Denis Frimpong is the kind of fighter you either love or hate. Confident, cocky, provocative. Inside the cage? Ruthless. Outside of it? A total showman! What can we expect from his return to the OKTAGON cage?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/7fbefb10-059f-45fc-bd9d-2e1716fbb28a/cs.1741013788302.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/81a5ef99-3668-4d79-9fab-82d621148c09/cs.1741013794598.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>A TOUGH BEGINNING</h2>Frimpong grew up in a small Irish town, a quiet place steeped in Catholic traditions. As you might imagine, it wasn’t the easiest environment for a child of an African father and a Yugoslavian mother. Being mixed-race, he never fully fit into any community and struggled for years with a sense of not belonging.His strict father, who taught him to always be tough and stand his ground, likely played a role in his eventual passion for MMA. Young Denis was a wild troublemaker and a natural-born fighter, but he also had an exceptional talent for athletics, which earned him a university scholarship. However, his athletic career never took off, and after a turbulent adolescence filled with wild parties and reckless behavior, he finally found himself on the mats of a jiu-jitsu gym. That was the moment he fell in love with combat sports.<h2>A STANDOUT STAR IN OKTAGON CHALLENGE</h2>Frimpong took his first steps into professional MMA by joining the UK vs. Ireland edition of OKTAGON Challenge. There, he trained under Paddy Holohan and alongside his close friend Shem Rock (no surprise that these two hit it off).He turned heads not just with his larger-than-life personality in the house but also with his outstanding performances inside the cage. His head kick KO against his biggest rival Gelezi was labeled by Ondřej Novotný as one of the best he had ever seen. His semifinal bout was another highlight—a hard-fought decision win over Gavin in a thrilling battle.But then came the final and a harsh reality check—Frimpong, who had been on fire, was shut down by the unassuming finalist Staines. In a classic case of humility overcoming arrogance, Frimpong’s haters had a field day.<h2>GOING PRO</h2>Despite his loss, Frimpong instantly became an even bigger star than the actual series winner. And it wasn’t by chance—he had something to say about everything and everyone. His rise only accelerated with his first professional victories over Široký and Mullen, making it clear that this train wasn’t stopping anytime soon.Here’s something not many people know: besides MMA, Frimpong is also a huge fan of anime, juggling, and fire performances (he doesn’t just spit fire on social media…).<h2>A REFORMED WILD CHILD?</h2>For a moment, it seemed like Frimpong’s wildest days were behind him. The birth of his son and his focused return to the yellow-and-black cage suggested a new, calmer era. But true to form, the fiery Irishman hasn’t let up—he’s back to stirring the pot with his trash talk and bold callouts. Most recently, he even took shots at the famous Paddy Pimblett.But now, he faces a serious test. In Stuttgart, he takes on OKTAGON’s newest addition, Robin Frank, a German champion who won his last fight in just 15 seconds! Will we see Frimpong pushed to his limits?LOVE HIM OR HATE HIM? No matter which side you're on, one thing is certain—you don't want to miss Frimpong’s next fight. OKTAGON 68 is bringing Europe’s best MMA show on March 8th!<okteventcomponent eventid="105"></okteventcomponent>

Take a look back at the journey of the Irish fighter who leaves no one indifferent.

CRAZY TRASH TALK & SPECTACULAR FIGHTS: THE SHOWMAN FRIMPONG NEVER FAILS TO ENTERTAIN!

The black-and-yellow colossus is heading to the German capital for the very first time, and the Uber Arena will host not one but two title fights on June 20th. But Berlin isn't just about championship belts. The entire card is packed with gripping stories and staggering numbers. Dive into the best fun facts hiding inside the first-ever OKTAGON event in Berlin.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/feaa0fb9-4ada-4be1-9ede-191e27c0602a/cs.1781702239832.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/6dee0b81-b572-4638-8b3f-71d81fc10967/cs.1781702244830.png" link="" croppedcorners="false" cropcornertr="true" cropcornerbl="true" enablecornersmobile="false" smallercorners="false"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>SIX YEARS UNBEATEN AND THE SMALLEST HEAVYWEIGHT</h2>Will Fleury steps into the cage on June 20th — exactly six years to the day since he last tasted defeat. Back on June 20th, 2020, Maciej Rozanski put him away with a submission. Since then, the double champion has gone ten fights without a single loss and is looking to mark that anniversary in the best way possible: defending the heavyweight throne. The Irish king has also held the P4P number one spot for 308 days, the second-longest reign in OKTAGON history behind only Patrik Kincl, and he remains the only heavyweight champion to ever successfully defend his belt.Standing in his way is hometown hero Kasim Aras, a man who breaks every rule about what a heavyweight should look like. At just 178 centimetres, he is the shortest fighter on the entire divisional rankings. He makes up for it with devastating power — he knocked out Adam Pałasz with a single punch. A product of KKS Sparta Aachen, Aras also brings experience from American Bellator MMA and holds titles from Elite MMA Championship and Fair Fighting Championship.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DZr8Hn1jPeK/?hl=cs&amp;img_index=1"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>EARTHQUAKE IN THE LIGHTWEIGHT DIVISION</h2>You could say Gökhan Aksu barely knows what a judges' scorecard looks like. The fighter nicknamed "Abinator" has never once won a professional fight on points. All fourteen of his victories ended before the final bell, eleven of them by KO or TKO. Inside the OKTAGON cage, he has delivered all three of his wins in the very first round. The lightweight challenger rides a six-fight winning streak into his title shot. Berlin also brings a reunion of old rivals — on the same card, Aksu will cross paths with two men he has already shared the cage with. The first is Irish showman Denis Frimpong, whom he silenced with hard hooks. The second is local favourite Ahmad Halimson, whom the Turkish finisher faced back in 2023 in Innsbruck, Austria.Standing between him and the belt is a man who has already rewritten the record books. Mateusz Legierski became the very first lightweight champion in OKTAGON history back in February 2020, effectively founding the entire division. He eventually won the title back by dismantling Attila Korkmaz at OKTAGON 80, taking four of the five rounds. He was originally set to defend in front of a home crowd in Szczecin, but a broken thumb forced him out at the last minute. Among all active foreign fighters in the organisation, no one has collected more wins than he has. In Berlin, he will defend his belt for the very first time.<h2>THE RETURN OF "MONEY"</h2>After sixteen long months away, one of the Czech scene's biggest names is stepping back into the cage. Matěj "Money" Peňáz boasts an unrivalled wingspan of 211 centimetres and has gone undefeated through all ten of his OKTAGON appearances. Nine of those ten wins came before the final bell, seven of them in the first round alone. One of those lightning-fast finishes came in just 29 seconds when he put Ole Magnor to sleep at OKTAGON 50. His opponent, Alan Silva, arrives in Berlin with almost no recovery time. The seasoned Brazilian last competed on May 30th, meaning he will step into the Uber Arena just three weeks after his previous fight — his fifth bout in the last six months.<h2>FINISHING MACHINES</h2>The judges may have an equally quiet evening in the heavyweight clash between Timo Feucht and Elvis Grohmann. German tank Feucht has finished all eight of his professional wins before the final bell. His opponent Grohmann has won three fights as a professional and sent every single opponent to the canvas by clean first-round KO. This collision of two giants looks like a brawl that may not survive the first round."The Albanian Eagle" Arijan Topallaj has similarly built his reputation on quick finishes, closing out seven of his nine victories in the opening frame. He holds the fastest KO among all active OKTAGON lightweights, putting Karol Ryšavý away in just 36 seconds. Standing across from him is Brno talent Jan Stanovský. He has quietly overtaken his fellow Brno teammates in the divisional rankings. He fights under the nickname "Dzevelekis," taken from his grandfather, and rides a two-fight finishing streak. His last win in Szczecin — taken on short notice — was particularly sweet: it was his first victory as a father.<h2>CLASH OF STYLES AND A NEW CHAPTER</h2>Niko Samsonidse brings one of the most powerful stories on the entire card back to the city that raised him. Outside the cage, a quiet social worker and passionate skater; under the arena lights, a predator with a 92% finishing rate. His career has been derailed by a horrific shin fracture, a broken jaw, and two failed attempts at the featherweight title — but the Berlin-born grappler is turning the page. He now sets his sights on the lightweight division to prove his full potential.In his way stands Irish showman and current sixth-ranked lightweight Denis Frimpong. He became the first fighter in history to stop Arijan Topallaj by TKO — yet has never once won a professional fight by submission. Still hungry after his recent loss to Gökhan Aksu, the winner of this battle will move firmly into the top five of the lightweight rankings and take a major step towards a title shot.<h2>YOU PROBABLY DIDN'T KNOW THIS</h2><ul><li>Alina Dalaslan, the unbeaten "Princess of German MMA," walked away from a prestigious position at a German car manufacturer to pursue her fighting dream. At her very first OKTAGON event, she worked as a member of the Security team. Today she holds the fastest kick output of any active OKTAGON fighter — landing a strike every 12 seconds on average — and is the only female fighter in the organisation to win by spinning elbow KO.</li><li>Attila Korkmaz has competed in 27 professional fights and has never once been stopped by KO or TKO. Outside the cage, he pays the bills working as an IT specialist.</li><li>Niklas Stolze made history as the first OKTAGON fighter to work his way up to the UFC, where he even went toe-to-toe with the highly touted Benoit Saint Denis.</li><li>Davlet Karataev holds the fastest finish on the entire card. He put one of his opponents away with a body kick in an unbelievable 7 seconds.</li><li>Ahmad Halimson got into martial arts because of his weight issues. Today he competes at lightweight, taking on debutant Joseph Donkor, who returns to the cage after a year and a half away.</li></ul>Berlin becomes the stage for a night that will go down in European MMA history on June 20th! OKTAGON 90 explodes at the Uber Arena with two title fights and a full evening of battles that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Secure your spot in the stands and be there live, or catch every second of the action via PPV on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://OKTAGON.TV">OKTAGON.TV</a>.<okteventcomponent eventid="124"></okteventcomponent>

