Nedávno oslávil 8 rokov na scéne OKTAGONU, na pôdu ktorej vstúpil ako účastník historicky prvej OKTAGON Výzvy. Už budúci týždeň ho uvidíme v klietke znovu, a tak sme sa obľúbeného zápasníka opýtali, ako sa mu práve teraz darí.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/b4eb2896-bc55-4915-874f-9712d4ce5e73/cs.1725029596988.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/e72e6386-e72e-4167-b15a-1f8de48ebf3d/cs.1725029602977.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent>Ako sa cítiš pred zápasom v Oberhausene?Cítim sa výborne, túto prípravu som rozložil najlepšie zo všetkých. Trvala dlho, o zápase som vedel už viac než dva mesiace, takže aj stravu som si upravil od začiatku a teraz aj zhadzovanie ide celkom ľahko, z čoho mám radosť. Čo sa týka špeciálnych príprav, môj súper je ľavák, takže sa pripravujem hlavne na jeho postoj, opačný guard, teda veľa robíme ustupovanie na kratšiu vzdialenosť, dištanc.Aký očakávaš priebeh zápasu?Solaja ešte nemal príliš veľa zápasov. Z jeho minulosti viem, že je to bývalý stand-uper, takže očakávam prestrelku, čo mi vyhovuje. V postoji sa teraz cítim veľmi dobre, no pripravujem sa samozrejme komplexne.Zápas v zahraničí určite prináša inú atmosféru ako v Česku. Ako sa cítiš pri zápasoch mimo domácej pôdy?Ja to mám osobne celkom rád, keď tam prídem ako outsider. Zvlášť v Nemecku človek veľmi cíti, že nie je domáci, ale o to sladšie je potom víťazstvo, keď vám celá hala tlieska a dostanete ich na svoju stranu. Radšej som v pozícii, keď nie som favoritom a užívam si to.Máš nejaké špeciálne rituály alebo zvyky pred zápasom, ktoré ti pomáhajú sa sústrediť?Vyložene rituály nemám. Nemám nič, čo by som musel urobiť, inak budem mať smolu. Snažím sa koncentrovať na zápas a keď sa potrebujem uvoľniť, siahnem po knihe.Čo pre teba znamená tento zápas v kontexte tvojej kariéry?Pre mňa je dôležitý každý zápas. Tento beriem ako taký nakopávací po poslednej prehre s Odunjom. Nenechám však nič na náhodu a urvem to na svoju stranu.<oktfightcomponent fightid="995"></oktfightcomponent>Ako zvládaš tlak a nervozitu pred zápasmi?Nervózny zo zápasu väčšinou nie som. Po toľkých zápasoch, ktoré mám to už nie je ako kedysi. Skôr som nervózny, aby som niečo nepodcenil, ukázal to, čo som natrénoval a predviedol svoj najlepší výkon. Jediná nervozita je robenie váhy, to je aktuálne môj najťažší zápas. Vo všeobecnosti si myslím, že je to vlastne oveľa ťažšie ako samotný súboj.Návrat do welteru ti evidentne sadol. Čo sa zmenilo v tvojom tréningovom alebo mentálnom prístupe, čo ti pomohlo vrátiť sa na víťaznú vlnu okrem zmeny divízie?Bol to krok, ktorý som plánoval už dlho, pretože som cítil, že 70-tka mi nerobí dobre. Zhadzovanie bolo extrémne ťažké a vyčerpaný som sa cítil potom aj v zápasoch, nepodával som stopercentný výkon. Po dlhšej debate s Igorom Danišom a ďalšími ľuďmi sme sa zhodli, že sedemdesiat sedmička bude lepšia. Pre moje telo je to oveľa lepšie, aj keď poslednou dobou som sa zase trochu zväčšil, takže už sa pohrávam s myšlienkou, že by som skúsil aj 84-ku. Dávam tomu ešte tak 2 roky čas. Teraz sa cítim perfektne, fit a silný, welter mi vážne sedí.Nedávno sme si pripomenuli 8 rokov od prvej Oktagon Výzvy! Ako na túto dobu spomínaš? Kto si bol vtedy a kto si dnes?Naštartovalo to celý tento šialený kolobeh. Nemyslím si, že by som bol niekto iný ako osobnosť, ale určite som sa zmenil ako zápasník. Som oveľa rozumnejší a dôslednejší, vtedy som bol bezhlavejší a nebral som to príliš vážne. Dneska som už oveľa väčší profík, to je najväčšia zmena.A nakoniec - si rozhodne jedným z top oblečených fighterov v OKTAGONE, ťažko ťa prehliadnuť! Je móda tvoj koníček?Nie som typ, ktorý by si úplne hľadal najnovšie trendy, ale rád sa obliekam pekne. To asi platí o každom, nielen o mužoch, že by sa o seba mali starať – či už vzhľadom a vizážou alebo štýlom obliekania. Keď niekam ideš, učeseš sa, vyčistíš si zúbky, navoniaš sa. To je základ. A to, že sa pekne oblečieš, to je už taká bodka na konci. A nebudem klamať, mám to rád.Máš nejaký konkrétny štýl, ktorý ťa baví?Mám svoj osobitý štýl, možno nie každému sa páči, ale som to ja. Iné to je, keď sa obliekam do gymu, na sviatočný obed, alebo niekam s rodinou a iné je to v civile. Nemám jeden štýl – som muž mnohých tvárí!BARTL už budúci týždeň v Oberhausene. Podpor československú výpravu a uži si svetovú MMA SHOW.<okteventcomponent eventid="97"></okteventcomponent>

O najbližšej výzve v Oberhausene, ale aj o móde a plánoch do budúcnosti sme sa porozprávali s Marekom Bartlom.

