Diesen Samstag steht Cecilia Bolander vor ihrer ersten Titelverteidigung. Nachdem sie kürzlich mit Lucie Pudilová die erste Tschechin in der UFC besiegt hat, will sie nun die Siegesserie der slowakischen „Silent Killer“ Lucia Szabová stoppen. Wie läuft ihre Vorbereitung? Und was erwartet sie vom Kampf auf Štvanice? Das und einiges mehr erfährst du in unserem Interview.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/ee2c0189-e9d3-4ee3-a990-76704a9b16b5/cs.1754383751933.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/822c1192-3c7d-4bf0-8091-ff277b85a6ba/cs.1754383754797.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent>Hi Cecilia, danke für deine Zeit. Wie fühlst du dich aktuell? Läuft deine Vorbereitung nach Plan?Absolut! Die Vorbereitung läuft richtig gut. Körperlich bin ich fit, mental auch. Alles läuft nach Plan – viel besser als bei den letzten beiden Kämpfen.Der letzte Kampf gegen Pudilová war ziemlich hart – wie lange hast du gebraucht, um wieder ins Training zu kommen?Ich weiß ehrlich gesagt nicht, warum mein Gesicht so ramponiert aussah (lacht). Aber tatsächlich habe ich mir eine Staphylokokken-Infektion eingefangen und musste für etwa fünf Tage ins Krankenhaus. Jetzt habe ich aber alle gesundheitlichen Probleme hinter mir und fühle mich viel besser. Man könnte sagen: Ihr habt mich am Tiefpunkt gesehen – von hier aus kann es nur noch aufwärts gehen.Wie hast du den Titelgewinn gefeiert? Und wie hat dein Umfeld reagiert?Ich habe mit engen Freunden und der Familie gefeiert. Als wir zurückgeflogen sind, wurden wir mit Blumen und Kuchen empfangen, dann sind wir noch in einen Club – das war’s. Wir haben einfach ein bisschen das Leben genossen. Für mich persönlich war es gar nicht so ein großes Ding. Ich will einfach gute Kämpfe haben und sehen, wie ich mich weiterentwickle. Um ehrlich zu sein: Ich bin nicht besonders stolz auf den letzten Kampf, deswegen hatte ich auch nicht das Bedürfnis, groß zu feiern.Natürlich hast du dadurch mehr Fans und Medienaufmerksamkeit bekommen. Hast du das zuhause in Norwegen gemerkt?Nach dem Kampf gab es ein bisschen Aufmerksamkeit, aber leider nicht viel mehr als zu Amateurzeiten. Es ist immer noch schwer, MMA-Erfolge in Norwegen publik zu machen, weil der Sport hier illegal ist. Es ist kein Teil des offiziellen Sportsystems, die Leute kennen sich damit nicht aus – sie tun sich schwer, den Hype zu verstehen. Ich hoffe, das ändert sich in Zukunft.Ich weiß, dass MMA in Norwegen nicht besonders populär ist und Veranstaltungen sogar verboten sind. Wie war es für dich, im Eden-Stadion vor so vielen Fans zu stehen?Es war so geil! Ich liebe die Verbindung mit den Fans. Ich liebe es, wenn auch nur eine Person zu meinem Song mitgeht oder einfach die Vibes spürt. Ich liebe es, und wenn andere das auch genießen, dann ist das wahrscheinlich das, was für mich am nächsten an pures Glück und echte Freude rankommt.In einem Interview hast du gesagt, du möchtest durch deinen Erfolg das Bild von MMA in deinem Land verändern. Denkst du, dass dieser Wandel gerade beginnt?Ich glaube, das wird ein langsamer Prozess – aber hoffentlich wird es eines Tages legalisiert. Ich habe das Gefühl, ich leiste meinen Beitrag. Wir brauchen jemanden, der nicht den „Gangster“-Style verkörpert, würde ich sagen. Ich bin einfach ich, und ich repräsentiere nur mich selbst. Ich will mich nicht verstellen. Ich denke, wenn ich einfach ich selbst bleibe und mich ständig verbessere, werden die Leute irgendwann anfangen, sich dafür zu interessieren – und dann wird MMA in Norwegen vielleicht doch noch legal.Bald wirst du die Atmosphäre eines Sommerturniers unter freiem Himmel im Cage erleben. Wie sehr freust du dich darauf?ICH BIN SO AUFGEREGT! Ich hoffe, es wird allen Erwartungen gerecht. Ich bin eine Athletin, die die Fans liebt – ich liebe den Lärm, die verrückte Musik, die Lichter – einfach alles. Ich liebe diesen Teil des Spiels, deswegen bin ich mega gespannt.Auf Štvanice steht deine erste Titelverteidigung gegen die ungeschlagene Szabová an. Wie schätzt du deine Gegnerin ein?Ich freue mich total, ihr gegenüberzustehen. Ich würde nicht sagen, dass sie mir Angst macht. Ich finde, es ist ein richtig gutes Match-up. Ich denke, wir sind auf einem ähnlichen technischen Level, aber ich bin deutlich stärker und wahrscheinlich auch fitter. Ich kann es kaum erwarten, das im Cage zu beweisen.Wie bereitest du dich generell auf Gegnerinnen vor? Schaust du dir ihre Kämpfe an oder konzentrierst du dich mehr auf dich selbst?Ich konzentriere mich hauptsächlich auf mich. Aber klar, mein Team schaut sich ihre Kämpfe an, und ich schaue mir auch ein paar an. Dann passen wir unseren Stil an. Aber ich habe selbst noch viele Baustellen, an denen ich arbeiten muss – deshalb stecke ich die meiste Zeit in meine eigene Entwicklung.Jetzt mal weg vom MMA – auf Instagram sieht man dich öfter in traditionellen Trachten. Wie kam das? Ist das eine Familientradition? Was gefällt dir daran?Da, wo ich herkomme, hat jedes Mädchen so ein Kleid. Es nennt sich Bunad und ist die norwegische Nationaltracht. Meins hat meine Mama komplett selbst gemacht – jede einzelne Naht. Das bedeutet mir richtig viel. Wenn ich es anziehe, fühle ich mich einfach gut – schön. Es ist eine norwegische Tradition, die es seit Jahrzehnten gibt. Und meistens trägt man die Tracht, die die eigene Region repräsentiert.Ich nehme an, du verfolgst die OKTAGON-Events. Gibt es einen Kämpfer oder eine Kämpferin, die du nie verpasst? Was gefällt dir an ihren Kämpfen?Um ehrlich zu sein: Ich bin keine große Zuschauerin. Ich mache so viel MMA, dass ich es in meiner Freizeit nicht ständig gucken muss. Aber ich liebe es, wenn wir die Events gemeinsam mit Freunden schauen. Und ich bin ein Fan von allen, die es verstehen, zu unterhalten.Zum Schluss: Was möchtest du den OKTAGON-Fans sagen, die nach Štvanice kommen?Egal, ob ihr für mich jubelt oder nicht – ich hoffe einfach, ihr genießt das Event. Und ich werde alles tun, um euch das zu geben, was ihr von einem MMA-Abend erwartet. Ihr werdet die Arena nicht verlassen, ohne unterhalten worden zu sein – solange ich auf der Card stehe, ist das ausgeschlossen. Ich freue mich riesig auf euch – und kann es kaum erwarten!<okteventcomponent eventid="119"></okteventcomponent>