The black-and-yellow colossus is heading to the German capital for the very first time, and the Uber Arena will host not one but two title fights on June 20th. But Berlin isn't just about championship belts. The entire card is packed with gripping stories and staggering numbers.

FUN FACTS FROM THE BERLIN CARD: THE SMALLEST HEAVYWEIGHT AND A FINISH IN 7 SECONDS

Two championship belts on the line and one night to decide who they belong to. The yellow-and-black juggernaut conquers Berlin for the first time ever, delivering a pair of massive title clashes. Double champion Will Fleury defends his heavyweight gold against local heavy hitter Kasim Aras. A few divisions lower, Polish champion Mateusz Legierski defends his lightweight title against the dangerous finisher Gökhan Aksu. On June 20, the Uber Arena turns into a battlefield where two rulers put their belts on the line on foreign ground. One faces a hungry local puncher, the other a lethal Turkish challenger. Who will keep the throne and who will fall?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/1a6c2acc-81a7-4cbe-b47b-b6e2d62c6b6b/cs.1781535865859.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/751f4cd9-ac00-47ed-9188-fab9cfb0ddcb/cs.1781535871648.png" link="" croppedcorners="false" cropcornertr="true" cropcornerbl="true" enablecornersmobile="false" smallercorners="false"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>WILL FLEURY: THE DOUBLE KING ON ENEMY SOIL&nbsp;</h2>On one side of the cage stands a man who has yet to taste defeat under the yellow-and-black flag. Will Fleury (16-3) is a double OKTAGON champion, holding both the heavyweight and light heavyweight belts. He is the pound-for-pound best fighter in the entire organization and currently ranks 51st in the global heavyweight rankings. This confident Irishman from the legendary SBG Ireland team has systematically conquered everyone who stood in his way. He snatched the light heavyweight gold from Karlos Vémola, and just two months later, claimed the vacant heavyweight throne in a five-round war with Lazar Todev. He became only the third double champion in the organization's history, joining the absolute elite alongside Ivan Buchinger and Losene Keita, with Lucia Szabová recently completing this exclusive group.Most recently, at the December OKTAGON 81 tournament in Prague, he dismantled UFC veteran Martin Buday in less than two minutes, successfully defending his belt for the first time. Now he heads to Berlin on enemy soil with a clear goal: to reaffirm his sheer dominance over the heavyweight division and give his opponent no room to breathe in front of the Berlin crowd.<oktyoutubecomponent url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PirKwCt003M"></oktyoutubecomponent><h2>KASIM ARAS: A LOCAL GLADIATOR FACING THE CHANCE OF A LIFETIME</h2>Standing in his way is the dangerous heavy hitter Kasim Aras (11-5). Although he is the clear underdog on paper, a single clean shot is all he needs to turn the whole script upside down. This warrior with Turkish roots calls Aachen, Germany, his home, training at KKS Sparta Aachen. He is no newcomer. Before stepping into OKTAGON, he collected belts in the Elite MMA Championship and Fair Fighting Championship.In OKTAGON, he remains undefeated. In his Hamburg debut, he fully showcased his devastating power by turning the lights out on Adam Pałasz with a single punch in the very first round. In Cologne, he secured a decision victory over Simon Biyong. It was after this win that he loudly called out Fleury, earning the biggest fight of his career. Now, even the slightest mistake could be fatal for the Irish champion. Aras only needs one clean shot to end his reign over the division in a split second. Aras has the roaring Berlin crowd behind him and the opportunity of a lifetime ahead. Fleury, on the other hand, carries the weight of two belts and the reputation of the most feared fighter in the entire organization. Can the Irish phenomenon keep his throne in front of the German audience, or will Berlin witness a massive upset?<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DYfXjhiM0j2/?hl=cs"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>MATEUSZ LEGIERSKI: THE POLISH DYNAMITE IS BACK IN ACTION</h2>He was the very first fighter in the organization's history to sit on the OKTAGON lightweight throne. Mateusz "Dynamite" Legierski (13-2) is one of the most technically advanced athletes on the entire Polish scene. His weapons are pace control and cold precision, which have earned him the scalps of names like Paradeiser, Ryšavý, Kohout, and Wanliss. However, his path to the top led through absolute hell. A severe back injury sidelined him for fourteen months, and doctors told him he would never return to the cage.But the Polish warrior showed his heart. Last November, at the OKTAGON 80 tournament in Munich, he made a spectacular comeback. He defeated Attila Korkmaz in a five-round battle and reclaimed the vacant lightweight throne for the second time in his career via unanimous decision. He was supposed to defend his belt against Aksu at the premiere Polish event in Szczecin, but the injury complicated his plans again, and a broken toe forced the duel to be rescheduled. Now, he must defend his belt far from Polish support, right in the heart of Berlin.<h2>GÖKHAN AKSU: A FINISHER WHO DOESN'T KNOW THE SECOND ROUND</h2>Standing opposite him is a man with a terrifying track record. Gökhan "Abinator" Aksu (14-6-1) has Turkish roots but fights out of the Hard Knocks team in Tyrol, Austria, and as a champion from the Austrian scene, he will likely have more support in Berlin than Legierski. Before heading to OKTAGON, he conquered the Austrian Fight Challenge and Innferno FC belts, but now he is attacking the most valuable one by far. He rides a six-fight win streak, having secured every career victory before the limit.His run in OKTAGON so far has been a display of destructive power, winning all his fights here in the first round. In his debut, he submitted Jan Malach, then shot down Ognjen Dimić, and last year in Munich, he knocked out Denis Frimpong, for which he earned the performance of the night bonus. Aksu is relying on silencing the champion as quickly as everyone before him. Legierski, on the other hand, thrives in the deep waters of long battles, where calm, cardio, and precision decide the outcome. Will the Polish technician weather the opening storm and drag his opponent into the waters he rules, or will the "Abinator" strike down the king in the very first minutes?<h2>TWO THRONES, ONE EARTHQUAKE</h2>The Uber Arena must prepare for an exceptional night. Two belts on the line, two champions defending their crowns far from home, and two challengers chasing the chance of a lifetime. Whether a single strike, a submission, or a battle to the final bell decides it, one thing is certain: after this night, the map of two divisions might be redrawn. Who of these four will leave Berlin as a winner and who will leave empty-handed?OKTAGON is conquering Berlin for the first time in history, bringing a night where two thrones will be decided at once! The OKTAGON 90 tournament strikes the Berlin Uber Arena on June 20, promising a thrilling spectacle. Tickets are disappearing fast, so don't hesitate, secure your seat and be there. Buy your tickets at the link below.<okteventcomponent eventid="124"></okteventcomponent>

Two championship belts on the line and one night to decide who they belong to. The yellow-and-black juggernaut conquers Berlin for the first time ever, delivering a pair of massive title clashes.

