Řekl si o jednu z největších výzev, kterou klec OKTAGONU nabízí. A bylo mu vyhověno. A tak se teď Kerim Engizek, jedna z největších německých MMA hvězd, chystá zaútočit na pás šampiona, který ale ve svých rukou pevně drží Patrik Kincl. Poznej Engizeka lépe a poznej, s kým bude mít Kincl tu čest!<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/f1ba7a48-23d8-446f-bef3-b5b85dad4214/cs.1727444658821.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/d65769bb-a16a-48d5-8bb2-2b716589f0d6/cs.1727444680602.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>BOJOVNÍKEM OD DĚTSTVÍ</h2>Kerim se narodil 13. května 1991 v německém Düsseldorfu. A jeho dětství nebylo vůbec jednoduché. Když mu bylo 7 let, jeho otec byl odsouzen k několika letům vězení, což zasáhlo celou rodinu. Matka nezvládla těžkou situaci, a tak byli Kerim a jeho mladší bratr umístěni do dětského domova, kde strávili 10 let svého života. V prostředí, kde platil "zákon silnějšího", se Kerim musel rychle naučit, jak se postavit za sebe i svého bratra.Kerim tak prošel opravdovou cestou bojovníka – z ulice se musel probojovat až na vrchol a moc dobře ví, kolik tahle dřina stojí.<h2>BOX JAKO ÚNIK</h2>Ve svých teenagerských letech se Kerim plně oddal boxu, čímž nejen ventiloval svou frustraci z nelehké životní situace, ale také si mohl hezky přivydělat. Za klub TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen absolvoval přibližně 40 zápasů na nejvyšší úrovni amatérského boxu v Německu. Vše se ale změnilo ve chvíli, kdy poprvé uviděl zápas MMA. Byl fascinován a pohlcen. A tak do roka vyměnil box za MMA a jen o rok později měl svůj první zápas. A jak to dopadlo, to už víme – my, Kincl i rekordních 60 000 diváků, kteří tuhle bitvu uvidí.<h2>NA HRANĚ ZÁKONA</h2>Přestože sport Kerimovi poskytl určité východisko, drsný životní styl a práce vyhazovače v nočních klubech ho často přivedly na hranu zákona. A my tento příběh známe i od jeho soupeře Kincla. I Kerimova minulost zahrnovala časté problémy se zákonem – kritický zlom ale nastal při dalším průšvihu, při kterém byl jeho parťák zadržen policií. Tehdy si Kerim uvědomil, že pokud nezmění svůj život, skončí jako jeho otec za mřížemi. A svůj život změnil jednou provždy.<h2>Z HŘÍŠNÍKA VZOREM</h2>Dnes je Kerim nejen úspěšným zápasníkem, ale i otcem a podnikatelem. Aktivně podporuje děti, které vyrůstají na ulici nebo v dětském domově a snaží se je motivovat k tomu, že změna je možná. On sám je důkazem toho, že s vůlí lze úplně změnit svůj osud.<h2>DESET LET BEZ PORÁŽKY</h2>O Engizeka jevilo zájem i UFC, ale kvůli hříšné minulosti to s vízem do USA nevyšlo. To ale Kerima neodradilo. Pár let po začátku kariéry se stal šampionem welteru v jedné z německých organizací, a pás třikrát obhájil, navíc vždy před limitem. A dlouho na sebe nenechala čekat ani middleweight, ve které dnes vyzývá Kincla – i v nové divizi se brzy stal německým šampionem. V současné době je neskutečných 10 let a 14 zápasů bez porážky, a to i po svých 2 zápasech v OKTAGONU.Bude to on, kdo Kincla po tak dlouhé době obere o pás? Nenech si to ujít!<okteventcomponent eventid="92"></okteventcomponent>

Už za chvíli ho čeká velkolepá titulová bitva s Kinclem před celým fotbalovým stadionem. Seznam se, tohle je Kerim Engizek! 

DRSNÁ STORY ENGIZEKA: KDO JE KINCLŮV VYZYVATEL? 

