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.<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>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?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.How do you approach a fight of this magnitude mentally? Does the size of the event or the crowd’s reaction affect your focus?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.What kind of reaction are you expecting from Czech fans? 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. Karlos has a reputation for trying to get inside his opponents’ heads. How do you handle his psychological tactics?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.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1076"></oktfightcomponent>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?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.Do you ever avoid over-analyzing your opponent to stay adaptable during the fight?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.Looking back to the very beginning, what first attracted you to MMA? What made you decide to commit to it as a career?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.Did you fight even as a kid? 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.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?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.How did it turn out?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.Your background includes rugby. Do you think the skills or mentality you developed in rugby helped you transition into MMA?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.Do you feel rugby gave you any mental edge when it comes to handling pressure and competition in MMA?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.What have been the toughest moments of your career so far, and how have they shaped you as a fighter and a person?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.What lessons did you learn from your first professional loss, and how did it impact your approach?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.How do you mentally recover from a tough loss, and what keeps you motivated to improve and move forward?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.What goes through your mind in the final moments before walking out to the cage? Are you nervous, calm, or something else entirely?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.How do you mentally prepare for the intensity of the walkout and the fight itself? 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.Do you have any role models, either in sports or outside of it, who inspire you in your approach to life and fighting?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.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?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.Finally, if someone who’s never seen you fight asks, "Why should I watch Will Fleury in the cage?"—what would you say?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.<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! 