TITLE STORM IN BERLIN: FLEURY AND LEGIERSKI DEFEND THEIR THRONES

On June 20, Berlin will witness a comeback the entire MMA scene has been waiting for. After a year and a half away from the cage, one of the most dangerous middleweights in OKTAGON history storms into the Uber Arena. Matěj "Money" Peňáz returns to the spotlight where he feels at home, stepping back into the cage where his hand has been raised ten consecutive times. Standing in his way is the experienced Brazilian veteran Alan Silva, who has a single mission: to stop the unstoppable.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/c8ae8628-6d33-4e55-932c-30b9e5493808/cs.1781266959066.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/4f4acd90-6918-419d-953c-ef801525f811/cs.1781266963388.png" link="" croppedcorners="false" cropcornertr="true" cropcornerbl="true" enablecornersmobile="false" smallercorners="false"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>A STANDUP FIGHTER WHO FOUND A HOME IN THE CAGE</h2>Before becoming the terror of the middleweight division, Peňáz was one of the premier standup fighters of his generation. Introduced to combat sports by his father as a young boy, Matěj quickly climbed to the absolute top. The Czech native collected national, European, and world titles in kickboxing and Muay Thai, and became only the second Czech in history to sign with the prestigious Glory organization, securing three victories. The devastating strikes he now uses to drop opponents to the ground were sharpened over years at the elite level, and he has long been a key sparring partner for the stellar Jiří Procházka.The pandemic eventually blew him into the cage. When standup galas halted in 2020, he accepted an offer from the OKTAGON: Underground project and smoothly dominated the entire Czech pyramid. The standup world soon wasn't enough, and he transitioned into full-fledged MMA. Since that moment, he has remained undefeated under the OKTAGON banner.<h2>TEN FACE OFFS, TEN VICTORIES</h2>Peňáz's record speaks for itself. Ten fights in OKTAGON, ten wins, and zero defeats. Furthermore, he finished nine of them before the final bell, and seven opponents didn't even survive the first round. When Matěj enters the battle, the duel almost never reaches the judges' scorecards.It all started in late 2020 when he destroyed Patrik Jevický in the very first round of his OKTAGON 18 debut. And it didn't stop there. He ended his first four appearances in the organization in the opening frame every single time. Throughout 2021, he steamrolled Romain Debienne, Carlos Graca, and Mateusz Strzelczyk, crowning his streak at the end of the year in the main event of OKTAGON 30 by knocking out Cheick Kone.The only opponent to drag Peňáz to a decision was the Italian Giovanni Melillo in the spring of 2022. However, Matěj finished the very next clash on his own terms, dropping Joel dos Santos at the end of 2022. Then came his most famous moment: at OKTAGON 50 in December 2023, he needed just 29 seconds against Norway's Ole Magnor, which remains his fastest finish to date. He proved he can wage war on enemy territory in January 2024, dismantling former Cage Warriors champion Matthew Bonner in Newcastle, UK. Finally, in February of last year, he swept aside the experienced German David Zawada in the first round.<h2>THE RETURN EVERYONE WAITED FOR</h2>Why did such a prominent fighter disappear from sight for a year and a half? His journey was complicated by injuries and a recurring infection that derailed his preparations and scheduled bouts, while his future was also being negotiated behind the scenes. The hiatus cost him more than just time. Matěj was involved in the prestigious Tipsport Gamechanger tournament pyramid, where he could have fought for a massive scalp, but health troubles forced him out, and his name slowly vanished from the posters.But now, all of that is behind him, and Peňáz reports back hungrier than ever. "It came together quickly, but that doesn't matter at all. I haven't fought for a year and a half, so I'm incredibly excited," he sent a message ahead of his comeback.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DZacuODsmzy/"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>A BRAZILIAN VETERAN STANDS IN THE WAY</h2>Across from him in Berlin will stand Alan "Abacaxi" Silva (20-13-1). The Brazilian brawler with a record packed with finishes—fourteen KO victories and another three by submission—is stepping into OKTAGON for the first time, but he isn't coming to the European scene to back down. Just like Matěj, he relies on a heavy punch and isn't afraid of an open exchange, meaning two men hunting for a quick finish will meet in the cage.If Silva isn't careful, however, he might suffer the same fate as Peňáz's ten previous opponents. Will Matěj manage to pick up exactly where he left off after his long break, or will the Brazilian veteran put his winning streak on ice?For the first time in history, OKTAGON heads to Berlin, bringing an evening that will be etched into the memories of the fans. The OKTAGON 90 tournament erupts on June 20 at the Uber Arena, and Matěj Peňáz will be just one of the many stars you will see there. Tickets are disappearing fast, so don't hesitate, secure your spot, and be there. Click the link below to buy your tickets.<okteventcomponent eventid="124"></okteventcomponent>

On June 20, Berlin will witness a comeback the entire MMA scene has been waiting for. After a year and a half away from the cage, one of the most dangerous middleweights in OKTAGON history storms into the Uber Arena.

