<p>A huge challenge awaits him soon – Prague’s O2 Arena and a showdown with local legend Karlos Vémola, who’s taken up his dangerous challenge. How is he feeling right now? We got all the answers from the fiery Will Fleury.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/cabf396c-fdf1-4cc3-ab53-dd29e1505f98/cs.1734626986351.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/6146175a-6981-4fc0-800a-f3e464a6a625/cs.1734626991326.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><p></p><p><strong>What does it mean to you personally to close out the year with a fight against someone like Vemola in front of a sold-out O2 arena? Have you thought about how a victory might impact your career and life outside the cage?</strong></p><p>Yeah, obviously it would be life-changing for me. When I signed with OKTAGON, this is exactly how I set things out in my head – take out some of the top guys in the division and then go to the Karlos fight. And I've made this happen.</p><p><strong>How do you approach a fight of this magnitude mentally? Does the size of the event or the crowd’s reaction affect your focus?</strong></p><p>I don't really care to be honest. If I'm the bad guy, great. If I'm the good guy, who cares. All I want to do is go in and create something that's like, wow, sh*t, this guy's a really good fighter. And afterwards, whether you love me or hate me, you'll be like, f*ck, he is a good fighter.</p><p><strong>What kind of reaction are you expecting from Czech fans?</strong> </p><p>To be honest, what I noticed in Slovakia was that Karlos wasn't very popular. A lot of people were coming over to me telling me they hope I whoop his a**, even Czech people. </p><p><strong>Karlos has a reputation for trying to get inside his opponents’ heads. How do you handle his psychological tactics?</strong></p><p>Every fight is a mental battle as well, but I feel if your technique is good enough, it's very easy to be confident. For me, the mental preparation is also the physical preparation. If I know how you're about to move and I can predict this and I can hit you, it's pretty easy to be confident now. I can hit you and you can't hit me. This is a lot of power and I feel like with Karlos, I'm going to create that situation. That's why when we're starting to talk sh*t to each other, I can look him in the eyes and smile and say, I'm going to f*ck you up.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1076"></oktfightcomponent><p><strong>Your fighting style is known for being direct and uncompromising. When you're in the cage, how much of your strategy is pre-planned versus relying on instincts and improvisation?</strong></p><p>Yeah, I think watching your opponent is huge. I think it's very important to do a lot of video work on the guy to understand how he's going to move and to understand how you're going to sequence what he does. If I give you this, how will you react? And now it's possible that on the night his reaction will be different. So it's like, okay, you're giving him two options. Is he going for A or B? And now I've learned techniques worked out from this. I think this is your job. If you're going to be a professional fighter, be professional. Do your homework beforehand. Watch the guy.</p><p><strong>Do you ever avoid over-analyzing your opponent to stay adaptable during the fight?</strong></p><p>There'll be situations like sometimes I like to enter a spar where I don't know the guy at all. And you just have to read it on the day because there will be situations in a fight where people are going to do unpredictable things. Get used to the chaos in one way, but also you can predict chaos a lot of the time. And if I know how you're going to move, I can exploit this very easily.</p><p><strong>Looking back to the very beginning, what first attracted you to MMA? What made you decide to commit to it as a career?</strong></p><p>I think the fact that I knew I would get a reward for the effort that I put into it. A fight is obviously a very tough situation mentally to enter into. I was always like, that won't bother me. I know that if I prepare properly, I can beat anybody. I always believed that. My parents were very good at instilling the belief that if you work hard enough, you can go and achieve anything.</p><p><strong>Did you fight even as a kid?</strong> </p><p>I got the cr*p beaten out of me by my brothers as a kid a lot, and I felt like, well, if I'm able to stand up to them, I can stand up to anyone because they were so much bigger and older than me. I had that thing of, no, I can keep standing up to these challenges. That belief made me want to pursue MMA.</p><p><strong>Do you remember your very first MMA training session? What was it like, and how did it influence your decision to keep pursuing the sport?</strong></p><p>I actually do remember my first training. It's a long time since I thought about this, but it was me and an Algerian guy beating the sh*t out of each other. I loved it. I was really nervous before we started fighting. It wasn't hard sparring or anything; it was just wrestling, but we were so emotional about winning this wrestling thing. He was a really tough guy, obviously, and I was a rugby player, so I was a big, strong guy.</p><p><strong>How did it turn out?</strong></p><p>The coach got the two of us to do a couple of rounds at the end of the session. Technique-wise, it was terrible. But from a competition point of view, it was like, right, I want to be the guy. I want to be the man here, and he wanted to be the man really badly. We went for about 15 minutes, just killing each other. Eventually, he got tired, and I won.</p><p><strong>Your background includes rugby. Do you think the skills or mentality you developed in rugby helped you transition into MMA?</strong></p><p>It helped in a lot of ways. A double-leg takedown is very similar to a rugby tackle, and the timing and physicality came naturally to me. In rugby, you’re used to collisions with people running toward you, so I wasn’t afraid of hard hits. That mindset carried over to MMA.</p><p><strong>Do you feel rugby gave you any mental edge when it comes to handling pressure and competition in MMA?</strong></p><p>Rugby taught me about competition and failure. You try, you fail, and you learn. That mindset carried over to MMA. In rugby, failures aren’t as personal because it’s a team sport, but in MMA, it’s all on you. That’s challenging, but also satisfying because it means you’re in control.</p><p><strong>What have been the toughest moments of your career so far, and how have they shaped you as a fighter and a person?</strong></p><p>I’ve had a lot of tough times in this career. Early on, after my pro debut, a Portuguese fighter was killed in Ireland, and MMA was effectively banned. It was very difficult to get my second fight. I had a lot of opponents lined up, and they would pull out, or the shows would be canceled because of insurance purposes. It was very difficult during that period, and I wasn’t making much money. I questioned a lot if I could make this a sustainable career. Was it worth the investment of my time and energy? But I kept going. I was undefeated as an amateur and a pro at the time, and getting signed to Bellator was a big moment for me.</p><p><strong>What lessons did you learn from your first professional loss, and how did it impact your approach?</strong></p><p>In my first loss, I overlooked my opponent. He was 6-0 with six knockouts, but because he was a last-minute replacement, I dismissed him. I thought I’d smash him, and that cocky attitude hurt me. I got knocked out in the first round. It was a huge lesson in humility and preparation. That loss, and the ones that followed, taught me to respect every opponent. Without those tough moments, I wouldn’t be as good a fighter today.</p><p><strong>How do you mentally recover from a tough loss, and what keeps you motivated to improve and move forward?</strong></p><p>Losses expose you to reality. The more you try to protect yourself from failure, the less you’ll grow. It still bothers me when I think about those moments, but that pain drives me to improve. I’m grateful for those challenges because they shaped who I am as a fighter.</p><p><strong>What goes through your mind in the final moments before walking out to the cage? Are you nervous, calm, or something else entirely?</strong></p><p>At that point, I’m actually quite calm. Everything feels mellow and blank because all the work has been done. It’s time to let go and enjoy the moment.</p><p><strong>How do you mentally prepare for the intensity of the walkout and the fight itself?</strong> </p><p>I love my walkouts. The energy from the crowd, the buzz—it’s amazing. In the warm-up, I get pumped up and feel that nervous energy. But when it’s time to walk out, I find a sense of peace. I've seen it so many times in my own head, and I've visualised the whole thing. It feels like I’m watching myself from the outside. Let your brain take the backseat for a second, just go and be primal Will, and let that guy take over. Will f*cking Fleury, the fighter, he's gonna go in and do his work now. So it's a funny feeling, but I really, really enjoy the intensity of those moments.</p><p><strong>Do you have any role models, either in sports or outside of it, who inspire you in your approach to life and fighting?</strong></p><p>Growing up, I admired Irish rugby players like Paul O’Connell and Ronan O’Gara. They were stoic and embraced challenges. As I got older, my focus shifted to becoming my own role model. I hold myself accountable to the person I want to be.</p><p><strong>If young Will Fleury could meet you now, what do you think he’d say? And if you could give him advice, what would you tell him?</strong></p><p>I think young Will would be proud overall, though he might disagree with some of my choices. If I could give him advice, I’d tell him not to fear failure. Embrace challenges and take risks because that’s how you grow.</p><p><strong>Finally, if someone who’s never seen you fight asks, "Why should I watch Will Fleury in the cage?"—what would you say?</strong></p><p>Because I give everything I have. I fight with intensity and heart, always looking to finish. Love me or hate me, you won’t forget me.</p><okteventcomponent eventid="98"></okteventcomponent>

Will Fleury opens up about his beginnings and his journey as a fighter in this exclusive interview.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH FLEURY: LOVE ME OR HATE ME, YOU WON’T FORGET ME! 