The final countdown to OKTAGON 86 is on. For the first time ever, the yellow-and-black colossus crosses the Polish border, bringing a card stacked to the brim. From a brutal war between legends under special rules to a high-stakes short-notice rescue mission and the anticipated debuts of elite prospects. Check out the full fight card and get ready for the ride.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/04f0f0da-f27b-4605-81c8-a689f436f7a0/cs.1775821814136.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/7d83cadc-51d4-4592-9d18-79b8a0686ca6/cs.1775821818925.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>MICHAŁ MATERLA vs. CHRISTIAN JUNGWIRTH</h2>The main event and a battle for the history books. Local icon and former long-time KSW champion Michał Materla (33-11) enters his 45th professional fight to defend his home turf. Charging at him is the unstoppable German tank, Christian Jungwirth (16-9). This won't be your typical MMA match, though. Contested at a catchweight of 89kg, this fight takes place under OKTAGON UNDERGROUND: STAND AND BANG rules. Small gloves, boxing, and elbows only. No kicks, no takedowns, no ground game. Prepare for a brutal face-to-face shootout where only the toughest chin survives.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1316"></oktfightcomponent><h2>TOMASZ NARKUN vs. ALEXANDER POPPECK</h2>A clash of titans in the light heavyweight division. Local grappling phenom Tomasz Narkun (21-6). The man who twice defeated the legendary Mamed Khalidov is ready to display total dominance on the mat. Stepping into the cage with him is Munich’s own finisher and the current divisional #1, Alexander Poppeck (20-5). Poppeck is riding a wave of momentum and is looking to shut Narkun’s lights out. Will Narkun prove why he’s a submission master, or will the German powerhouse send him crashing to the canvas?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1401"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ION SURDU vs. AMIRAN GOGOLADZE</h2>A "cursed" duel that is finally getting its resolution. Former champion Ion Surdu (17-7), who lives and trains in Poland, faces the Georgian sniper Amiran Gogoladze (17-3). Gogoladze boasts an incredible record of eight finishes under 100 seconds and prepared for this fight in Las Vegas alongside world champion Merab Dvalishvili. Third time's a charm. These two elite warriors finally meet head-on, with the winner inching closer to a welterweight title shot.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1371"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MATEUSZ JANUR vs. ROBIN ROOS</h2>Expect fireworks! Swedish killer Robin Roos (8-6), known for his heavy hands and aggressive style, has secured every single one of his victories via knockout. In his OKTAGON debut, he aims to prove he belongs among the striking elite. Standing in his way is the dangerous local hero Mateusz Janur (11-6). Janur also makes his promotional debut as the reigning and undisputed FEN champion. Expect a gritty middleweight battle between two highly motivated fighters determined to make a massive statement.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1425"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MICHAŁ PIWOWARSKI vs. TIMO FEUCHT</h2>A heavyweight clash that will send shivers down your spine. Local hero, feared ground specialist, and Polish Army soldier Michał Piwowarski (7-4) promises a literal earthquake. Across the cage stands the German machine, Timo Feucht (8-1). Returning to the organization after seven long years, Feucht has one goal: demolish the hometown favorite and prove he is still a force to be reckoned with.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1391"></oktfightcomponent><h2>JONATAN KUJAWA vs. HENRIQUE MADUREIRA</h2>A trial by fire in front of the home crowd. Poland’s Jonatan Kujawa (5-2) faces an extremely dangerous grappler who can also throw heat on the feet. Brazilian technician Henrique Madureira (9-7) is a constant threat, as proven by his recent, spectacular reverse triangle choke. Simply put, he can find a finish from anywhere. Kujawa is highly motivated to showcase his progress at home, making this a tense tug-of-war between local grit and Brazilian magic.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1351"></oktfightcomponent>PRELIMS<h2>ŁUKASZ RAJEWSKI vs. JAN STANOVSKÝ</h2>A tough lightweight test. Elite striker and professional firefighter Łukasz Rajewski (13-10) was originally set to face Vojto Barborík, but illness forced a change. Coming to the rescue is a mission from the Czech Republic! Jan Stanovský (6-2) accepted this massive challenge on extreme short notice, just six days before the event, and is stepping up for the opportunity of a lifetime. Can he defeat the Polish favorite?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1369"></oktfightcomponent><h2>KACPER FRĄTCZAK vs. ZORAN SOLAJA</h2>The introduction of the "Polish Robocop." Kacper Frątczak (2-0), a multiple-time World and European Kickboxing Champion, wants to fully translate his skills to the MMA world. Facing him is the dangerous Zoran Solaja (3-1), who holds numerous accolades in K1. Solaja heads to Szczecin with a clear plan: spoil Frątczak’s party and deliver a bitter lesson to the local prospect.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1373"></oktfightcomponent><h2>NATAN NIEWIADOMSKI vs. PATRICK SPIRK</h2>A clash of rising talents. BJJ brown belt Natan Niewiadomski (2-0), who holds an incredible 19-0 amateur record, will be tested by Austrian finisher Patrik Spirk (5-3). Spirk has never left a fight in the hands of the judges in his entire career. Expect a war from the very first second.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1352"></oktfightcomponent><h2>LUKÁŠ CHOTĚNOVSKÝ vs. MICHAŁ HAWRO</h2>A Czech-Polish battle in the bantamweight division. The incredibly tough Michał Hawro (7-2), boasting a terrifying 6 KOs out of 7 wins, now wants to conquer OKTAGON. However, Czech talent and teammate of Patrik Kincl, Lukáš Chotěnovský (7-3), won't give an inch. This will be a classic battle for every centimeter of the cage where aggression will decide the victor.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1374"></oktfightcomponent>FREE PRELIMS<h2>EMILIA CZERWIŃSKA vs. NIAMH KINEHAN</h2>The fight that kicks off the Szczecin storm. Two fighters bringing world-class striking pedigrees into MMA meet in a 59kg catchweight bout. Local star Emilia Czerwińska (3-1) wants to display brutal dominance, but English decorated champion Niamh Kinehan (1-0) won't make it easy. Expect elite technique in a fight that will set the arena on fire immediately.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1403"></oktfightcomponent>OKTAGON 86 in Szczecin promises a night of raw emotion and world-class performances. Do you want to be there when the organization breaks Polish ground for the first time and the European MMA elite collide? The last tickets for the Enea Arena are disappearing fast! Secure your spot and experience this historic storm in person. Link to tickets below.<okteventcomponent eventid="127"></okteventcomponent>

The final countdown to OKTAGON 86 is on. For the first time ever, the yellow-and-black colossus crosses the Polish border, bringing a card stacked to the brim. From a brutal war between legends under special rules to a high-stakes short-notice rescue mission and the anticipated debuts of elite prospects.