Diesen Samstag steht Cecilia Bolander vor ihrer ersten Titelverteidigung. Nachdem sie kürzlich mit Lucie Pudilová die erste Tschechin in der UFC besiegt hat, will sie nun die Siegesserie der slowakischen „Silent Killer“ Lucia Szabová stoppen.

BOLANDER VOR TITELVERTEIDIGUNG: NIEMAND MACHT MIR MEHR DRUCK ALS ICH SELBST

Legendary German fighter Daniel Weichel, after more than two decades in professional MMA, is preparing for his big return. Throughout his career, he has competed in the world’s biggest organizations, faced the very best, and become a role model for an entire generation of fighters. But now comes a moment that is personally very special for him – on September 20th, he will step into the cage at OKTAGON 76 in Frankfurt, right in front of his home crowd.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/7ecc9178-f5f7-41f1-9955-a5a6420a8014/cs.1758029602775.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/a636c1f4-625a-4ce5-87ca-f65e8ce74f80/cs.1758029608283.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent>We spoke with Daniel about his career, fear, and what it means to him to return in Frankfurt.Daniel, you’ve been active in MMA for more than 20 years – which moments do you consider the most defining in your career?Over the years, countless moments have shaped me – both the highs and the lows. But above all, it’s the people and friendships I’ve gained through this sport that have truly defined my life.You’ve competed in the biggest organizations against some of the best fighters in the world. Is there a moment that stands out the most for you?An absolute highlight for me was winning the M-1 belt in front of 21,000 fans in Moscow. But my time with Bellator in the U.S. is also unforgettable, especially winning the featherweight tournament.Which fight was the toughest for you personally – whether inside or outside the cage?One of my biggest challenges was definitely facing Patricio “Pitbull” Freire – one of the greatest featherweights of all time.Did you experience a real “Face your fear” moment in your career where you had to confront a big fear?Every single fight is a “Face your fear” moment for me. Time and again, you have to face your own fears and grow beyond yourself.Many young fighters see you as a role model. What key rules or principles for success do you share with them?If you’ve discovered your passion for this sport, live it to the fullest. And whenever you get the chance, always give something back.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DMvHkpuMeiN/"></oktinstagramcomponent>How important was it for your comeback that you could fight in Frankfurt?Being able to celebrate my comeback in Frankfurt is a true gift for me. I’m enjoying every step of this journey.How do you assess your opponent in Frankfurt? What is his biggest strength?Abou Tounkara is an experienced and versatile fighter. But as throughout my entire career, my focus is not on my opponent but on my own strengths – and those are what I’ll bring into the cage on September 20th.How do you view the development of MMA in Germany – especially with organizations like OKTAGON?OKTAGON has taken MMA in Germany to the next level. It makes me happy to see how many people are now excited about this sport.If you could meet the young Daniel Weichel at the beginning of his career – what advice would you give him?Enjoy the journey to the fullest – and listen to your body.Daniel Weichel is an icon of German MMA, and on September 20th, fans will see him fight at home at OKTAGON 76 in Frankfurt. It will be a night that writes the next chapter of his incredible career. Don’t miss it! Get your PPV for OKTAGON 76 and witness the return of a living legend!<okteventcomponent eventid="112"></okteventcomponent>

Legendary German fighter Daniel Weichel, after more than two decades in professional MMA, is preparing for his big return. Throughout his career, he has competed in the world’s biggest organizations, faced the very best, and become a role model for an entire generation of fighters.