<p>Düsseldorf witnessed a historic event that delivered the climax of the Tipsport Gamechanger project, a series of lightning-fast finishes, and several extremely close battles. OKTAGON 82 was a night where stories were written—and the judges definitely did not stay on the sidelines. How did they see the fights that went to the scorecards?</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/7551306e-382b-4722-aba7-a8c759d6fa3c/cs.1768932277164.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/09d0ff57-602f-4f53-b1c5-c66a9ca05f08/cs.1768932283063.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>KERIM ENGIZEK vs. KRZYSZTOF JOTKO</h2><p>In the Tipsport Gamechanger final, the judges were not needed at all. Krzysztof Jotko confirmed his reputation as a top-level strategist, took Kerim Engizek to the ground and submitted him with a rear-naked choke in the first round. After almost eleven years, Engizek finally found his conqueror, and Jotko became the winner of the million-euro pyramid.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1295" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>GJONI PALOKAJ vs. JAMES HENDIN</h2><p>The battle for a potential featherweight title contender delivered a clash of styles. James Hendin tried to tie the fight up and bring it to the ground, but Palokaj systematically shut down his attempts. Excellent takedown defense, sharper striking, and two knockdowns played a key role. After three rounds, the judges were unanimous—a clear win for Gjoni Palokaj, who secured his eighth straight victory and confirmed he belongs among the absolute elite of the division.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1320" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>DENIZ ILBAY vs. KAROL RYŠAVÝ</h2><p>There was nothing to count here. Karol Ryšavý took advantage of a transition to the ground, locked in a guillotine, and forced Deniz Ilbay to tap in the first round. With this win, Ryšavý put himself firmly back in the conversation in the featherweight division.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1332" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>TAMERLAN DULATOV vs. STEFAN KONČAR</h2><p>The highly anticipated clash of two young prospects ended before the opening round horn. Dulatov first set a high pace on the feet, then smartly changed tactics and took the fight to the ground. An armbar just before the end of the round meant the judges once again had no work to do.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1362" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>DAVID ZAWADA vs. DANIEL LIGOCKI</h2><p>Here, the judges played a crucial role. Ligocki was more aggressive early, landing hard combinations and rocking Zawada several times. The German veteran, however, survived the critical moments, managed to turn the fight in his favor during key exchanges, and gradually evened the score. After three rounds of an extremely close contest, the judges awarded a split decision victory to David Zawada.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1364" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>PRELIMS - SAMUEL BARK vs. ZAFAR MOHSEN</h2><p>A technical grappling duel in which Zafar Mohsen appeared more active from top positions and dictated the pace more often. Bark managed to escape dangerous situations, but control and initiative played the decisive role in the scoring. After three rounds, Mohsen won by decision and recorded a very solid organizational debut.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1357" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>MAREK BARTL vs. KAMIL ONISZCZUK</h2><p>Bartl once again entertained with his creativity on the feet, but Oniszczuk managed the distance well and took the fight to the ground in the second round. A locked-in arm triangle brought a quick finish.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1344" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><p></p><h2>TOMÁŠ CIGÁNIK vs. MAURICE ADORF</h2><p>The Slovak samurai Cigánik delivered a flawless performance. Once the fight hit the ground, it didn’t take long before Adorf was caught in a rear-naked choke. A first-round finish and no work for the judges.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1335" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>ALTIN ZENUNI vs. MURAT TÜYSÜZ</h2><p>Zenuni systematically controlled the fight on the ground and unleashed heavy ground-and-pound in the second round, prompting the referee to stop the bout. Another clear finish inside the distance.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1342" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>EMIR-CAN AL vs. PATRIK ŠEBEK</h2><p>Across all three rounds, Patrik Šebek repeatedly took his opponent to the ground, controlled positions, and came close to a finish. Emir-Can Al tried to threaten on the feet, but long stretches spent on the defensive decided the outcome. All three judges agreed on a unanimous decision victory for Šebek.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1318" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>ARIAN SADIKOVIĆ vs. JIXIE MOLAPO</h2><p>A cautious opening gave way to Sadiković’s pressure, as he took control in the second round and finished the fight by TKO. It was not the best night for the Czech fighter this time.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1354" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><p></p><p><strong>OKTAGON 82 delivered everything—fast finishes, tactical battles, and fights where small details decided individual rounds. Jotko wrote himself into history as the Tipsport Gamechanger winner, Palokaj confirmed his status as a title contender, and several young names took significant steps forward. The next chapter comes soon—OKTAGON 83 in Stuttgart. The year 2026 has started in grand style.</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="122"></okteventcomponent>

Düsseldorf witnessed a historic event that delivered the climax of the Tipsport Gamechanger project, a series of lightning-fast finishes, and several extremely close battles. OKTAGON 82 was a night where stories were written—and the judges definitely did not stay on the sidelines. 

