Candles, roses, and a romantic dinner? Maybe somewhere. But when two combat sports enthusiasts meet on Valentine’s Day, it’s more about getting home earlier than usual rather than arriving late after training. Instead of heart-shaped cakes, they focus on weight cuts, and the sweetest words they exchange are often valuable grappling tips.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/f2312644-61cc-4427-a852-d596042d04f4/cs.1739542827616.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/0b7b5301-2bef-4569-9988-1f3e21edd153/cs.1739542833323.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent>Let’s take a look at the most beloved fighting couples in OKTAGON:<h2>💘 SZABOVÁ &amp; ŠIMKULIČ 💘 ENDLESS SUPPORT</h2>Lucie Szabová shines in the OKTAGON cage, and although illness temporarily postponed her title shot, no one doubts it’s just a matter of time. At home, she has great support—her partner Andrej Šimkulič is not only an experienced fighter in the yellow-and-black cage but also a natural in combat sports, whether it's Muay Thai or winning WKU championship titles. He supports Lucka at tournaments and is always the first to celebrate her victory when her hand is raised. Sweet, right?<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFVv-fAN7qC/?hl=cs"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>💘 SMOLKOVÁ &amp; STANČÍK 💘 A DATE AT A TOURNAMENT</h2>Lucie Szabová’s friend and flyweight division’s top-ranked fighter, Veronika Smolková, agrees—having a fighter at home is simply awesome. She is in a relationship with Muay Thai fighter Peter Stančík, whose life also revolves around training, dieting, and fights. And when they both have a free day? Naturally, they head to another tournament!<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFVC_RmNvuM/?hl=cs"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>💘 ČEPO &amp; KRAJČOVIČ 💘 CHAMPIONS OF THE LOVE DIVISION</h2>A legendary fighting couple? That would be Vlasto Čepo and Lucia Krajčovič. These two never fail to surprise us—remember when Lucia secretly took a fight on Štvanice after maternity leave without telling her partner? He was completely shocked when he saw the mysterious name appear on the fight card. Their love language? Unwavering support and understanding for the endless hours of training and sacrifices!<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/C1aPIkZKlJ_/?hl=cs&amp;img_index=1"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>💘 CHOCHLÍKOVÁ &amp; TADLÁNEK 💘 LOVE FLOURISHES IN THE GYM!</h2>The perfect date? A sparring session together! Monika Chochlíková and her partner, trainer, and fighter Tomáš Tadlánek, fell in love years ago at the gym. Their love from the cage has lasted to this day, and they even joke that sometimes, it feels like they are in a never-ending fight camp! 👇<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cu3xqgux7XP/?hl=cs"></oktinstagramcomponent>

Which OKTAGON couples share a love for combat sports?

VALENTINE’S DAY IN OKTAGON:  LOVE IS IN THE GYM! 

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! 