DANIEL WEICHEL RETURNS HOME: COMEBACK IN FRANKFURT IS A GIFT FOR ME

The OKTAGON premiere in Hannover delivered a full MMA spectacle – thrilling duels, upsets, and spectacular finishes. In the main event, Gjoni Palokaj defeated young “Batfal” on points. David Dvořák scored a KO in the first round, and Todev confirmed his spot as heavyweight #1. Here are all the results from OKTAGON 75.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/8b770fdd-b7a4-454e-bff1-a3cb280f45c1/cs.1757799881416.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/3bf7d2fd-25f8-4cec-b364-789422b913b7/cs.1757799887903.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>GJONI PALOKAJ vs. JAKUB BATFALSKÝ</h2>A beautiful war between two warriors. The main event gave fans an all-round MMA fight – hard striking exchanges, submission attempts, and relentless forward pressure. Gjoni Palokaj proved once again that his endless cardio, elite wrestling, and sharp boxing are a tough puzzle for any opponent. Batfalský showed a fighter’s heart, attacking until the very last second, but it wasn’t enough. Palokaj swept all three rounds and moved closer to a featherweight title shot.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1222"></oktfightcomponent><h2>LAZAR TODEV vs. LUIS BARBOSA</h2>The expected heavyweight war delivered a tense battle. Todev worked hard to keep the fight standing, which he managed well. He maintained distance, avoided brawls, and picked his shots. Barbosa was cautious too, defending well against Todev’s attacks. But the “Bulgarian Tank” was sharper on the feet and earned a deserved decision win. He remains heavyweight #1 and will now be watching closely the Fleury vs. Buday title picture.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1244"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MOHAMMED WALID vs. DAVID DVOŘÁK</h2>A comeback to remember! David Dvořák left no doubt about who’s the biggest beast at flyweight with a stunning first-round KO. Walid had a decent start, but one clean shot crushed his title hopes, at least for now. The Czech “Undertaker” couldn’t have had a better German return – a highlight KO that cements his case for a title shot. Fans can now look forward to a clash with feared Zhalgas Zhumagulov.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1251"></oktfightcomponent><h2>EDGAR JIMENEZ vs. KHALID TAHA</h2>Taha lifted the entire Zag Arena to its feet. After losing the first round to Jimenez’s better control, Taha showed why he’s dangerous. A perfectly timed right hook crashed into Jimenez’s chin, sending him to the canvas. A couple of follow-up shots sealed Taha’s second OKTAGON win. This victory will push him up the rankings and brings back the prospect of a showdown with Holzer – will we see Germany’s fan favorites collide?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1182"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MATEUSZ STRZELCZYK vs. EMILIO QUISSUA</h2>Still unbeaten! Emilio Quissua shined in his OKTAGON debut. He survived Strzelczyk’s heel hook attempt early, then unleashed punishing ground-and-pound until the referee stopped it before the end of round one. Quissua extended his record to 8–0 and made it clear the light heavyweight division has a new predator.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1256"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MAGO MACHAEV vs. WANDERLEY JUNIOR</h2>Mago Machaev once again proved why he’s among Europe’s featherweight elite. Few expected such a dominant win over Wanderley Junior. The Brazilian held on in round one, but Machaev kept raising the tempo. By round two, the 25-year-old Austrian had full control. Junior’s body gave in under heavy ground strikes, forcing the stoppage. Machaev claimed a TKO victory and loudly declared his case for a title shot.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1236"></oktfightcomponent><h2>HUGO VACH vs. MORITZ MERTEN</h2>A tense clash of young German talents ended by doctor stoppage. Merten started strong, but Vach gradually took over. At the end of round two, Vach landed a heavy shot that injured Merten’s eye. Although he finished the round, the doctor halted the fight during the break. Vach secured his first OKTAGON victory in front of the home crowd.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1272"></oktfightcomponent><h2>EMIR-CAN AL vs. LUKÁŠ ELIÁŠ</h2>Tensions ran high between the two even at weigh-ins and the press conference. Both entered hungry for victory, delivering chaos from the start. Al nearly finished it early, but Eliáš showed incredible toughness and even rocked Al late in round one. In round two, exhaustion set in, but Eliáš timed a takedown, took Al’s back, and ended it with a rear-naked choke. Who’s next for the surging Slovak?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1224"></oktfightcomponent><h2>NIKOLAOS SERBEZIS vs. HENRIQUE MADUREIRA</h2>A first-round KO and another setback for Serbezis. Henrique timed a perfect overhand that sent his opponent to sleep. A great win for the Fighting Nerds representative. Thanks to the quick finish, we may see Madureira back in action soon.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1264"></oktfightcomponent><h2>FINN GRIESSMANN vs. JIXIE MOLAPO</h2>A fascinating clash of two young pros. Both played it safe early, waiting for openings. The fight was decided in the third round, where Molapo used his reach and crisp jab to edge out the hometown fighter. He earned his second professional victory. Who would you like to see him face next?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1271"></oktfightcomponent>Next week, OKTAGON 76 brings us back to Frankfurt’s Festhalle, the German home of OKTAGON. Frederic Vosgröne, Daniel Weichel, and Alina Dalaslan headline another stacked card on September 20th at 18:00. Grab your PPV now at a discounted price and watch German MMA shake the scene once again!<okteventcomponent eventid="112"></okteventcomponent>

The OKTAGON premiere in Hannover delivered a full MMA spectacle – thrilling duels, upsets, and spectacular finishes. In the main event, Gjoni Palokaj defeated young “Batfal” on points. 

