration camp during World War II. Humburger is more than just a fighter – he is a warrior with a powerful story and clear values.<h2>MARK HULME: MORE THAN JUST A HARD MAN FROM SOUTH AFRICA</h2>Mark Hulme is no newcomer to MMA – the multiple-time champion of South Africa's EFC made quick work of finalist Andreas Michailidis in the first round of the European MMA League, Tipsport Gamechanger. Some fans may also remember him from the reality show The Ultimate Fighter. He trains in one of the toughest gyms around, where they follow the "Double Distance" method – sparring for twice the duration of the actual fight, each time with a new opponent. But Hulme doesn't rely only on brute force. He spends a lot of time meditating, working with mantras, and focusing on his internal mindset. UFC champion and long-time teammate Dricus du Plessis accompanies him during training and outside of it.Mark is not just a tough guy in the cage. During the pandemic, he walked 1,500 km across South Africa, slept in tents, climbed 13 peaks, and prayed at each summit for a specific purpose. He undertook the journey to reconnect with himself and find a deeper meaning in life. Today, he draws strength, humility, and determination from that experience. And is he a man full of goodness? During a camp in Dagestan, he took in a stray street cat and found her a new home. That’s Mark Hulme – a fighter who knows why he fights.When indomitable will meets icy calm and spiritual strength, we can expect nothing less than a battle! "Hambáč" will rely on his power, explosiveness, and warrior’s heart, while Hulme will use his experience, composure, and precise tactics. It will be a clash of styles and life approaches – and a fight that could be decided by a single moment. Will the Czech soldier rewrite the script and send another favorite home, or will the South African champion take another step toward his dream win in the Tipsport Gamechanger?This and much more awaits at OKTAGON 74 on August 9th at Prague’s Štvanice! You can look forward to all the quarterfinals of the million-dollar pyramid, two title fights, and a night full of the best fights under the open sky. Don’t miss the unique summer atmosphere – get your PPV and be there!<okteventcomponent eventid="119"></okteventcomponent>

Heart vs. mind. That’s how the clash between Czech soldier Dominik "Hambáč" Humburger and South African champion Mark Hulme in the quarterfinals of the Tipsport Gamechanger million-dollar pyramid can be described.

FIGHT STORY: THE BIGGEST FAVORITE OF THE TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER FACES THE CZECH VIKING

Krzysztof Jotko is one of the most respected fighters in the European MMA scene. Rising from his Polish base to UFC, he has faced the world’s elite. Now, he is making waves in the Tipsport Gamechanger million-dollar pyramid in OKTAGON, and is clearly one of the top contenders for the overall victory. How did his journey into combat sports begin? Read this article and get to know Polish veteran Krzysztof Jotko more closely.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/29624061-ee7f-4106-a4c1-78bb1f305cd7/cs.1753537776248.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/59e0736a-b19f-40e6-b15a-23fed54e34a4/cs.1753537782794.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>THE POLISH DANCER WITH A BIG DREAM</h2>Before he embarked on the path of combat sports, young Krzysztof was dedicated to breakdancing. He grew up in Orneta, a town in northern Poland. His life changed when he watched the legendary fight between Tito Ortiz and Ken Shamrock, which made him decide to pursue combat sports. As an amateur, he amassed over 70 MMA fights and became a two-time national champion. Transitioning to the professional ranks was no problem for him – he won his first 14 fights in a row, which attracted the attention of global organizations, including the UFC, where he was offered his first fight on short notice in 2013. He passed the test against Bruno Santos with flying colors, and a year later, he was officially part of the organization. Interestingly, Jotko's last opponent outside of UFC was the popular Serbian fighter Bojan Veličković, the winner of the first season of Tipsport Gamechanger, who recently retired from his professional career at a recent event in Eden.<h2>ENGAGEMENT AMONG THE WORLD ELITE</h2>Jotko's second fight in his new organization came in 2014, and it didn't go well – Swedish veteran Magnus Cedenblad caught him in a guillotine in the second round, and the younger Krzysztof couldn't escape. After that came a series of five consecutive wins, which catapulted Jotko to the top of the middleweight division. At one point, he was ranked #13 in the world middleweight rankings! He fought stars like Uriah Hall, Sean Strickland, and Gerald Meerschaert. Jotko left UFC in 2022 with an impressive record of 11-6. For a time, he was one of the most successful fighters in the organization in terms of win percentage when the decision went to the judges. Jotko is a strategic fighter who always sticks to his game plan and avoids unnecessary risks. However, this strategy has not always been the best, and sometimes victories slipped through his fingers due to excessive caution.<h2>RETURN TO EUROPE AND THE TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER CHAPTER</h2>After UFC, Jotko had one fight in PFL, where he faced another well-known fighter, two-time champion Will Fleury. Their middleweight bout ended in a No Contest, and both fighters left the organization. Then came the lucrative offer that he couldn’t refuse – participation in the Tipsport Gamechanger million-dollar pyramid. Immediately after the announcement of his arrival in OKTAGON, he became one of the top favorites for the overall victory in the eyes of many fans and experts. With more big-fight experience than most of his opponents, Jotko was in for a tough first test – welterweight champion Ion Surdu. During the public weigh-ins, Krzysztof showed that he wanted to entertain. Against “Dracula,” he wore a garlic necklace and entered the fight dressed as the comic book character Blade, the famous vampire hunter. In the cage, he showed his ability to read his opponent's moves and eliminate risks. He imposed his style through clinch and wrestling, where he is like a fish in water, and won the fight on points. In the quarterfinals, he was originally supposed to face the king of chaos – Vlasta “El Chapo” Čepo, but Čepo had to withdraw from the tournament due to an injury from his previous fight. His replacement became another Slovak fighter with grenades in his hands, Marek Mazúch. Will Jotko rely again on dominance in the clinch and on the ground, or will he allow himself to engage with Mazúch in striking exchanges? We will find out on August 9th at Prague's Štvanice.At Prague’s Štvanice, in addition to Jotko's quarterfinal battle, there will be a full lineup of other quarterfinalists, two title fights, and other names you love – all under the open sky in a unique summer atmosphere. Buy PPV at a better price and watch as new history is made in European MMA!<okteventcomponent eventid="119"></okteventcomponent>