On December 28, Prague’s O₂ Arena will transform into the epicenter of European MMA. OKTAGON 81 delivers a spectacular year finale—title fights, heated rematches, and emotional farewells to legends. Home heroes, world-class talent, and fan-favorite stories. Go through the complete fight-by-fight card overview and make sure you don’t miss a thing.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/f0ee6bf2-86c3-4bb2-868b-04eb01e9b6d8/cs.1766868344173.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/56d91363-e422-48c9-91b6-5bbad134c919/cs.1766868351685.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>WILL FLEURY vs. MARTIN BUDAY</h2>The main event and a heavyweight title mega clash. Two-division champion Will Fleury defends the heavyweight belt against Slovak colossus Martin Buday. Fleury rules two divisions, is #1 P4P, and rides an eight-fight win streak. Buday returns for a throne he once held—now armed with UFC experience and huge motivation. One ruler. One belt. Who will sit on the heavyweight throne?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1304"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ZHALGAS ZHUMAGULOV vs. DAVID DVOŘÁK</h2>A Czech title hope. David Dvořák challenges champion Zhalgas Zhumagulov. After returning from the UFC, Dvořák shone with a brutal KO and immediately earned a title shot. Zhumagulov, an elite UFC veteran and former three-time FNG champion, makes his first OKTAGON title defense. A clash of two fighters at the top of the food chain will decide the flyweight champion.<h2>PATRIK KINCL vs. ROBERT PUKAČ II</h2>A rematch ten years in the making. Patrik Kincl faces Robert Pukač again. Their first fight was razor-close—now the stakes are much higher. Kincl needs to get back on the winning track after two losses, while Pukač is in the form of his life after wins over Kozma and Eckerlin. Czech Republic vs. Slovakia. This battle will ignite the entire O₂ Arena.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1277"></oktfightcomponent><h2>PATRICK VESPAZIANI vs. DANIEL ŠKVOR</h2>Škvor’s first MMA fight at heavyweight. The popular home fighter takes on German giant Patrick Vespaziani. Speed and technique versus size and power. Both are on three-fight win streaks—but only one can extend it.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1315"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ONDŘEJ RAŠKA vs. PAVEL TÓTH</h2>The culmination of the Celebrity Series. Veteran Ondřej Raška carries the pressure of the entire MMA community against amateur Pavel Tóth. Over time, Tóth has won over some fans and is improving rapidly under Karlos Vémola and Petr Kníže. Raška is the clear favorite—anything less than dominance will be seen as a failure.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1252"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MILOŠ PETRÁŠEK vs. MATEUSZ STRZELCZYK</h2>An emotional farewell. Beloved Miloš Petrášek enters the final fight of his career. In front of home fans, he wants to leave with a win and close his MMA story. Across from him stands unpredictable Polish veteran Mateusz Strzelczyk.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1314"></oktfightcomponent><h2>JONAS MAGARD vs. ELVIS SILVA</h2>A heated clash at the top of the bantamweight division. Danish “Shark” Jonas Magard faces Brazilian “Karate Kid” Elvis Silva. Magard is #2 in the division; Silva has a chance for the biggest scalp of his career. Magard is known for stirring things up long before fight night and has fired up sharp trash talk again—will it get into Silva’s head, and will it affect the outcome?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1291"></oktfightcomponent><h2>VERONIKA SMOLKOVÁ vs. MARTA SÓS</h2>Veronika Smolková is enjoying the best run of her career. Five straight wins, aiming to finish 2025 with a sixth. Her opponent Marta Sós accepted the fight on short notice and makes her OKTAGON debut. She’s unbeaten in pro MMA, but facing a red-hot Smolková will be a serious test. Will the Slovak favorite deliver, or will the Pole spring the upset of the night?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1310"></oktfightcomponent><h2>VOJTĚCH KHOL vs. HUGO VACH</h2>A clash of young prospects. Vojtěch Khol, coached by Patrik Kincl and David Dvořák, excelled in his OKTAGON debut at Štvanice. Now he can score the biggest win of his career against Germany’s talented Hugo Vach—inside a packed O₂ Arena with home fans behind him. Vach has already shown why he’s one of Germany’s most exciting young fighters. A career-defining opportunity for both.<h2>ALEX HUTYRA vs. VIKTOR KOVÁČ</h2>Alex Hutyra makes his OKTAGON debut—21-year-old talent from Ostrava moving at full speed. First pro win in September, second in November, now aiming for a year-ending hat trick. Both wins came by first-round RNC, and with an amateur record of 11–2, he’s one to watch. Opposite him is Viktor Kováč—a hard-hitting Slovak who last finished a fight in just 18 seconds. His OKTAGON debut didn’t go as planned, but with over 20 amateur bouts, he knows how to perform under pressure.<h2>IVAN KLEVETS vs. BARTŁOMIEJ SKOWYRA</h2>Ukrainian MMA standout Ivan Klevets makes his OKTAGON debut. Both fighters accepted the bout on short notice, proving true fighter spirit. Klevets boasts an astonishing 89 amateur wins and a 3–3 pro record with big ambitions. Across the cage stands dangerous Polish fighter Bartłomiej “Bucketboy” Skowyra (5–3), looking to showcase renowned Polish power.OKTAGON 81 delivers title fights, legendary rematches, emotional farewells, and the finale of the Celebrity Series. Tomorrow, December 28, at the O₂ Arena! Be there live or watch the broadcast on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://OKTAGON.TV">OKTAGON.TV</a>. This event will go down in European MMA history.<okteventcomponent eventid="118"></okteventcomponent>

On December 28, Prague’s O₂ Arena will transform into the epicenter of European MMA. OKTAGON 81 delivers a spectacular year finale—title fights, heated rematches, and emotional farewells to legends. 

OKTAGON 81 FIGHT–BY–FIGHT: TITLES, REMATCHES, AND EMOTIONS THAT WILL TAKE OVER THE O2 ARENA

The final event of 2025 is just around the corner, so we’re serving up the best highlights, records, and stories to get you ready for this Sunday! A stacked card awaits from start to finish: two title fights, a rematch ten years in the making, the culmination of the Celebrity Series, and much more. Read on for selected fun facts ahead of OKTAGON 81.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/ecb47830-cedf-4a96-ae58-26d272e6338d/cs.1766779678640.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/44f9aa01-281d-498b-b13c-585bbd175b62/cs.1766779688871.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>WORLD-CLASS ELITE</h2>It’s not just two title fights—it’s two bouts at the absolute highest world level and the very peak of OKTAGON competition. Prague’s O2 Arena will host four of the organization’s six highest-ranked male fighters according to the respected global Fightmatrix rankings.Will Fleury (#49), Martin Buday (#46), David Dvořák (#40), and Zhalgas Zhumagulov (#33) all rank among the top 50 fighters in the world in their respective weight classes! And this Sunday, they’ll all appear on the same card—each in a title fight. We could hardly wish for bigger matchups to close out the year.Also inside the global top 100 are Patrik Kincl (#77), Daniel Škvor (#98), Jonas Magard (#58), and rising Slovak star Veronika Smolková, who is an impressive #45 in the women’s flyweight world rankings.December 28 will truly be massive. Can Fleury defend his throne against the extremely dangerous and experienced Buday? And will Dvořák bring the OKTAGON championship belt back to the Czech Republic? One thing is certain—these fights will have fans on their feet.<h2>BRAZILIAN NEMESIS</h2>Jonas Magard is a proven force on the domestic scene, tested by countless hard wars. The Danish “Shark” is among the most dominant fighters in the organization. He has competed eight times in OKTAGON, winning six of those bouts. The only two men to defeat him both came from Brazil.Now Magard has a chance to even the score against Brazilian opponents. His bantamweight showdown with Elvis Silva promises a high-level clash between two world-class fighters. Silva is a seasoned competitor with the highest kick frequency per minute of any OKTAGON fighter—averaging a kick every 11 seconds! Will the “Karate Kid” handle the fearless Dane and earn a title shot, or will Magard finally break his Brazilian curse?<h2>RIDING THE WAVE OF SUCCESS</h2>Several fighters entering the O2 Arena are enjoying incredibly successful runs and haven’t tasted defeat in a long time. The most dominant of them all is Will “Fucking” Fleury. The ruthless P4P king of OKTAGON and champion of two weight classes is riding an eight-fight winning streak and hasn’t lost in an astonishing 1,920 days.But now he faces a literally massive challenge from Slovakia in Martin Buday, who himself is on a three-fight win streak—each victory coming against former UFC fighters.Also riding high is the “Prince of Bratislava,” Robo Pukač, who is in the best form of his career. He currently holds a four-fight winning streak, with his last two victories coming against names like Eckerlin and Kozma. Pukač says this is his moment—and he won’t let it slip away. He’s determined to avenge a ten-year-old loss that once derailed his career. Can he finally overcome the experienced and accomplished Kincl? The Czech “Inspector,” on the other hand, desperately needs a win. A loss to Pukač would be devastating.We can’t forget rising Slovak star Veronika Smolková either. “Sweetheart” has been undefeated for nearly two years, racking up five straight wins. She wants to cap off her outstanding 2025 in victorious fashion. Even though her opponent changed at the last minute, her plan remains the same: deliver another dominant finish and stake her claim for a title shot.All of this goes down in just two days! On Sunday, December 28, 2025, Prague’s O2 Arena will once again surge with the adrenaline that only MMA can deliver. Two title fights, a decade-long rematch, the Celebrity Series finale, the final fight of Miloš Petrášek, and countless other stories will reach their conclusions. And you still have one last chance to be there! Tickets are selling at lightning speed, with only a few seats remaining. Will you join us to witness one of the biggest events in the history of the organization?<okteventcomponent eventid="118"></okteventcomponent>

The final event of 2025 is just around the corner, so we’re serving up the best highlights, records, and stories to get you ready for this Sunday! 