OKTAGON 82 SCORECARDS: PALOKAJ CONFIRMED HIS FORM, ZAWADA SURVIVED A WAR, AND ŠEBEK SHINED IN HIS DEBUT

<p>Krzysztof Jotko has become the winner of the third and final season of the million-euro Tipsport Gamechanger pyramid. In the final, he submitted Kerim Engizek in the very first round with a rear-naked choke. Along with the prestigious trophy, Jotko also took home a €300,000 cheque. The Turkish OKTAGON middleweight champion suffered his first defeat on home soil in Düsseldorf after nearly 11 years.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/1f25835b-f4ba-4557-a393-fff11d18a343/cs.1768690965423.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/748d7761-26e5-4c8b-a293-d82d02844057/cs.1768690973456.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>KERIM ENGIZEK vs. KRZYSZTOF JOTKO</h2><p>Krzysztof Jotko is the third winner of the million-euro Tipsport Gamechanger! The Polish veteran confirmed his experience and class by finishing the previously unbeaten Engizek in the opening round. The fight began cautiously on both sides, but once the opportunity appeared, Jotko did not hesitate. He took the champion to the ground, locked in a rear-naked choke, and forced Engizek to tap. The highly anticipated clash between two middleweights ranked inside the global top 50 ended decisively in favor of Krzysztof Jotko. Congratulations to the winner, and respect to all fighters who took part in the pyramid.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1295"></oktfightcomponent><h2>GJONI PALOKAJ vs. JAMES HENDIN</h2><p>The battle for a potential featherweight title contender went in favor of Gjoni Palokaj. The Albanian fighter extended his winning streak to an incredible eight consecutive victories. James Hendin attempted to slow the fight down and take it to the ground, but Palokaj was perfectly prepared and defended every attempt. He also landed several heavy shots and knocked Hendin down twice. The bout went the distance, with the judges awarding a unanimous decision to Palokaj, who now firmly enters the title conversation.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1320"></oktfightcomponent><h2>DENIZ ILBAY vs. KAROL RYŠAVÝ</h2><p>Karol Ryšavý secured victory in the very first round. The clash of styles favored the Slovak fighter. After early exchanges on the feet, Ilbay attempted to take the fight to the ground, but Ryšavý capitalized immediately and locked in a guillotine choke. Ilbay was forced to tap, and Ryšavý claimed a highly valuable scalp that launches him back into the featherweight top 10.</p><h2>TAMERLAN DULATOV vs. STEFAN KONČAR</h2><p>The highly anticipated showdown between two young prospects ended at the close of the first round. Tamerlan Dulatov stormed into the fight aggressively, immediately overwhelming Končar with strikes. Končar refused to go down easily and survived the early onslaught. Dulatov then switched tactics, relying on his elite grappling. Just seconds before the round ended, he locked in an armbar, forcing the young Serbian to submit. Who will Dulatov face next?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1362"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MARC DOUSSIS vs. YEVHENII ORLOV</h2><p>Unfortunately, due to an injury suffered by Doussis shortly before the fight, the heavyweight clash did not take place.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1321"></oktfightcomponent><h2>DAVID ZAWADA vs. DANIEL LIGOCKI</h2><p>The Tipsport Gamechanger reserve bout delivered an absolutely phenomenal war. Both fighters entered with the clear intent to finish, and both came close to victory. In the first round, Ligocki unleashed powerful combinations and repeatedly rocked Zawada. The German veteran survived the toughest moments through sheer willpower. Late in the round, Zawada dropped Ligocki, who also managed to survive a critical moment. The fight swung back and forth throughout, with the outcome uncertain until the very end. After three rounds of chaos, David “Zako” Zawada earned a split-decision victory.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1364"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT: OKTAGON 85 TO BE BROADCAST ON RTL IN FREE TV</h2><p>During the event, a major announcement was also made regarding the upcoming OKTAGON 85 tournament in Hamburg. German television channel RTL will broadcast the event from 11:00 PM on the free-to-air RTL channel. OKTAGON will thus once again make its way into the living rooms of the general public. </p><oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DToDCHODCUf/?hl=cs"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>PRELIMS</h2><h2>SAMUEL BARK vs. ZAFAR MOHSEN</h2><p>Zafar Mohsen entered his OKTAGON debut with a clear plan—to take Bark to the ground and draw him into deep grappling waters. The Swedish fighter was well prepared and consistently escaped dangerous positions. As the fight progressed, Bark began to seize momentum and threaten with submissions of his own. Ultimately, however, it was not enough, and after three close rounds, Mohsen earned a decision victory. The featherweight division has gained another dangerous contender.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1357"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MAREK BARTL vs. KAMIL ONISZCZUK</h2><p>Marek Bartl continues to entertain. In the first round, he once again attempted spinning elbows and added several kicks, but without success. Kamil Oniszczuk made good use of his height advantage and kept his distance. In the second round, he took Bartl down, secured an armbar, and Bartl was unable to escape. Oniszczuk claimed a crucial second-round submission victory.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1344"></oktfightcomponent><h2>TOMÁŠ CIGÁNIK vs. MAURICE ADORF</h2><p>Maurice Adorf entered OKTAGON with high ambitions and big expectations, but was greeted by Slovak warrior Tomáš Cigánik. It was a brutal welcome—Cigánik secured a rear-naked choke submission in the first round. The Slovak fighter continues to show major progress, which he confirmed in Düsseldorf. A very unfortunate debut for Adorf.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1335"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ALTIN ZENUNI vs. MURAT TÜYSÜZ</h2><p>The clash between young talent Zenuni and debutant Tüysüz delivered a grappling-heavy battle dominated by Zenuni. Like Šebek earlier, the Albanian prospect relied on his ground game—and it paid off. In the second round, he unleashed heavy ground-and-pound, forcing the referee to stop the fight. Zenuni remains undefeated and ready for the next challenge.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1342"></oktfightcomponent><h2>EMIR-CAN AL vs. PATRIK ŠEBEK</h2><p>An excellent debut from the young Slovak fighter. Šebek knew his best chance was on the ground and came close to finishing via rear-naked choke in all three rounds. The thrilling contest went to the judges, who unanimously awarded the victory to Šebek after a mature and composed performance.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1318"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ARIAN SADIKOVIĆ vs. JIXIE MOLAPO</h2><p>Arian “Game Over” Sadiković lived up to his nickname, securing a TKO victory in the second round. The fight started cautiously, with both fighters testing each other and avoiding mistakes. As time passed, Sadiković began to take control and eventually earned the stoppage in round two.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1354"></oktfightcomponent><p></p><p><strong>OKTAGON 82 delivered a stacked card full of unexpected twists and surprises. The winner of the European Champions League in the middleweight division, Tipsport Gamechanger, is the experienced Polish veteran Krzysztof Jotko. What’s next? OKTAGON 83 in Stuttgart, featuring a featherweight title fight and local stars. The final tickets are still available—don’t miss your chance to experience OKTAGON live!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="122"></okteventcomponent>

Krzysztof Jotko has become the winner of the third and final season of the million-euro Tipsport Gamechanger pyramid. In the final, he submitted Kerim Engizek in the very first round with a rear-naked choke.