OKTAGON 75 RESULTS: DVOŘÁK DELIVERS KO, PALOKAJ RULES THE MAIN EVENT

The premiere of OKTAGON in Hannover takes place tomorrow, September 13th at 18:00. Despite several last-minute changes, fans can look forward to a stacked fight card featuring both German and Czech stars. The official weigh-ins went smoothly, with no slip-ups, meaning nothing stands in the way of an explosive night in Hannover’s Zag Arena.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/c951e9b3-cfb2-49ea-b139-e079d0f95f41/cs.1757760576374.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/57bd5984-39d0-49ba-ad94-0d5d0ef3f928/cs.1757760581314.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>GJONI PALOKAJ vs. JAKUB BATFALSKÝ</h2>The surging Batfalský against nearly three years unbeaten Palokaj – the main event promises fireworks. Local hero Palokaj rides a six-fight winning streak, has two titles from German promotions, and has never been stopped by KO/TKO. He is also the only man to defeat Islam Dulatov. Across from him stands Czech super talent Jakub Batfalský. At just 22 years old, he becomes the second-youngest fighter in OKTAGON history to headline a card. With five straight wins and even a runner-up finish in the 2025 Czech “Man of the Year” contest, Batfalský shines both inside and outside the cage. But in Hannover, it’s about more than image – it’s about proving he belongs among the featherweight elite and moving closer to a title shot.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1222"></oktfightcomponent><h2>LAZAR TODEV vs. LUIS BARBOSA</h2>A heavyweight clash that almost certainly won’t go the distance. Bulgarian “Punisher” Lazar Todev is known for relentless pressure – eight of his eleven wins came by KO. Earlier this year, he already tasted a grueling five-round title fight, and his hunger for the belt burns on. Standing in his way is Luis Barbosa, UFC and KSW veteran who has faced legends like Francis Ngannou and Phil de Fries. The Brazilian submission specialist has forced nine opponents to tap and comes into Hannover riding a four-fight win streak. Todev wants to destroy him on the feet, while Barbosa plans to drag him to the ground. Which style will prevail?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1244"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MOHAMMED WALID vs. DAVID DVOŘÁK</h2>The return of David “Undertaker” Dvořák! After a UFC run, the Czech flyweight comes back to OKTAGON with a clear mission – win the title. With a 21–6 record and sixteen finishes, he is one of Europe’s most well-rounded flyweights. His opponent is Mohammed “No Mercy” Walid, who defeated Aaron Aby in his Dortmund debut and proved he’s a serious contender. Walid has finished seven of his eight wins and believes beating Dvořák will launch him into a title shot. Will we witness the biggest victory of Walid’s career, or a triumphant comeback for the Czech strategist?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1251"></oktfightcomponent><h2>EDGAR JIMENEZ vs. KHALID TAHA</h2>Latin American champion versus seasoned UFC and Rizin veteran. Edgar Jimenez owns a Mexican promotion’s title and boasts 15 wins with ten finishes, thriving especially on the ground. Khalid Taha, however, is notorious for his knockout power – 13 of his 15 wins came inside the distance, many in the very first round, including one in just 25 seconds. A clash of two finishers promises fireworks. The question is: who will take the next step toward the belt?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1182"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MATEUSZ STRZELCZYK vs. EMILIO QUISSUA</h2>The Polish “Spider” against Germany’s undefeated champion. Mateusz Strzelczyk is known for taking fights on short notice and still shocking favorites – he has stopped Čepo, Montagnac, and Duczmal. A grappler who can also surprise in striking, he faces Emilio “Rixa” Quissua, making his OKTAGON debut at 6–0 with a UAE Warriors title and training at Planet Eater alongside Krzysztof Jotko. The dangerous striker wants to prove he’s the future of the light heavyweight division. Can he handle the pressure of his debut against the experienced Strzelczyk?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1256"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MAGO MACHAEV vs. WANDERLEY JUNIOR</h2>The Austrian beast against the Brazilian machine. Mago Machaev, currently featherweight #2, has already showcased his quality in the Tipsport Gamechanger and on Frankfurt’s sold-out football stadium stage. His 15–2 record speaks volumes – he’s a predator of the European scene. But Wanderley “Mexicano” Junior is a showman who can shock anyone. Last time, he needed just 19 seconds to knock out Dohnal. In Hannover, it’s about whether Machaev stays on track for the title or Junior steals the spotlight.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1236"></oktfightcomponent><h2>HUGO VACH vs. MORITZ MERTEN</h2>“The German Tarzan” against a ruthless striker. At just 25 years old, Hannover’s Hugo Vach is 5–1 with three finishes and will want to shine in front of his hometown crowd. His opponent, Moritz Merten, is known for his aggressive style and hunt for finishes. A local showdown guaranteed to erupt with crowd energy.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1272"></oktfightcomponent><h2>EMIR CAN-AL vs. LUKÁŠ ELIÁŠ</h2>A clash of two young, hungry fighters. Emir Can-Al is a German talent unafraid to take risks and push forward. Slovakia’s Lukáš Eliáš, on the other hand, relies on systematic pressure and outstanding conditioning. A fight that could be decided by a single mistake.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1224"></oktfightcomponent><h2>NIKOLAOS SERBEZIS vs. HENRIQUE MADUREIRA</h2>Two finish-hungry fighters collide. Nikolaos Serbezis has a reputation as a heavy hitter who overwhelms opponents with explosive strikes. Henrique “Mad Max” Madureira from Italy has ended six of his seven wins inside the distance and has already tested himself against names like Ryšavý. How will this German-Italian battle play out?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1264"></oktfightcomponent><h2>FINN GRIESSMANN vs. JIXIE MOLAPO</h2>Local hope against Czech talent. Finn Griessmann will look to capitalize on the home crowd’s support. Meanwhile, Jixie Molapo from Prague’s Hanuman Gym, with an amateur record of 7–2, gets a second chance at the professional level after a tough debut. Will this be his redemption story, or will Griessmann rise as the next German hometown hero?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1271"></oktfightcomponent>The Hannover premiere promises an extremely exciting spectacle. OKTAGON 75 will deliver a mix of German heroes, Czech talents, and world-class veterans. Whether you’re excited about David Dvořák’s comeback, high-profile debuts, or the Batfalský vs. Palokaj showdow​​n, grab your PPV and don’t miss this night of MMA action!<okteventcomponent eventid="114"></okteventcomponent>

The premiere of OKTAGON in Hannover takes place tomorrow, September 13th at 18:00. Despite several last-minute changes, fans can look forward to a stacked fight card featuring both German and Czech stars. 

WHAT TO EXPECT IN HANNOVER? FULL OVERVIEW OF OKTAGON 75 FIGHTS

OKTAGON 75 heads to Hannover, Germany, for the very first time, and fans have plenty to look forward to! This Saturday, September 13, the sold-out Zag Arena will host its premiere, bringing clashes of undefeated talents, the return of David Dvořák, and debuts of seasoned UFC veterans. The fight card is absolutely stacked and promises fans a night full of emotions and unforgettable moments.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/9f58831b-34ec-48df-80b9-728f9aea940c/cs.1757619241850.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/d7860c46-5551-468f-8234-3d485a83de2b/cs.1757619247009.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>SURGING BATFALSKÝ CHALLENGES THREE-YEAR UNDEFEATED PALOKAJ</h2>The main event promises a real storm. Local hero Gjoni Palokaj hasn’t lost in 1,065 days and is riding a six-fight winning streak, four of those victories under OKTAGON. He also holds two German promotion titles. He is the only fighter to have defeated Islam Dulatov and has never been finished by KO/TKO. Facing him will be Czech super talent Jakub Batfalský, who is on a five-fight winning streak and proving he belongs among Europe’s new elite. At just 23 years old, he will become the second youngest fighter in OKTAGON history to ever headline a card. Jakub is also successful outside the cage – he finished second in the Man of the Year 2025 competition, winning the hearts of MMA fans and beyond. But now he must prove he belongs among the featherweight elite.<h2>NEW FACES IN OKTAGON: CHAMPIONS, SEASONED VETERANS, AND YOUNG PROSPECTS</h2>The Hannover premiere will also bring five new names into the cage – and none of them are MMA rookies!Brazilian veteran Luis Barbosa enters the heavyweight division. He has faced legends like Francis Ngannou and Phil De Fries, even fighting the latter for the KSW title. Barbosa owns 16 wins, including 9 submissions, and is currently riding a four-fight win streak. That means a massive test for OKTAGON heavyweight #1 Lazar Todev.Another debutant is undefeated German promotion champion Emilio Quissua (6–0). A hard striker nicknamed “Rixa,” he wants to prove he belongs among the new light heavyweight stars. His opponent: dangerous Polish “Spider” Mateusz Strzelczyk.From the local scene, fans will see 25-year-old “German Tarzan” Hugo Vach, who will face another debutant, Afghan-rooted Abdullah Sultan. Vach already has 5 professional wins, 3 of them finishes, and will look to shine at home in Hannover.The last debutant is Jixie Molapo from Prague’s Hanuman Gym. The young prospect with a 7–2 amateur record is getting a second chance among professionals and will be hungry to prove he belongs in OKTAGON.<h2>CAREER-DEFINING CHALLENGES: WHO WILL FACE THE TOUGHEST OPPONENTS OF THEIR CAREERS?</h2>Not only Batfalský, but others will face the biggest tests of their careers.German fighter of Kurdish descent Mohammed Walid takes on returning UFC veteran David Dvořák. Walid impressed in his OKTAGON debut when he defeated Aaron Aby, and now he senses a chance to become a flyweight title challenger. But in front of him stands the experienced Dvořák, who wants to prove that after his UFC run, he still has what it takes to rule the division.Similarly, Emilio Quissua will face a big test – not only the pressure of fighting in front of a home crowd, but also the tricky grappling of Mateusz Strzelczyk. OKTAGON 75 will deliver fights that will reveal who is ready to take their career to the next level.<h2>CLASH OF VETERANS: THESE FIGHTERS ARE FAR FROM DONE</h2>The Hannover card also offers a big dose of experience.Luis Barbosa, Khalid Taha, and David Dvořák have all fought in the UFC, each with long careers and the hunger to prove they still belong at the top. Barbosa boasts duels with some of the biggest names in heavyweight MMA, Taha once ranked #79 in the world bantamweight rankings and also fought in Rizin, while Dvořák went nearly 10 years unbeaten with a 16-fight win streak before heading overseas. Now he returns to OKTAGON with one clear goal – to capture the title.Edgar Jimenez, 36, fought four title fights in his last five bouts, becoming a champion in a Mexican promotion and becoming the first fighter from Costa Rica to appear in OKTAGON. Brazilian Wanderley Junior, a multi-organization champion, meanwhile delivered one of the fastest knockouts in history – ending his opponent in just 19 seconds.Together, these fighters promise fans in Hannover will not be bored for a second.That’s why fans should not miss the chance to watch this entire gala live. Take advantage of the special PPV bundle for OKTAGON 75 and 76 and enjoy two action-packed weekends in a row – with the return of David Dvořák, the Batfalský vs. Palokaj clash, and the Frankfurt show headlined by home star Vosgröne. Secure your access now – and be there when European MMA history is written!<okteventcomponent eventid="114"></okteventcomponent>