BARTL: NAJVÄČŠÍ ZÁPAS JE TEN S VÁHOU. ZVAŽUJEM MIDDLEWEIGHT

The Home Credit Arena is preparing for one of the most significant women's bouts in OKTAGON history. Slovak sensation Lucia Szabová stands at the gates of immortality. If she succeeds, she will become the first woman in the promotion's history to sit on the throne of two weight classes simultaneously. However, the path to gold leads through a dangerous Brazilian champion who is coming to the Czech Republic for nothing less than the scalp of the local star. Will the "Silent Killer" rewrite history, or will Fernandes shock Liberec?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/b65ee338-fe68-4dd8-90ba-2a7d0a8e15c8/cs.1773756374306.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/0757843a-5238-43f7-a113-87e853c96483/cs.1773756378771.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>LUCIA SZABOVÁ: THE "SILENT KILLER" ON THE PATH TO IMMORTALITY</h2>Lucia Szabová (10–0) is a phenomenon. Since her return from maternity leave in March 2024, she has proven that she hasn't lost any of her killer instinct. Quite the opposite. She kicked off 2025 with a performance that was talked about worldwide—literally "erasing" UFC veteran Kalindra Faria in the first round with an unconventional Standing Americana. In the summer at Štvanice, her victory over Cecilia Bolander secured her tenth win in the organization and the bantamweight championship title.Now, the "Silent Killer" moves to the flyweight division, where her speed and technical precision are expected to shine even brighter. Moving down a weight class isn't just about cutting pounds; it's a mission for the history books. In the cage, Szabová appears invincible. She reads her opponents, waits for a mistake, and then strikes with uncompromising accuracy. At the same time, she can apply immense pressure that causes her opponents to crumble. A victory in Liberec would confirm her status as the absolute European number one and make her the first female double-champion in the organization's history.<h2>LEIDIANE FERNANDES: BRAZILIAN DYNAMITE IN CZECH TERRITORY</h2>Standing against the Slovak icon is an opponent used to winning in the toughest conditions. Leidiane Fernandes (7–2) enters OKTAGON as the reigning champion of the prestigious Brazilian organization Jungle Fight—a breeding ground for South American talent. Her path to the title was paved with aggression and, above all, incredible power, which she crowned with a brutal knockout in the pyramid final.Fernandes is not a tactician in the cage; she is a predator. She is known for her physicality, her willingness to engage in wild exchanges, and a knockout punch that is devastating by women's standards. She arrives in Liberec with a clear plan: to silence the arena, end Szabová's undefeated streak, and become the champion. Can Brazilian ferocity derail Slovak power?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/48dc15c7-03bd-427e-bb7d-86ac5a0367b5/cs.1773756589054.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/ac81a24a-ea5e-4b1c-899e-80d46b235871/cs.1773756593285.png" croppedcorners="false"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>LIBEREC SET FOR A NIGHT OF STARS</h2>The title fight between Szabová and Fernandes is just the tip of the iceberg hitting North Bohemia this April. OKTAGON 87 promises a card packed with emotion and local heroes:<ul><li>Dominik Humburger – The local hero whose career is on a steep upward trajectory.</li><li>Vladimír Lengál – A guarantee of excitement and uncompromising stand-up battles.</li><li>Radek Roušal – The "bad boy" from Brno, ready to unleash chaos in the cage.</li></ul>It will be an evening that either confirms the reign of Lucia Szabová or births a new international star from Brazil.OKTAGON 87 kicks off on April 25th! Don’t miss this historic battle for the vacant flyweight title. The Home Credit Arena will be bursting at the seams, so don’t hesitate! Secure your tickets or buy the PPV at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://OKTAGON.TV">OKTAGON.TV</a> and be there when history is rewritten!<okteventcomponent eventid="129"></okteventcomponent>

The Home Credit Arena is preparing for one of the most significant women's bouts in OKTAGON history. Slovak sensation Lucia Szabová stands at the gates of immortality. If she succeeds, she will become the first woman in the promotion's history to sit on the throne of two weight classes simultaneously. 

A HISTORIC MILESTONE WITHIN REACH! SZABOVÁ TO ATTACK DOUBLE-CHAMPION STATUS IN LIBEREC

OKTAGON 86 is fast approaching. OKTAGON’s premiere in Poland will take place in just three weeks at Szczecin's Enea Arena. Several fighters featured on the card hail directly from Szczecin, including local legends Michał Materla, Tomasz Narkun, and Michał Piwowarski. Who are these representatives of the famous Berserkers Team, and what can you expect from them on April 11th?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/40b69a3e-d882-4ea6-8c4d-764360fed6ce/cs.1773692459821.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/416a82f0-f99d-4236-8aa5-0ff3975b4bc3/cs.1773692464302.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>TWO MEGA STARS: MATERLA AND NARKUN BACK IN ACTION </h2>Few Polish fighters possess the legendary status of Michał Materla and Tomasz Narkun. Materla has long been one of the primary faces of Polish MMA. He made his professional debut back in 2003, starting his career with a rocket-like eight-fight winning streak. He has competed for almost every major Polish organization, from smaller local shows to the biggest stages. In 2012, he became the KSW middleweight champion and successfully defended his title four times. He also captured championship gold in the EFM organization. Throughout his career, Materla has faced Europe's elite, including Tomasz Drwal, Mamed Khalidov, Roberto Soldić, and Mariusz Pudzianowski. At one point, Materla was ranked an impressive #16 in the world middleweight rankings.With nearly 270,000 followers on Instagram, Materla has won over fans with his exciting fighting style, never hesitating to engage in risky exchanges. He relies on his trademark toughness, evidenced by an nearly 80% finish rate across his incredible 33 career victories! However, his opponent, Christian Jungwirth, is cut from the same cloth. The German "Celt" is famous for his tenacity, relentlessness, and willingness to push himself to the absolute physical limit. This clash of icons in Szczecin promises to be a high-octane affair.The second major legend is Tomasz Narkun, a feared submission specialist and one of the most dominant light heavyweight fighters in Poland. The man nicknamed "Žyrafa" (The Giraffe) boasts a professional record of 21–6. His BJJ black belt is backed by an incredible 15 submission wins. He is also one of the longest-reigning KSW champions in history, successfully defending his title for five long years.At 36, Tomasz Narkun is still ready to prove he belongs among Europe's elite, if not at the very top. He won his last three fights dominantly, needing a combined total of just 136 seconds to finish all three opponents! Fighting at home in Szczecin, he looks forward to reminding his fans just how good he truly is. His skills will be tested by the German Viking Alexander "Ironside" Poppeck, the current #1 contender in the 93kg division. The winner of this duel will likely secure a title shot against the reigning champion, Will Fleury.<h2>HEAVYWEIGHTS TAKE THE STAGE </h2>Another representative of the local Berserkers Team is heavyweight Michał Piwowarski. Like his teammates, Piwowarski is strongest on the ground; six of his seven victories have come via submission. Although Piwowarski is 37, he only began his professional career in 2017 and has 11 pro fights under his belt. However, his skills should not be underestimated. Even as an amateur, he defeated former OKTAGON title challenger Kamil Minda. Currently riding a two-fight winning streak, he now has the chance to perform before his home crowd on Europe's most prestigious stage.On the other side of the cage stands the dangerous Timo Feucht, a German fighter OKTAGON fans may remember from OKTAGON 14, where he demolished Jeremy Kimball. Now, after seven years, he returns with a single goal—to become champion. In Szczecin, however, he faces a tough test where he must prove he can hold his own even in the ground game.Szczecin will feature more than just local stars. Piotr Wawrzyniak, Mateusz Janur, Ion Surdu, and many others will also step into the cage. Enea Arena is set for an explosion of emotion like never before. Mark April 11th in your calendar, or better yet, buy your tickets now and be part of this unique evening! OKTAGON 86 is coming.<okteventcomponent eventid="127"></okteventcomponent>

OKTAGON 86 is fast approaching. OKTAGON’s premiere in Poland will take place in just three weeks at Szczecin's Enea Arena. Several fighters featured on the card hail directly from Szczecin, including local legends.