OKTAGON 82 RESULTS: JOTKO CROWNED TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER CHAMPION 

<p>The PSD Bank Dome in Düsseldorf will host a spectacular finale. OKTAGON 82 will deliver the climax of the third and final season of the Tipsport Gamechanger project, key ranking matchups, and clashes of talents we will be hearing a lot about in the future. The million-euro pyramid is missing its final piece—and the night promises emotion, drama, and fights that could rewrite the organization’s history. Here is the complete fight-by-fight overview.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/213cad28-1cd7-4a1b-b39c-aa2e6d185a07/cs.1768651180603.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/43a3eb3a-f1aa-42c5-a24d-59c96568f020/cs.1768651189917.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>KERIM ENGIZEK vs. KRZYSZTOF JOTKO</h2><p>The European MMA Champions League has its final. The unbeaten middleweight champion Kerim Engizek stands one step away from immortality and a €300,000 payday. He has not tasted defeat for almost 11 years and has marched through the tournament with the authority of a true king—handling a last-minute opponent change, surgically dismantling Stanton, and surviving a memorable semifinal war with Humburger.</p><p> Across from him stands a man who cannot be underestimated. Krzysztof Jotko, a UFC veteran and American Top Team representative, embodies strategy and composure. He reached the final by overcoming Surdu, Mazúch, and Khajevand—finding the right key every time. Now he will try to solve the riddle no one has answered for nearly eleven years. A final worthy of the Tipsport Gamechanger project.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1295"></oktfightcomponent><h2>GJONI PALOKAJ vs. JAMES HENDIN</h2><p>Hometown favorite Gjoni Palokaj remains perfect in OKTAGON. Five fights, five wins, and a #5 ranking. Fight after fight, he proves he belongs among Europe’s absolute elite and now stands on the doorstep of a title shot. The only thing missing so far is a finish—and that’s exactly what he wants to change.</p><p>Standing in his way is the British “Honey Badger” James Hendin, a ground-fighting specialist and former Cage Warriors title challenger. Four submissions, ten wins, and a clear ambition: to become the first man to defeat Palokaj in OKTAGON.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1320"></oktfightcomponent><h2>DENIZ ILBAY vs. KAROL RYŠAVÝ</h2><p>Deniz Ilbay enters every fight with a single goal—knockout. Six of his eight wins came by KO, and whenever he finds space, a finish is in the air. He is steadily pushing toward the top of the division, and another scalp could catapult him into the elite. Karol Ryšavý, the winner of the third season of OKTAGON Challenge, knows the recipe for dealing with heavy hands. His guillotine has already surprised more than one big name, and submissions may be the key to victory here.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1332"></oktfightcomponent><h2>TAMERLAN DULATOV vs. STEFAN KONČAR</h2><p>Two hungry young guns with no reverse gear. Fan favorite Tamerlan Dulatov and Stefan Končar will deliver a dynamic duel full of pace, aggression, and a desire to shine. Exactly the kind of fight where a new star can be born. Neither has tasted defeat, and both have finished all of their wins inside the distance. Whose streak will end?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1362"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MARC DOUSSIS vs. YEVHENII ORLOV</h2><p>Marc Doussis guarantees excitement—nine wins, nine finishes. Now comes a serious stress test in the form of Yevhenii Orlov. The Olympic wrestler rides an eight-fight winning streak with a 100% finish rate. Orlov has fallen only once—against Martin Buday. Everyone else he has bulldozed. Can Doussis find the answer, or will another heavyweight steamroller get rolling?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1321"></oktfightcomponent><h2>DAVID ZAWADA vs. DANIEL LIGOCKI</h2><p>Experienced veteran David Zawada returns to the cage to test Czech fighter Daniel Ligocki. A clash where years of experience meet hungry ambition, and where the winner will be the one who imposes his style. Both want to get back on the winning track. Zawada will enjoy the home-crowd advantage, while Ligocki senses an opportunity to send a famous veteran into retirement.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1364"></oktfightcomponent><p></p><h2>PRELIMS</h2><h2>SAMUEL BARK vs. ZAFAR MOHSEN</h2><p>Samuel Bark is a remarkable phenomenon. A former successful Muay Thai fighter, he is now climbing toward the absolute elite in MMA as well. He is currently on a five-fight winning streak and showed against Sanikidze that he is ready to measure himself against the best. The Swede has cracked the global top 100 and is knocking firmly on the door of the OKTAGON featherweight TOP 5. Across from him, however, stands a man who punishes every mistake. Zafar Mohsen is a proven name on the German scene, known for winning the GCP title and for battles with elite names such as Niko Samsoidze and Max Coga.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1357"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MAREK BARTL vs. KAMIL ONISZCZUK</h2><p>The slayer of German fighters is back. After a viral spinning elbow and three straight wins, Marek Bartl faces dangerous Pole Kamil Oniszczuk. A victory could bring him closer to the middleweight TOP 10. Oniszczuk, however, will be anything but easy. In the past, he surprised even champion Engizek, losing only by a close decision. Will Bartl pass this tough test?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1344"></oktfightcomponent><h2>TOMÁŠ CIGÁNIK vs. MAURICE ADORF</h2><p>Tomáš Cigánik welcomes an OKTAGON debutant. He has already recorded a successful campaign on German soil and now looks to build on his win over Halimsson against Maurice Adorf. A major prospect of the German scene, Adorf has six wins, including two brutal knockouts. He enters OKTAGON with a clear goal—to shine on the prestigious stage and defend his reputation as a major European hope.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1335"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ALTIN ZENUNI vs. MURAT TÜYSÜZ</h2><p>Altin Zenuni is among the biggest talents on the German scene. The Albanian fighter has already beaten Balász and Máša in OKTAGON and now faces the biggest challenge of his career. His opponent Murat Tüysüz enters OKTAGON undefeated at 5–0 with big ambitions. The Turkish striker draws from K–1 experience and is especially dangerous on the feet. Zenuni, however, represents the new generation of well-rounded MMA fighters and may drag Tüysüz into deep grappling waters.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1342"></oktfightcomponent><h2>EMIR-CAN AL vs. PATRIK ŠEBEK</h2><p>The “Turkish Bull” Emir-Can Al, known as a slayer of Slovak talents, faces debuting Patrik Šebek. Al has scalps of names like Tomáš Otava and Viktor Kováč. Šebek may have fewer professional fights, but his amateur run was rich with experience. The Slovak holds a 2–0 pro record and now wants to add the most valuable win of his career in the yellow-and-black cage.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1318"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ARIAN SADIKOVIĆ vs. JIXIE MOLAPO</h2><p>Arian “Game Over” Sadiković is among the hardest hitters ever to step into the OKTAGON cage. The former kickboxer carries grenades in his hands and finished his MMA debut in the first round. But will that be enough against Czech multisport athlete Jixie Molapo? Molapo comes from a rugby background, reflected in his explosiveness. Even as an amateur, he was finishing opponents early and handled his OKTAGON debut excellently. This time, however, he faces a more experienced and harder-hitting opponent.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1354"></oktfightcomponent><p></p><p><strong>The final fight of the million-euro Tipsport Gamechanger project is here. And the finale could not be bigger: a champion unbeaten for nearly 11 years against the most experienced fighter the organization has ever had. Engizek vs. Jotko. The winner will be decided this Saturday, January 17. Get our PPV and watch two titans collide in the decisive battle!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="121"></okteventcomponent>

The PSD Bank Dome in Düsseldorf will host a spectacular finale. OKTAGON 82 will deliver the climax of the third and final season of the Tipsport Gamechanger project, key ranking matchups, and clashes of talents we will be hearing a lot about in the future.

OKTAGON 82 FIGHT BY FIGHT: DÜSSELDORF WILL CROWN THE KING OF THE MILLION-EURO PYRAMID

<p>OKTAGON will kick off 2026 in grand style. The first event of the new year will take place this <strong>Saturday, January 17, in Düsseldorf</strong>. We will witness the conclusion of the million-euro <strong>Tipsport Gamechanger</strong> pyramid, fights at the very top of the featherweight division, and young talents in action on Europe’s most prestigious MMA stage. Read through selected facts about the Düsseldorf card and be in the know—whether you’re watching the event live in the arena or from the comfort of your couch at home.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/09e4d94b-6bd7-4dcf-be4b-2fd628c12984/cs.1768400967812.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/cbd73dff-9a37-4479-b518-4ee6f8176e98/cs.1768400971927.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>IMPRESSIVE WINNING STREAKS</h2><p>Several fighters competing in Düsseldorf boast outstanding winning streaks. The most dominant of them all is OKTAGON champion <strong>Kerim Engizek</strong>. He <strong>has not lost for nearly 11 years</strong> and is riding an incredible <strong>17-fight winning streak!</strong> In OKTAGON alone, he has already completed six bouts, and now the toughest challenge of his career awaits him. The Tipsport Gamechanger final against <strong>Krzysztof Jotko</strong> will be an elite clash of two fighters of the highest world-class caliber. <strong>Both rank among the TOP 50 middleweights in the world</strong> according to Fightmatrix. Now it will be decided who takes home the million-euro prize and confirms their legacy as the king of Europe.</p><p>Engizek is far from the only fighter who has not tasted defeat in a long time. <strong>Gjoni Palokaj</strong> is also on a very impressive run. The German fighter with Albanian roots is riding a seven-fight winning streak. <strong>He has not lost for a full 1,176 days</strong>—more than three years! In OKTAGON, he holds a <strong>perfect 5–0 record</strong> and is relentlessly climbing toward the very top of the division. The current <strong>#5 featherweight</strong>, however, is still waiting for his first finish in the organization. All of his wins in the yellow-and-black cage have gone to the judges. That is something he wants to change in Düsseldorf—but standing in his way will be British talent <strong>James Hendin</strong>.</p><p>Last but not least, we must mention the returning <strong>Yevhenii Orlov</strong>. The Ukrainian heavyweight is coming back to OKTAGON after a long six years, aiming to redeem his only career loss against Martin Buday. Orlov holds an <strong>overall record of 9–1</strong>, with as many as <strong>eight of his fights ending in the first round! </strong>He is currently on an eight-fight winning streak. However, his last bout took place in November 2023, so it remains a big question in what shape he will return. He will be tested by experienced German striker <strong>Marc Doussis</strong>, who will have the advantage of fighting in front of his home crowd.</p><oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DTfN3oZDO2v/?hl=cs&amp;img_index=1"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>YOUTH ON THE RISE!</h2><p>The Düsseldorf card also features several young prospects with the highest ambitions, now given the opportunity to showcase themselves on Europe’s most prestigious MMA stage.</p><p>The most well-known among them is <strong>Tamerlan Dulatov</strong>. A member of a famous fighting family, he decided after a successful introduction last year to accept the challenge of the Balkan butcher <strong>Stefan “The Butcher” Končar</strong>. Both fighters are undefeated in professional MMA. <strong>Both have finished all of their fights inside the distance</strong>, and both are more than determined to prove they are better than their opponent. For Končar, this will be a demanding debut on his opponent’s home soil; for Tamerlan, it is the <strong>toughest test of his career</strong>—one that could move him closer to the welterweight elite.</p><p><strong>Altin Zenuni</strong> is another major discovery of last year. The just <strong>20-year-old</strong> Albanian fighter turned professional last year—straight into OKTAGON. A <strong>multiple-time amateur champion </strong>and product of the prestigious UFD Gym, he recorded two dominant wins. First, he defeated Slovakia’s Tibor Balász, and then he overcame Czech fan favorite Marcel Máša. Now he faces a bout with the more experienced <strong>Murat Tüysüz</strong>, who enters OKTAGON with a <strong>5–0 record and a 100% finish rate!</strong> Will young Zenuni be able to handle this challenge?</p><p>Making his organizational debut will be Slovak talent <strong>Patrik Šebek</strong>. He turned professional in May of last year and has since earned two wins—both by rear-naked choke. Šebek has an extensive amateur background, with victories over names such as Eliáš and Otava. Now he feels ready to step into the OKTAGON spotlight. In Düsseldorf, he will face a tough test in the form of<strong> Emir-Can Al</strong>.</p><h2>CLASHES OF GENERATIONS AND STYLES</h2><p>OKTAGON 82 will feature several matchups that bring fascinating clashes of styles, generations, and experience. For example, <strong>David Zawada</strong> has four times as many fights on his record as his Czech opponent <strong>Daniel Ligocki</strong>. The bout between <strong>Deniz Ilbay</strong> and <strong>Karol Ryšavý</strong> will offer a stylistic contrast—on one side, a Slovak MMA veteran relying on his all-around skill set and experience; on the other, a successful striker who has been competing in professional MMA for just four years.</p><p><strong>Tomáš Cigánik</strong> has earned half of his wins by submission, but his opponent <strong>Maurice Adorf</strong> has never lost by submission. Will the Slovak manage to break this statistic?</p><p>Another battle at the top of the featherweight division will be delivered by <strong>Samuel Bark</strong> vs. <strong>Zafar Mohsen</strong>. The Swedish fighter last appeared in Brno, where he finished former champion Sanikidze by submission in the third round. Zafar Mohsen brings experience from organizations such as PFL and BRAVE and is extremely excited about his OKTAGON debut. However, Bark will certainly not be an easy first test.</p><p><strong>All this and much more awaits you this Saturday, January 17! OKTAGON 82 will launch the new OKTAGON season—and it will be a start worthy of the name. A stacked card, the Tipsport Gamechanger final, and emotions that will shake the entire city. And you have the chance to watch it all live! Get our PPV and make sure you don’t miss a thing. Until Friday, it’s available at a discounted price.</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="121"></okteventcomponent>