Krzysztof Jotko is one of the most respected fighters in the European MMA scene. Rising from his Polish base to UFC, he has faced the world’s elite. Now, he is making waves in the Tipsport Gamechanger million-dollar pyramid in OKTAGON.

WHO IS KRZYSZTOF JOTKO AND WHY SHOULD MIDDLEWEIGHT BE ON ALERT?

The bantamweight division will crown a new champion at Štvanice. In the title fight, Brazilian super-talent Igor Severino will face the experienced English veteran Jack Cartwright. While the young Brazilian is still at the beginning of a promising career, Cartwright has a history of title fights, many of which he left victorious. But will experience be enough to overcome the dangerous Severino?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/76a4ee7c-ea8c-40df-97a6-213276b8625e/cs.1753264615487.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/8551ef8e-5bf3-4901-a06f-35c992ecfeaa/cs.1753264620792.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>IGOR "THE HANNIBAL" SEVERINO</h2>At just 22 years old, Severino is currently ranked #1 in the OKTAGON bantamweight division. After winning the title in the Brazilian organization Jungle Fight, he received an offer to join Dana White's Contender Series (DWCS), where he won by TKO in the second round and earned a UFC contract. However, in a fight against his compatriot Lim, Severino suffered an unexpected slip-up, leading to a disqualification and his first career loss. The young fighter had to redeem himself and prove that he belongs among the world’s elite. The OKTAGON fight against a former champion was the perfect opportunity. In his bout against Danish shark Jonas Magard, Severino showed his dominance in almost every aspect of the fight and claimed his first win by decision after three rounds. Before that, he had finished all his victories—4 by knockout and 4 by submission. Despite his age, Severino is a very technical and tough fighter. He skillfully combines striking and grappling, and his record of 9-1 demonstrates his undeniable talent. He enters the fight against Cartwright as a heavy favorite, but Jack is not someone who can easily be shaken by such expectations.<h2>JACK CARTWRIGHT – SEASONED VETERAN FROM CAGE WARRIORS</h2>The almost 10-year-older Englishman, Jack Cartwright, comes into this fight with a wealth of experience. With a professional record of 12-2 and 6 wins by submission, the former Cage Warriors champion is currently ranked #2 in the OKTAGON bantamweight division. He successfully defended his title three times in the UK and also participated in DWCS before joining OKTAGON. So far, he has had 3 fights in OKTAGON, with his most recent victory being a close win against Georgian fighter Mate Sanikidze last September. Interestingly, Cartwright was drawn to combat sports somewhat by chance—his neighbor was Tyson Fury, and after watching him train regularly next door, Jack decided to give it a try. He even sparred with Fury's cousin at a nearby boxing gym. But now, Cartwright is fully focused on his opponent, as this is the one and only obstacle between him and his dream of becoming the OKTAGON champion.<h2>WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE CLASH AND WHO HAS THE EDGE?</h2>According to the community on Tapology, Severino leads the predictions with around 92% of the votes. Most fans do not expect a finish before the limit. Both fighters rarely leave decisions to the judges. Bookmakers also favor the Brazilian due to his explosiveness and high finish rate, but Cartwright brings excellent technique, experience, and endurance – his chances increase if the fight reaches the later rounds.Fans and experts are divided: Severino's youthful and aggressive style promises a dynamic show, while Cartwright’s technical approach may complicate the script – plus, he has the advantage in terms of number of fights and stability over five rounds. Details could decide the outcome—grappling defense, mental resilience, and tactics.It will be a fight between two completely different worlds – youthful hunger against seasoned experience. Who will emerge as the new ruler of the bantamweight division? You’ll find out on August 9th at OKTAGON 74 at the beautiful Štvanice stadium. If you don't want to miss this title showdown, get your PPV and watch all the action live from the comfort of your home.<okteventcomponent eventid="119"></okteventcomponent>