OKTAGON 75 heads to Hannover, Germany, for the very first time, and fans have plenty to look forward to! This Saturday, September 13, the sold-out Zag Arena will host its premiere, bringing clashes of undefeated talents, the return of David Dvořák.

OKTAGON 75 IN NUMBERS: DISCOVER THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE HANNOVER CARD AND DON’T MISS A THING

This Saturday at OKTAGON 75 in Hannover, a bout will take place that could reshape the flyweight division. Mohammed Walid (#3 in the rankings, record 8–4) faces returning UFC veteran David “Undertaker” Dvořák (21–6). Both are in their prime years, but they approach the sport in completely different ways: one is a relentless contender determined to conquer the division, the other a composed strategist aiming to reclaim his path to gold.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/3390263b-6605-4dd6-b6e9-045ceb3d61b4/cs.1757518551939.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/10c13906-0499-4c4c-8126-f75645ec07b9/cs.1757518555173.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>MOHAMMED WALID: “NOBODY WILL STOP ME”</h2>Walid brims with confidence: “I’m better than David in every area. I’m sharper and I have more weapons I can use inside the cage. This is the most important fight of my career – this victory will bring me the belt, and I’m willing to give everything for it.”The 30-year-old entered Hannover in great form: in his last fight, he scored an impressive win over Aaron Aby, clearly underlining his title ambitions. “My message to the whole division: I’m here to take over and claim what belongs to me. Nobody will stop me. Together with my fans, we will achieve victory and show Kurdish and German power.”<h2>DAVID DVOŘÁK: “I WANT TO BE THE HERO WHO TAMES THE PACK”</h2>For Dvořák, this fight marks his return to OKTAGON after more than six years – following an intense spell in the UFC where he faced world-class opposition.“It was a beautiful chapter of my career, but now it’s time to move forward. Walid is dangerous, but for me it’s just another step on my journey. I’ll be prepared for everything.”The 33-year-old fighter brings the experience of 27 professional bouts, including 21 victories. But his motivation goes far beyond sporting success:“Among all the bad boys, wolves, and warriors, I want to be the hero who tames the pack. For me, the belt isn’t just about sporting achievement – it’s also about the chance to represent values and inspire young people, entrepreneurs, and society as a whole.”<h2>SHOWDOWN IN HANNOVER</h2> On September 13th, two very different personalities will collide in the cage:<ul><li>Walid, who confirmed his title credentials with a recent victory over Aaron Aby and now wants to prove his unstoppable determination.</li><li>Dvořák, who seeks to crown his comeback with experience, composure, and tactical maturity.</li></ul>Whether it ends with a spectacular finish or a full 15-minute battle – this fight will shape the future of the flyweight division. OKTAGON 75 in Hannover will be the place where determination meets strategy. Don’t miss your chance to watch the entire event. Right now, you can still grab a special PPV bundle for OKTAGON 75 and 76 and make sure you don’t miss a moment!<okteventcomponent eventid="114"></okteventcomponent>

This Saturday at OKTAGON 75 in Hannover, a bout will take place that could reshape the flyweight division. Mohammed Walid faces returning UFC veteran David “Undertaker” Dvořák.