OKTAGON 81 HIGHLIGHTS AND FUN FACTS BEFORE THE FINAL EVENT OF 2025

The Celebrity Series has unleashed emotions within the MMA community the likes of which we haven’t seen in a long time. From the very first announcement, it became a topic that divided fans, sparked heated debates, and often provoked sharp reactions. At the center of it all stands Pavel Tóth—confident, controversial, and impossible to ignore. A man who stepped out of reality TV and into the toughest arena of all: the professional MMA cage.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/7aa9fc28-3152-4e10-a2c8-08bf4f174b7e/cs.1766163046818.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/dd501d51-c8a6-41e5-ac9c-f22f27fd9bc2/cs.1766163054413.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent>What initially looked like a provocation or an April Fool’s joke has now become reality. And the closer the fight gets, the higher the tension rises.<h2>PAVEL TÓTH: FROM REALITY SHOW TO THE REALITY OF THE CAGE</h2>Pavel Tóth, a Love Island contestant and the winner of this year’s Survivor Czech Republic &amp; Slovakia, decided to take a step that very few would dare to take. At just 24 years old, he accepted a challenge with no precedent in Czech-Slovak MMA—entering a professional fight after only a few months of training, and against an opponent who, in Pavel’s own words, has “at least seven wins on his record.”From day one, he became the target of ridicule, criticism, and hateful comments. And it must be said that his own statements fueled the fire—arriving as a newcomer in such a specific environment as MMA and declaring from the outset that he wants to end someone’s career is extremely bold, if not naïve.For many, he became a symbol of everything that “doesn’t belong” in MMA. But it was precisely this resistance that became his fuel. Booing in arenas, mockery on social media, and skepticism from experts did not discourage him—quite the opposite. Tóth threw himself into preparation with surprising intensity and determination.Under the guidance of Petr “Monster” Kníže and Karlos “Terminator” Vémola, he began to improve rapidly. OKTAGON closely documented his journey, allowing fans to watch a television celebrity gradually transform into a fighter who takes the challenge seriously. And this is where the turning point came.In recent weeks, some fans have begun to shift to his side. Voices are emerging that Pavel has genuinely improved. Even some active fighters are warning that Tóth may not be completely without a chance against Raška. The question remains: is it enough?<h2>ONDŘEJ RAŠKA: THE VETERAN DEFENDING THE HONOR OF MMA</h2>On the opposite side of the cage stands Ondřej Raška—a man who grew up with OKTAGON from its earliest days. A veterinarian by profession and a professional fighter with a total of 19 bouts inside the cage. Raška has been involved in combat sports for 15 years and has a rich background in both Muay Thai and MMA.However, he has never been among the absolute elite. He often alternated between wins and losses, struggled in big fights, and lost his most recent OKTAGON bout in just 14 seconds by knockout. Paradoxically, it is precisely now that the biggest fight of his career awaits him.Raška is the clear favorite—and that is exactly the problem. In this matchup, he has nothing to gain and everything to lose. A loss to an amateur who has trained for only a few months would not be seen as just a personal defeat. It would be perceived as a failure of the entire MMA community, which Raška symbolically represents.Moreover, history shows that pressure is not his strongest suit. In several key moments of his career, Raška has faltered under the weight of expectations. This time, the pressure is absolute. Nothing is expected of Tóth. Dominance is expected from Raška. Anything else will be considered a failure.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DQhrtacjHC4/"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>EMOTIONS AND PRESSURE AHEAD OF THE BATTLE</h2>Preparation for both fighters is reaching its peak. Pavel is dealing with health issues, though fortunately not serious enough to prevent him from competing. Raška, on the other hand, will have to battle the weight cut. Instead of the originally planned catchweight, the fight will take place at the official middleweight limit of 84 kg. Those extra kilos could play a crucial role in the final days before the event. Who will handle the weight better?One thing is certain: this fight has long transcended the boundaries of sport. It is a clash of two worlds. A test of courage, ego, mental strength, and the ability to handle pressure. For one man, it could mean a life-changing breakthrough. For the other, an existential crisis.Pavel has the chance to silence all doubters and show that when someone fully commits to something, anything is possible. Raška, meanwhile, will want to prove that some things cannot be rushed overnight and that experience still plays a crucial role in MMA.The Celebrity Series has shown that MMA is not just about records and titles, but above all about emotions and stories. And the fight between Pavel Tóth and Ondřej Raška is one of the strongest stories on the card. No matter who you support, one thing is certain: this fight will leave no one indifferent. The answer to who can handle it mentally will only come when the cage door closes behind them.You still have the chance to watch the entire OKTAGON 81 event live at the O2 Arena. Two title fights, a heated rematch between Kincl and Pukač, and the conclusion of the controversial Celebrity Series—and that’s far from all. This tournament promises a truly spectacular end to the year, and it’s one you don’t want to miss. Get your ticket and watch your heroes live. The last remaining tickets are on sale now!<okteventcomponent eventid="118"></okteventcomponent>

The Celebrity Series has unleashed emotions within the MMA community the likes of which we haven’t seen in a long time. From the very first announcement, it became a topic that divided fans, sparked heated debates, and often provoked sharp reactions.

FINAL LOOK AT THE CELEBRITY SERIES: WHAT CHANCE DOES PAVEL TÓTH HAVE TO SUCCEED?