OKTAGON 86 FIGHT BY FIGHT: HISTORIC POLISH DEBUT IN SZCZECIN

OKTAGON is crossing Polish borders for the first time in history. For its grand premiere, the organization has chosen the Enea Arena in Szczecin, which will shake to its foundations this Saturday. Before the arena lights go up and the cage door closes, read about the most interesting stories hidden beneath the surface of the first Polish expedition.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/5db36bda-d30a-466c-bb33-0c692616d65d/cs.1775654880282.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/a64a64d1-0915-426b-8a6e-e8637533e6c2/cs.1775654884959.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>THE HUNT FOR THE HISTORIC 200TH SUBMISSION </h2>Szczecin becomes the milestone 40th location and the 23rd city visited by OKTAGON. Moreover, a massive milestone is hanging in the air: the magic 200. Over the organization’s existence, fans have witnessed exactly 199 submissions. This means the first fighter to tap out their opponent in Szczecin will claim the historic 200th submission for the organization.<h2>BATTLE OF LEGENDS UNDER BRUTAL RULES</h2>This is the definition of a superfight. Local idol and former six-time KSW champion Michal Materla is entering his 45th professional fight. A man who fought his way from gritty halls to sold-out stadiums will defend his home turf in his native Szczecin. However, the unstoppable German tank Christian Jungwirth is rolling his way.The bout, set at a catchweight of 89 kilograms, will take place under OKTAGON UNDERGROUND: STAND AND BANG RULES. Two unyielding legends face five three-minute rounds in small MMA gloves, where only boxing and elbows are permitted. No kicks, no takedowns, no submissions on the ground. Just a pure and uncompromising stand-up war where there is no room for retreat.<h2>THE NARKUN PHENOMENON AND A FIREFIGHTER IN THE CAGE</h2>In the light heavyweight division, Tomasz Narkun, a grappling phenomenon and a 3rd-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, will make his appearance. If you are looking for a fighter with one of the most prestigious resumes, he is the one. As one of the few people on the planet, he managed to defeat the legendary Mamed Khalidov twice. His opponent will be Alexander Poppeck, for whom returning to light heavyweight right in his opponent’s backyard represents a career turning point and the ultimate test of his number one ranking.A huge stir will also be caused by Łukasz Rajewski. Not only is he an elite striker and one of only two people in the world to defeat Konrad Dyrschka, but in his civilian life, he is a full-time firefighter with over a hundred active call-outs. Originally, he was set to face Vojto Barborík, but illness sidelined the Slovak legend. A rescue mission from the Czech Republic has arrived in Szczecin at the eleventh hour. Jan Stanovský accepted this massive challenge on extreme short notice, just six days before the tournament, and is coming for the chance of a lifetime.<h2>A CURSED DUEL AND PREPARING WITH A WORLD CHAMPION</h2>Third time’s the charm. The duel between Ion Surdu and Amiran Gogoladze is the embodiment of this proverb. The fight was scheduled twice before—once as part of the Tipsport Gamechanger project and later as a title bout, which Surdu lost on the scales. Now, they finally meet in the cage. Surdu, who lives in Poland, will face Gogoladze, who benefits from grueling camps in Las Vegas. There, he prepared for this fight alongside the world champion Merab Dvalishvili.<h2>REVERSE TRIANGLE CHOKE AND THE CANCELLED FIGHT WITH A GIANT</h2>If anyone knows how to shock, it’s the Brazilian technician Henrique Madureira. In his last performance, he pulled off an absolutely unprecedented finish: a reverse triangle choke. According to his training partner Deiga-Scheck, he could hold a title if he ever actually trained. His opponent, Jonatan Kujawa, is a man of many talents; not only does he fight, but he also regularly commentates OKTAGON tournaments for Polish television.Another fascinating story is that of Natan Niewiadomski. This talent with an incredible 19-0 amateur record was originally supposed to compete in an open-weight bout outside of OKTAGON against a Senegalese giant Serigne Ousmane Dia, known as "Bombardier", weighing a terrifying 150 kilograms. Instead, Niewiadomski will be tested in Szczecin by Austrian finisher Patrik Spirk. Spirk has never had to rely on a judges' decision in his entire career.Will we see the magic 200th submission? Will Materla hold his fortress against the unstoppable Jungwirth? We will get the answers to these burning questions and much more this Saturday evening. Don’t miss OKTAGON’s historic premiere in Poland and watch all the fights from the Enea Arena in Szczecin live and exclusively on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://OKTAGON.TV">OKTAGON.TV</a>.<okteventcomponent eventid="127"></okteventcomponent>