OKTAGON will kick off 2026 in grand style. The first event of the new year will take place this Saturday, January 17, in Düsseldorf. We will witness the conclusion of the million-euro Tipsport Gamechanger pyramid, fights at the very top of the featherweight division.

INTERESTING STATS OF OKTAGON 82: WHAT DID YOU NOT KNOW ABOUT THE FIRST EVENT OF 2026?

<p>The Tipsport Gamechanger project has reached its absolute finale. At OKTAGON 82 in Düsseldorf, two exceptional figures of European MMA will collide – middleweight champion Kerim Engizek and elite Polish veteran Krzysztof Jotko. At stake is not only €300,000, but also the prestige of the biggest MMA tournament in Europe.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/624e5d30-a21f-4c0b-8347-7030c73ce5ee/cs.1768302088717.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/93f70526-2644-41e3-87b7-67da019731d8/cs.1768302094798.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>KERIM ENGIZEK: AN UNDEFEATED CHAMPION FOR OVER 10 YEARS</h2><p><strong>Kerim Engizek</strong> is among the most dominant fighters OKTAGON has ever presented. He enters the Tipsport Gamechanger final as a man who has <strong>not lost for almost 11 years</strong>. His last defeat came in 2014, and since April 2015 he has been winning non-stop for <strong>3,927 days</strong>. With a record of 24–4 and a <strong>#43 ranking in the global Fightmatrix standings</strong>, he belongs to the absolute European elite.</p><p>Engizek is the OKTAGON middleweight champion and the first fighter in history to defeat Patrik Kincl. On his road to the throne he beat elite opponents, toppled champions, broke winning streaks and built a reputation as an impenetrable fortress. He <strong>has never been finished by KO or TKO</strong> – anyone who wants to beat him must outfight him technically and mentally for the entire duration.</p><p>And now comes another key factor: home soil. The Gamechanger final will take place in Düsseldorf – in front of a crowd that loves Engizek. With more than <strong>385,000 Instagram followers</strong>, he is one of the organization’s biggest stars, and the arena can be expected to erupt. For Kerim, this is not just a fight for money. It is the confirmation of his legacy.</p><h2>KRZYSZTOF JOTKO: AN ELITE VETERAN WHO DOES NOT LOSE IN EUROPE</h2><p>Standing across from him is a man who is not used to stumbling – <strong>Krzysztof Jotko</strong>. The Polish strategist with a professional record of <strong>28–6</strong> is <strong>one of the most experienced fighters</strong> ever to step into OKTAGON. <strong>In the Fightmatrix global rankings he sits at No. 39</strong>, making him the third-highest ranked fighter across the entire organization.</p><p>Jotko entered OKTAGON with one goal: to win the entire pyramid and<strong> become a millionaire</strong>. And so far, he has been flawless. He first defeated Ion Surdu, then Marek Mazúch, and in the semifinals he dealt with Hojat Khajevand. Jotko showed that <strong>his wrestling and strategy are on another level</strong>. Against Surdu in particular, he proved he can take down even a champion and control the fight where it matters most.</p><p>He brings with him years in the UFC, bouts with names such as Scott Askham, David Zawada, Bojan Veličković, and Will Fleury. He has earned a UFC Performance of the Night bonus and became a champion in Germany. And one statistic is especially frightening: he has never lost in Europe.</p><p>Jotko is calm, methodical, and extremely intelligent. He does not win through chaos, but through control. And that is exactly what he will look to use in Düsseldorf – to cool down the home arena and take away Engizek’s greatest weapon: his rhythm.</p><oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DTP-tpOjESz/?hl=cs&amp;img_index=1"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>THE FINAL CHAPTER OF THE TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER</h2><p>OKTAGON 82 will bring the conclusion of the third and final season of the million-euro Tipsport Gamechanger project. The final of the pyramid will fittingly take place where it all began – in Düsseldorf. It was here, at OKTAGON 66 in February 2025, that the first Round of 16 bouts were held. Now, the very last one will be fought here.</p><p>Engizek has the pace, the power, and the mental toughness. Jotko has the wrestling, the experience, and the ability to break an opponent’s game plan. One rules the OKTAGON cage. The other comes from the UFC to prove his level is even higher. In the end, only one will remain. The winner will take <strong>€300,000</strong> and the title of champion of the biggest MMA tournament in Europe.</p><p><strong>The Tipsport Gamechanger has written countless incredible stories. Now it ends with perhaps the biggest fight possible – a clash of two fighters who belong among the best in the world. You can watch their duel this Saturday, January 17. Get our PPV and watch the final fight of the Tipsport Gamechanger live from the comfort of your home!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="121"></okteventcomponent>

The Tipsport Gamechanger project has reached its absolute finale. At OKTAGON 82 in Düsseldorf, two exceptional figures of European MMA will collide – middleweight champion Kerim Engizek and elite Polish veteran Krzysztof Jotko.