The main event of OKTAGON 81 will deliver the very best that European MMA currently has to offer. Two men whose stories, physiques, and performances go far beyond the ordinary will step into the cage. Two-division champion Will “Fucking” Fleury will defend the heavyweight title for the first time against Slovakian colossus Martin “Badys” Buday – a former OKTAGON champion and one of the most successful Slovak MMA fighters in history.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/1a60ae7a-5e04-4a51-a59c-90e9bfa06f91/cs.1765983839132.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/3aa3f8dd-a6c5-45ba-a974-1234f28264e6/cs.1765983844028.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>WILL FLEURY: KING OF TWO DIVISIONS IN THE FORM OF HIS LIFE</h2>Will Fleury is currently enjoying the most dominant period of his career. Since joining OKTAGON, he has become the undisputed ruler of the promotion – four wins, no defeats, and two championship belts. He reigns over both the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions and rightfully holds the clear #1 spot in the OKTAGON pound-for-pound rankings.On his rise to the top, Fleury defeated the absolute elite: Škvor, Langer, Todev, and Karlos Vémola. Each victory told a different story, but the result was always the same – Fleury’s hand raised in triumph. He is well-rounded, intelligent, physically extremely powerful, and mentally unshakable. Fully deservedly, he has established himself at the very peak of the organization as an unstoppable apex predator.Fleury himself openly admits, however, that a fight with Buday represents the greatest challenge of his career. For the first time in OKTAGON, he enters a bout knowing that the man across from him not only has world-class experience, but also physical attributes that could fundamentally alter the dynamics of the fight.<h2>MARTIN BUDAY: THE RETURN FOR A LOST THRONE</h2>Martin Buday is a man you simply cannot miss. A giant by birth, always bigger than those around him. That size, however, defined him outside of sport as well. During his teenage years, he weighed around 160 kilograms, and his initial motivation to start training was not the pursuit of titles, but the desire to change his life.From that paradox, a champion was born. Buday developed into one of the most dangerous heavyweights in Europe, despite being more of a quiet “computer geek” in his youth, capable of sitting in front of games for up to twenty hours straight. To this day, gaming serves as his mental reset – a contrast to the brutal and exhausting nature of elite training.As one of the few heavyweights, Buday actually has to cut weight to make the 120 kg limit, and on one occasion he even missed weight simply because he thought the limit was 125 kg. Even that detail underlines his natural physical size.Buday enjoyed a successful run in the UFC, compiling a 7–1 record and defeating names such as Chris Barnett and legendary Andrei Arlovski. Despite this, he was not offered a new contract. He therefore decided to return to where he once ruled – OKTAGON. Today, he is ranked #43 in the world at heavyweight and belongs among the top five heavyweights outside the UFC. He is not coming to Prague as an outsider. He is coming as a man determined to reclaim his throne.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DSHodnFDOnM/?hl=cs&amp;img_index=1"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>A BATTLE FOR THE RULE OF THE HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION</h2>On one side stands Fleury – a two-division champion, P4P number one, and a fighter in the form of his life. On the other side is Buday – a monstrous Slovak phenomenon with global experience, overwhelming physical presence, and more hunger for victory than ever before. This is not just a title fight. This is a collision of two worlds that will define the future of the OKTAGON heavyweight division.A grand finale of the year at the O2 arenaOKTAGON 81 will offer far more than just one fight – but Fleury vs. Buday is the bout that will make history. Two giants. One belt. One answer. December 28, 2025. O2 Arena. Prague. Secure your tickets and be there when it is decided who the true ruler of the OKTAGON heavyweight division really is.<okteventcomponent eventid="118"></okteventcomponent>

The main event of OKTAGON 81 will deliver the very best that European MMA currently has to offer. Two men whose stories, physiques, and performances go far beyond the ordinary will step into the cage..