SZCZECIN WELCOMES HOME HEROES: WHO WILL ENJOY THE BIGGEST SUPPORT FROM THE LOCAL FANS?

Szczecin's Enea Arena is set to witness a true Polish derby in every sense of the word. Former interim middleweight champion Piotr Wawrzyniak returns to action to confirm his status as one of Europe's most dangerous men. However, standing across from him is a hungry debutant and champion of a Polish organization, Mateusz Janur. Will it be a grand return to the winning column, or will Janur shock the fans and immediately shake up the top of the rankings?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/05dec653-6263-4b58-b8ab-cf256d0ff90b/cs.1773410248275.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/fe4f917c-e13a-4808-b8e3-a7e431156af0/cs.1773410252578.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>THE UNSTOPPABLE GLADIATOR PIOTR WAWRZYNIAK </h2>Piotr Wawrzyniak is an OKTAGON mainstay. Over the years, he has earned a reputation among fans as an indomitable warrior who always delivers exciting battles. Currently ranked world #91 and sitting at the #5 spot in the promotional middleweight rankings, he wants to prove in Szczecin that his title ambitions are still very much alive. "Pitrek" is known for his aggressive style and the "grenades" in his hands that regularly bring fans to their feet. In the cage, he knows no mercy. To this day, he is the only man to have finished the feared Vlasto Čepo via TKO.The Polish fighter's last seven bouts have either been for a title or as part of the Tipsport Gamechanger pyramid. After demanding battles with Europe's elite, Wawrzyniak’s mission is clear: a dominant victory that leaves no doubt he deserves another title shot. Piotr knows he will be under immense pressure in Szczecin, and those are precisely the moments when he delivers his best performances. His toughness is evidenced by the fact that no one has finished him via KO/TKO yet, despite facing heavy hitters like Patrik Kincl, Vlasto Čepo, and Marek Mazúch. Can Mateusz Janur break this statistic?<h2>MATEUSZ JANUR COMES TO TAKE CONTROL OF THE MIDDLEWEIGHT DIVISION </h2>A man who certainly does not intend to play second fiddle is entering the yellow-and-black cage. Mateusz Janur, a champion of the Polish organization FEN, brings the reputation of a feared finisher to OKTAGON. With an overall record of 11–4, and nine of those victories coming before the distance, Janur is a threat to anyone.The 34-year-old veteran is riding a wave of confidence—finishing his last two fights, both of which were title bouts, with uncompromising guillotines. It is precisely his ability to find a finish in any situation that makes him an extremely dangerous opponent. Although he faces a very challenging debut and a "welcome" at the highest level against Wawrzyniak, Janur is ready to show that his place is among the European elite.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVYvUtcCBBM/"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>WHO WILL RULE SZCZECIN? </h2>The clash between Wawrzyniak and Janur is more than just a fight. It is a collision of two prominent figures on the Polish MMA scene. While Wawrzyniak seeks to defend his elite status and return to the throne, Janur arrives as a conqueror looking to take it all. Whose side will the fans take in this Polish derby?OKTAGON 86 in Szczecin kicks off on April 11! Don't miss this battle for Polish supremacy in the middleweight division, where a hard finish is expected. In addition to the Polish derby, you can look forward to the return of legend Tomasz Narkun or the battle between Materla and Jungwirth. It will be a night that rewrites history! Buy your tickets or PPV at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://OKTAGON.TV">OKTAGON.TV</a> today!<okteventcomponent eventid="127"></okteventcomponent>

Szczecin's Enea Arena is set to witness a true Polish derby in every sense of the word. Former interim middleweight champion Piotr Wawrzyniak returns to action to confirm his status as one of Europe's most dangerous men. 

POLISH DERBY AT THE TOP OF THE DIVISION: POLISH CHAMPION TO CHALLENGE WAWRZYNIAK IN SZCZECIN

OKTAGON 85 has etched its name into the history books. Saturday’s tournament in Hamburg became the organization's most-watched event ever in German-speaking countries, confirming that MMA is officially entering the mainstream. We witnessed the coronation of the historically youngest champion, Igor Severino, the triumphant return of King Eckerlin, and battles that fans will remember for a long time. Take a look back with us at a special evening in the sold-out Barclays Arena.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/fb78c162-88c0-4cf0-855f-e17adc78cfd6/cs.1773238063557.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/cc4f64e6-f3e5-492c-a1dc-d2bcb0d59648/cs.1773238068245.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>BOTH SEVERINOS IN THE WORLD TOP 100</h2>Great performances in the cage were immediately reflected in the Fightmatrix world rankings. The biggest leap was made by the new bantamweight king, Igor Severino, who skyrocketed from 98th to 63rd place. Interestingly, his Danish rival Jonas Mågård remains slightly ahead of him in 53rd position. Will we soon see a rematch for the top spot in the organization's bantamweight division?The rest of the card didn't fall behind either. Following his victory over Kohout, Christian Eckerlin improved by more than 120 places and currently holds the 187th position. Debutant Tyrone Pfeifer saw a massive jump of nearly 200 spots. Fans can also take pride in the Severino brothers—both are now ranked in the elite world top 100 as of Saturday, making them one of the most dangerous sibling duos in MMA. Veronika Smolková also confirmed her elite status, moving to 25th in the world rankings after her demolition of Egger.<h2>RECORDS BROKEN IN THE CAGE AND ON SCREENS</h2>OKTAGON 85 achieved historic success in the German market. Across all platforms combined, the action in Hamburg was watched by more than 1.2 million viewers from the DACH region. MMA is definitively becoming mainstream in Germany—on the free-to-air station RTL alone, the fights reached a peak of up to 904,000 viewers.These figures prove the growing popularity of OKTAGON and solidify its position as the European leader. The Hamburg tournament quite simply delivered a show that glued millions to their screens and once again raised the bar for future events on German soil.<h2>POLISH PREMIERE ON THE HORIZON</h2>Since the beginning of 2026, OKTAGON has already sold out four arenas and welcomed over 54,000 attendees. But the ride doesn't end there. On April 11th, the historically first-ever tournament in Poland awaits us!OKTAGON 86 in Szczecin promises a spectacular premiere featuring the biggest local stars. You can look forward to:<ul><li>Michał Materla vs. Christian Jungwirth – A clash of two indestructible icons under special STAND and BANG rules.</li><li>Tomasz Narkun vs. Alexander Poppeck – A Polish legend against the German Viking.</li><li>Piotr Wawrzyniak vs. Mateusz Janur – A battle of two tough fighters accustomed to leaving everything in the cage to secure a finish.</li><li>Ion Surdu vs. Amiran Gogoladze – A duel between two of the most dangerous sharpshooters in the welterweight division. Who will earn the chance to challenge the champion?</li></ul><oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVoVOPICJvH/"></oktinstagramcomponent>The Enea Arena is filling up, and Polish fans are hungry for the best European show. Be a part of it! Do you want to experience the Polish premiere in person or from the comfort of home? Secure your tickets or PPV at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://OKTAGON.TV">OKTAGON.TV</a> now!<okteventcomponent eventid="127"></okteventcomponent>