FATE OF TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER ALTERNATES: MAZÚCH RETURNS, ZAWADA FACES ONISZCZUK

It all started with a brief: create a video that will kick off the new essence of OKTAGON, called Face Your Fear. The “Hero” spot was premiered in front of a packed Eden stadium during OKTAGON 72. The creative group OPA is behind its creation. How did this project come to life, and what lies behind its creation?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/a546a525-4c37-4e62-97c5-873bd4f213f0/cs.1752750741505.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/1f0a2738-f2d4-44e9-bf87-0a45e47e8295/cs.1752750747749.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>WHEN YOU HAVE FREE REIN, ART IS BORN</h2>The OPA production group is not very experienced in the MMA world. Perhaps that’s exactly why their perspective was so refreshing. "In most of our projects, we get very specific briefs, leaving little room for creativity. But this time, we had complete freedom, and that immediately excited us," says producer Filip Hinca. MMA was a new territory for them. The video wasn’t meant to be just about sports; the brief was to create a work of art that carries our philosophy and conveys it in a creative way. And all of this had to be done in just four weeks. “It was definitely a challenge, but we’re used to working under time pressure. Once the creative idea and script were approved, we started working on multiple fronts. Additionally, the collaboration with the OKTAGON team was very efficient and built on trust,” adds Hinca.<h2>FEAR AS A DRIVING FORCE</h2>The theme of Face Your Fear is not easy. Fear is deep, fragile, personal. Yet, it is universal. "We didn’t want to portray fear as a negative emotion; instead, we tried to show what happens when a person overcomes it," explains director Adam Kubala. The goal was to find a balance between civility and strength. "We wanted it to be authentic, not cliché, while still conveying strength, motivation, and drive."There were many ideas at the beginning, but they had to be filtered down, which was the job of Adam and Filip, who bring the creativity. Kubala mentioned that they used a "trial and error" method until both agreed on an idea. “The key decision for us was that we would build the entire video towards a ‘final fight’ moment where our hero confronts his fears. That was probably when the final idea came to life.”<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DK9-b4XKMUo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>FROM HEART ANIMATION TO THE FINAL STRIKE</h2>The video starts with a 3D shot symbolizing a beating heart, all created using AI. This leads to a series of visually and emotionally powerful scenes, culminating in the moment of transformation—entering the cage. “We like to experiment with visual effects. We often use them if it’s too expensive or dangerous to execute in the real world,” says Tomáš Dvořák, VFX specialist for OPA.The entire VFX post-production ran from the initial approval of the idea until the final submission. "In this case, we started the spot with a fully 3D-created shot (Full CGI), except for the movement of the main character, where AI helped us – saving a lot of time in animation. Then we had the heart shot, created entirely with AI, and the rest of the video was a combination of real footage and digital effects," explains Dvořák about the technology and process.<h2>WHEN THE CAST REFLECTS THE IDEA</h2>Finding the right actor for the lead role wasn’t easy. It had to be an actor with experience in combat sports. After considering more than 200 candidates, the team immediately liked IKI, who was ultimately chosen. "Because of his experience as a host, he was already comfortable in front of the camera, exuded confidence, and also looked good. We clicked on a personal level, so he was a perfect fit," says director Adam Kubala about the casting choice for the main protagonist.<h2>MORE THAN JUST A SLOGAN</h2>Face Your Fear is not just a slogan. It’s a mindset, a philosophy that helps us move forward in moments when things get tough. “We told ourselves that during stressful moments in the shoot – and we tell ourselves that now too. It actually became our internal mantra,” admits Kubala.The concept of the video is also strongly inspired by the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche. "The core idea comes from Nietzsche’s teachings – his philosophy emphasizes the importance of facing your fears. He views fear as a compass, showing us the way. It’s a universal theme. It doesn’t matter if you’re an ordinary person or a professional fighter – everyone knows the feeling of fear, and overcoming it pushes us forward," adds producer Filip Hinca.<h2>A NEW WORLD, A NEW AUDIENCE</h2>While the video opened a new chapter of storytelling for OKTAGON, it also marked OPA's entrance into the world of MMA. "Before, we knew almost nothing about it. But when we stood in Eden in front of 24,000 fans and felt that atmosphere, we began to understand why people love it, and we became fans ourselves," says Hinca.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R18GDdQxAww">The HERO video</a> became more than just the opening of a new chapter for the organization. It reflects the philosophy that says: fear does not define us, but how we face it does. And this is what Face Your Fear is all about.If you haven’t seen the spot yet, you can find it on our YouTube channel. If you’ve already seen it, maybe after reading this article, you’ll watch it with new eyes.<oktyoutubecomponent url="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/AmOMlZVWjr0"></oktyoutubecomponent>

It all started with a brief: create a video that will kick off the new essence of OKTAGON, called Face Your Fear. The “Hero” spot was premiered in front of a packed Eden stadium during OKTAGON 72. The creative group OPA is behind its creation. How did this project come to life.

HOW THE "FACE YOUR FEAR: HERO" VIDEO CAME TO BE AND WHAT INSPIRED THE CREATORS?