OKTAGON is crossing Polish borders for the first time in history. For its grand premiere, the organization has chosen the Enea Arena in Szczecin, which will shake to its foundations this Saturday. 

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE SZCZECIN CARD: BATTLE OF LEGENDS, A FIREFIGHTER IN THE CAGE, AND THE HUNT FOR THE 200TH SUBMISSION

OKTAGON 86 in Szczecin will deliver a heavyweight bout that promises to shake the cage. On one side stands the hometown hero, a feared grappler and Polish Army soldier, Michał Piwowarski. Across the cage, the German machine Timo Feucht makes his return after seven long years, determined to prove he deserves a second chance in Europe's best league. Who will emerge victorious from this highly anticipated clash?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/fbd33c88-b578-459f-9bdf-735cd12f2589/cs.1775568772957.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/5c53f9bf-4cb5-42f4-8aaa-cda7f2145c9d/cs.1775568779233.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>MICHAŁ "PIWO" PIWOWARSKI: A DANGEROUS SOLDIER WITH A BLACK BELT</h2>For the Szczecin crowd, he is a massive draw and an obvious fan favorite. Another representative of the renowned local Berserkers Team gym, Michał Piwowarski (7-4) is the embodiment of a local patriot. Although he is 37 years old and only jumped into professional MMA in 2017, his skills command immense respect.Out of 11 professional bouts, he has secured seven victories—six of them by submission. Like his teammates, "Piwo" is absolutely at his best on the ground, where, as a BJJ black belt, he gives his opponents no room to breathe. His undeniable quality is further proven by the fact that he defeated former OKTAGON title challenger Kamil Minda during his amateur career.Beyond the hard grind on the mats, Piwowarski is also a professional soldier. He brings his iron discipline and unwavering resolve straight from the barracks. Currently riding a two-fight win streak, he now faces the opportunity of a lifetime to shine in front of his home fans on Europe's most prestigious stage.<h2>TIMO FEUCHT: A PREDATOR WHO DOESN'T NEED THE JUDGES</h2>Facing him in the cage is the extremely dangerous Timo Feucht (8-1). The German striker returns to the yellow-and-black banner after seven years with massive motivation. Fans might remember him from OKTAGON 14, where he shocked the arena by literally demolishing the then-feared Jeremy Kimball, finishing him in just two minutes.Now, he announces a spectacular comeback and makes no secret of his highest ambitions. Feucht has walked a rocky road since his last OKTAGON appearance, but he has learned from past mistakes. He sees this return as a dream second chance and wants to focus entirely on building his sporting legacy.His resume in the cage is simply terrifying: he has finished all 8 of his professional wins before the final bell. Heavy hands and devastating ground and pound are the weapons this German tank uses to strike fear into his opponents.<h2>HEAVYWEIGHT CHESS WITH NO MARGIN FOR ERROR</h2>This matchup promises a highly attractive battle where even the slightest mistake could spell an instant end. The crushing pressure and raw physical strength of Timo Feucht will collide with the elite grappling of Michał Piwowarski.Although the German fighter has a reputation as a ruthless striker, he is definitely not someone to be underestimated on the mat. He has secured three of his career wins by submission. In Szczecin, however, he faces a highly specific challenge in the form of a specialist whose greatest weapon is the ground game. "Piwo" will look to use his jiu-jitsu expertise to drag the fight into positions where he has found most of his success. Furthermore, this will be a huge mental test for the German, as he steps into a roaring Enea Arena against a highly motivated hometown fighter.Will the German finisher survive enemy territory, or will the hometown submission master claim another triumph? OKTAGON 86 erupts in Szczecin on April 11th. Don’t miss this brutal heavyweight clash and watch the entire event live. Get your PPV at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://OKTAGON.TV">OKTAGON.TV</a>.<okteventcomponent eventid="127"></okteventcomponent>

OKTAGON 86 in Szczecin will deliver a heavyweight bout that promises to shake the cage. On one side stands the hometown hero, a feared grappler and Polish Army soldier, Michał Piwowarski. Across the cage, the German machine Timo Feucht.