OKTAGON 85 has etched its name into the history books. Saturday’s tournament in Hamburg became the organization's most-watched event ever in German-speaking countries, confirming that MMA is officially entering the mainstream.

A LOOK BACK AT HAMBURG: RANKING SHIFTS AND RECORD-BREAKING VIEWERSHIP

Hamburg witnessed a night that will be remembered for years to come. OKTAGON 85 crowned the youngest male champion in the promotion's history, celebrated the triumphant return of a local legend, and delivered several heart-stopping battles that had to be settled by the judges' scorecards. Here is the tournament overview from the officials' perspective.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/91f10da1-b545-45b8-81d0-5c1e8bce3d55/cs.1773070979617.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/e9d89505-0826-44cb-9174-013946b964d3/cs.1773070984487.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>IGOR SEVERINO vs. KHURSHED KAKHOROV</h2>The bantamweight division has a new king, and the judges were not required to intervene. Igor Severino delivered one of the most dominant title performances in history. From the opening seconds, he systematically dismantled Kakhorov. While "Killer" miraculously survived the first round after being rocked by a massive right hook, the Brazilian "Hannibal" increased the intensity in the second. In less than two minutes, he forced the referee to wave off the fight. A TKO in Round 2 and an absolute world-class performance by the young champion.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1319" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>CHRISTIAN ECKERLIN vs. MATOUŠ KOHOUT</h2>The King of Germany is back, but he had to earn it in a grueling, bloody war. Eckerlin relied on his wrestling, which proved to be the key to victory. He took the fight to the canvas, punishing Kohout with heavy strikes and relentless control. While the Czech "Mighty Rooster" did everything possible to escape the traps and remained a threat on the feet, Eckerlin’s dominance on the ground was undeniable. After three rounds, the home hero celebrated a unanimous decision victory.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1368" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>RAUL LEMBERANSKIJ vs. ALI GÜNDÜZ</h2>This clash of two undefeated talents for the contender spot delivered a fantastic tactical battle. While the opening of the fight belonged to Gündüz, Lemberanskij took over the reins in the later stages thanks to superior conditioning and pressure. The judges had a difficult task, resulting in the only split decision of the night. In the end, Raul Lemberanskij narrowly won on points, firmly catching the attention of the new champion, Severino.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1366" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>DENIZ ILBAY vs. ADRIAN HAMERSKI</h2>Quite possibly the Fight of the Night, this war kept the fans in the Barclays Arena on their feet. Ilbay was caught early by a flying knee that opened a cut over his eyebrow, but the blood only seemed to fuel him. What followed was a fifteen-minute war on the feet and on the ground, where both fighters pushed themselves to their absolute limits. Ultimately, the scorecards favored Deniz Ilbay, who secured a vital decision victory at home in Hamburg.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1385" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>NICOLAJ WAGNER vs. OLUTOBI KALEJAIYE</h2>No scorecards were needed here. Wagner accepted the challenge just hours before the fight and looked dangerous with every strike in the first round. The second round offered an incredible spectacle, with both heavyweights on the verge of exhaustion but still throwing "grenades." The tide turned with precise body shots that finally broke Wagner. A second-round TKO for the Dutch "Mad Dog," who confirmed his reputation as a finisher.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1404" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>MAREK BARTL vs. TYRONE PFEIFER</h2>The experienced veteran Bartl was centimeters away from a sensation in the first round when he caught Pfeifer in a kimura. However, the German managed to scramble out, and from that moment on, he began to dominate the cage. He gradually took control, and by the third round, the difference in strength was apparent. Pfeifer took the fight down, secured a dominant position, and finished Bartl with heavy ground-and-pound. A great premiere and a TKO victory in the 3rd round.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1378" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent>PRELIMS<h2>MOHAMMED WALID vs. ABDULLAH SULTANI</h2>The bad blood from the press conferences spilled over into the cage. Sultani pushed hard for the wrestling, while Walid tried to keep the duel standing. Particularly in the second and third rounds, Sultani managed to stabilize his opponent on the ground, draining his oxygen and his will to fight. After fifteen minutes, there was no doubt—a well-deserved decision victory for Sultani, who sent a clear message to the entire flyweight division.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1383" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>DENIS FRIMPONG vs. TOMÁŠ CIGÁNIK</h2>Cigánik, stepping in as a short-notice replacement, put on a heroic performance, but it wasn't enough for the Irish demon. The Slovak fighter tried to clinch Frimpong against the fence, but Denis defended excellently and remained the more precise and active fighter on the feet. A decision victory for Denis Frimpong.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1376" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>VERONIKA SMOLKOVÁ vs. STEPHANIE EGGER</h2>Veronika Smolková delivered the best performance of her career. Facing a UFC veteran, she left nothing to chance and dictated the pace from the first second. As soon as she got within range, she unleashed a barrage of strikes that the Swiss fighter had no answer for. A first-round TKO, and Veronika is officially a global threat.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1389" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>SHAWN MARCOS DA SILVA vs. MATHEUS SEVERINO</h2>This world-class flyweight battle went the distance. Most of the duel took place in attractive striking exchanges on the feet. Da Silva threatened with hard knees, but Matheus Severino was slightly more precise and managed to seize the initiative in key moments. After fifteen minutes, the older of the Severino brothers celebrated a win on points.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1367" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent>FREE PRELIMS<h2>MICHAEL OBODOZIE vs. SEBASTIAN HORVATH</h2>The German tank Obodozie did not disappoint in his pro debut. While Horvath showed he has plenty to offer and had his own bright moments, Obodozie proved he has a chin of granite and heavy fists. One brutal straight right sent the Slovak to the canvas, and it was over. A first-round KO, and Obodozie once again confirmed he is a beast in the cage.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1375" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent>OKTAGON 85 in Hamburg offered everything—from lightning-fast KOs to fifteen-minute wars decided by the fighters' hearts. Next stop? Poland! OKTAGON 86 in Szczecin on April 11th will bring another serving of legends and high-stakes battles. Tickets are disappearing fast, so don’t hesitate and secure your spot today!<okteventcomponent eventid="127"></okteventcomponent>

Hamburg witnessed a night that will be remembered for years to come. OKTAGON 85 crowned the youngest male champion in the promotion's history, celebrated the triumphant return of a local legend, and delivered several heart-stopping battles that had to be settled by the judges' scorecards.