The main event of the evening at Prague's Štvanice will feature women. Popular Slovakian fighter Lucia Szabová will challenge the current bantamweight champion Cecilia Bolander. Szabová has remained undefeated in MMA, boasting a 9-0 record. Bolander, who recently defeated Lucie Pudilová, certainly does not intend to give up her belt.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/6d22c554-ab44-475c-95de-8d59b496030c/cs.1752585167212.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/4ab32bc6-db26-41a0-8656-c5a8ab21b7e5/cs.1752585174161.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>CHAMPION FROM A COUNTRY WHERE MMA IS ILLEGAL</h2>Talented Cecilia Bolander became the champion of OKTAGON after only five professional MMA fights! Many predict a bright future for the Norwegian fighter. As an amateur, she has a 7-1 record and holds a European IMMAF title. All of her seven victories came by submission, six of them in the first round and six by armbar! She successfully used this same technique in her first two professional fights as well. To become the OKTAGON champion, she was helped a bit by luck— the original opponent for Pudilová was supposed to be Szabová, but Szabová got injured just before the fight, allowing Bolander to step in as a replacement. She had previously fought Pudilová just months before in September, where she narrowly lost by decision. But at O2 Arena at the end of the year, she entered the cage determined to rectify her previous loss.Once again, the fight was very close, and the judges had a tough task, but ultimately they awarded the victory to Cecilia, making her the new bantamweight champion of OKTAGON. This all happened despite the fact that MMA is illegal in her home country. Norway does not recognize MMA as a legitimate professional sport, although there is no such issue with boxing. Fighters are allowed to train in Norway, but no MMA fights can be held. This backward policy forces athletes like Bolander to go abroad. This is one of the reasons she aims to become a world champion—perhaps then the politicians in Norway will take MMA seriously.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1203"></oktfightcomponent><h2>LUCIA SZABOVÁ: THE SILENT KILLER IN PEAK FORM</h2>Lucia Szabová has long been one of the best female fighters in OKTAGON. Her 9-0 record in professional MMA shows just how dominant a fighter she truly is. According to the respected Fightmatrix website, Szabová currently ranks #22 in the world bantamweight rankings, which is a huge achievement! For comparison, current champion Bolander is ranked #67. This is likely why Lucia enters the fight as the clear favorite.Her nickname, "Silent Killer," perfectly captures two sides of Lucia Szabová. On one side, she is a quiet, friendly 26-year-old mother who always smiles. On the other, she is an unstoppable force in the cage, finishing most of her fights before the limit and collecting victory after victory. Many fans remember her from the 4th season of OKTAGON: Challenge, which Szabová won. However, she paused her career for a while. In September 2022, she gave birth to her son Dragan, and spent the next two years primarily in the role of a mother. In 2023, she did fight, but only under Underground rules. Her MMA comeback came a year later, 32 months after her last fight. Some doubted Lucia’s return, and she admitted that she was nervous about stepping back into the cage. But everything went in her favor. She defeated Polish fighter Gumienna by submission in the third round, marking a victorious return to the cage.Now, she’s finally aiming for the OKTAGON title, the belt that has eluded her for so long. She has the chance to prove her qualities and become the new bantamweight queen. Slovakia has no champions in OKTAGON, and the entire nation is placing its hopes on its silent warrior. Will it be enough to defeat the current champion? Will Lucia earn her tenth win in a row, or will she suffer her first loss?We will find out all of this on August 9th at Prague’s Štvanice! Don’t miss the unique atmosphere of the most beautiful tournament of the year. An outdoor gala on a stadium that has witnessed many memorable moments. Two title fights, quarterfinals of Tipsport Gamechanger, and more fights that promise great action. Will you be there with us?<okteventcomponent eventid="119"></okteventcomponent>

The main event of the evening at Prague's Štvanice will feature women. Popular Slovakian fighter Lucia Szabová will challenge the current bantamweight champion Cecilia Bolander. Szabová has remained undefeated in MMA, boasting a 9-0 record.