The bantamweight division will crown a new champion at Štvanice. In the title fight, Brazilian super-talent Igor Severino will face the experienced English veteran Jack Cartwright. 

STORY OF SEVERINO vs. CARTWRIGHT FIGHT: BANTAMWEIGHT RECOGNIZES NEW KING

Kerim Engizek is one of the top middleweights in European MMA. The undefeated OKTAGON champion for over ten years is at the peak of his career. However, his journey to the top wasn’t as glorious from the start. What was his childhood in Düsseldorf like? And how did he become the dominant middleweight champion? Read on about Kerim Engizek’s journey.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/5ffa9cbd-fd47-4c59-bbfa-907bbf529aee/cs.1753117187562.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/f5d7f10d-5198-402d-a32d-75cb76a5cea5/cs.1753117194225.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>FROM A CHILDHOOD HOME TO THE BOXING RING</h2>Kerim’s childhood was far from easy. When he was seven, his father was arrested and sentenced to several years in prison. Kerim and his older brother Metin were also taken away from their mother’s care and sent to an orphanage, where they spent the next 10 years. Kerim mentioned in an interview that he had to fight every day—not for sport, but for food and respect. His life at that time consisted of street fights and conflicts. Despite his athletic talent, financial struggles prevented him from making it in football. It wasn’t until he was 17 when his older brother took him to a boxing training session that one of the coaches immediately recognized his talent.<h2>LEARNING HARD LIFE LESSONS: THE SHIFT TO MMA</h2>When Kerim started boxing, he defeated opponent after opponent in quick succession. He fought more than 40 matches for the prestigious Bayer Leverkusen boxing club in the top German boxing league. But bureaucracy intervened—without a German passport, he couldn’t attend the German championships. Changing his citizenship wasn’t an option for Kerim; he was proud of his Turkish heritage. Then he saw an MMA match and immediately decided he wanted to be a complete fighter. The discipline, hard work, and new coaches helped him transition from boxing to mixed martial arts, a sport he fell in love with.<h2>MAINLY AVOID ANY TROUBLE</h2>Though he could let off steam during training, Kerim still worked as a bouncer in a night club and was often on the edge of the law. Like many other fighters early in their careers, he needed to earn money for his training. However, when one of his friends was arrested during a conflict, it was a turning point in Kerim’s life. If he didn’t want to end up like his father, he knew he needed to change his path and fully commit to sport.<h2>ROAD TO THE TITLE—9 YEARS UNDEFEATED</h2>Kerim joined OKTAGON after being a multiple champion in the German promotions GMC and EMC. His last loss came in September 2014, the same year films like John Wick and American Sniper were released. His first win in the yellow-black cage came in 2023, when he knocked out Juarez in the second minute of the fight. He showed his dominance in the next match against Adam Horváth, securing another win in the first round. A title shot didn’t take long to arrive, but it wasn’t just any fight—he challenged Patrik Kincl in Frankfurt in front of 60,000 fans. Despite entering as the underdog, Kerim controlled the fight, and after five rounds, he celebrated the biggest win of his career during the largest MMA event in the world, extending his winning streak to 14!<h2>NEW CHALLENGE: TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER</h2>Shortly after winning the middleweight title at OKTAGON, a new challenge emerged—the million-dollar Tipsport Gamechanger pyramid. The largest MMA tournament in Europe, attracting fighters from all over the world. The fighters will divide one million euros, with the winner taking home 300,000 euros. In the first round, the Turkish champion faced the tough Polish fighter Kamil Oniszczuk, who didn’t make it easy for him. Engizek barely secured a close victory by decision, but he could breathe a sigh of relief.In just two weeks, Kerim will face another extremely tough test at Štvanice—English veteran Mick Stanton. Stanton has not been shy in interviews and seems very confident against Kerim. He’ll have to back up his words in the cage, where Engizek has ruled with an iron fist for over ten years.<h2>HEART IN THE RIGHT PLACE</h2>Kerim hasn’t always had it easy, but today he is not only a champion but also a father and a man working on his own business. He helps children from the streets and orphanages, showing them that change is truly possible. He is proof that if you bite the bullet and don’t give up, you can completely turn your life around. He truly has the heart of a fighter.Kerim Engizek is living proof that even from tough circumstances, a true star can rise. With over ten years undefeated, a championship title, and a promising future in the million-dollar Tipsport Gamechanger pyramid, don’t miss the chance to witness this story live. Get your last tickets for OKTAGON 74 or watch the entire tournament from the comfort of your home via our PPV!<okteventcomponent eventid="119"></okteventcomponent>

Kerim Engizek is one of the top middleweights in European MMA. The undefeated OKTAGON champion for over ten years is at the peak of his career. However, his journey to the top wasn’t as glorious from the start.