HEAVYWEIGHT COLLISION: PIWOWARSKI TAKES ON FEUCHT IN SZCZECIN

On April 25, the Home Credit Arena in Liberec will witness a raid unprecedented in OKTAGON history. A single fight card will feature four elite representatives of the Swedish fight scene. Scandinavian steel is coming to test both the Czech and international waters, determined to leave an everlasting mark. Meet the fighters behind this destructive legion arriving to conquer the north of Bohemia.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/744bf243-fc34-4f28-83a0-65fa97e8cabf/cs.1775220295836.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/09cd29a6-265b-4e17-beed-6dfecfbb52fa/cs.1775220300342.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>ZEBAZTIAN KADESTAM: THE CHAMPION WHO PUT SOLDIĆ TO SLEEP </h2>Leading the Swedish army is the former ONE Championship world titleholder. Zebaztian "The Bandit" Kadestam (15-8) is the embodiment of absolute striking destruction, a fact he proved in his recent bout in Colorado, where he brutally knocked out the feared Roberto Soldić in the second round. Kadestam brings devastating elbows and a wealth of experience from the world's biggest arenas into the cage. In Liberec, however, he faces an extremely motivated hometown hero and elite soldier, Dominik Humburger. This will be a clash of two worlds that is highly unlikely to reach the judges' scorecards.<h2>SAMUEL BARK: THE COLD-BLOODED BELT COLLECTOR</h2>If anyone embodies a modern gladiator, it is the cold-blooded Samuel Bark (11-3). One of Europe's most successful Muay Thai fighters and a WBC belt holder, he has already made his mark in OKTAGON with a dominant victory over Vladimír Lengál and a breathtaking performance in Brno, where, despite getting off to a rocky start, he pulled off an incredible comeback to submit former champion Mate Sanikidze. Now, he returns to the cage starving for victory after a narrow decision loss to Zafar Mohsen at OKTAGON 82 in January. Standing in his way this time is the Brno brawler Radek Roušal, who is out for revenge on behalf of his friend. Brace yourselves for a ruthless stand-up war in small gloves that will make your blood run cold.<h2>JOSEFINE KNUTSSON: AN ELITE STRIKER WITH CLINICAL PRECISION </h2>The female wing of the Swedish expedition brings a true gem to the Liberec card. Josefine "Thunder" Knutsson (8-1) is an elite fighter whose movement in the cage resembles a deadly dance with a razor blade. The Muay Thai World Championship gold medalist and Japanese K-1 elite tournament finalist heads to OKTAGON with a clear goal: to bounce back from her first professional loss in her last UFC bout against Piera Rodriguez. However, an easy path back to the win column does not await her. Standing in her way in Liberec is 25-year-old Brazilian heavy hitter Mileide Simplicio, well-remembered by local fans from her clash with Veronika Smolková. In this highly anticipated matchup, the Swedish favorite is expected to deliver precise technique, devastating speed, and a harsh, world-class striking lesson.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWWzRDTDB-h/"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>LIAM PITTS: THE TV STAR WHO ALWAYS GETS THE FINISH</h2>Closing out the Swedish legion is a representative of the fierce next generation and a true phenomenon. At just 22 years old, Liam Pitts (3-0) brings not only an undefeated record into the cage but also a 100% stoppage rate. In his last fight at OKTAGON 79, he gave Stephan Guide no chance, choking him out in the very first round. Although a massive reality TV star back home, once the cage door locks, he transforms into a ruthless brawler from the renowned Allstars gym. He comes to Liberec to prove why he represents the bright future of European MMA and is ready to unleash absolute hell.The Swedish invasion is here, and on April 25, the ground in Liberec will shake! Be there when the cage doors close at the Home Credit Arena. Tickets are on sale now and disappearing fast. Don't miss your chance, secure your seats at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://oktagonmma.com">oktagonmma.com</a>, and experience this Nordic storm for yourself!<okteventcomponent eventid="129"></okteventcomponent>

On April 25, the Home Credit Arena in Liberec will witness a raid unprecedented in OKTAGON history. A single fight card will feature four elite representatives of the Swedish fight scene. Scandinavian steel is coming to test both the Czech and international waters.