FIGHTER’S STORY: UNDEFEATED SZABOVÁ CHALLENGES CHAMPION CECILIA BOLANDER

The longest arms in OKTAGON, a generational talent, the biggest young hope of Czech MMA. All these descriptions fit one of the most popular fighters in OKTAGON, Matěj "Money" Peňáz. In less than a month, he'll face Piotr Wawrzyniak in the quarterfinals of the million-dollar Tipsport Gamechanger pyramid at Štvanice. In the meantime, here are the key moments from his career.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/cf62c5a3-5613-4ab8-80e5-8d0331b6427e/cs.1752239720814.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/33279937-d0de-425d-97bb-12f3967a499b/cs.1752239738101.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>KICKBOXING AND EARLY DAYS IN COMBAT SPORTS</h2>Many fans know that Matěj started his journey in combat sports with kickboxing and Thai boxing. A native of Vysočina, who spent a significant part of his life in Brno (where he studied both high school and university), won his first major trophy in 2013 by winning the WAKO World Cup. He went on to achieve more significant victories and, over three years, made his way into the prestigious Glory organization, which is essentially the highest level for strikers – fighters such as Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira have competed there. Interestingly, Jiří Procházka was already in his corner at that time. Matěj fought four times in Glory, winning three of them, and in 2019, he bid farewell to kickboxing with a record of 23-3.<h2>FIRST MOMENTS IN THE CAGE: OKTAGON UNDERGROUND</h2>Then came the COVID pandemic, and it seemed like fights would be on hold for a while. That’s when the unique project OKTAGON: Underground was born – a special tournament with modified MMA rules to make it more suitable for strikers. For one of the best strikers of the time, it was a lucrative opportunity, and he showed his skills in the cage. He breezed through the tournament, winning two of his three fights by first-round finishes, and was set to face the aggressive Slovak-Serb chaos, Vlasto "El Chapo" Čepo, in the final. Fans couldn’t wait for this showdown, with Matěj’s surgical precision against Čepo’s aggressive style. However, Matěj got injured, and the match didn’t take place. Thus, the Underground chapter ended, and the Peňáz vs. Čepo chapter remains unresolved to this day.<h2>UNDEFEATED IN OKTAGON</h2>After his fantastic performances in Underground, Matěj's debut in professional MMA was just a matter of time. OKTAGON didn’t hesitate and offered the elite striker a contract, which led to his first fight in 2020. His debut in the yellow and black cage took place at OKTAGON 18 against the dangerous fighter, who enjoys head-on brawls, Patrik Jevický. Matěj, however, showed that he was on another level and sent Jevický to the ground in the first round. His next three fights ended the same way – first-round finishes – and Peňáz started making waves in the middleweight division. After his sixth OKTAGON fight, he received a lucrative offer to fight in Dana White’s Contender Series, a pre-UFC stage. Although Matěj had relatively little experience at the time, he decided to accept the challenge. However, his fight against American Sedrique Dumas didn’t go well. He was caught in a guillotine and had to tap out after only 41 seconds. Many experts agree that it was one of those “one in ten” fights, and Matěj certainly had all the qualities to defeat Dumas.Nevertheless, this loss led to Matěj’s return to OKTAGON and the continuation of his dominance. His next three fights, all ending before the limit, led him to a title opportunity. Last year, “Money” was set to face "Inspector" Patrik Kincl at Eden’s stadium in what was highly anticipated, and it was supposed to be the toughest test of his career. However, an injury occurred – Matěj fractured his elbow during training, and it was clear that the recovery would take a longer break.<h2>A NEW CHALLENGE: TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER</h2>After a year-long break, the wait was worth it. The announcement of the next season of the million-dollar Tipsport Gamechanger pyramid, this time in the middleweight division, brought a new challenge. The winner of the MMA Champions League will walk away with a prize of 300,000 euros! This tournament always attracts world-class fighters, and homegrown talents are given a chance to shine. And when it comes to grand prizes, you can count on “Money” Peňáz. In the first round of the pyramid, he faced the experienced UFC veteran David Zawada. Fighting against beloved German fighters in Germany is never easy, but Matěj left no doubt about who was among the favorites to win the Tipsport Gamechanger. He dissected Zawada in the stand-up and finished the fight with a combination of knee strikes and punches just before the first round ended.Now, however, the biggest challenge awaits the Brno sniper – a quarterfinal bout with the fearless Polish powerhouse Piotr Wawrzyniak. In his last fight, Piotr defeated the tough Marek Mazúch by TKO after withstanding his heavy shots and gradually taking control of the fight. This will be a real test for Matěj. Can he again demolish his opponent in the stand-up? Or will he be drawn into Wawrzyniak's game in the clinch and on the ground? We’ll find out at OKTAGON 74. Prague’s Štvanice will come alive once again.Not only can you look forward to Peňáz, but also all four quarterfinals of the Tipsport Gamechanger on August 9th. Prague’s Štvanice, an outdoor tournament, drinks, and summer vibes – don’t miss the unique atmosphere of the most beautiful tournament of the year. Last tickets are still available. And if you can’t be there, buy our PPV so you don’t miss any of the action!<okteventcomponent eventid="119"></okteventcomponent>

The longest arms in OKTAGON, a generational talent, the biggest young hope of Czech MMA. All these descriptions fit one of the most popular fighters in OKTAGON, Matěj "Money" Peňáz. In less than a month, he'll face Piotr Wawrzyniak in the quarterfinals of the million-dollar Tipsport Gamechanger.

VALENTINE’S DAY IN OKTAGON: LOVE IS IN THE GYM!

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