WALID vs. DVOŘÁK: CLASH OF STYLES IN THE FLYWEIGHT DIVISION

The featherweight division is without a ruler after Losene Keita’s departure – and in Hannover, the throne hunt begins. At OKTAGON 75, several hungry wolves will step forward, each sensing their chance to get closer to the title. Will it be experience, ruthless power, or youthful hunger that decides?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/08f07e74-ed25-47b5-a50f-4d3e4de6a080/cs.1757344919692.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/852a12a1-96cc-4743-b249-d4d23c609ff3/cs.1757344925583.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>BATFALSKÝ VS. PALOKAJ: A HEATED MAIN EVENT</h2>A matchup everyone’s been talking about for weeks. Czech super-prospect Jakub Batfalský (23), riding a five-fight win streak and closing in on the Top 10, faces Germany’s Albanian-rooted warrior Gjoni Palokaj (#8), who’s on a six-fight streak – with four of those wins inside the OKTAGON cage. Sparks are already flying between them, with trash talk heating up across social media. The winner could be just one step away from a title shot. Batfalský holds the edge in reach and dynamism, while Palokaj brings a sharp jab and endless cardio. Who will keep their streak alive?<h2>THE BEAST FROM AUSTRIA VS. THE BRAZILIAN MACHINE</h2>Among the biggest contenders is Mochamed “The Beast” Machaev, currently ranked #2. With a record of 15–2 and experience across major European promotions, the Austrian predator has proven he belongs among the elite. But in Hannover, he meets the dangerous Wanderley “Mexicano” Junior, who shocked fans last time with a lightning KO in just 19 seconds against Dohnal. The Brazilian showman, decorated with multiple titles, steps in with one goal – to carve his path to OKTAGON gold.<h2>JIMENEZ VS. TAHA: SEASONED VETERANS SMELL THEIR CHANCE</h2>Another marquee fight will see Edgar Jimenez (#7) collide with UFC veteran Khalid Taha (#10). Both know that in a division without a champion, one big win could open the door wide to a title shot. Jimenez is a four-time champion in Mexican promotions, while Taha brings UFC experience and will enjoy the boost of a home crowd in Hannover. Another clash that could shuffle the deck at featherweight.<h2>IMPORTANT FIGHT OUTSIDE TOP 10</h2>As if that weren’t enough, the spotlight also falls on Nikolaos Serbezis and Amir Bayat. Neither is ranked in the featherweight Top 15 yet – but that could change quickly. Serbezis, already 1-1 in OKTAGON, has solid experience in German promotions. His opponent, Afghan newcomer Amir Bayat, is a finisher through and through: four first-round stoppages, three by submission. His résumé includes a win over Palokaj back in 2018 – though Palokaj got his revenge five years later.<h2>THE THRONE IS EMPTY. WHO WILL TAKE IT?</h2>In Hannover, four crucial featherweight battles will unfold, each with the power to decide who moves closer to the vacant throne. Keita is gone, but his legacy has sparked one of the most dangerous title hunts in OKTAGON history. Fans can expect fireworks – because when the title’s at stake, no fighter takes a step back.How will the featherweight title race play out? We may already know the first title challengers on September 13th in Hannover. The sold-out Zag Arena will roar for the hometown favorites – and every outsider will have to fight for survival. Don’t miss this action-packed night. Get your 2-for-1 PPV bundle for OKTAGON 75 &amp; 76 now and make sure you don’t miss a moment!<okteventcomponent eventid="114"></okteventcomponent>

The featherweight division is without a ruler after Losene Keita’s departure – and in Hannover, the throne hunt begins. At OKTAGON 75, several hungry wolves will step forward, each sensing their chance to get closer to the title.

THE GAME OF THRONES IN FEATHERWEIGHT: WHO WILL CLAIM THE VACANT BELT?

On September 20th, OKTAGON returns to Frankfurt’s Festhalle and alongside established stars, brings fresh blood into the black-and-yellow cage. And these aren’t just average fighters – Frankfurt will witness seasoned warriors, undefeated prospects, and heavy hitters all hungry to shine on Europe’s biggest stage. Let’s take a closer look at all the debutants of OKTAGON 76.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/790e4ce8-e746-438b-bdcb-aea54ac71644/cs.1757088318067.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/3e0dc6b9-14cc-41f8-b4da-e83fd653277f/cs.1757088324563.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>DANIEL WEICHEL: A GERMAN MMA LEGEND RETURNS HOME</h2>A legend comes back. After two years away, Daniel “Drake” Weichel – former M-1 champion, Bellator star, and German MMA icon – is putting the gloves back on. And it will be a spectacular comeback. For the very first time in his career, he’ll step inside the OKTAGON cage – and he’ll do it at home in Frankfurt! Fans can look forward to the return of a fighter with more than 50 professional bouts, 22 submission wins, and 6 knockouts. One of Europe’s most respected fighters is back and hungry.From the small town of Michelstadt, his path took him through Russia and America all the way to the elite. He spent ten years in Bellator, fighting 18 times against the world’s best. Now, for the first time, he’ll perform in front of a home crowd, determined to prove he’s not done yet. Weichel will face the extremely dangerous striker Tounkara – and Frankfurt will be on its feet.<h2>PAVEL BIERNAT: THE POLISH GIANT ENTERS OKTAGON</h2>Also arriving in Festhalle is Polish heavyweight Pavel Biernat. With 5 wins on his record – 4 of them finishes in the first round – Biernat doesn’t waste time. He throws bombs from the opening bell, so fans can expect fireworks. Standing across from him will be current #3 heavyweight, the towering 2-meter-tall Patrick Vespaziani, who himself never leaves a fight to the judges.<h2>RAUL LEMBERANSKIJ: YOUNG BLOOD STRAIGHT OUT OF FRANKFURT</h2>Frankfurt will have another hometown representative. 23-year-old Raul Lemberanskij, originally from Azerbaijan, holds a perfect 7–0 record. His style combines judo, sambo, and sharp boxing – as he showed in his last fight, finishing his opponent by TKO in the first round. At MMA Spirit gym, he’s known as a relentless worker who doesn’t just want to survive – he wants to dominate. Fighting in front of a home crowd at Festhalle is the perfect chance to prove he’s the future of the German scene.<h2>GEORG BILOGREVIC: CROATIAN SPECIALIST IN QUICK FINISHES</h2>From Croatia comes a tough brawler, Georg Bilogrević – a man who never shies away from a challenge. With a record of 7–3, he has finished five fights inside the distance, four of them in the very first round. In his last outing, it took him just 27 seconds to score a highlight-reel head kick knockout. Bilogrević is the type of fighter who never hesitates, thrives in wild exchanges, and relies on Balkan toughness. He enters OKTAGON as a hungry warrior eager to make a statement in his debut.<h2>NESARAHMAD NADRI: THE LION WHO HAS NEVER BEEN STOPPED</h2>Still undefeated. That’s the status of German fighter Nesarahmad Nadri, nicknamed “Löwe” – “The Lion.” And the name fits. Four fights, four submission wins. On the ground, he’s relentless, smothering opponents until they break. Born in Kabul but building his career in Germany, Nadri wants to prove that even among Europe’s elite, his perfect record will remain untouched.OKTAGON 76 in Frankfurt will deliver a storm of debuts. Hometown heroes, a Balkan warrior, and a Polish giant – each has something to prove, and each wants to leave a mark. Get your discounted PPV bundle for OKTAGON 75 and 76 now and watch how these new faces perform under the bright lights in Frankfurt!<okteventcomponent eventid="112"></okteventcomponent>

On September 20th, OKTAGON returns to Frankfurt’s Festhalle and alongside established stars, brings fresh blood into the black-and-yellow cage.

NEW FACES IN THE CAGE: WHO WILL MAKE THEIR DEBUT AT OKTAGON 76 IN FRANKFURT?