KNOCKOUT MACHINE RETURNS! PEŇÁZ FACES A BRAZILIAN VETERAN IN BERLIN

The undefeated double champion Lucia Szabova is preparing to defend her throne for the first time against the most famous Czech fighter, UFC veteran Lucie Pudilova. This fight was booked twice, and twice it fell apart. Now, the cage will finally lock behind them, and you cannot miss the moment the question hanging in the air for years is finally answered. On August 1, 2026, the legendary Stvanice will become the battleground for a duel that Czechoslovak MMA has been waiting for for years.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/f0e93e84-ef8e-4919-a7a9-7743a756acd3/cs.1781091816172.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/aa97c796-6703-4e1b-aa12-49da61b02753/cs.1781091828095.png" link="" croppedcorners="false" cropcornertr="true" cropcornerbl="true" enablecornersmobile="false" smallercorners="false"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>SIX YEARS OF CROSSED PATHS</h2>Their paths first crossed back in 2020. They both stood in the same women's OKTAGON Underground tournament. Pudilova entered as the biggest favorite, but unexpectedly fell in the opening round. Szabova, on the other hand, fought her way to the grand finale. In the end, both were brought to the ground by the exact same opponent—the then only eighteen-year-old Tereza Bleda. A direct clash between the two Lucies never happened. Fate placed them on the same trajectory, only to immediately pull them apart. It took six long years for their paths to cross again. And this time, there is nowhere to hide.It all sparked in September 2024 in Brno. After her second UFC stint, Pudilova returned home and convincingly handled a tough test against Cecilie Bolander at OKTAGON 61. Right after the fight, the first staredown with Szabova took place, and the title fight was scheduled for December. Back then, there were no real sparks between them. "I would go for the title, that’s what interests me. Lucka doesn’t really interest me. I’m cool with her, we have a good relationship," Pudilova stated at the time. Nobody had a clue that this cold calm would turn into an all-out war in just a few months.<h2>CANCELLED FIGHT IN THE O2 ARENA AND THE BIRTH OF BAD BLOOD</h2>The title fight was announced as the very first title matchup for the spectacular OKTAGON 65 card in Prague’s O2 arena, and from the first moment, it was labeled the female fight of the century—the biggest clash the domestic women's MMA scene had ever seen. The tension grew every single day. But just days before Christmas came a blow that no one expected.Szabova was taken down by the flu. "I am very sorry that I had to cancel the fight. Unfortunately, I caught the flu this week, with high fevers and chills. My body is exhausted, my head is splitting. I tried everything possible, antibiotics, IV vitamin C," the champion wrote on social media, attaching a photo of a thermometer showing 39.5 degrees Celsius.For Pudilova, it was even more cruel, as this entire period was one of the hardest of her life. Shortly before, she tragically lost her younger brother in a car accident. Despite everything, she still stepped into the cage, just against a different opponent. Instead of the dream matchup with Szabova, she faced replacement Cecilie Bolander, and in an evenly matched five-round war, Pudilova lost on points. And right there, the first seed of bad blood was planted, destined to fully sprout a few months later.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DZHi886sxwq/"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>WORDS THAT COULD NOT BE TAKEN BACK</h2>But fate was far from done with the two Lucies. In the spring of 2025 in Dortmund, Pudilova secured a victory over Brittney Cloudy and immediately called out Szabova at the press conference. The matchup was scheduled again, this time for the summer of 2025 and on an even bigger stage. It was supposed to be the female highlight of OKTAGON 72 in Prague’s Eden, the event where Karlos Vemola and Attila Vegh bid their farewells.And it was during the wait for this fight that a fire ignited which could no longer be put out. When Szabova posted a photo from her training camp alongside the star Manon Fiorot, Pudilova attacked: "I went into battle to fight Lucia Szabova after losing one of the few people in this world I truly loved, but she came down with a cold and is now making excuses by putting a picture of herself with a tiny cut on the internet. She doesn't look like she wants to fight."Szabova’s response didn't take long: "I think you are rightfully pissed off, offended that the fight was cancelled in December. But I have a rule: if I don't feel one hundred percent ready to perform and my health isn't okay enough to deliver the fight pace I am used to delivering, I do not fight. Now I am ready, and I will be very happy to fight you. Finally, it will be shown who the queen of OKTAGON is. I believe we will make it happen in Eden. Bye, have a nice day," the Slovak champion expressed.<h2>NOT EVEN EDEN GOT TO SEE THE BATTLE</h2>But the cage door didn’t close behind the Lucies in Eden either. The curse struck a second time, this time on the other side. Pudilova tore ligaments in her knee during preparation. "I have a torn ligament and a torn meniscus. The doctors say I am facing at least a four-month break. I won't be able to walk for three weeks. Fighting in this state would be madness," she admitted, devastated. A second downfall, a second disappointment. What followed was more than a year of rehabilitation, silence, and waiting—during which the two fighters turned into bitter, unforgiving rivals.<h2>THE HUNT FOR THE SECOND THRONE</h2>While Pudilova battled her health for a return to the cage, Szabova relentlessly built her legacy. In August 2025, she defeated Bolander at Stvanice and snatched the bantamweight title for herself. And shortly after, she announced a move that infuriated Pudilova. Instead of defending it, she decided to attack the flyweight belt.Pudilova reacted: "You rejected me in December, saying you wanted time off, and I respected that. And now you want to disappear into another weight class when our next fight is supposed to be together? After I beat up Lehner, I'm coming for you! And the only reason I have to fight Lehner is because you refused the fight with me." She didn't spare the organization's management either. "Why do you let her run to another weight class where there is no one, when she didn't defend her title in December even though she had a challenger? This is not right," she sent a message to the owners of the organization.She handled her return exactly according to plan. In January 2026, at the OKTAGON 83 tournament in Stuttgart, she defeated Katharina Lehner and immediately threw down the gauntlet again: "We can fight in bantamweight in Liberec," she sent a message to Szabova.<h2>A CHALLENGE THAT COULD NOT BE REFUSED</h2>Then came April 2026 and Liberec. Szabova defeated her Brazilian opponent Lediane Fernandes there, becoming the very first woman in the history of OKTAGON and only the second woman in the world to hold two titles in two divisions simultaneously. With the belt still over her shoulder, she called out one single name straight from the cage: "I think it is time for the person you all definitely want to see against me. It is Lucie Pudilova. I think this fight deserves the spotlight, and I will be happy if we can make it happen as soon as possible."Pudilova didn't hesitate for a second. She reacted with acknowledgment and provocation all at once: "Congratulations to Lucia Szabova on a very impressive victory. Can you defend your belt at Stvanice?" According to her own words, she even rooted for the Slovak champion and believed it was finally her turn. "I believe I will be her next opponent because she said it right there in the cage," she declared. And she was right. After years of delays, the fight is finally on.<h2>A STAREDOWN THAT SPOKE LOUDER THAN WORDS</h2>In Bratislava at the OKTAGON 89 tournament, they stood face to face. Pudilova didn't wait for anything. She leaned into the champion and shoved her away. Szabova didn't budge a single millimeter. "When you want to hide your nervousness, you do something like that. She seemed a bit nervous to me," the Slovak champion later said, adding a chilling promise: "I plan to finish her by KO, TKO, or submission. I will do everything to make this fight end early." Pudilova answered in her own way: "Everyone is writing me off for this fight, saying I have no business being in it at all. I want to prove to everyone how wrong they are."<h2>THE FINAL RECKONING AT STVANICE</h2>On paper, Szabova is the favorite, and the odds speak clearly. However, the champion herself does not underestimate her opponent and doesn't hide her respect. She points out that no one has ever finished Pudilova by KO or TKO, and warns of her boxing as well as her ability to slip into a sort of "zombie mode," where she just keeps moving forward, straight through the punches, making her extremely difficult to stop. Pudilova categorically rejects the role of the underdog: "I definitely don't see myself as an underdog. If anyone thinks I'm a massive underdog, let them wait and see what I show in the cage."It is a clash between a relentless finisher and a veteran whom no one has ever sent to the ground with strikes in her entire career. The young queen against the seasoned pioneer. Invincibility versus a level of experience matched by absolutely no one else in OKTAGON. Will the seasoned fighter become the first woman to find the recipe to defeat the undefeated double champion? Above it all hangs the question fans have been asking for years: is it really going to happen this time? Yes, it is!OKTAGON celebrates its tenth anniversary, and on August 1st at the legendary Stvanice, the cage will finally lock around the two Lucies. The female fight of the century, which we have been waiting for for an eternity, will write its final chapter. The magical open-air arena may be sold out, but you definitely won't miss this historic battle! Don't miss this phenomenon and watch the entire gala evening live from wherever you are. Buy the PPV via the link below.<okteventcomponent eventid="131"></okteventcomponent>

The undefeated double champion Lucia Szabova is preparing to defend her throne for the first time against the most famous Czech fighter, UFC veteran Lucie Pudilova. This fight was booked twice, and twice it fell apart.