OKTAGON 85 SCORECARDS: DOMINANCE BY THE NEW CHAMPION AND BATTLES TO THE FINAL SECONDS

Igor Severino is the new bantamweight champion. In the main event, he dominated the more experienced Khurshed Kakhorov, finishing him in the second round via TKO. German MMA icon Christian Eckerlin emerged victorious in the co-main event against Czech challenger Matouš Kohout. What else did the action-packed OKTAGON 85 tournament bring?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/86ffbdd6-2ddf-4b21-a6af-684837a8710b/cs.1772927828930.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/4434dc1d-a58a-43c0-a217-369d2ea1a5c6/cs.1772927866446.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>IGOR SEVERINO vs. KHURSHED KAKHOROV</h2>The bantamweight division has a new champion! Igor Severino delivered one of the most dominant title performances we have ever seen. From the opening seconds, he literally battered Khurshed Kakhorov. He came very close to a finish in the first round after landing a right hook, but Kakhorov miraculously weathered the storm and survived the round. In the second, Severino was even more devastating, winning via TKO in less than two minutes. A world-class performance by the young Brazilian.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1319"></oktfightcomponent><h2>CHRISTIAN ECKERLIN vs. MATOUŠ KOHOUT</h2>The King of Germany is back! Christian Eckerlin withstood perhaps the toughest moment of his career to defeat Matouš Kohout in a bloody battle. The German fighter relied on his wrestling, which proved to be the winning game plan. He took the fight to the ground and punished Kohout with heavy strikes. The Czech "Mighty Rooster" refused to go down without a fight and made the home hero work for it. However, it wasn't enough for the win, and the beloved Christian Eckerlin celebrated a decision victory. In the post-fight interview, he announced that fans can look forward to seeing him again at the Eintracht Frankfurt stadium. Who would you like to see Eckerlin face at home in Frankfurt?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1368"></oktfightcomponent><h2>RAUL LEMBERANSKIJ vs. ALI GÜNDÜZ</h2>Two undefeated fighters clashed for a potential title challenger spot, and it was a fantastic three-round war. While Ali Gündüz had the upper hand early on, Lemberanskij took control toward the end of the duel. After three thrilling rounds, we saw the first split decision of the night. The popular German talent Raul Lemberanskij won a narrow decision, firmly putting himself in the title conversation.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1366"></oktfightcomponent><h2>DENIZ ILBAY vs. ADRIAN HAMERSKI</h2>Deniz Ilbay and Adrian Hamerski delivered a potential Fight of the Night. This incredible battle lasted the full fifteen minutes and will certainly stick in the fans' memories. Ilbay was caught early by a flying knee that opened a cut over his eyebrow. That didn't stop him, though—on the contrary! It was as if he suddenly wanted to finish the fight even more. Both fighters engaged in heavy exchanges on the ground and standing, trying to break each other at all costs. Ultimately, the judges' scorecards favored the home hero Ilbay. The German fighter secured a crucial victory, finally redeeming his reputation in front of his home crowd.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1385"></oktfightcomponent><h2>NICOLAJ WAGNER vs. OLUTOBI KALEJAIYE</h2>Nicolaj Wagner accepted the fight just hours before the tournament! That alone shows what a warrior he truly is. In the match, neither heavyweight waited for anything, and a finish seemed like only a matter of time. Every shot had knockout power but also drained an immense amount of energy. The second round was absolutely unbelievable. Both fighters were on the verge of exhaustion yet remained constant threats with their power. Although it initially looked like Wagner might get the finish, body shots eventually decided the fight in favor of Kalejaiye, who won via TKO in the second round.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1404"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MAREK BARTL vs. TYRONE PFEIFER</h2>Tyrone Pfeifer won his debut and secured a major scalp on his path toward the welterweight top ten. Both fighters put on a great show. In the first round, Bartl wasn't far from a kimura finish, but Pfeifer scrambled in time and gradually took over in the following rounds. By the third round, he had a clear advantage, and after taking the fight to the ground, he secured a dominant position and finished Bartl with heavy ground-and-pound. A great premiere for the German fighter.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1378"></oktfightcomponent>PRELIMS<h2>MOHAMMED WALID vs. ABDULLAH SULTANI</h2>These two gave nothing away even before the fight, and in the cage, it was a total storm. Sultani went in with a clear plan—take the fight to the ground and dominate there. Walid, conversely, wanted to stay standing and denied his opponent's takedown attempts for a long time. In the second and third rounds, Sultani began to take control, and after fifteen minutes of fighting, he enjoyed a well-deserved decision win. A huge success for the young fighter's debut, sending a message to the entire division: there's a new beast in the flyweight ranks.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1383"></oktfightcomponent><h2>DENIS FRIMPONG vs. TOMÁŠ CIGÁNIK</h2>Tomáš Cigánik took the fight against the dangerous Frimpong on short notice and put on a great performance, but it wasn't enough for the win. The first two rounds were extremely close, with both fighters leaving everything in the cage. Cigánik tried to clinch against the fence and take the fight down, but Frimpong defended well and countered with strikes on the feet. After three rounds, the judges saw Denis Frimpong as the winner, primarily due to his work in the third round.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1376"></oktfightcomponent><h2>VERONIKA SMOLKOVÁ vs. STEPHANIE EGGER</h2>Veronika Smolková did it again! The young Slovak warrior put on a flawless performance and won the toughest test of her career so far! Egger tried to maintain distance, but as soon as Smolková got close, she unleashed combinations the experienced Swiss had no answer for. After a barrage of strikes from Smolková, her opponent went down, and the referee stopped the fight. Veronika won via TKO in the first round, securing the biggest win of her career. Will we see her next against the talented Alina Dalaslan?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1389"></oktfightcomponent><h2>SHAWN MARCOS DA SILVA vs. MATHEUS SEVERINO</h2>An evenly matched, world-class duel went to the judges' scorecards. Da Silva and Severino went hard at each other from the start. The fans got their money's worth—most of the duel took place on the feet, where both fighters showed great skill. Severino was slightly more precise and had the edge in each round; after fifteen minutes of an attractive spectacle, he celebrated a well-deserved decision victory.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1367"></oktfightcomponent>FREE PRELIMS<h2>MICHAEL OBODOZIE vs. SEBASTIAN HORVATH</h2>Michael Obodozie entered the professional ranks in style, winning via first-round KO. While the fight lasted slightly longer than his previous 19-second finish, it reached the same conclusion. Sebastian Horvath didn't have a bad start and was close to a finish himself. However, Obodozie weathered the crisis and then landed a brutal straight right that sent the young Slovak to the canvas.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1375"></oktfightcomponent>OKTAGON 85 in Hamburg is in the books. The packed evening offered numerous finishes, thrilling battles, and unexpected turns. Next stop? The premiere in Szczecin with a stacked card full of legends. OKTAGON 86 takes place on April 11th, and the Enea Arena in Szczecin is starting to fill up—so don't hesitate and secure your spot today.<okteventcomponent eventid="127"></okteventcomponent>