FLEURY vs. BUDAY: A TITANIC TITLE CLASH OF TWO GIANTS AT THE TOP OF OKTAGON

On Štvanice, he took his first major step toward the European elite. Now he stands before another life-changing challenge. Vojtěch Khol is one of the biggest Czech talents, and in the O2 Arena he will test himself against German prospect Hugo Vach. In our interview, he talks about how he views his opponent, reflects on Štvanice, and reveals what his first post-fight meal will be.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/d761d9fd-1489-412d-a892-8a227aceace8/cs.1765897057984.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/721efde9-2b44-44c5-aa80-ca0d095b29ae/cs.1765897062219.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent>Hi Vojta, how are you feeling a few weeks before the fight, and what phase of preparation are you currently in?I feel great. I’m at the stage where everything is being finalized, sharpened, and fine-tuned. Preparation is, of course, long and demanding, but this final phase is even more important—maintaining maximum focus in training while also being more careful to avoid injuries. Overall, I feel amazing and I’m really looking forward to the fight.Your opponent will be Hugo Vach. How do you see him as a fighter?Honestly, I didn’t know him before, but of course my team and I have studied him now. He’s a well-rounded and very solid fighter. I’m approaching this responsibly and definitely not underestimating him. He’s another opponent who will test my abilities, and I’m looking forward to delivering a great fight together.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1313"></oktfightcomponent>When you think back to your OKTAGON debut, what comes to mind first?Above all, the unbelievable atmosphere at Štvanice. That moment when I walked out. The fans are so incredibly close that it completely absorbs you. When I’m lying on my “deathbed” one day, this will definitely be one of the memories running through my head. It was absolute madness.Štvanice is considered one of OKTAGON’s iconic events. What was it like fighting in such a unique setting?It was an invaluable experience. A beautiful summer event, outdoors. The stadium is built in such a way that even when I was standing in the cage, it felt like the very last row was right next to me. It was a huge experience both personally, because of the atmosphere, and professionally. I accepted the fight on short notice against a very high-quality opponent and was also viewed as the underdog.The fight with Federico was very close and was decided by a guillotine in the third round. How do you evaluate your performance in hindsight? What did the fight give you?It really was close. Federico won the first round, I won the second, and the guillotine decided it in the third. Looking back, there were obviously a lot of mistakes, but you have to judge it in context. I accepted the fight at the last minute, and in six days you can’t really train anything very specific. We focused on a game plan with my coaches, but miracles can’t happen in such a short time.Considering everything, I’m happy with the performance. It gave me confidence and confirmed that when you have your mindset right, anything is possible. It was an honor to fight Federico. Beating such a high-level opponent at an iconic event and submitting a black belt—that’s a fighter’s dream.You’ll be fighting in the O2 Arena for the first time. Is it a dream come true, or are you trying to treat it like any other fight?I try to treat it like any other fight. Of course, I’m aware that Štvanice and the O2 Arena are iconic OKTAGON venues and that every fighter who signs with the organization wants to fight there. It happened for me within a year, which I truly appreciate and am very grateful for.That’s why I’m now trying to be as prepared as possible to deliver my best performance. I’ll enjoy the fact that I’m fighting in the O2 Arena after the fight—when I’m sitting at home with potato salad. Right now, it’s simply another step on my journey.There will be roughly twice as many people in attendance compared to Štvanice. Do you notice the crowd during the fight, or do you get tunnel vision?There may be twice as many people, but it’s dark, dim, and the cage is heavily lit, so you don’t really notice the crowd that much. At Štvanice it was daylight, and it felt like the fans were literally pressed against the cage. I always enjoy the walkout and take in the atmosphere until the cage door closes. After that, it’s tunnel vision—I focus only on my performance, my opponent, and my coaches in the corner.You train under Patrik Kincl and David Dvořák, who will also be fighting on the same card. Will they be in your corner, or will the roles be divided differently?Honestly, we haven’t discussed it yet. I think it will be better to divide the roles. At All Sport Academy, we have a really strong team—Václav Štěpán, Lukáš Chotěnovský, my brother, and other guys who are with me at every training session. For me, it’s important that Patrik and David can fully focus on their own fights. I’ll definitely get advice from them at the hotel and in the locker room, but in the cage itself, the guys from the team will corner me.What is it like when all three of you are in peak fight camp at the same time? Are the sessions harder, or do you take more care due to injury risk?It’s great. We help each other, push each other, motivate one another. You can feel it in training—the atmosphere is excellent, and everyone is fully focused. It’s an honor for me to be on such a stacked card alongside my coaches. I’m enjoying every single moment of this preparation.What does your ideal training day look like? Do you have any rituals you can’t start without?An ideal training day starts with good sleep. Sleep and recovery are the foundation, so that’s my priority. If I sleep well, I feel great. I don’t really have a strict ritual, but I do enjoy a good coffee during the day—ideally a filter coffee.Many people see you as one of the biggest talents of the next generation. What do you think is the most important thing to succeed in MMA today?Sure, people may see me as a talent, but I don’t really play into that. I think this sport is mainly about a fighter’s approach and mindset.I want to be seen more as a regular guy who worked hard for everything. When you have your head straight, know what you want, know what you’re chasing and why you’re doing it, then I think you’re unstoppable. Discipline and mental work are the most important things.How do you think modern MMA differs from MMA 10–15 years ago?In absolutely everything. The level of performances, the quality of fighters, gyms, and coaches. Back then, it was a big deal if 500 or 1,000 people showed up to an event. Today, the biggest arenas across Europe are sold out. MMA has moved forward incredibly. For me, MMA today and MMA 10–15 years ago are almost two completely different sports.A fight at the end of December means dieting over Christmas. How painful is that? And what will be your first meal after the fight?It doesn’t bother me at all. I’m happy that I have another fight. That it falls on the holidays—well, whatever. There are always events during the year: Christmas, Easter, summer holidays. I focus on the fact that I get to fight and that it’s at a beautiful event. And that I’ll eat good food a few days after Christmas? I really don’t care. My first meal will definitely be potato salad with schnitzel. And maybe some Christmas cookies if my mom sends some.What do you do in your free time when you switch off from MMA for a bit? Do you have something that helps you recharge?I like spending time with my family and closest friends. I enjoy being active—going for walks, skating, hiking in the mountains, or going to the sauna. I try to spend time with myself, ideally somewhere in nature, and also give time back to the people closest to me. During fight camp there isn’t much space for that, which makes those moments even more special afterward.One last question about our new essence “Face Your Fear”—what does “facing your fear” mean to you personally?For me, it’s important not to fight fear, but to face it head-on. Fear is something our mind creates—fear of losing, fear of a bad performance, or fear of failing. When I face it directly and have my mindset right, I know that anything is possible. The key is simply not to freak out.And what message would you like to send to the fans who will support you in the O2 Arena?I truly appreciate their support more than they can imagine. Cheer, support me, and I promise I’ll do everything I can to deliver the best possible performance and be the best version of myself. A win would be the cherry on top. We’ll all enjoy the whole evening together. Thank you so much, and see you in the O2 Arena!Not only Vojtěch Khol, but many domestic fighters are now in the final phase of their preparation ahead of OKTAGON 81. Less than two weeks remain until the spectacular conclusion of 2025. Last tickets are still available. If you don’t want to miss this stacked card, click the link below and secure your seat today!<okteventcomponent eventid="118"></okteventcomponent>

On Štvanice, he took his first major step toward the European elite. Now he stands before another life-changing challenge. Vojtěch Khol is one of the biggest Czech talents, and in the O2 Arena he will test himself against German prospect Hugo Vach.

INTERVIEW WITH VOJTĚCH KHOL: ONCE YOU HAVE YOUR MINDSET RIGHT, YOU ARE UNSTOPPABLE

A long-awaited clash of two completely different worlds. Danish firebrand Jonas “Shark” Magard will step into Prague’s O₂ Arena on December 28th to face Brazilian finisher Elvis “Karate Kid” Silva. A battle that could determine the next title challenger—and send one of them straight into the cage with the future champion.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/46f93f97-8710-4e0e-aed3-493c907913ff/cs.1765381868927.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/65e94952-a5e0-4d1b-bacc-55752da4595e/cs.1765381873697.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>JONAS MAGARD: THE SHARK RETURNING FOR BLOOD</h2>Jonas Magard isn’t just a name. He’s a phenomenon. A fighter who built his career on extreme mentality and absolute relentlessness. He often says he is willing to “sacrifice his own life for victory”—and you believe every word.In OKTAGON, he fought for the bantamweight title twice and dominated twice: first destroying Mack, then Lopez. And although he lost the belt in the war with Lima, he walked away from that fight with a lesson that made him an even stronger warrior.The Danish Shark loves the atmosphere in Czechia and Slovakia—he considers the fans the best in Europe. “Here, people appreciate a good fight, not just wins,” he says. Emotions, pressure, boos, applause… Magard feeds off all of it. It powers him. It turns him into a dangerous predator.Now he’s back. In better shape than ever. With one clear goal: reclaim the title that once belonged to him.<h2>ELVIS SILVA: THE EXPERIENCED “KARATE KID” IN THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE OF HIS CAREER</h2>Standing across from him is a man who doesn’t need many words—because his strikes speak for him. Elvis Silva, former champion in Brazil, is an elite striker with a killer instinct. In November, he made waves with a brutal KO at PML, knocking out Mack in just 36 (!) seconds and earning Performance of the Night. And when he entered OKTAGON, he gave the young Paulus absolutely no chance.Silva has 23 professional fights behind him, a wealth of experience, and deadly weapons that can decide a fight in an instant. His explosiveness, precision, and ability to punish mistakes make him an unpredictable veteran. His kicks, in particular, are extremely dangerous—and insanely fast. In the Paulus fight, he threw a kick every 11 seconds, the highest frequency in OKTAGON’s bantamweight division.And now he stands before the biggest opportunity of his career: defeating the current #2 bantamweight in OKTAGON and a fighter ranked in the TOP 60 of the world’s bantams on Fightmatrix. A win like that? That’s a ticket straight to the elite. And Silva knows it very well.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1291"></oktfightcomponent><h2>FORECAST: A STORM THAT WILL SHAKE THE O₂ ARENA</h2>At first glance, a clash of styles. At second glance—clash of mentalities. Magard relies on pressure, control, and elite grappling. He’s relentless, mentally unbreakable, and physically ready to die in the cage. Silva is quiet death. Calm, focused, with knockout power that can destroy a game plan in a single second.What happens when their worlds collide?<ul><li>If Magard drags Silva into his world—wrestling, clinch, ground-and-pound—we're in for a brutal war.</li><li>If Silva keeps the fight standing, he can end it with a single kick or punch.</li></ul>But one thing is certain: The winner will move directly into position as the next bantamweight title challenger in OKTAGON.BE THERE! The year 2025 will end with a monumental night of world-class MMA. OKTAGON 81 brings two title fights, returns of stars, heated rivalries—and among them this explosive matchup: Magard vs. Silva. Will the O₂ Arena stand behind Magard? Or will the crowd fall in love with the Brazilian karate assassin who wants to silence the skeptics and steal the spotlight? Tickets for OKTAGON 81 are on sale now. December 28th. Prague. O₂ Arena. History will be written right in front of you.<okteventcomponent eventid="118"></okteventcomponent>