KERIM ENGIZEK'S STORY: FROM THE STREETS OF DÜSSELDORF TO THE TOP OF EUROPEAN MMA

We’re back at Štvanice! OKTAGON 74 will bring the best middleweight in Europe – four quarterfinals of the Tipsport Gamechanger Million Pyramid. The women’s bantamweight queen title fight between Szabová and Bolander, and a men’s title duel in featherweight with Severino vs. Cartwright. But that's not all! The alternate fights in the pyramid will offer an action-packed spectacle.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/41337fb0-7ce0-42e4-90e1-09f488050df5/cs.1752841788819.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/aff84d85-cb7d-4b9e-8a1b-5dcc8b3354fa/cs.1752841799257.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>MAREK MAZÚCH AS A REPLACEMENT FOR HIS FRIEND ČEPO</h2>Simply put – a fight like fine wine! Slovak powerhouse Marek Mazúch was chosen by fans as the "Lucky Loser" and got a chance to step into the Tipsport Gamechanger. The current #3 in the OKTAGON middleweight rankings has scalps like David Zawada and Jamie Cordero on his record. His famous “grenades” sent “Apollo” Silva to the canvas in boxing gloves. Out of nine fights, he has seven finishes before the limit. At Štvanice, he will fight instead of his teammate Vlasta Čepo, who couldn’t recover in time after his last bout. Mazúch will want to redeem himself after a tough loss to the brave Piotr Wawrzyniak, but standing in his way is the extremely dangerous opponent, Krzysztof Jotko.A UFC veteran, former world #13 middleweight, and one of the big favorites for the overall victory, Jotko handled the welterweight champion Ion Surdu in the first round of the pyramid. For many fans and experts, this result was a surprise. However, Jotko showed how strong, technical, and strategic he could be. He was able to eliminate Surdu’s biggest threats in the stand-up and, on the other hand, masterfully used his advantage in the clinch and on the ground. Mazúch will need to approach this fight very carefully – against Jotko, every mistake could be fatal.<h2>DAVID ZAWADA vs. KAMIL ONISZCZUK</h2>David “SAGAT” Zawada is one of the most prominent fighters on the German scene. A UFC veteran with experience from around the world, he boasts 19 wins, 12 of which were by KO/TKO and 5 by submission. He rarely leaves decisions to the judges, and that’s what makes him a popular fighter and a dangerous opponent. He trains under the guidance of his older brother, legendary Martin Zawada, and as the stats show, he can threaten both on the feet and on the ground. In the first round, he was bested by the favored Matěj Peňáz, but now, his desire to win will be stronger than ever. Not many know that “SAGAT” is one of the only four fighters to defeat the middleweight champion Kerim Engizek. He defeated the star Turkish fighter in 2012. Both fighters began their professional MMA careers in 2010.Kamil Oniszczuk is one of the most interesting additions of 2025. The Polish fighter with experience from ACA, Bellator, and Babylon MMA has a record of 10-5, and in OKTAGON, he wants to prove that he belongs among Europe’s elite. In the first round of the pyramid, he gave Engizek a tough challenge, but Engizek ultimately secured a very close victory by decision. Oniszczuk is known for his hard kicks, which have earned him victories twice – once with a devastating body kick and the other time with leg kicks that literally wore his opponent down. For the 28-year-old fighter, this will be an important fight that could move him closer to the middleweight rankings and a chance to reenter the million-dollar pyramid.The Tipsport Gamechanger Million Pyramid is still in play for these fighters, and no one wants to miss such an opportunity. On August 9th, we will see another installment of this year’s European MMA league of champions. Be there live under the open sky at the most beautiful tournament of the year. Štvanice will come alive again! Last tickets are still available.<okteventcomponent eventid="119"></okteventcomponent>

We’re back at Štvanice! OKTAGON 74 will bring the best middleweight in Europe – four quarterfinals of the Tipsport Gamechanger Million Pyramid. The women’s bantamweight queen title fight between Szabová and Bolander, and a men’s title duel in featherweight with Severino vs. Cartwright. But that's not all! 

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