Igor Severino is the new bantamweight champion. In the main event, he dominated the more experienced Khurshed Kakhorov, finishing him in the second round via TKO. German MMA icon Christian Eckerlin emerged victorious in the co-main event against Czech challenger Matouš Kohout. What else did the action-packed OKTAGON 85 tournament bring?

SEVERINO BECOMES THE YOUNGEST MALE CHAMPION IN OKTAGON HISTORY; ECKERLIN CELEBRATES VICTORIOUS RETURN

Only hours separate us from OKTAGON 85. Hamburg, Germany, once again welcomes Europe’s largest MMA organization. The legendary Barclays Arena becomes the stage for a night that will rewrite the record books and bring resolution to storylines fans have anticipated for months. From the coronation of a new champion and the return of a German icon to the professional debuts of two top talents—walk through the complete fight card bout by bout and get ready for the storm.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/87cfb4ec-fbdf-44c8-a6d1-7961985eeaab/cs.1772871907210.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/6e0bc764-48e7-4f99-aeaf-227f8f84a6f8/cs.1772871912105.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>IGOR SEVERINO vs. KHURSHED KAKHOROV</h2>The main event and a battle for the vacant bantamweight throne. Two years without a king, a twice-rescheduled duel, but now there is nowhere left to hide. Twenty-two-year-old Brazilian "Hannibal" Severino (9-1) stormed into OKTAGON by demolishing Mågård, proving he is a predator who gives no one room to breathe. Standing across from him is "Killer" Kakhorov (13-1)—a former PFL Europe champion and former world top-50 fighter who boasts an unprecedented nine KOs in the bantamweight division. This won't go to the judges—this is where history is written.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1319"></oktfightcomponent><h2>CHRISTIAN ECKERLIN vs. MATOUŠ KOHOUT</h2>The return of the King of Germany. Christian Eckerlin is more than a fighter; he is an icon who helped build the German scene. With 17 career wins, he returns home to silence the doubters. However, standing in his way is the "Mighty Rooster" Matouš Kohout—a Czech striking ace who has transformed into a well-rounded MMA machine. Kohout recently neutralized Nafuka and now faces the opportunity of a lifetime. Can he succeed against the fan favorite on Eckerlin’s home turf?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1368"></oktfightcomponent><h2>RAUL LEMBERANSKIJ vs. ALI GÜNDÜZ</h2>A clash of two undefeated prospects. Lemberanskij holds a flawless record (8-0) and already occupies the fifth spot in the rankings. Attempting to stop his perfect run is Ali Gündüz, a two-time amateur world champion and GMC titleholder. One of them will taste defeat for the first time in their career.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1366"></oktfightcomponent><h2>DENIZ ILBAY vs. ADRIAN HAMERSKI</h2>Expect sparks to fly! Former boxing world champion Deniz Ilbay needs a restart after an unlucky streak. "El Pistolero" has been grinding like never before to show his true face at home in Hamburg. But Polish raider Adrian Hamerski will give him nothing for free. With five of his six wins coming via KO, he enters the cage with a clear plan: take down the home star in the very first round.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1385"></oktfightcomponent><h2>RUBEN WOLF vs. OLUTOBI KALEJAIYE</h2>A battle of the heavyweights. German "Viking" Ruben Wolf is a rarity—all 12 of his MMA wins came via stoppage, and he also holds a boxing title. After a hiatus, he will be tested by "The Mad Dog" Kalejaiye, a former kickboxer who never takes a step back and has delivered eight of his nine wins by KO. The entire Barclays Arena will shake for this one!<oktfightcomponent fightid="1363"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MAREK BARTL vs. TYRONE PFEIFER</h2>Experience versus hungry youth. Marek Bartl, the "slayer of German fighters" and a man who has clocked over two hours of cage time in OKTAGON, returns to welterweight. German organization champion Tyrone Pfeifer intends to make Bartl's 17th promotional start a difficult one. Pfeifer recently shocked everyone with a submission victory over Wittner and is now hunting for the scalp of a legendary OKTAGON veteran<oktfightcomponent fightid="1378"></oktfightcomponent>PRELIMS<h2>MOHAMMED WALID vs. ABDULLAH SULTANI</h2>A heated flyweight clash. Division #4 Walid has seven finishes out of eight wins and recently pushed David Dvořák to his limits. Now he looks to confirm his status as the favorite. Making his debut against him is Abdullah Sultani, a wrestling champion and protégé of Wahed Nazhand. If Sultani upsets Walid in front of his home crowd, he will immediately catapult himself to the top of the division.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1383"></oktfightcomponent><h2>DENIS FRIMPONG vs. TOMÁŠ CIGÁNIK</h2>A clash of styles and personalities. Irish provocateur "The Menace" Frimpong has turned his status as a misunderstood rebel into being a fan-favorite fighter who literally exhausts his opponents. Facing him is Slovak prospect Tomáš Cigánik, who secured a vital victory over the dangerous Adorf in Düsseldorf and now wants to showcase his skills in another German metropolis.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1376"></oktfightcomponent><h2>VERONIKA SMOLKOVÁ vs. STEPHANIE EGGER</h2>A Slovak gem at the gates of a title shot. Veronika Smolková is riding a six-fight winning streak and proved in the O2 Arena that she is ready for anything. But now comes the trial by fire: former world #11 and UFC veteran Stephanie Egger. If Veronika stops this Swiss machine, a title shot will be within her grasp.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1389"></oktfightcomponent><h2>SHAWN MARCOS DA SILVA vs. MATHEUS SEVERINO</h2>The Severino clan attacks! While Igor fights for the title, his brother Matheus arrives to conquer the flyweight division. Standing in his way is local "hard knees" specialist Shawn Marcos Da Silva from the prestigious Planet Eater gym. A fight set to stir the waters of the 56kg division.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1367"></oktfightcomponent>FREE PRELIMS<h2>MICHAEL OBODOZIE vs. SEBASTIAN HORVATH</h2>Obodozie shocked the world when he knocked out Negru in 19 seconds as an amateur in Cologne. Now comes his professional debut. Stepping in on short notice is Slovak fighter Sebastian Horvath, who has the chance to secure an extremely valuable win right at the start of his professional career.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1375"></oktfightcomponent>OKTAGON 85 in Hamburg promises a night of emotion and world-class performances. Do you want to be there when legends walk out and new champions are born? Click the link below and secure your PPV on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://OKTAGON.TV">OKTAGON.TV</a> so you don’t miss a thing!<okteventcomponent eventid="128"></okteventcomponent>

Only hours separate us from OKTAGON 85. Hamburg, Germany, once again welcomes Europe’s largest MMA organization. The legendary Barclays Arena becomes the stage for a night that will rewrite the record books.