THE CURSE IS OVER: SZABOVA AND PUDILOVA SETTLE THE FEMALE FIGHT OF THE CENTURY

The tournament in Bratislava kicks off the 10th-anniversary celebrations of OKTAGON, and on June 6, Tipos aréna will host a spectacular event subtitled "My Slovakia". Expect a historic clash of two champions, a war with a title shot on the line, the finale of the second season of Celebrity Series, and much more. Furthermore, ten Slovak warriors will defend their home turf. Here is a complete overview of everything you will see in the cage.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/98f2f693-b5e9-47e4-b48e-e9e6fdaca726/cs.1780687003384.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/f68c2bf5-d348-44f8-bdb1-f32cc7b66de5/cs.1780687013819.png" link="" croppedcorners="false" cropcornertl="false" cropcornertr="true" cropcornerbl="true" enablecornersmobile="false" smallercorners="false"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>IGOR SEVERINO VS. ZHALGAS ZHUMAGULOV</h2>A historic clash of two champions. The youngest male champion in OKTAGON history, Igor "Hannibal" Severino (10-1), will defend his bantamweight throne. The Brazilian phenomenon, who finished nine of his ten career wins before the limit, entered the organization after leaving the UFC and immediately proved his world-class level. However, standing in his way is the experienced flyweight champion Zhalgas "Zhako" Zhumagulov (19-9). He is coming to Bratislava to claim the ultimate double champion status. Will Zhumagulov capture the second belt, or will Severino defend his throne?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1422"></oktfightcomponent><h2>RONALD PARADEISER VS. JACK GRANT</h2>An OKTAGON legend returns home. Former lightweight champion Ronald "Rony" Paradeiser steps into his 24th fight under the yellow-and-black banner, and after losing a title bout to a Brit at OKTAGON 84, he needs a win at all costs. But standing in his path is the British executioner Jack Grant. This dangerous finisher has ended 19 of his 20 victories before the limit. Bratislava must prepare for a massive firefight that will not forgive a single mistake.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1419"></oktfightcomponent><h2>LAZAR TODEV VS. MARTIN BUDAY</h2>A battle of two men united by the bitterness of defeat to champion Will Fleury and an unyielding desire for revenge. Bulgarian heavy hitter Lazar "The Punisher" Todev arrives after a victorious TKO over UFC veteran Josh Parisian, loudly demanding a third chance to sit on the throne. On the other side stands the experienced Slovak matador Martin Buday, who brought a 7-1 record from the UFC. After seven long years, he returns in front of the Slovak crowd with a single goal: to stop the Bulgarian campaign and snatch the number one contender position.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1392"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ROBERT PUKAČ VS. BRIAN MANNING</h2>A personal war for Bratislava. Local favorite Robert "Prince of Bratislava" Pukač has managed to knock out David Kozma and Christian Eckerlin on home soil over the past year and a half. Now, he will defend his city against an undefeated Irish predator. Brian Manning holds six victories with a 100% finish rate. After heated exchanges on social media, this finisher traveled all the way to the Slovak capital for an extremely intense face-off with Pukač. Will Pukač protect his hometown, or will Manning conquer Bratislava?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1394"></oktfightcomponent><h2>VERONIKA SMOLKOVÁ VS. LISA KYRIACOU</h2>The number one in the women's flyweight rankings in her element. Slovakia's "Sweetheart" Veronika Smolková is riding a six-fight win streak and wants to make a clear statement for a title fight in front of her home crowd. However, the experienced Australian fighter Lisa Kyriacou will enter the cage with her. She brings a wealth of international experience to Europe and a clear plan to stop the aggressive standup fighter and steal her position.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1421"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MAREK BARTL VS. JOZEF WITTNER</h2>A heated Czech-Slovak duel and a battle of two completely different styles. Czech warrior Marek Bartl sent a clear message to his opponent – he intends to end his career. His adversary will be the elite ground fighter Jozef Wittner. He returned to the organization after five years, fell to David Kozma at OKTAGON 84, and now faces a clear task. He wants to utilize his top-tier grappling and shut the mouths of all doubters.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1418"></oktfightcomponent>PRELIMS<h2>RADOVAN ÚŠKRT VS. ONDŘEJ RAŠKA</h2>Two graduates of the OKTAGON Výzva reality show will meet face-to-face. The domestic heavy hitter Radovan Úškrt is famous for his immense power, having delivered all of his career wins by devastating KO or TKO. Attempting to stop him is the Czech fighter and veterinarian Ondřej Raška, the winner of the first-ever Celebrity Series project, who arrives in Bratislava for a valuable Slovak scalp.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1396"></oktfightcomponent><h2>YAKSHA VS. RASTISLAV ZVARA</h2>The second Celebrity Series duel brings a heated all-Slovak affair. Popular DJ and music producer Yaksha brings Muay Thai training into the cage. Facing him is Rastislav Zvara, the star of the reality show Ruža pre nevestu. Although he boasts a brown belt in BJJ, he will have to leave this weapon in the locker room. Under the strict OKTAGONUnderground rules, the fight will not go to the ground.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1356"></oktfightcomponent><h2>PATRICK VESPAZIANI VS. ADAM PAŁASZ</h2>A war of heavyweight giants. German paratrooper Patrick "Il Gladiatore" Vespaziani embodies raw power, finishing all six of his victories before the limit. Now, however, he crashes into a Polish tank. Adam Pałasz is historically the most active heavyweight representative in the organization's history, and he enters his eighth duel with a clear vision to dominate.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1435"></oktfightcomponent><h2>KAROL RYŠAVÝ VS. DANIEL SCHORDJE</h2>A veteran of the organization against a hungry hunter. Slovak native Karol "Bomby" Ryšavý, a protégé of Attila Végh, will step into his 21st fight under the yellow-and-black flag. After his last victory, he accepted the challenge from the Austrian prospect Daniel Schordje. He has been gunning for the Slovak fighter for months, and the featherweight division will finally get a clear answer.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1399"></oktfightcomponent><h2>AYTON DE PAEPE VS. MARCO NOVÁK</h2>Belgian "Hitman" Ayton De Paepe, the reigning champion of two Belgian organizations with scalps of Karol Ryšavý and Roman Paulus, wants to hunt down another big local name in Slovakia. Standing in his path is Marco Novák. The WKU World Champion and WMC European Champion in Muay Thai will defend his home fortress with sharp elbows and deadly kicks.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1424"></oktfightcomponent>FREE PRELIMS<h2>DASTAN AMANGELDY VS. MOKTAR BENKACI</h2>A dynamic bantamweight clash will ignite the entire evening. Kazakh talent Dastan Amangeldy is clawing his way to the top of the division after a convincing performance at OKTAGON 83. But testing him in the cage will be the battle-hardened Frenchman Moktar "Le Kabyle" Benkaci. The warrior with 35 fights to his name and a victory over the first-ever bantamweight champion Tomáš Deák wants to prove he still belongs among the absolute elite.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1440"></oktfightcomponent>Do not miss the tenth-anniversary tournament! OKTAGON 89 erupts on June 6, 2026, at Tipos aréna in Bratislava, promising a night that will be indelibly written into the history of European MMA. Secure your seat and be there live! You can buy tickets at the link below.<okteventcomponent eventid="131"></okteventcomponent>

The tournament in Bratislava kicks off the 10th-anniversary celebrations of OKTAGON, and on June 6, Tipos aréna will host a spectacular event subtitled "My Slovakia". Expect a historic clash of two champions, a war with a title shot on the line.