A long-awaited clash of two completely different worlds. Danish firebrand Jonas “Shark” Magard will step into Prague’s O₂ Arena on December 28th to face Brazilian finisher Elvis “Karate Kid” Silva.

THE DANISH SHARK IS BACK AND SMELLS BLOOD! MAGARD VS. SILVA SET FOR AN ELITE SHOWDOWN

David Dvořák will fight for the OKTAGON flyweight title in Prague. This means Czechia could regain a champion for the first time in over a year. The last Czech champion was Patrik Kincl, who lost his belt in October last year at OKTAGON 62. Now, Dvořák will challenge the current king of the division, Zhalgas Zhumagulov.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/eaa1fc13-64a7-4724-9c05-b850be16f5f8/cs.1765213514853.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/e0f15c30-2554-4df0-b507-0e59f232f519/cs.1765213501883.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>“THE UNDERTAKER”: CZECHIA’S HOPE FOR THE TITLE</h2>David Dvořák is undoubtedly one of the most successful Czech MMA fighters. “Undertaker” first appeared in OKTAGON in 2019 at OKTAGON 13. With a win over Arsen Taigibov, he confirmed his talent, and with a stunning streak of 13 victories in a row, he left for the UFC, where he spent the next four years.During his time in the UFC, he earned three consecutive wins, extending his streak to an unbelievable 16 victories! This put him among the world’s elite and moved him to #12 in the global rankings. But then came three losses, and his UFC chapter came to an end.This September, after six long years, he returned to OKTAGON—and in spectacular fashion. His fight with the dangerous Walid didn’t start well for him. Walid pushed hard from the start and landed good shots. But then it came—a powerful overhand from Dvořák that sent Walid crashing to the canvas. With a first-round KO, he made a clear statement: he wants a title shot. Now he’ll get it against champion Zhalgas Zhumagulov.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DPytbZxDAxt/?img_index=1"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>ZHUMAGULOV: THE KAZAKH THREAT</h2>Current OKTAGON flyweight champion Zhalgas Zhumagulov will be one of the toughest challenges of Dvořák’s career. The Kazakh fighter, nicknamed “Zhako” holds a professional record of 18–9. Like David, he also fought in the UFC, where he had seven appearances, including an appearance at UFC 264: Poirier vs. McGregor 3. His journey in the UFC was complicated by several controversial decisions that even outraged fans. Before joining the UFC, he was a three-time champion in the Russian promotion Fight Nights Global.He made his OKTAGON debut last autumn, beating experienced veteran Aaron Aby in Bratislava. That win pushed him to the top of the division, and a title fight was inevitable. It happened at OKTAGON 73 in Hamburg, where Zhalgas convincingly defeated champion Beno Adamia—who was riding a six-fight winning streak—and became the new king of the division. Now he faces his first title defense against the hungry “Undertaker.”<h2>A WORLD-CLASS MATCHUP</h2>Both Zhumagulov and Dvořák belong among the absolute elite of their division. Both are ranked inside the world’s TOP 40 flyweights. According to FightMatrix, Zhumagulov is currently #33 in the world, while Dvořák holds the #39 position. They are also among the six highest-ranked fighters in OKTAGON—and this bout will decide which of them stands at the very top.This is Dvořák’s first title fight in ten years, and the big question is how he will handle the championship rounds—if the fight reaches the fourth and fifth rounds. On the other hand, Dvořák has an extremely high finishing rate for flyweight, both standing and on the ground. Out of his 22 professional victories, he went to a judges’ decision only five times. He has nine KO/TKO wins and eight submissions.Zhumagulov, however, wins half of his fights by decision. He has seven KO/TKO victories and just two submissions. “Zhako” prefers striking battles. He's fast, technically sharp, and has excellent takedown defense. In his title win over Adamia, he controlled every round and gradually dismantled the champion. But Dvořák is known as a master strategist who can adapt mid-fight and always finds the smartest path to victory.Will Czechia regain a champion after a year, or will Zhumagulov defend his throne?We will find out on December 28, 2025, in Prague’s O2 Arena. The stacked OKTAGON 81 card promises action from start to finish. Two title fights, a decade-long rematch between Kincl and Pukač, the grand finale of Celebrity Series, and the heated showdown between Raška and Tóth. The arena is filling up fast, and tickets are running out. Secure your seat for the final event of 2025—or gift the experience to someone special. Tickets available at the link below.<okteventcomponent eventid="118"></okteventcomponent>

David Dvořák will fight for the OKTAGON flyweight title in Prague. This means Czechia could regain a champion for the first time in over a year. The last Czech champion was Patrik Kincl, who lost his belt in October last year at OKTAGON 62. Now, Dvořák will challenge the current king of the division, Zhalgas Zhumagulov.