HAMBURG FIGHT CARD BOUT BY BOUT: OKTAGON 85 CROWNS A NEW BANTAMWEIGHT KING

Only a few days separate us from the fourth tournament of the year. OKTAGON returns across the border to Germany's second-largest city, Hamburg. OKTAGON 85 offers a stacked card full of local heroes and debutants eager to prove themselves on Europe’s most prestigious stage. Check out the stats and facts and pick your favorites for OKTAGON Fantasy. The draft is already open.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/5a2fed5a-a681-446d-85b2-6c9b135c3cb9/cs.1772656302149.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/a61beca9-a2ea-4f38-a243-d37dae6cdf9e/cs.1772656318839.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>A CHANCE TO SECURE THE 200TH SUBMISSION IN PROMOTION HISTORY</h2>OKTAGON is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. In Hamburg, however, fighters will have the chance to reach a different unique milestone. The next submission in the yellow-and-black cage will be exactly the 200th in the organization's history. Not just anyone can boast such a record. Who will claim it?There are several favorites:<ul><li>Matheus Severino, who already has five submission wins to his name.</li></ul><ul><li>Stephanie Egger, who relies on her high-level grappling; Veronika Smolková will certainly have her hands full.</li></ul><ul><li>Mohammed Walid, with five of his eight wins coming via submission. Now facing a striker, he will be even more motivated to utilize his ground skills.</li></ul><ul><li>Marek Bartl, who always finds a way to surprise. He is the only fighter in the promotion to secure a win via reverse triangle choke.</li></ul><h2>CLASH OF UNDEFEATED TALENTS</h2>The OKTAGON bantamweight division will witness a "clash of the new generation" as two undefeated talents face off. Homegrown star Raul Lemberanskij (8–0), the 23-year-old representative of Frankfurt's MMA Spirit with Azerbaijani roots, burst into professional MMA only three years ago and hasn't faltered since. At OKTAGON 76, he handled the experienced Jose Zarauz. He currently sits at #5 in the divisional rankings, and another victory would officially catapult him into the title conversation.However, standing in his way is a challenger one year his junior. 22-year-old Ali Gündüz (6–0) is a reigning champion of a German organization and proves his danger with a statistic of five finishes before the distance. For Lemberanskij, this is stylistically the biggest test of his career, while for Gündüz, the Barclays Arena debut is the ideal opportunity to immediately shake up the top of the bantamweight rankings.<h2>OKTAGON ADDS ANOTHER BROTHER DUO TO THE ROSTER</h2>Igor Severino heads to Hamburg alongside his older brother, Matheus Severino. Historically, they are the fourth pair of brothers to appear in OKTAGON. However, Matheus and Igor are poised to become the most successful tandem yet. While Igor fights for the bantamweight title in Hamburg, Matheus faces the tough Shawn Marcos Da Silva, who enters OKTAGON with a 7–1 record and the highest ambitions. Matheus, however, holds titles from three different Brazilian organizations, and with an overall professional record of 14–5, he wants to make it clear that a new predator is entering the flyweight division. Can he succeed in his debut and begin his march toward a title?<h2>A TOURNAMENT OF NEW FACES AND SEASONED VETERANS</h2>OKTAGON continues to grow, attracting more and more new fighters eager to make a name for themselves. OKTAGON 85 in Hamburg will feature eight new fighters. However, these are no beginners; they are often experienced warriors looking to shine in the spotlight of Europe's most prestigious MMA stage.New Faces:Khurshed Kakhorov – PFL European pyramid champion with a phenomenal 13–1 record.<ul><li>Ali Gündüz – Champion of a German organization with an undefeated 6–0 record.</li></ul><ul><li>Tyrone Pfeifer – Champion of a German organization with a 6–1 record.</li></ul><ul><li>Abdullah Sultani – A fierce German fighter on a three-fight win streak who has previously faced the likes of Joel Batoba.</li></ul><ul><li>Stephanie Egger – UFC veteran, former world #11, with experience in major global organizations and a pro record of 8–5.</li></ul><ul><li>Matheus Severino – Igor’s older brother, champion of three different Brazilian organizations, LFA title challenger, and currently ranked #129 in the world flyweight rankings.</li></ul><ul><li>Shawn Marcos Da Silva – Cage Warriors veteran who has defeated opponents like Mohammed Walid; pro record 7–1.</li></ul><ul><li>Sebastian Horvath – A young Slovak fighter making his professional debut.</li></ul>The tournament also features several organizational mainstays. Marek Bartl has been with OKTAGON since the very first OKTAGON Výzva (reality show). He has competed in 16 fights within the yellow-and-black cage and is one of the biggest fixtures of the local scene.Christian Eckerlin made his professional debut 17 years ago. Since then, he has amassed 25 fights, nine of which took place in OKTAGON. Notably, he has featured in the main or co-main event seven times, proving what a true icon of German MMA Eckerlin is.That is the overview of interesting facts ahead of OKTAGON 85. The OKTAGON Fantasy draft is already live, so go ahead and pick your favorites for this tournament. Hamburg has an unmistakable atmosphere, and the packed Barclays Arena is set to shake to its foundations once again. If you want to be there, this is your last chance. Only a few tickets remain. Secure your spot in the arena and experience the unique OKTAGON show for yourself.<okteventcomponent eventid="128"></okteventcomponent>

Only a few days separate us from the fourth tournament of the year. OKTAGON returns across the border to Germany's second-largest city, Hamburg. OKTAGON 85 offers a stacked card full of local heroes.