BRATISLAVA FIGHT BY FIGHT: ANNIVERSARY SHOW & CLASH OF CHAMPIONS

OKTAGON is celebrating 10 years, and the Bratislava Tipos Aréna will become the setting for the first anniversary night, subtitled "Slovensko moje," on June 6, 2026. While the electric atmosphere resonates through the Slovak metropolis, the toughest battles will unfold inside the cage. Dive into the unique statistics and discover the biggest attractions hidden on this stacked card.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/37d8bd5d-3cb9-42bd-881b-e6fa109b9482/cs.1780492660413.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/c60e057c-6fd6-4af2-be48-b435f42bd6c2/cs.1780492672439.png" link="" croppedcorners="false" cropcornertr="true" cropcornerbl="true" enablecornersmobile="false" smallercorners="false"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>THE CLASH OF KINGS: CHAMPION VS. CHAMPION</h2>The main event promises a historic clash between two belt holders. Igor Severino, the youngest male champion in OKTAGON history, will defend his bantamweight throne. The Brazilian talent, who holds a clean 2:0 record within the organization, has finished nine of his ten career wins before the limit.Standing in his way, however, is the flyweight division champion, Zhalgas Zhumagulov. The first Kazakh fighter in the organization once reached the world number eight spot and can rely on his extensive experience from the UFC, where he even featured on the same card as the star Jiří Procházka. Zhumagulov rides a five-fight winning streak, has remained undefeated for 913 days, and is coming to Bratislava to capture double-champion status. He will be propelled by massive fan support—with over 306,000 followers on Instagram, he is the most-followed fighter of the entire tournament.<h2>BATTLE FOR A TITLE REMATCH AND THE CLASH OF GIANTS</h2>Everything is on the line in the heavyweight division. Both Martin Buday and Lazar Todev are chasing a rematch with the current king of the division, Will Fleury, having both tasted the bitterness of defeat against him in the past. Domestic powerhouse Buday boasts the best UFC record among all Czech and Slovak fighters at 7:1, but upon his return from overseas, he hit a wall against the rampaging Irishman. Now, Buday returns to his home fans after a long seven years. He last fought on home soil back in 2019 at OKTAGON 14, and today he is determined to fiercely snatch a second title shot.Bulgarian heavy hitter Lazar Todev is currently the only active representative of his country in the organization. He has never been stopped by KO or TKO in his career, while he himself has put away nine of his opponents this way. Although he has fought for the heavyweight championship belt twice, the coveted peak eluded him both times by a hair. Adding flavor to the story is the fact that Todev currently serves as a sparring partner for Kasim Aras, who will face the champion Will Fleury in another title defense at OKTAGON 90.The card will also feature Adam Palasz, marking his eighth appearance under the yellow-and-black wings, making him the most active heavyweight in OKTAGON history. His opponent will be Patrick Vespaziani. This dangerous fighter and former German army paratrooper secured all six of his victories by KO or TKO and previously snapped Herzberg's six-year undefeated streak.<h2>PERSONAL WAR FOR BRATISLAVA</h2>In a highly volatile matchup, hometown favorite and Slovak team coach from the Tipsport Cage Game project, Robo Pukač, will defend his city as the most experienced warrior on the entire card, entering his 36th professional duel. However, Brian Manning has his eyes on Pukač's territory. The undefeated Irish predator holds a clean 6:0 record with a 100% finish rate. He is extremely dangerous from the very first second, having destroyed five opponents in the opening round. He introduced himself to OKTAGON with a lightning-fast TKO against Schwindt.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DY98i9SjGkB/?hl=cs&amp;img_index=1"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>FINISHING MACHINES</h2>The card features the phenomenon Ronald Paradeiser, who enters his 24th MMA fight under the OKTAGON banner, representing an absolute record for the organization. If the former lightweight champion and finalist of the second season of the million-euro Tipsport Gamechanger project spends at least 3 minutes and 16 seconds in active battle in Bratislava, he will become the fighter with the longest cage time in the organization's history. He will surpass the current record holder, Máté Kertész, who logged a total of 3 hours, 44 minutes, and 28 seconds in battle, while Paradeiser has accumulated 3 hours, 41 minutes, and 12 seconds prior to this duel. Rony delivered his fastest finish in just 21 seconds. However, his opponent Jack Grant is a seasoned executioner who has taken 19 of his 20 victories before the distance, with 16 coming in the first round. He celebrated his fastest triumph in a mere 17 seconds.The cage will also witness a clash between two alumni from the second season of the popular reality show OKTAGON Výzva. Slovak brawler Radovan Úškrt is renowned for his devastating power. All eight of his professional victories were delivered before the limit via KO/TKO, with seven of them wrapped up in the very first round. Facing him is the experienced Ondřej Raška. Outside of his sports career, he saves animal lives daily as a veterinarian, but inside the cage, he shows no mercy. The Czech fighter also became the first winner of the Celebrity Series project when he defeated Pavel Tóth in a highly watched match.<h2>YOU PROBABLY HAVEN'T HEARD ABOUT THIS YET</h2><ul><li>The tournament subtitle "Slovensko moje" translates directly into the lineup, as ten Slovak fighters will defend their home turf inside the cage.</li><li>The event will feature the second duel of the Celebrity Series. Famous personalities Yaksha and Rastislav Zvara will square off face-to-face under strict Underground rules.</li><li>Marco Novák has 85 Muay Thai duels under his belt and has already thrown more than 345 kicks in OKTAGON.</li><li>French representative Moktar Benkaci defeated Tomáše Deák during his career, the historic first bantamweight champion of OKTAGON.</li><li>Veronika Smolková holds the record for the fastest KO among women (1m 06s) and has struck her opponents with more than 280 kicks.</li><li>Five faces from the reality show OKTAGON Výzva will appear on the card. Ryšavý, Úškrt, Raška, and Bartl fought in the project as contestants, while hometown hero Pukač served as a coach.</li></ul>Bratislava is about to experience a night that will be permanently written into the history of European MMA! Turnaj OKTAGON 89 explodes on June 6, 2026, at the Tipos Aréna, promising an evening of battles that will keep you awake. Secure your seat in the stands and witness it live! Tickets can be purchased at the link below.<okteventcomponent eventid="131"></okteventcomponent>

OKTAGON is celebrating 10 years, and the Bratislava Tipos Aréna will become the setting for the first anniversary night, subtitled "Slovensko moje," on June 6, 2026. While the electric atmosphere resonates through the Slovak metropolis, the toughest battles will unfold inside the cage.

OKTAGON 89 FUN FACTS: CHAMPIONS' WAR, DOMESTIC ELITE & CLASH OF GIANTS

The German metropolis will become the battleground for a thrilling war on June 20, promising pure tension from the very first seconds. In Berlin's Uber Arena, hometown hero and submission specialist Niko Samsonidse will attempt a spectacular return to the win column in front of his own crowd. However, Irish provocateur Denis Frimpong is arriving to ruin those plans. The confident heavy hitter and feared striker enters enemy territory with a clear goal: silence the arena and snatch one of the most valuable scalps in the organization.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/3ad61f98-43f4-4379-b523-e01c25e86162/cs.1780057999840.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/e158e9c7-0290-43dd-b0d3-b376894af6d2/cs.1780058005302.png" link="" croppedcorners="false" cropcornertr="true" cropcornerbl="true" enablecornersmobile="false" smallercorners="false"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>DENIS FRIMPONG: AN IRISH HEAVY HITTER WITH A SHARP TONGUE </h2>For the Berlin crowd, this man in the cage will be the perfect villain of the story. Denis Frimpong (8-3) is a fighter who can stir up a storm of emotions long before the actual clash begins. His confident demeanor and sharp trash talk are not just an empty pose, but a shield he had to build in his childhood. Growing up as the son of an African father and a Yugoslavian mother in a traditional Irish small town, he had to fight hard for his place. The street brawler eventually transformed into a feared warrior who found his true home on the mats.He fully burst into the fans' consciousness as the most prominent face of the OKTAGON Challenge reality show. Although he tasted the bitterness of defeat in the project's finale, this fall did not break him. On the contrary, it motivated him to work even harder and catapulted him among the biggest and most watched stars of the organization.The lightweight division is the natural hunting ground for the Irish brawler, where he is steadily building his position and currently holds the number six spot in the rankings. Inside the cage, he managed to build a respectable five-fight win streak, which was only snapped by Gökhan Aksu. Since then, however, Frimpong has added another crucial victory to his record. This March at OKTAGON 85, he smoothly outstruck Tomáš Cigánik and is now ready to conquer the entire division once again. This confident striker loves wild standup exchanges and psychological warfare, stripping opponents of their belief in victory. He heads to Berlin on hostile ground with a clear target – destroy the hometown hero's comeback, take his prized scalp, and step closer to a title shot.<h2>NIKO SAMSONIDSE: A LIGHTWEIGHT RETURN AND A THIRST FOR REDEMPTION</h2>On the other side of the cage stands a man with an absolutely clear mission. German gladiator Niko Samsonidse (12-4) returns to action after an unsuccessful title run and is hungrier than ever. Although fans know him as an elite threat in the featherweight division, where he is currently ranked third, this time he decided to accept a fight at lightweight—a division he last competed in back in 2018. He wants to clearly remind everyone that his journey to the top is far from over and he is willing to do whatever it takes.The BJJ black belt and phenomenal ground fighter has walked through literal sports hell on his journey. Back in 2021, a horrific complicated shin fracture sidelined him for two long years. But Samsonidse showed the heart of a warrior, entered OKTAGON in grand style, and earned a title shot after dominant wins over Paulus and Hantea. However, the championship clash with Losene Keita brought another cruel blow in the form of a broken jaw, necessary surgery, and a ten-month layoff. And when he finally fought his way back to a battle for the vacant throne against Magomed Machaev this January, he suffered a heavy knockout in the very first round.Despite all the cruel blows of fate, Samsonidse never gave up on his dream of the OKTAGON championship belt. Now, however, he chooses a new path, announcing his return to the lightweight division after years away, ready to kick off another run to the top. In front of his home crowd in Berlin, his task is clear: show his unbreakable warrior heart, defeat the cheeky Irishman, and send a clear message to the division about his spectacular return to the game.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DW9CvfRDAx0/"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>WHO WILL IMPOSE THEIR GAME? IRISH STRIKER VS. HOMETOWN GRAPPLER</h2>This duel offers a classic clash of two styles, further intensified by the unique weight dynamic. The explosive standup of the Irish heavy hitter, fully adapted to the lightweight division, will collide with the precise grappling and ground brilliance of the local representative. We are in for a relentless collision of two completely different worlds, where the slightest mistake can mean an instant finish. While the confident Frimpong relies on his devastating striking, Samsonidse poses a constant threat of lightning-fast submissions from any position. Will the Irish fighter withstand the roaring arena, or will the German specialist secure another triumph even in a higher weight class?OKTAGON is heading to Berlin for the first time, bringing an event that will be etched into the memories of all MMA fans! The OKTAGON 90 tournament strikes hard on June 20 at Berlin's Uber Arena, promising a captivating evening. Tickets are disappearing fast, so do not wait, claim your spot in the stands and be there! Get your tickets at the link below.<okteventcomponent eventid="124"></okteventcomponent>