WILL CZECHIA REGAIN A CHAMPION? DVOŘÁK CHALLENGES ZHUMAGULOV FOR THE FLYWEIGHT TITLE

Fan-favorite Miloš Petrášek is preparing for the final fight of his professional career. OKTAGON 81 will be the symbolic closing chapter to all the moments, highs, and lows that “Meloun” experienced in the organization. Let’s look back at the career of one of the most beloved Czech fighters.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/471211fc-e4f5-4fe4-83ae-33e5bf7b0b66/cs.1764947483949.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/a2dd3480-3cc9-4b74-bdd1-c119a148789f/cs.1764947489380.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>THE PRODIGY AND GREAT HOPE OF CZECH MMA</h2>At the start of Petrášek’s career, many predicted a bright future for him—and when you look at how he began, it’s easy to understand why.An interesting fact: Petrášek never had a single amateur MMA fight. He went straight into the professional ranks. This was partly because he had been training combat sports since the age of 12 and had already earned success in grappling. Transitioning into MMA therefore wasn’t too difficult. He also had the benefit of training alongside his older brother, Ondřej Petrášek, whom fans may remember from early OKTAGON events.His professional debut didn’t go well. But what followed was a streak of seven straight victories—four of them before the final bell, including two Kimuras and two TKOs. At just 23 years old, his career trajectory looked excellent. Then came a rough stretch—two consecutive losses and a one-year break.<h2>THE KIMBALL CHAPTER AND THE ROAD BACK</h2>When Petrášek returned in 2017, he was unstoppable. In just ten months, he collected four wins, all inside the distance. Two of those fights took place in OKTAGON—at OKTAGON 5 and OKTAGON 7. Miloš’s star rose again, fans embraced him, and with popularity came pressure.That’s when he encountered his “kryptonite” and long-time nemesis—American powerhouse Jeremy “The Grizzly” Kimball. Kimball had just finished his UFC run, where he fought four times, and came to Europe to test himself. At first glance, he doesn't even look like a typical top-level athlete—Petrášek jokingly once said that Kimball embodies the saying, “if you’ve got a belly, you’ve got a punch.” And the first fight proved it: Kimball finished it by first-round KO.Unwilling to accept such a crushing defeat, Petrášek insisted on a rematch, determined to prove that he belonged at the top of OKTAGON. But the result didn’t change—this time the fight went to a decision, but Kimball again had his hand raised. After two heavy losses, Petrášek needed a rebound. At the legendary OKTAGON 15 event—the night of the “Fight of the Century” and the promotion’s first sold-out O2 Arena—he faced Danish veteran Christensen. But again, things didn’t go his way, and he suffered another decision loss.<h2>THE PEOPLE’S FIGHTER WHO WILL ALWAYS BE LOVED</h2>Despite all the ups and downs—from thrilling victories to crushing defeats—Miloš Petrášek remained one of the most beloved fighters in OKTAGON. Always smiling, authentic, and open, he became an integral part of the promotion. Whether as a fighter, commentator, fan, or analyst, supporters admired his humanity.Now, Miloš is approaching the final chapter of his career. His last professional fight. The end of a story that may not have broken international barriers, but nonetheless left a powerful legacy. In the O2 Arena, he will say goodbye to his career and to the fans who have stood by him through everything. He helped build Czech MMA, inspired countless young fighters, and earned loyal supporters who will be with him until the end. And it is with them that he hopes to celebrate one last victory—to close his career with a win in front of the home crowd and step into the next stage of life without regrets.Will you be there to support him one last time?OKTAGON 81 is fast approaching! Only three weeks remain, and the seats in the O2 Arena are filling quickly. If you want to experience Petrášek’s farewell, don’t wait—secure your place today. The final event of 2025 takes place on December 28th, and it will be a spectacular ride!<okteventcomponent eventid="118"></okteventcomponent>

Fan-favorite Miloš Petrášek is preparing for the final fight of his professional career. OKTAGON 81 will be the symbolic closing chapter to all the moments, highs, and lows that “Meloun” experienced in the organization. Let’s look back at the career of one of the most beloved Czech fighters.

THE FINAL FIGHT OF MILOŠ PETRÁŠEK: A BELOVED FIGHTER SAYS GOODBYE IN THE O2 ARENA

Daniel Škvor is stepping into the heavyweight division. The current #3 light heavyweight contender will close out 2025 in truly massive fashion. At OKTAGON 81 in Prague’s O2 Arena, he will take on the German powerhouse Patrick Vespaziani. What can we expect from this matchup—and how does Škvor stack up at heavyweight?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/bb8ab834-7d10-4020-8d99-bf428aeb9ea1/cs.1764783633907.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/ace151f9-a6d7-4c4d-b494-58d79fc1acc1/cs.1764783644781.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>THE BEST FORM OF HIS CAREER AND THREE WINS IN A ROW</h2>Daniel Škvor launched his professional MMA career in 2020, shortly after winning the OKTAGON Underground tournament in the 100 kg division. At the time, he was still a pure kickboxer with experience from major organizations, including the prestigious GLORY promotion. Trying a striking match in small MMA gloves hooked him instantly. Just half a year after winning the Underground final, he made his professional MMA debut.He lost that fight via submission in the second round to Omar Sy—not the debut he hoped for, but a valuable lesson. He needed to improve takedown defense and grappling overall. Under coach André Reinders, he began developing all aspects of his MMA game. His biggest weapon, however, remained the stand-up. With his experience, technique, and physical attributes, Škvor is a dangerous opponent for anyone.After his debut loss, he earned five straight wins and quickly established himself as a new predator in the light heavyweight division. He defeated names such as Lucas Alsina, Marc Doussis, and Pavol Langer. In spring of last year, he lost to Will Fleury via second-round Arm Triangle Choke—and has been chasing a rematch ever since.Now Škvor is riding a streak of three dominant victories. His latest win came at Eden, again against the experienced Argentine Lucas Alsina. As the #3 light heavyweight contender, he was on the verge of a title shot—until Fleury decided to move up and claim a second belt. He succeeded and now defends his heavyweight throne against Slovak star Martin Buday, who returned to OKTAGON from the UFC.<h2>CLASH WITH THE SURGING VESPAZIANI</h2>Škvor will meet surging German gladiator Patrick Vespaziani in the O2 Arena. Just like Škvor, Vespaziani is on a three-fight winning streak and holds the #3 spot—except in the heavyweight division. This will be a collision of two potential title challengers, each coming from a different weight class. For Škvor, this is a partial return to his roots—he competed as a heavyweight throughout his kickboxing career, so size differences won’t feel foreign to him.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1315"></oktfightcomponent>But this time, the fight will follow MMA rules, where weight plays a far bigger role than in striking sports. Once the fight hits the ground, every extra kilo becomes painfully obvious—whether you're lifting it or it’s crushing you from above. This is likely Vespaziani’s game plan: take Škvor down early and use his size advantage relentlessly.The Czech striker, meanwhile, will try to keep the fight standing as long as possible—using speed, defending takedowns, and landing hard counters off the back foot. Distance management will be absolutely crucial. At the same time, he can’t afford to get clipped—“Il Gladiatore” can end a fight with a single shot.Škvor is facing a major career challenge. A win could position him as a title challenger in two divisions simultaneously. A loss on home soil in the O2 Arena would cast a bitter shadow over an otherwise excellent year.The winner will be decided in less than a month! On December 28, 2025, OKTAGON returns to the O2 Arena for its traditional end-of-year show. Two title fights—Fleury vs. Buday and Zhumagulov vs. Dvořák. The long-awaited rematch between Kincl and Pukač. The grand finale of the Celebrity Series. You can still gift tickets under the Christmas tree. Give an experience they’ll remember for years.<okteventcomponent eventid="118"></okteventcomponent>

Daniel Škvor is stepping into the heavyweight division. The current #3 light heavyweight contender will close out 2025 in truly massive fashion. At OKTAGON 81 in Prague’s O2 Arena, he will take on the German powerhouse Patrick Vespaziani. 