OKTAGON 85 RECORDS AND FACTS: WHAT YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT THE HAMBURG CARD

Two undefeated talents meet in Hamburg. Raul Lemberanskij (8–0) welcomes dangerous finisher Ali Gündüz (6–0) to the organization. Raul is currently ranked fifth in the bantamweight division, and another victory would put him among the potential title challengers. What does he expect from the duel in Hamburg? And what are his future ambitions? Find out in our interview.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/a1f8686b-b833-41f4-9dc9-bc0dc3d20838/cs.1772571567778.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/fdc17054-e797-4707-b49b-563e111ee7b3/cs.1772571570423.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent>Raul, the Hamburg tournament is just around the corner. How are you feeling just a few days before the fight?I feel great and I’m really looking forward to the fight on Saturday.How motivating is it for you to fight in a sold-out Barclays Arena?I don’t need extra motivation because I simply love to fight. Still, I’m excited to entertain as many people as possible and I’m really looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere.Your rise in the bantamweight division has been rapid. How much has your life changed since turning professional three years ago, now that you’re just one step away from a potential title shot at OKTAGON?Time flies incredibly fast. I started martial arts as a little boy, and now I’m a professional MMA fighter. Right now, I’m fully focused on Saturday, but of course, I always keep my eyes on the belt in every organization I fight for. I will definitely watch the main event very closely.Your opponent, Ali Gündüz, is also undefeated and known as a “finisher.” Where do you see his biggest strengths – and possible weaknesses?Ali prefers to move forward. On Saturday, however, the fans can look forward to seeing him move backward. I will play to my strengths and apply constant pressure.Many are calling this a “clash of the new generation.” Do you feel extra pressure because two undefeated fighters are facing each other?I’m fully focused on myself. I defend my zero in every fight, so nothing changes in terms of pressure.You train at MMA Spirit in Frankfurt, one of Germany’s most renowned gyms. How does this environment influence your development – and who pushed you the hardest during this camp?MMA Spirit is my home. I grew up there and became a man there. We push each other, we sweat and bleed together. My coaching team gives everything to make fight night as easy as possible for me. In this camp, I had especially tough rounds with Max Heine and Luis Döring – much love to them.Fans appreciate your humor and your videos with Fedor Durić. Is your relaxed presence on social media a balance to the intensity in the gym?I wouldn’t call it a “balance” – that’s simply who I am. And especially with Fedor, it’s always fun. But at the same time, we constantly push each other to reach new levels.You’re currently ranked #5 in the bantamweight division. Is a title fight after a win in Hamburg your clear goal – or do you already have a specific opponent in mind?Step by step. First, let me fully enjoy my fight on Saturday. It’s very important to me to embrace every moment and not look too far ahead. But as I said before, the belt is always the goal.What would you like to say to the fans supporting you in the Barclays Arena? Can we expect a special walkout?A huge thank you to every supporter in the arena and watching on TV. Because of you, I can do what I love most and what I was born to do. That’s why I’ve brought a very special track with me – get ready for a spectacle.If you win, can we expect a special celebration inside the cage?The fight itself will be the celebration 😉How will this clash of young talents end? You'll find out this Saturday! Don't miss your chance to be right in the arena and watch your favorites in action. Christian Eckerlin, Khurshed Kakhorov, and Deniz Ilbay will also step into action. The last tickets are literally disappearing, so don't wait and secure your spot right now!<okteventcomponent eventid="128"></okteventcomponent>

Two undefeated talents meet in Hamburg. Raul Lemberanskij (8–0) welcomes dangerous finisher Ali Gündüz (6–0) to the organization. Raul is currently ranked fifth in the bantamweight division.

RAUL LEMBERANSKIJ: „MY OPPONENT LIKES TO MOVE FORWARD, BUT ON SATURDAY YOU’LL SEE HIM BACKING UP“

Hamburg’s Barclays Arena will witness a clash that could redraw the map of the women’s flyweight division. Veronika Smolková, one of the most prominent faces of the new generation of Slovak MMA, faces the challenge of a lifetime. Standing in her way is the battle-hardened Swiss machine, Stephanie Egger. Will the Slovak fighter confirm her impressive run, or will she hit the harsh reality of the world’s elite?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/84a4c3dd-f77d-4abf-b282-0848f56acbe1/cs.1772538216023.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/e8d50c8d-cf29-4252-aa5d-ed96141e6904/cs.1772538220076.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>"SWEETHEART" IN THE BIGGEST TEST OF HER CAREER </h2>Veronika Smolková is experiencing the kind of period every fighter dreams of. She is currently riding an excellent five-fight winning streak, with three victories claimed in the past year alone. Most recently, she delivered a dominant performance in the electrifying atmosphere of a sold-out O2 Arena, proving that the pressure of major tournaments only gives her strength.However, Smolková is not just a dangerous fighter. She is a phenomenon who entertains fans outside the cage as well. She gains popularity through her honesty and unique personality—unafraid to show the grind in the gym, luxury fashion pieces, or even moments of weakness. This authenticity makes her a crowd favorite, but do not be fooled by the smiles. In preparation for Hamburg, she has left nothing to chance, sharpening her form alongside the "Silent Killer," Lucia Szabová. Veronika senses an opportunity and knows that a victory over such an experienced fighter would skyrocket her in the world rankings and bring immense prestige.<h2>STEPHANIE EGGER: A WORLD-CLASS CHALLENGE </h2>If anyone can test the qualities of the Slovak prospect, it is Stephanie Egger. The Swiss veteran, who has passed through global organizations including the UFC, comes to OKTAGON with a single goal—to show she belongs at the European top. Egger is a well-rounded fighter who draws on years of experience at the highest level and gives nothing away for free in the cage. She is as precise as a Swiss watch and leaves nothing to chance. Seven of her eight victories have ended before the distance, and she intends to do the same in Hamburg.For Smolková, this is the toughest test of her career so far. While Veronika wants to confirm her position as the division's number one, Egger arrives as an experienced predator planning to abruptly end the Slovak’s momentum.<h2>THE SITUATION AT THE TOP OF THE DIVISION </h2>The situation in the women’s 56.7 kg division is beginning to thicken. Lucia Szabová will fight for the flyweight title at the OKTAGON 87 tournament in Liberec. Given that they often train together, both Slovak fighters have ruled out facing each other in the past. Smolková wants to use another win to solidify her position in the division and improve her spot in the world rankings. Previously, she also expressed interest in a duel with the princess of German MMA, Alina Dalaslan, which would surely be a very attractive battle between two young hopes of women’s MMA. First, however, she must succeed in Hamburg, and that is exactly what the experienced Egger will want to prevent.OKTAGON 85 in Hamburg is knocking on the door! On March 7th, we will see if the young Slovak blood can overcome experience. In addition to the Smolková vs. Egger battle, you can look forward to the crowning of the bantamweight king and the returns of the biggest stars. It will be an evening everyone talks about! Secure your spot in front of the screen and buy your PPV at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://OKTAGON.TV">OKTAGON.TV</a> today.<okteventcomponent eventid="128"></okteventcomponent>