THE TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER FINAL: ENGIZEK AND JOTKO CLASH IN A WORLD-CLASS SHOWDOWN

<p>The year<strong> 2025</strong> was a turning point for OKTAGON. We visited new cities, launched new projects, and once again took a step forward. We also crossed several major milestones: since the organization was founded, our events have been attended by more than <strong>750,000 fans</strong>, we have staged over <strong>1,000 MMA bouts</strong>, and in the past year alone we witnessed a total of 11 title fights. Take a look back at the most significant moments of the year.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/f72d4041-e08a-44cd-bfd3-382d59e9716a/cs.1767972878304.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/a310dacc-f8f8-452a-8183-3bf0beeefe2e/cs.1767973034540.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>THE THIRD SEASON OF THE MILLION-EURO TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER PYRAMID</h2><p>New names, new challenges. The third season of the million-euro <strong>Tipsport Gamechanger</strong> project took place this time in the <strong>middleweight division</strong> (up to 84 kg). Just like previous editions, the tournament attracted elite fighters from around the world, all competing for prestige and a fairytale prize of <strong>€300,000</strong>. Who will become the winner of the final season of this unique project? We’ll find out next Saturday, when middleweight champion <strong>Kerim Engizek</strong> faces Polish veteran <strong>Krzysztof Jotko</strong> in the final.</p><p>Fighters introduced by Tipsport Gamechanger last year:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Dominik Humburger</strong></p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Krzysztof Jotko</strong></p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Mark Hulme</strong></p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Kamil Oniszczuk</strong></p></li></ul><p>All of them delivered outstanding performances, and we are already looking forward to seeing them back in the cage. <strong>Jotko</strong> now awaits a final showdown with <strong>Engizek</strong>, who has been unbeaten for nearly eleven years. <strong>Oniszczuk</strong> will face the in-form <strong>Marek Bartl</strong>. <strong>Dominik Humburger</strong> became one of the biggest stars of the year despite losing his semifinal bout to Engizek in an incredible battle—very possibly the fight of the year. <strong>Mark Hulme</strong> was considered the biggest favorite to win the tournament until his clash with Humburger, and his life story captured the hearts of many fans.</p><h2>WILL FLEURY BECOMES DOUBLE CHAMPION AND P4P KING</h2><p>The phenomenal <strong>Will “Fucking” Fleury</strong> added a second belt to his collection. After winning the light heavyweight title, he moved up to the heaviest division and defeated <strong>Lazar Todev</strong> in a five-round title fight. That <strong>victory confirmed Fleury’s peak form</strong> and his ability to prepare for much heavier opponents. He underlined this at the end of the year with arguably the biggest win of his career—against Slovak giant <strong>Martin Buday</strong>, who returned to OKTAGON after a successful run in the UFC.</p><p><strong>Fleury finished Buday</strong> in the first round, defended his heavyweight title, and earned the <strong>Performance of the Night bonus</strong>. The Irish fan favorite is simply unstoppable. After the fight, he expressed his desire to become <strong>OKTAGON’s first-ever triple champion</strong>—staging a staredown in the cage with interim champion Muradov. Would you like to see that fight? First, however, Fleury will defend his light heavyweight belt against the surging <strong>Daniel Škvor</strong>. It will be their second meeting, and it will be fascinating to see how the rematch unfolds.</p><h2>RETURN TO EDEN AND THE CONFIRMATION OF KARLOS VÉMOLA’S IMMORTALITY</h2><p>Last year, OKTAGON also returned to <strong>Prague’s Eden Stadium</strong>, where the final chapter of the trilogy between <strong>Karlos Vémola</strong> and <strong>Attila Végh</strong> took place. Two legends met in the cage one last time to decide the ultimate winner once and for all. After five intense and evenly matched rounds, the <strong>Infinity Belt </strong>went to the Czech<strong> “Terminator,”</strong> who definitively cemented his legacy as a giant and legend of Czech MMA.</p><p>The event also featured an interim middleweight title fight between <strong>Patrik Kincl</strong> and<strong> Makhmud Muradov</strong>, which Muradov won convincingly on points. Beyond the sporting performances, the spectacular <strong>Progresus Halftime Show</strong> by <strong>Calin and his Rychlí kluci label</strong> added incredible energy and flair to the evening. OKTAGON will not return to Fortuna Arena in 2026, but instead will head back to <strong>Eintracht Stadium in Frankfurt</strong>, aiming once again to break the world record for MMA event attendance.</p><h2>THE MOST BEAUTIFUL EVENT OF THE YEAR AT ŠTVANICE</h2><p><strong>OKTAGON 74 </strong>took place on <strong>Prague’s legendary Štvanice Island</strong>, where OKTAGON returned after two years. The open-air setting once again created an unmistakable atmosphere, and fans witnessed an evening full of powerful stories. The card featured the <strong>Tipsport Gamechanger quarterfinals</strong> and a historic title change, as <strong>Lucia Szabová defeated reigning champion Cecilia Bolander</strong> in the main event. One of the biggest surprises of the night came courtesy of <strong>Dominik Humburger</strong>, who stunned expectations by ending the winning streak of the favored <strong>Mark Hulme</strong>. Štvanice once again confirmed its status as one of the most iconic venues on the domestic MMA scene.</p><h2>OKTAGON DEBUTS ON FREE-TO-AIR RTL BROADCAST IN COLOGNE</h2><p><strong>OKTAGON 78 in Cologne</strong> marked a major milestone not only for German MMA, but for European MMA as a whole. For the first time, an <strong>OKTAGON event was broadcast free-to-air on German television channel RTL</strong>. A wide audience was able to watch the two main fights of the evening for free—the women’s bout between <strong>Alina Dalaslan</strong> and <strong>Katharina Lehner</strong>, and the highly anticipated clash between <strong>Christian Eckerlin</strong> and <strong>Ivica Trušček</strong>. For OKTAGON and the German market, this was a clear signal of growing trust from major media outlets and confirmation that MMA is steadily finding its place in mainstream television.</p><p><strong>That was our 2025. Thank you to all the fans for the incredible energy and emotions that continue to drive us forward. In 2026, we will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the organization’s founding, and you can already look forward to a packed and unforgettable program. This year, we will deliver more events than ever before. We kick things off next Saturday, January 17, in Düsseldorf, where the winner of the final season of the Tipsport Gamechanger will be decided.</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="121"></okteventcomponent>

The year 2025 was a turning point for OKTAGON. We visited new cities, launched new projects, and once again took a step forward. We also crossed several major milestones: since the organization was founded, our events have been attended by more than 750,000 fans, we have staged over 1,000 MMA bouts.

2025 AT A GLANCE: THE MOST IMPORTANT MOMENTS OF THE PAST YEAR

<p>OKTAGON’s featherweight division is approaching a pivotal moment. The matchup between <strong>Gjoni Palokaj</strong> and <strong>James Hendin</strong> brings together two in-form contenders at the top of the division, with the winner moving a major step closer to a title shot. Palokaj is hungry for his first finish in the organization, while England’s “Honeybadger” Hendin aims to build on his latest victory and defeat the home favorite.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/2d7681a8-9629-46f5-a7b4-3a77f87d406e/cs.1767801110268.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/97524d7c-e113-4d98-b45b-66ee1f8d34fe/cs.1767801115341.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>GJONI PALOKAJ CUTS THROUGH THE DIVISION WITH EASE</h2><p>Gjoni Palokaj is one of the most consistent fighters in the featherweight division. The current <strong>#5 contender</strong> most recently defeated the talented Jakub Batfalský in the main event of OKTAGON 75 in Hanover, extending his <strong>winning streak to seven fights in a row</strong>. He has been unbeaten for an incredible <strong>1,176 days</strong>, making him one of the most dominant fighters on the entire roster.</p><p>Palokaj is a former champion of two German organizations and remains the <strong>only fighter to have defeated star prospect Islam Dulatov</strong>. He has <strong>never been stopped by KO or TKO</strong> in his career. In OKTAGON, he has won all five of his bouts by decision. Some see this as a weakness, others as proof of complete control, patience, and the ability to outclass opponents round after round.</p><p>One thing is certain: another win would launch Palokaj straight into the title conversation.</p><h2>THE ENGLISH “HONEYBADGER” ON THE ROAD TO THE TOP</h2><p>Standing across the cage is English fighter James Hendin, known as the “Honeybadger”—a nickname that perfectly reflects his style. Relentless, tough, and dangerous in every position. Hendin <strong>holds a professional record of 10–3</strong>, with six victories coming before the final bell. Like Palokaj, he has <strong>never been stopped by KO or TKO</strong>.</p><p>Hendin made his OKTAGON debut at OKTAGON 56 in Birmingham, where he dominated Jakub Dohnal and finished him with brutal elbows in the second round. In that fight, he spent 87% of the time in a dominant ground position, clearly showcasing his biggest weapons: elite wrestling and suffocating control.</p><p>Hendin is also a <strong>former Cage Warriors title challenger</strong> and currently sits at <strong>#187 in the global Fightmatrix rankings</strong>. A win over Palokaj would be the biggest victory of his career and a direct ticket into OKTAGON’s elite.</p><oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DQ9Dj-hDFq_/"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>WHO TAKES THE NEXT BIG STEP?</h2><p>This fight will come down to details. Palokaj’s precision, tactics, and long unbeaten run versus Hendin’s aggression, pressure, and ground dominance. Both men share one key trait—<strong>neither has ever been stopped on the feet</strong>. That makes it all the more intriguing to see who can seize control in the crucial moments.</p><p><strong>OKTAGON 82 promises an action-packed card featuring major OKTAGON names as well as exciting young talents eager to shine on Europe’s most prestigious MMA stage. We will also finally find out who claims victory in the third season of the million-euro Tipsport Gamechanger project and takes home the fairytale prize of €300,000. Get your PPV at a discounted price now and make sure you don’t miss a second of the action next Saturday, January 17!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="121"></okteventcomponent>

OKTAGON’s featherweight division is approaching a pivotal moment. The matchup between Gjoni Palokaj and James Hendin brings together two in-form contenders at the top of the division, with the winner moving a major step closer to a title shot. 