ŠKVOR MOVES UP TO HEAVYWEIGHT – FACES GIANT VESPAZIANI IN THE O2 ARENA

We are less than four weeks away from the final event of the year: OKTAGON 81. Fighter preparations are reaching their peak. It’s the final stretch. One of the most anticipated matchups is the clash between the former champion and one of the most accomplished Czech fighters, Patrik Kincl, and the Slovak veteran who is experiencing a career rebirth. A rematch that fans have been waiting ten long years for. What will decide the winner?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/f00563c7-4027-4ecb-9305-a5cc884eeda0/cs.1764606433504.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/7bbc7a2b-6194-41a6-8af6-1e85548e0157/cs.1764606440000.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>BACK TO THE PAST: A CLOSE FIRST FIGHT</h2>When Kincl and Pukač first met, the MMA world looked completely different. Conor McGregor was preparing for his first UFC title fight, OKTAGON existed only in the minds of its founders, and Karlos Vémola was demolishing opponents in England. Czech and Slovak MMA was still in its early stages—and at that moment, two promising prospects stood across from each other: 25-year-old Patrik Kincl and the two-years-younger Robo Pukač. Both fighters already had a solid number of professional fights. Kincl held a 13–8 record and had just returned from an unsuccessful run in Russia’s ACB, where he lost to Albert Duraev. Pukač had a slightly better record of 12–4–1 and, after his win over Šindelář, many saw him as the favorite. The fight took place on May 30, 2015 , in Banská Bystrica. Both fighters knew how important the matchup was for their careers, and the fight reflected that—neither opened up with risky combinations, usually throwing only single or double strikes. Pukač relied heavily on low kicks , and after the first round Kincl’s leg was badly bruised. The Czech fighter tried to pressure Pukač against the fence and score takedowns , which he succeeded in doing a few times—possibly the deciding factor in his victory. Otherwise, most of the fight was spent in the center, standing, with neither gaining a major advantage. After 15 minutes, the judges delivered a majority decision in favor of the Czech “Inspector.” Their careers then split. Kincl went on an impressive run, losing only once in his next 10 fights. Pukač struggled, collecting 6 losses and only 4 wins in his next 10 bouts.<div class="source-inline-chip-container ng-star-inserted"></div><div class="source-inline-chip-container ng-star-inserted"></div><div class="source-inline-chip-container ng-star-inserted"><h2>THE STORY OF ROBERT PUKAČ'S REDEMPTION</h2></div>Ten years passed, and while Patrik Kincl became OKTAGON’s middleweight champion and even reached the top of the P4P rankings , Robo Pukač struggled for years to find the form that would bring him back into the spotlight. He finally did it this year. With bold trash talk and a fearless attitude, he called out the struggling David Kozma —and seized the biggest opportunity of his career. He finished the “Pink Panther” in the first round in front of Czech fans in Třinec, scoring the biggest win of his career. But he wasn’t satisfied. After beating one king, he wanted another —this time Germany’s Christian Eckerlin. Many claimed Pukač’s win over Kozma was a fluke or simply a consequence of Kozma’s poor performance. But the “Prince of Bratislava” didn’t care. He knew his win was built on years of hard work and sacrifice. And once again, he proved it. In Hamburg’s Barclays Arena, he demolished the local star Eckerlin via third-round TKO. Each win boosted his appetite —and now he wants one more giant of the Czech scene and a chance to avenge his decade-old loss.<div class="source-inline-chip-container ng-star-inserted"></div><div class="source-inline-chip-container ng-star-inserted"></div><div class="source-inline-chip-container ng-star-inserted"></div><div class="source-inline-chip-container ng-star-inserted"></div><div class="source-inline-chip-container ng-star-inserted"></div><h2>KINCL HAS STUMBLED TWICE – NOW HE MUST WIN</h2>Standing in the way of Pukač’s fairy-tale rise is the Czech “Inspector” Patrik Kincl —one of the most successful Czech MMA athletes of all time. The former OKTAGON middleweight champion reigned over the division for 956 days and defended the title three times, against names like Karlos Vémola, Alex Lohoré, and Piotr Wawrzyniak. Today he sits at #77 in the global FightMatrix rankings —though at the start of 2024, he was ranked as high as #35. But then came two consecutive losses —something that hadn’t happened to Kincl in 15 years. First, he lost in front of a record-setting 59,194 fans at the Frankfurt football stadium, where he was outclassed by Kerim Engizek. He couldn’t threaten the Turkish fighter and allowed him to control the fight. The decision was clear. A similar story unfolded in June at OKTAGON 72 in Prague’s Eden, where he lost the interim title fight against Makhmud Muradov. He couldn’t find success in striking or on the ground. After four years, Kincl now enters a non-title bout —facing someone outside the global top 160 for the first time in ten matches. Still, this may be one of the most important fights of his career. A third consecutive loss would be a major problem and signal danger for his ranking among the hungry contenders below.<div class="source-inline-chip-container ng-star-inserted"></div><div class="source-inline-chip-container ng-star-inserted"></div><h2>CZECHIA vs. SLOVAKIA</h2>A rivalry embedded in the DNA of OKTAGON. From the very first OKTAGON Challenge to the Fight of the Century. Czech–Slovak matchups have shaped the local MMA scene since its beginnings—and they will continue to do so. This fight once again puts two nations head-to-head. On one side stands the Czech “Inspector” Patrik Kincl. On the other, the “Prince of Bratislava” Robo Pukač. Whether you’re Team Kincl or Team Pukač, this fight forces you to pick a side. And in the O2 Arena, one side will celebrate. Will you be there?<div class="source-inline-chip-container ng-star-inserted"></div><div class="source-inline-chip-container ng-star-inserted"></div><div class="source-inline-chip-container ng-star-inserted"></div><div class="source-inline-chip-container ng-star-inserted"></div><div class="source-inline-chip-container ng-star-inserted"></div>Sunday, December 28th. Prague’s O2 Arena. A grand finale to the OKTAGON year. Two world-class title fights. The long-awaited rematch Kincl vs. Pukač II. The conclusion of the Celebrity Series. And a lineup of electrifying matchups that will lift fans from their seats. That’s OKTAGON 81. And you still have a chance to be part of it. Tickets are disappearing fast—don’t miss your opportunity. Be there and watch the entire event live!<okteventcomponent eventid="118"></okteventcomponent>