The German metropolis will become the battleground for a thrilling war on June 20, promising pure tension from the very first seconds. In Berlin's Uber Arena, hometown hero and submission specialist Niko Samsonidse will attempt a spectacular return to the win column in front of his own crowd.

TWO HARD FATES: IRISH BRAWLER FRIMPONG CHALLENGES UNBREAKABLE SAMSONIDSE

On June 6, 2026, Bratislava's TIPOS Aréna will host brutal clashes in the heavyweight division that could significantly shake up the standings. OKTAGON 89 will feature two massive battles of giants. Former champion Martin Buday returns to his home soil to face the extremely dangerous Bulgarian Lazar Todev. On top of that, German powerhouse Patrick Vespaziani enters the cage, with experienced Polish striker Adam Pałasz waiting for him. Who will claim the coveted victory in Bratislava?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/dc46461a-1913-4a98-9930-3302d6462ccf/cs.1779890029059.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/44941496-774f-40e2-8c13-e7679a063f91/cs.1779890053576.png" link="" croppedcorners="false" cropcornertr="true" cropcornerbl="true" enablecornersmobile="false" smallercorners="false"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>MARTIN "BADYS" BUDAY: THE RETURN OF THE FORMER CHAMPION IN FRONT OF HIS HOME CROWD</h2>For the Bratislava audience, this isn't just another fight on the card—it's a matter of the heart. Following his return to OKTAGON last year, Slovak fan favorite Martin Buday (16-3) is finally returning to where it all began after long years away. Home to Slovakia. Fans who spent years setting their alarms for the middle of the night to watch his run in the UFC—where he picked up prized scalps, including the legendary Arlovski—will now finally see him live in Bratislava after his recent stop in Prague.But this time, the situation is completely different. "Badys" returns to home soil with a clear mission—to find redemption. When he returned to OKTAGON last December as a massive star from America, ready to immediately conquer the division, a shockwave hit. Nobody expected a brutal first-round KO from Fleury. The untouchable king suddenly became a fallen hero. Buday now stands at a major crossroads in his career. A second consecutive loss would send an extremely bad signal.His primary weapons remain cage control in the clinch and a devastating physical pressure that can literally suck the energy out of his opponents. In Bratislava, Buday will undoubtedly benefit from the massive support of a sold-out TIPOS Aréna and huge motivation to show up in his best form. Can Buday, backed by his fans, break the shadow of his December failure, or will the Bulgarian threat send him to the bottom?<h2>LAZAR TODEV: "THE PUNISHER" IN A QUEST FOR A SECOND TITLE SHOT</h2>Standing in his way, however, is a man with a single, clear objective. Thirty-year-old Lazar Todev (13-7) plans to eliminate the Slovak star and make a loud statement for a rematch with the reigning heavyweight king, Will Fleury. The Bulgarian striker has already built a terrifying reputation on the European scene. He literally dismantles everyone in the division, having only fallen short in title fights so far. Out of his thirteen professional victories, he has finished nine opponents before the distance, and he shined this past January when he demolished UFC veteran Josh Parisian and handled the dangerous Brazilian brawler Luis Barbosa.He has already fought for the title twice. He came up short against Hatef Moeil the first time, and last year at OKTAGON 68, he engaged in an unforgettable five-round war for the belt with the Irish double champion Will Fleury. Even though he left that battle with a decision loss after twenty-five minutes, he proved to all the doubters that he belongs to the absolute elite. This Bulgarian "Punisher" possesses precise striking and explosive power that poses a massive threat to the hometown favorite. This clash of styles promises a tactical chess match where the slightest mistake can mean a quick end.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWEmaJXjAXR/?hl=cs&amp;img_index=1"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>VESPAZIANI VS. PAŁASZ: A CLASH OF GIANTS THAT WILL SHAKE THE ARENA</h2>The tournament card delivers yet another heavyweight collision. Standing at two meters tall, German warrior Patrick Vespaziani (6-3) from MMA Spirit in Frankfurt packs devastating KO potential and never shies away from a wild exchange. He is coming to Slovakia for a crucial victory. He wants to bounce back after his loss to Daniel Škvor and prove that he is aiming high in the division.However, Polish representative Adam Pałasz (9-5) is ready to block his path. This experienced striker has been through tough battles across the European scene, including testing his skills against Lazar Todev and Sofian Boukichou. He arrives at the Tipos Aréna riding a tough three-fight losing streak, giving him immense motivation to finally snap this bad run and get back into the win column. In the fight, he will once again rely on his precision, explosive power, and heavy hands, which have sent seven opponents to the canvas in the past. Can "Adaś z Jawora" break his losing streak and overcome the dangerous German giant?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1435"></oktfightcomponent><h2>HEAVYWEIGHT BATTLES FOR BRATISLAVA</h2>The TIPOS Aréna needs to brace itself for a proper earthquake. Both of these clashes in the king-size weight class promise a spectacle that will leave fans breathless. Whenever heavyweights step into the cage, the threat of an instant finish constantly hangs in the air. Will we witness wild exchanges and quick knockouts that lift the crowd out of their seats, or will we see tactical battles? The only certainty is that in this division, it takes just one precise punch to rewrite history.OKTAGON returns to the Slovak capital, bringing an event that will live forever in the memory of the fans. OKTAGON 89 kicks off on June 6, 2026, at Bratislava's TIPOS Aréna, featuring the grand celebrations of the organization's 10th anniversary. You simply cannot miss this! Click the link below and secure your spot now.<okteventcomponent eventid="131"></okteventcomponent>

On June 6, 2026, Bratislava's TIPOS Aréna will host brutal clashes in the heavyweight division that could significantly shake up the standings. OKTAGON 89 will feature two massive battles of giants.