Frankfurt is about to welcome its hero. Patrick “Il Gladiatore” Vespaziani, ranked #3 in OKTAGON’s heavyweight division, will step back into the cage on September 20th in front of his home crowd. And if there’s one thing he’s known for, it’s not letting his opponents hang around for long. Four professional fights – four wins, all finished inside the distance. Last time out, he did it in unbelievable fashion, demolishing Zeljkovic in just 41 seconds. Can he do the same against the tough Pole, Biernat?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/9b465de1-1c05-4ceb-8309-f80a3d290340/cs.1756912243115.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/bf24c201-2f2a-4bf9-8b91-903a496ae1ea/cs.1756912247176.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>FROM CHILDREN’S HOME TO PARATROOPER ELITE</h2>Patrick’s story isn’t just about battles inside the cage. Between the ages of 15 and 19, he grew up in a children’s home, where he learned to stand up for himself. Later, he spent eight long years in the army as a paratrooper. From that period, he took away not only discipline and resilience, but also some harsh experiences – like when his parachute failed during his very first jump. He survived every challenge, and that strength still fuels him today. His military years are also symbolized by the striking tattoos across his back.<h2>A LATE START, A RAPID RISE</h2>Patrick came to MMA relatively late – making his pro debut at the age of 30. But what others take years to achieve, Patrick managed in just two, thanks to relentless work at MMA Spirit gym. He also had a background in striking – with 14 Muay Thai bouts under his belt, winning 11. The transition to MMA was a challenge, but his results show it was the right move. And at nearly two meters tall, with a chiseled physique, he looks like a true giant even by heavyweight standards.<h2>FRANKFURT SHOWDOWN AND THE ROAD TO GOLD</h2>“Il Gladiatore” currently holds the #3 spot in OKTAGON’s heavyweight rankings. One more win could catapult him into title contention. With champion Will Fleury preparing for a clash against returning Martin Buday, Patrick has only one thing in mind – to dismantle Biernat in ruthless fashion and prove to everyone that there’s a new contender in the heavyweight division who won’t be denied.On September 20th, Frankfurt’s Festhalle will shake to its core. Fans will witness not only the return of hometown legend Daniel Weichel and the star Frederic Vosgröne, but also Patrick Vespaziani, who will be determined to show in front of his people that he belongs at the very top of the heavyweight division. Grab your discounted PPV bundle for OKTAGON 75 and 76 now and don’t miss two action-packed nights full of emotions!<okteventcomponent eventid="112"></okteventcomponent>

Frankfurt is about to welcome its hero. Patrick “Il Gladiatore” Vespaziani, ranked #3 in OKTAGON’s heavyweight division, will step back into the cage on September 20th in front of his home crowd. 

PATRICK VESPAZIANI: THE GERMAN PARATROOPER WHO BECAME A HEAVYWEIGHT NIGHTMARE

OKTAGON 75 will deliver a fight card stacked from start to finish. Making his debut will be undefeated German promotion champion Emilio Quissua, alongside former Polish national judo team member Dawid Jarowienko. Fans can also look forward to a clash between Germany’s “Tarzan” Hugo Vach and another Irish prospect, Jack Maguire.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/22fb8b7c-0811-4521-92be-ce113420ad8a/cs.1756730327998.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/f83c1f23-5245-4792-be57-a9ea7af973d8/cs.1756730333040.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>UNDEFEATED CHAMPION VS. THE POLISH SPIDER</h2>Emilio “Rixa” Quissua arrives in OKTAGON with one goal – to conquer the light heavyweight division. In his six professional fights, he has yet to be beaten. Three of those wins came by TKO, and his striking has earned him both fans’ admiration and opponents’ respect. He became UAE Warriors champion in just his fourth pro fight, defeating Kevin Oumar in the first round via ground and pound. Quissua trains alongside names such as Krzysztof Jotko, Alina Dalaslan, and Arijan Topallaj at the renowned Planet Eater gym, and has also spent time at the famous American Top Team.His opponent will be short-notice specialist Mateusz Strzelczyk, known as the “Polish Spider.” While his strength lies in grappling, fans have seen him stand and trade in fierce striking exchanges as well. Whatever strategy he brings, Emilio faces a tough test for his OKTAGON debut.<h2>IRISH TALENT CHALLENGES THE GERMAN TARZAN</h2>In the free prelims, local fighter and new OKTAGON signing Hugo “The German Tarzan” Vach will make his debut. The 25-year-old Hannover prospect enters with a 5–1 record, finishing three fights before the limit. He’s a dynamic, all-around fighter who always gives 100%. Standing across from him will be Irishman Jack Maguire, another of the promotion’s brightest young hopes. Maguire made his OKTAGON debut by submitting fan-favorite Radek Roušal in the second round, leaving a big impression on Czech fans. Now he faces Vach on German soil. Can Jack handle the pressure of the home crowd and claim another big scalp, or will the German “Tarzan” celebrate a winning debut?<h2>WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE: STRIKING ACE VS. ELITE JUDOKA</h2>This is a matchup we’ve never seen before. On one side, a decorated striker who made it all the way to GLORY, and on the other, a judoka who spent nine years on the Polish national team.Arian “GAME OVER” Sadiković is considered one of the country’s best strikers. With a kickboxing record of 38–5, he’s had just one MMA bout so far – but he ended it in just over a minute of the first round. Training out of Fightschool Hannover, he’s now looking to carve his path in MMA, and OKTAGON is the perfect stage.Facing him is the “Polish Tank” Dawid Jarowienko. A nine-year member of Poland’s national judo team, Jarowienko switched to MMA in 2019. After building his skills as an amateur, he turned pro and has earned two stoppage wins in the last year – both in the second round. With fighting in his blood, he always comes to put on a show. Can he impose his grappling on an elite striker?The Zag Arena will witness an unforgettable night on September 13th, as Hannover hosts its first ever OKTAGON event. OKTAGON 75 promises world-class fights: the return of David Dvořák, German legend Khalid Taha, Batfalský vs. Palokaj, and many more exciting matchups. Right now you can grab a special two-event PPV bundle at a discounted price. Don’t miss your chance – be part of it!<okteventcomponent eventid="114"></okteventcomponent>

OKTAGON 75 will deliver a fight card stacked from start to finish. Making his debut will be undefeated German promotion champion Emilio Quissua, alongside former Polish national judo team member Dawid Jarowienko.