SWEDISH INVASION BENEATH JEŠTĚD: LIBEREC BRACES FOR A NORDIC STORM

On April 25th, the Home Credit Arena in Liberec will host the highly anticipated debut of a global star. Zebaztian Kadestam, a former world champion and elite striker whose life journey led from a juvenile detention center to the absolute pinnacle of the sport, is stepping into the cage. He arrives with a clear goal: to conquer North Bohemia and leave an undeniable mark on OKTAGON soil. However, waiting for him under the Ještěd mountain is elite soldier Dominik Humburger, who refuses to back down an inch in front of his home crowd.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/b80b59ab-a121-484b-af71-668206005675/cs.1775057702696.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/aec260d3-ec35-483f-b365-3f701b126a54/cs.1775057707558.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>AN ELITE STRIKER WITH DEVASTATING POWER</h2>Zebaztian Kadestam has long been ranked among the most respected strikers on the global scene and is one of the most prominent names introduced by OKTAGON this year. The former welterweight king of the prestigious Asian promotion ONE Championship brings immense experience and a professional record of 15–8 to the cage. Remarkably, 13 of his wins have come via KO/TKO. His ability to control the tempo and apply calculated pressure makes him an extremely dangerous adversary.<h2>FROM THE STREETS TO THE WORLD THRONE</h2>The story of "The Bandit" reads like a gritty Nordic drama. Born in Uppsala, Sweden, Kadestam struggled with ADHD as a child, quickly lost interest in school, and fell into the illusions of the street. Theft, street fighting, and drugs eventually led him behind the walls of a detention center on the island of Gotland at just sixteen years old. It was there, however, that Kadestam found his salvation—martial arts. Though he initially received harsh lessons in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on the mats, the defeats didn't break him. On the contrary, they helped him tame his ego and discover his inner strength.At eighteen, he made a solemn promise to himself: he would reach the global stage before turning twenty-five. Following his release in 2009, he headed to Stockholm, and a year later, he flew to Thailand to train. He admits he knew all too well that this was his last chance to avoid ending up in prison for good. Combat sports gave him the meaning and direction he had previously sought in vain. The troubled boy grew into a predator, completing his life’s turnaround in 2018 when he ascended the championship throne of ONE Championship. Thus, he enters the OKTAGON cage not just as an elite athlete, but as a hardened warrior who knows exactly what it’s like to fight his way up from the very bottom.<h2>THE EXECUTIONER WHO SILENCED SOLDIĆ</h2>To understand the magnitude of the threat the Swedish fighter poses, one only needs to look at his recent performance in Colorado, USA, where Kadestam brutally knocked out the feared Roberto Soldić. The local audience still vividly remembers the Croatian "Robocop" as the man who clinicaly broke Patrik Kincl in the third round back in 2021. Yet, Kadestam needed only two rounds to definitively shut Soldić down, confirming his status as absolute world class. For Dominik Humburger, this means one thing: he stands at a career crossroads and faces perhaps the toughest test that could ever define his legacy. This trial will speak volumes about the future of the middleweight division.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DV_qwwCjAA6/?utm_source=ig_embed"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>AN EARTHQUAKE IN NORTH BOHEMIA</h2>OKTAGON 87 in Liberec offers more than just a clash between a world champion and a local soldier; it features a card packed with stars of the European scene. Under the spotlights of the Home Credit Arena, you will witness the historic title fight of Lucia Szabová, the spectacular return of Vlado Lengál, and an uncompromising striking war featuring Radek Roušal.On April 25th, witness the confrontation of vast experience and pure hunger for victory. Watch the tournament live via PPV on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://OKTAGON.TV">OKTAGON.TV</a>, or soak up the electrifying atmosphere directly from the stands.&nbsp;Secure your spot below 👇<okteventcomponent eventid="129"></okteventcomponent>

On April 25th, the Home Credit Arena in Liberec will host the highly anticipated debut of a global star. Zebaztian Kadestam, a former world champion and elite striker whose life journey led from a juvenile detention center to the absolute pinnacle of the sport, is stepping into the cage. 