GJONI PALOKAJ REMAINS UNBEATEN IN OKTAGON. NOW HE FACES DANGEROUS HENDIN

<p>Marek Bartl, nicknamed the <strong>“German Slayer”</strong> is heading back to Germany. In Düsseldorf, he will face the durable Polish fighter Kamil Oniszczuk. Bartl is currently riding a two-fight winning streak, and another victory could move him into the <strong>TOP 10</strong> of OKTAGON’s stacked middleweight division. Oniszczuk most recently defeated the experienced David Zawada. Will he withstand this tough test against the Czech veteran?</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/a4b0b739-6347-4742-be9b-bcac618e056b/cs.1767698600288.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/6e16cb1e-7735-4a65-bd53-fcaa7c15847e/cs.1767698605053.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>BARTL HAS WON OVER GERMAN FANS</h2><p>Marek Bartl has been a regular presence at <strong>German events since OKTAGON 36</strong>, where he first introduced himself to German fans at the Frankfurt event. Since then, he has competed at a total of seven OKTAGON events in Germany—<strong>winning five of them</strong>. He has almost always faced local fighters, and German crowds made it clear he was fighting on enemy territory. Over time, however, and with each performance, Bartl built his reputation and is now among the most sought-after fighters on German OKTAGON cards.</p><p>One thing is guaranteed with Bartl—<strong>he always delivers a war</strong>. Only two of his last seven fights went to the judges’ scorecards. His bout with <strong>Schwindt</strong> is remembered by fans as one of the <strong>wildest fights</strong> in OKTAGON history, with both fighters pushing themselves to the absolute limit. In his most recent appearance, Bartl produced a spectacular finish, flooring <strong>Kennedy Rayomba with a spinning back elbow</strong> in the first round. The highlight went viral on social media and quickly became a contender for Finish of the Year.</p><p>In Düsseldorf, Bartl will face a Polish opponent, making it interesting to see which side the German fans will support. Will they back Bartl on his path toward a long-awaited clash with Jungwirth, or will they rally behind the dangerous Polish fighter?</p><h2>KAMIL ONISZCZUK: A NEW ADDITION FROM TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER</h2><p>Kamil Oniszczuk made his <strong>OKTAGON debut in early February 2025</strong> as part of the opening round of the million-euro <strong>Tipsport Gamechanger</strong> pyramid at <strong>OKTAGON 66</strong>, also held in Düsseldorf. Right from the start, he faced star middleweight champion <strong>Kerim Engizek</strong>, who was one of the favorites to win the entire tournament. Oniszczuk entered the fight as a huge underdog, yet delivered a thrilling contest that went all the way to the judges’ decision. They narrowly awarded the victory to Kerim Engizek, but the Polish fighter could be satisfied with his debut performance—he was genuinely close to pulling off the win.</p><p>That was followed by a bout against <strong>David Zawada</strong> at OKTAGON 74 at Prague’s Štvanice, where Oniszczuk imposed his game and defeated the experienced German veteran on points. Now he faces another tough challenge—a Czech sharpshooter hungry for another valuable scalp.</p><p><strong>OKTAGON keeps rolling, and on January 17 it delivers another stacked card. OKTAGON 82 in Düsseldorf will feature the final of the last season of the Tipsport Gamechanger project, with Kerim Engizek taking on Krzysztof Jotko. The card will also include Slovak veteran Karol Ryšavý, Swedish fighter Samuel Bark, and young Albanian talent Altin Zenuni. You can watch it all from the comfort of your home—PPV is now available at a special discounted price.</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="121"></okteventcomponent>

Marek Bartl, nicknamed the “German Slayer,” is heading back to Germany. In Düsseldorf, he will face the durable Polish fighter Kamil Oniszczuk. Bartl is currently riding a two-fight winning streak, and another victory could move him into the TOP 10 of OKTAGON’s stacked middleweight division.

MAREK BARTL RETURNS TO GERMANY. HE WILL FACE KAMIL ONISZCZUK IN DÜSSELDORF. 

<p>Prague’s O₂ Arena hosted one of the most memorable events in the history of the organization. OKTAGON 81 delivered dominant title defenses, surprising finishes, and emotional farewells. Fans witnessed a barrage of stoppages, with the judges stepping in only on a few occasions. So how did the final event of 2025 look from the scorecards?</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/29accad4-cc7a-48ab-a8db-70996896431c/cs.1767608779101.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/dc110343-9495-4c64-bd49-cceef4ca6c62/cs.1767608785750.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>WILL FLEURY vs. MARTIN BUDAY</h2><p>And Still! Will Fleury once again proved that he currently has no equal in the heavyweight division. Against the experienced Martin Buday, he looked confident, fast, and precise. A caught kick, a heavy hook, and a follow-up barrage of punches resulted in a first-round KO. There was nothing for the judges to decide—an emphatic and dominant title defense.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1304" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>ZHALGAS ZHUMAGULOV vs. DAVID DVOŘÁK</h2><p>Elite pace from the opening minute. Zhalgas Zhumagulov was faster, more accurate, and more powerful than local favorite David Dvořák. In the third round, the Czech fighter was visibly shaken after a series of heavy strikes, prompting the doctor to stop the fight. The flyweight champion’s first title defense ended decisively in his favor.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1293" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>PATRIK KINCL vs. ROBERT PUKAČ II</h2><p>A textbook display of experience and tactics. Patrik Kincl controlled the fight in every area and denied Robert Pukač any significant moments. All three judges agreed on a clear 30–27 verdict for Kincl. A masterful return from the former champion.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1277" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>PATRICK VESPAZIANI vs. DANIEL ŠKVOR</h2><p>One of the biggest surprises of the night. Daniel Škvor proved that size isn’t everything. Against the heavier Patrick Vespaziani, he capitalized on a mistake and locked in a guillotine choke midway through the second round. An unexpected submission that immediately reshaped the light heavyweight title picture.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1315" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>ONDŘEJ RAŠKA vs. PAVEL TÓTH</h2><p>The conclusion of the Celebrity Series followed a clear script. The experienced Ondřej Raška approached the bout calmly and methodically. Pavel Tóth tried to surprise on the feet, but once the fight went to the ground, it ended quickly with a TKO via ground-and-pound. Respect goes to Tóth for his courage and heart.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1252" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>MILOŠ PETRÁŠEK vs. MATEUSZ STRZELCZYK</h2><p>An emotional farewell to a career. Miloš Petrášek survived the pressure in the first round, but in the second he was forced to tap to an armbar. Strzelczyk secured another major submission victory.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1314" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>JONAS MAGARD vs. ELVIS SILVA</h2><p>Control, pace, dominance. Jonas Magard gave the experienced Elvis Silva no meaningful opportunities and kept the fight firmly under control for all three rounds. A clear decision win and a strong message: a title shot is within reach.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1291" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>VERONIKA SMOLKOVÁ vs. MARTA SÓS</h2><p>Speed and pressure from the opening second. Veronika Smolková hunted for the finish—and found it. Marta Sós was pushed back to the fence, and after a flurry of punches the referee stepped in to stop the fight in the first round.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1310" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><p></p><h2>VOJTĚCH KHOL vs. HUGO VACH</h2><p>A technical striking battle with a clear winner. Hugo Vach was more accurate and more powerful, denying Vojtěch Khol any significant offense over three rounds. A unanimous decision victory for the German prospect.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1313" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>ALEX HUTYRA vs. VIKTOR KOVÁČ</h2><p>Another submission added to the collection. Alex Hutyra managed the stand-up well and dominated on the ground. In the second round, he finished Viktor Kováč with a rear-naked choke, delivering an excellent OKTAGON debut.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1348" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>IVAN KLEVETS vs. BARTŁOMIEJ SKOWYRA</h2><p>The only truly even contest of the evening. After three closely contested rounds, the judges awarded a 2–1 round victory to Ivan Klevets, earning him a very valuable win.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1350" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><p></p><p><strong>OKTAGON 81 closed out 2025 in spectacular fashion—titles remained with the champions, new stars confirmed their rise, and emotions ran high. Now it’s time to turn the page. The next chapter begins on January 17, 2026, in Düsseldorf, where the million-euro Tipsport Gamechanger pyramid will reach its climax. Buy the PPV and see who becomes the winner of the third and final season of Europe’s MMA Champions League.</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="121"></okteventcomponent>