STACKED PRELIMS IN HANNOVER: UNDEFEATED GERMAN CHAMPION, IRISH PROSPECT & POLISH JUDO SPECIALIST

After more than four years, Czech fighter David “Undertaker” Dvořák will once again step into the OKTAGON cage. Back in 2019, he made his debut under the yellow-and-black lights before moving to the UFC, where he tested himself against the very best in the world. Now he’s back – and his comeback couldn’t be bigger. On September 13th at OKTAGON 75 in Hannover, he faces dangerous flyweight contender Mohammed Walid, currently ranked #3 in the division.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/2fcf80bc-7452-4e8c-9a1e-43c7107a16cb/cs.1756459790671.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/526e131d-2811-4b10-bf32-e5eb558edf0e/cs.1756459795490.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent>We sat down with David to talk about his return to OKTAGON, his journey as an athlete, and what fans can expect from his comeback fight.David, after more than four years, you’re returning to OKTAGON. How do you feel about stepping back into the yellow-and-black cage?My feelings are very positive. I’m really looking forward to coming back home. In the last six years I’ve traveled half the world, whether for fights or even for vacations. To be honest, I was starting to get a little tired of all that traveling, so I’m happy I’ll be back home and able to perform in front of Czech fans again.Your comeback announcement sparked a lot of media attention. How have you felt the reactions so far?I’ve been getting a lot of positive feedback. Many fans have shown me support and were excited that I’m coming back to Czechia and OKTAGON. I’m really grateful, because I know Czech fans will push me hard at the shows here. Some are even traveling with me to Germany now, and I believe they’ll support me there as well.Your only fight in OKTAGON so far was back in 2019 – also at Štvanice, the same place your comeback was announced. Do you remember the atmosphere and what that fight meant to you?That was a big fight for me. At the time I was dealing with issues at my previous promotion and I was excited to join a big organization. Even then, OKTAGON was already huge – not as big as today, but the atmosphere at Štvanice was amazing. It’s my favorite stadium of all, whether as a fighter or spectator. Being announced there again felt very symbolic for me. I really believe I’ll step into the cage there again next year.You gained valuable experience in the UFC, facing some tough opponents. What did you take away the most from your time there?It was an enormous experience, and I’m thankful for every moment – good or bad. I had very tough fights and tough negotiations about contracts and matchups. Some of my opponents are now ranked in the UFC’s Top 5 or Top 7, and one even fought for the title. It was a beautiful chapter of my sporting life that I’ll always remember fondly, but now it’s time to move forward.On September 13th, you’ll face dangerous Mohammed Walid, currently ranked #3. What do you see as his biggest threats?I’m really looking forward to it. Walid is a well-rounded fighter – he can finish on the ground, and he’s dangerous on the feet. But I’m not overthinking it; it’s just the next step on my journey. I’ve faced plenty of great fighters, and I’ll prepare for him as if he were the best in the world. I’ll be ready for everything. My only goal is to beat him and keep moving toward the title.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DNJM6gFs9oW/"></oktinstagramcomponent>Your goal is clear – the OKTAGON flyweight title. How much does this motivate you during training?Of course, the title is the main sporting goal, but for me it means much more. It’s a tool that can bring media attention, which I want to use to show people something we don’t see often. I travel the country giving talks, running charity projects, coaching young people and even entrepreneurs. I want to show how an athlete should behave and what values he should represent. Among all the “bad boys,” “wolves,” and “warriors,” I want to be the hero who tames the pack.A win in Hannover would put you very close to a title shot against Zhalgas Zhumagulov. What would be your advantage in that matchup?Zhumagulov is a huge motivation for me. I actually once asked the UFC for that fight, but it never happened. We even fought the same opponent – Manel Kape. He has strong guillotines, but when his game plan doesn’t work, I think he mentally cracks. If you break his rhythm, he makes mistakes. That fight wouldn’t be about power, but about the mind. It would be like chess – and I believe I could get inside his head and break him down piece by piece.How is your preparation for Hannover going, especially while also taking care of a newborn?It’s tougher with a baby, of course. I’m the type who wants to help my wife with everything, not just disappear to a camp. But I love being a dad – it fulfills me – and I can balance it with training. Right now I’m moving around the country a lot: Prague, Brno, Hradec. It’s a bit of a nomadic life until things settle. And I also bring my dog everywhere, who needs a lot of attention too. But nothing is stopping me – I train two to three times a day and give it everything.You have 16 finishes from 21 wins. Should fans expect another finish in Hannover, or more of a tactical fight?It always depends on the first minute. Sometimes you think you’ll start slow and read the opponent, but then it explodes right away. I’m a tactician and can adapt, but I want to dictate this fight from the start. Whether it lasts 15 minutes or one, I don’t care. Of course I’d love to show fans a spectacular finish, but the main thing is to win and put on a great fight.How do you see OKTAGON’s growth since you left for the UFC? Did the organization surprise you?Honestly, I’m not surprised. Ondřej Novotný has always been very driven and knew exactly where he wanted to take it. Just like we athletes set our goals, he did the same – and it worked. OKTAGON is moving in the right direction, and I’m glad we have such a big promotion in our small country. The level keeps rising, and you can see that with the Tipsport Gamechanger bringing in top fighters.What does it mean for you to fight in Germany, in such a big event like OKTAGON 75, in front of thousands of fans seeing you live for the first time?It’ll be an interesting experience. Honestly, I’m used to not having the crowd on my side – I fought a Brazilian in Brazil, an American in the U.S. So it doesn’t bother me. I’ve never fought in Germany before, and I’m excited to show myself to German fans and maybe share my story through OKTAGON. It’s a huge market, and becoming a star there would be a big honor.Fans know you as a humble fighter involved in charity and education. Who was your role model growing up?That’s hard to say. Chess influenced me a lot – I played competitively from age 6 to 17, always around adults. From age 10 I was surrounded by people in their 30s, 40s, 50s, even 60s. Many were intellectuals and very smart, which inspired me. I started reading more, educating myself, and growing as a person. Through that environment I developed the desire to work on charity projects, teach kids and adults, and choose a path that became my life’s purpose. Everyone has goals – some want houses, cars, money. For me, it’s about helping others and contributing to society.Finally – what message do you have for OKTAGON fans who will see you in action again on September 13th in Hannover?I hope you enjoy my fight. I’d love your support, and maybe check out my Instagram where I share a lot of educational content about food, recovery, MMA techniques, and more. I believe this next fight will move me closer to the title, so let’s enjoy this journey together. Thank you so much!David Dvořák is a unique fighter, and we are thrilled to have him back in OKTAGON. On September 13th, he’ll step into the cage for his second fight with the promotion after six years. Don’t miss it – grab your discounted PPV bundle now and catch both OKTAGON 75 &amp; 76!<okteventcomponent eventid="114"></okteventcomponent>