BATTLE FOR A TITLE REMATCH AND THE WAR OF GIANTS: HEAVYWEIGHTS ARE HEADING TO BRATISLAVA

Bratislava’s TIPOS Aréna will become the scene of a historic clash on June 6, 2026. Reigning bantamweight champion Igor Severino will defend his newly acquired throne against the Kazakh king of the flyweight division. Zhalgas Zhumagulov is heading into the cage with a single, clear goal: to achieve the coveted double champ status.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/2214ee5e-14c5-4465-98f0-616b139a15fb/cs.1779715591368.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/e3e8ad80-5720-4d4f-b6bb-3a97daeb0b07/cs.1779715598109.png" link="" croppedcorners="false" cropcornertl="false" cropcornertr="true" cropcornerbl="true" enablecornersmobile="false" smallercorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>IGOR "THE HANNIBAL" SEVERINO: THE YOUNGEST BANTAMWEIGHT KING</h2>Twenty-three-year-old Brazilian talent Igor "The Hannibal" Severino (10-1) stormed the bantamweight division and became its most feared man. The product of the tough Chute Boxe João Emilio gym is an absolute predator. Every one of his fights resembles a game of cat and mouse that sooner or later ends with a brutal finish. Out of ten career victories, he has managed to end nine of them before the time limit. His only career loss came via disqualification in the UFC. Following his move to OKTAGON, he clearly proved that he belongs at the absolute top. In the yellow-and-black organization, he already managed to defeat the Danish fighter Jonas Mågård via decision. Subsequently, he demolished Khurshed Kakhorov in Hamburg. With a devastating TKO in the second round, he went down in history as the youngest male champion of the organization. Now he faces his first title defense and desires to show everyone that his place at the top of the division is unshakable.<h2>ZHALGAS "ZHAKO" ZHUMAGULOV: THE KAZAKH MACHINE HUNTING FOR A SECOND TITLE</h2>However, the thirty-seven-year-old Kazakh matador Zhalgas "Zhako" Zhumagulov (19-9) came to Bratislava to claim the second championship belt. The fighter with rich experience from the UFC and other global organizations has fully broken through on European soil. The seasoned master of sport in Combat Sambo has only lost before the limit twice during his long professional career full of the toughest battles. In 2014, at a Kazakh tournament, he managed to step into the cage for four consecutive three-round fights in a single night, leaving all of them as the victor. Czech fans still remember his ruthless performance against David Dvořák at the O2 arena in Prague, where he literally outclassed the Czech veteran and won via TKO in the third round.The resilient Kazakh machine from the Erkin Kush gym is now moving up a weight class to hunt down a second belt and rule two divisions simultaneously. If he succeeds, he would become the sixth double champ in OKTAGON history, joining the exclusive club alongside names like Ivan Buchinger, Karlos Vémola, Losene Keita, Will Fleury, and the recently crowned Lucia Szabová. Moreover, conquering both the flyweight and bantamweight divisions is an extremely rare feat on the global stage, famously achieved in world MMA history only by the legendary Henry Cejudo.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWwYYkXDH2Y/?hl=cs"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>CLASH OF GENERATIONS AND A TRIAL BY FIRE</h2>This title fight promises an attractive battle where two different worlds collide. The dynamics and explosive power of twenty-three-year-old Igor Severino will face the ultimate test against the iron durability of thirty-seven-year-old Zhalgas Zhumagulov. Although the young bantamweight champion has a reputation as a finisher who literally steamrolls his opponents, he now awaits a veteran in the cage who has experienced the hardest wars in his career, and bringing him to his knees is a nearly impossible task.The weight itself, however, could become the key factor of the entire clash. Severino will undoubtedly benefit in the cage from being a natural bantamweight, which gives him a significant height and reach advantage. The Kazakh veteran is stepping up a floor into this division, and although bantamweight is not completely uncharted territory for him, he last stepped into the cage at this weight more than a decade ago. Historically, he has had a total of five duels in this weight class. In 2014, he dominated a grueling pyramid at the Zhekpe Zhek tournament here, but a year later, he suffered a bitter defeat in bantamweight. Will the ferocious Brazilian power win? Or will the Kazakh matador use his experience, drown the young king in the deep waters of the championship rounds, and enter history as a double champion?The resolution of this master plot is inexorably approaching. The OKTAGON 89 goes down on June 6, 2026, at Bratislava's TIPOS Aréna. Experience the electrifying and roaring atmosphere together with thousands of fans that will not let you rest for a moment. Do not wait for anything and buy your tickets at the link below!<okteventcomponent eventid="131"></okteventcomponent>

Bratislava’s TIPOS Aréna will become the scene of a historic clash on June 6, 2026. Reigning bantamweight champion Igor Severino will defend his newly acquired throne against the Kazakh king of the flyweight division.

ATTACK ON THE SECOND BELT: KAZAKH VETERAN CHALLENGES THE BRAZILIAN CHAMP

On Monday, May 25, the doors of OKTAGON Gym by Max Fitness will officially open in Prague's Smíchov district, and we can tell you right now: you won't find anything like this anywhere else in Europe. Over 4,500 square meters ruled by combat sports, top-tier equipment, and world-class facilities are now available to you. Whether you are stepping in as a complete beginner or a seasoned warrior, this place was built for you.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/6aa9f72f-3e9b-4f25-9a5a-8ca53458ab25/cs.1779451587195.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/976ab763-91b2-46be-88af-a595465449d2/cs.1779451595213.png" link="" croppedcorners="false" cropcornertr="true" cropcornerbl="true" enablecornersmobile="false" smallercorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>A TEMPLE FOR EVERY FIGHTER</h2>The space is divided to cover absolutely all your needs. You will find five loaded zones: cardio, fitness, fighting, functional, and power. The fighting area features two full-sized cages and two boxing rings. Add to that the largest cross zone for functional training in the Czech Republic, more than 40 professional heavy bags, and equipment from brands like Precor, Rogue, Concept2, Eleiko, Profighters, and TrueSteel. And when you leave all your energy on the ground, the state-of-the-art recovery zone will get you right back in the game.<h2>YOUR PLACE IN THE OKTAGON WORLD</h2>OKTAGON Gym was created in close cooperation with one of the most successful domestic teams, Reinders MMA Team. Under the guidance of head coach André Reinders, top professional fighters of the Czech scene, such as Daniel Škvor, Matěj Kuzník, Jan Malach, and others, will find their base here. But from day one, the gym is fully open to everyone. Connecting professional sports with recreational training is the main pillar of this place's philosophy. Group combat sports classes for all skill levels and age categories will take place right here. This place keeps its doors wide open to anyone."We are extremely thrilled about this project. After our first gym in Šamorín, we are now opening OKTAGON Gym in Prague, which is the largest of its kind in Europe," says Pavol Neruda, co-owner of the OKTAGON organization. "Thanks to the partnership with the strong Max Fitness brand, a truly unique training center has been created in Prague. We are very much looking forward to launching its full operation next week."<h2>MORE THAN JUST A TRAINING ZONE</h2>The fighting zone is far from being just a place for endless drills. The entire area is designed with maximum multifunctionality in mind. The space is technically equipped so that within a single hour, it can completely transform into a sports event venue with professional lighting, sound systems, and mobile grandstands.Moving forward, this space is planned to become a venue for amateur MMA leagues, training seminars, and meet-and-greets with your favorite fighters. And so you can represent the colors of Europe's largest organization with pride, you will also find an official OKTAGON Store right inside the complex.Mark your calendar for May 25 and head to Prague's Smíchov. Experience the unmatched atmosphere of a center where seasoned professionals meet absolute beginners. You can find the pricing on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.maxfitness.cz/en">https://www.maxfitness.cz/en</a>. MultiSport cards are welcome. This is your gym. The rest is up to you.<oktphotogallerycomponent gallerytype="GRID" columns="5" images="[{&amp;#x22;url&amp;#x22;:&amp;#x22;https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/e49a42f2-9af1-4c23-8e8d-a9c9e69e3070/cs.1779451635730.png&amp;#x22;},{&amp;#x22;url&amp;#x22;:&amp;#x22;https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/4c721745-de89-4f2c-88e1-14db3e1eeb89/cs.1779451654081.png&amp;#x22;},{&amp;#x22;url&amp;#x22;:&amp;#x22;https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/36959eeb-f07d-45dc-87e7-80efdd0ccb65/cs.1779451672717.png&amp;#x22;},{&amp;#x22;url&amp;#x22;:&amp;#x22;https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/cb5231ac-09c1-4781-8be5-19052ff5b69b/cs.1779451805990.png&amp;#x22;},{&amp;#x22;url&amp;#x22;:&amp;#x22;https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/622897ee-a72d-4557-91e1-c4e3445afb45/cs.1779451887483.png&amp;#x22;}]"></oktphotogallerycomponent>