Prague’s O₂ Arena hosted one of the most memorable events in the history of the organization. OKTAGON 81 delivered dominant title defenses, surprising finishes, and emotional farewells. Fans witnessed a barrage of stoppages, with the judges stepping in only on a few occasions.

OKTAGON 81 THROUGH THE EYES OF THE JUDGES: TITLES DEFENDED AND ONLY A HANDFUL OF DECISIONS

<p>Prague’s O₂ Arena witnessed a spectacular conclusion to 2025. OKTAGON 81 delivered thrilling title fights, emotional farewells, and clear answers to the questions that had been shaking the domestic scene. Fans saw lightning-fast finishes, dominant championship performances, and stories that will be remembered for a long time. How did the final event of the year unfold?</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/b01d7ada-2631-4052-8183-bd5498ecb57b/cs.1767023123041.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/62f97f68-ba6e-48c3-8981-31ed1c1e6232/cs.1767023127476.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>WILL FLEURY vs. MARTIN BUDAY</h2><p>And Still! Will “Fucking” Fleury did it again. In the toughest test of his career against Slovak UFC veteran Martin Buday, he secured victory in the very first round. As expected, Fleury relied on his speed and excellent movement, troubling the heavier Buday with single shots. He then caught Buday’s kick and dropped him with a follow-up hook. A barrage of strikes on the ground sealed Fleury’s incredible win. The Irish fan favorite simply continues to amaze. Next, a light heavyweight title defense against Daniel Škvor now appears likely.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1304"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ZHALGAS ZHUMAGULOV vs. DAVID DVOŘÁK</h2><p>A dominant performance by the Kazakh champion and a convincing first defense of the flyweight title against local star David Dvořák. Zhumagulov controlled the fight from the opening bell—he was faster, sharper, and more powerful. In the third round, he landed several heavy shots that visibly rocked Dvořák, prompting the doctor to stop the bout during the break before the next round. A commanding victory for Zhumagulov.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1293"></oktfightcomponent><h2>PATRIK KINCL vs. ROBERT PUKAČ II</h2><p>A masterclass from Patrik Kincl, who systematically dismantled Robert Pukač and proved he still has plenty to offer in OKTAGON. Calm, focused, and tactically flawless, Kincl dominated both on the feet and on the ground, giving Pukač no room to operate. Credit is due to Pukač as well for surviving all the damage and lasting until the judges’ decision, which unanimously favored Kincl in all three rounds. Who will the former champion face next?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1277"></oktfightcomponent><h2>PATRICK VESPAZIANI vs. DANIEL ŠKVOR</h2><p>Škvor did it again! He shocked fans and experts alike by submitting the bigger and heavier Vespaziani with a guillotine choke midway through the second round. Few expected such an ending—possibly not even Škvor himself. The seasoned striker capitalized perfectly on his opponent’s mistake, and once the submission was locked in, there was no escape. After defeating the division’s #3 contender, Škvor called out champion Will Fleury for a light heavyweight title rematch.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1315"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ONDŘEJ RAŠKA vs. PAVEL TÓTH</h2><p>The conclusion of the Celebrity Series unfolded largely as many had expected. Raška entered the bout calmly and confidently against the inexperienced Tóth, asserting his dominance from the opening seconds. Tóth, however, refused to give up easily and attempted a counter left hook on the feet. Raška chose not to take risks, took the fight to the ground, and unleashed heavy ground-and-pound. The referee stopped the fight after 80 seconds, awarding Raška a TKO victory. Still, Tóth deserves respect for accepting the challenge and fighting until the very end. The next Celebrity Series bout will take place in Bratislava between singer Michal Novotný aka Yaksha and Rastislav Zara aka Zvarči, known from the reality show Ruža pre nevestu.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1252"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MILOŠ PETRÁŠEK vs. MATEUSZ STRZELCZYK</h2><p>The final fight of Miloš Petrášek’s career ended on a bitter note. Mateusz Strzelczyk weathered “Melon’s” pressure in the first round and applied an armbar in the second, forcing Petrášek to tap. The farewell did not go as planned, but the beloved Czech fighter still enjoyed an emotional goodbye with the fans. He entered the cage accompanied by his young son, further amplifying the moment. Petrášek now plans to focus more on his family, while remaining involved in training, passing on his experience to younger generations—and perhaps competing in grappling events. On behalf of OKTAGON, we congratulate Miloš on a wonderful career and thank him for everything.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1314"></oktfightcomponent><h2>JONAS MAGARD vs. ELVIS SILVA</h2><p>The Danish “Shark” delivered another clear and dominant victory. The current #2 bantamweight and the highest-ranked OKTAGON bantamweight in the Fightmatrix world rankings showed exactly why he should be next in line for a title shot. He gave the experienced Silva no openings and controlled the fight in all aspects over three rounds.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1291"></oktfightcomponent><h2>VERONIKA SMOLKOVÁ vs. MARTA SÓS</h2><p>“Sweetheart” Veronika Smolková confirmed her excellent form and claimed her sixth consecutive win. From the start, she pressed hard against Poland’s Marta Sós, clearly hunting for a quick finish—and she got it. After a flurry of punches against the cage, the referee stepped in to stop the bout. Smolková earned a first-round TKO in her fourth fight of 2025.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1310"></oktfightcomponent><h2>VOJTĚCH KHOL vs. HUGO VACH</h2><p>Hugo Vach delivered a flawless performance, thoroughly outclassing the home fighter Khol. The German prospect showed why he is considered one of the most promising young talents in Germany. The fight played out mostly on the feet, where Vach was more accurate and powerful, denying the courageous Khol any major opportunities. A high-quality bout between two young prospects of the organization.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1313"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ALEX HUTYRA vs. VIKTOR KOVÁČ</h2><p>Alex Hutyra confirmed his favorite status and added another submission finish to his résumé. He managed the dangerous Kováč well on the feet before taking over on the ground, where he secured his third professional win with a rear-naked choke in the second round. A perfect OKTAGON debut for the young prospect. Who would you like to see him face next?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1348"></oktfightcomponent><h2>IVAN KLEVETS vs. BARTŁOMIEJ SKOWYRA</h2><p>The free prelims featured an extremely close contest between two young fighters. Ukraine’s Ivan Klevets ultimately emerged victorious, securing his fourth consecutive win and confirming his rising form. After three evenly matched rounds, the judges awarded Klevets the decision, giving him rounds one and three.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1350"></oktfightcomponent><p></p><p><strong>OKTAGON 81 delivered everything fans could have hoped for—great title fights, surprises, emotions, and powerful stories. The year 2025 ended in spectacular fashion, and it’s already clear that 2026 will be even bigger. Follow the next chapter of OKTAGON and be there—next stop is Hannover, where the winner of the million-euro Tipsport Gamechanger pyramid will be decided on January 17, 2026.</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="121"></okteventcomponent>