THE BIRTH OF A BANDIT: HOW A TROUBLED KID BECAME A WORLD CHAMPION NOW HEADING TO OKTAGON

On April 11th, Szczecin's Enea Arena will host a matchup that will send chills down the spines of striking fans. OKTAGON 86 features a clash between two women who have reached the absolute pinnacle of their respective disciplines. Homegrown star and nine-time Polish K-1 champion Emilia Czerwińska will face British icon Niamh Kinehan, considered by many to be the best female Muay Thai fighter on the planet. Will Polish grit dominate in small gloves, or will technical precision from the cradle of Thai boxing prevail?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/c5e910b4-14c2-45e9-af44-634c4067b49f/cs.1774958869458.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/fa8d7f26-e45c-4ff2-871d-0bc14155d38c/cs.1774958873870.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>EMILIA CZERWIŃSKA: THE IRON LADY OF POLISH STRIKING</h2>The resume of Emilia Czerwińska (3–1) commands respect from anyone who has ever laced up gloves. A nine-time Polish champion and two-time K-1 World Champion, she is at the peak of her career at 35. Czerwińska isn't just a "fighter"—she is a winning machine with years of experience in the world’s toughest rings.She transitioned to MMA with a clear goal: to prove her style is adaptable to the cage. She has already proven her worth in KSW, showing that her strikes carry knockout power even in small gloves. In Szczecin, she will have the entire arena behind her. Emilia is hunting for her fourth professional win and intends to show that experience and power are on her side.<h2>NIAMH KINEHAN: THE WORLD'S BEST MUAY THAI FIGHTER</h2>Standing across from the local hero is a woman whose name is spoken with sacred reverence across Europe. Niamh Kinehan joined OKTAGON as the absolute "GOAT" of female Thai boxing. Holding titles from the WBC, WMO, and ISKA, she has won everything there is to win in the ring. Her style is defined by relentless pressure, lethal knees, and clinches from which there is no escape.While Kinehan is still a newcomer to MMA, her debut at a sold-out Štvanice was breathtaking. She systematically dismantled Czech prospect Michaela Hlaváčiková, proving her Muay Thai is absolutely devastating in the cage. Now, Niamh is raising the bar. For the first time, she faces an opponent who is larger and more experienced in MMA. However, the British champion loves a challenge and travels to Poland with one goal: to silence Szczecin and confirm her technique is unmatched.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVgdkBtiCHZ/"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>A CLASH OF TWO WORLDS: K-1 VS. MUAY THAI</h2>Czerwińska vs. Kinehan is more than just an MMA duel. It is a confrontation between two schools of striking. While the Pole relies on boxing combinations and the high-pressure K-1 style, the Brit brings the destructive power of Thai boxing into the cage. Which woman will conquer Szczecin and secure a crucial victory in the OKTAGON cage?OKTAGON 86 in Szczecin will be a night of legends! Don’t miss this exceptional clash alongside a stacked card:<ul><li>Michał Materla vs. Christian Jungwirth – A war between two national icons.</li><li>Tomasz Narkun vs. Alexander Poppeck – A battle for the light heavyweight title challenger spot.</li><li>Piotr Wawrzyniak vs. Mateusz Janur – A Polish derby at the top of the middleweight division.</li></ul>The Enea Arena will shake on April 11th under the roar of the fans. Be part of this historic Polish premiere! Tickets are moving fast, so secure your spot or buy the PPV at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://OKTAGON.TV">OKTAGON.TV</a>. Ticket link below.<okteventcomponent eventid="127"></okteventcomponent>

On April 11th, Szczecin's Enea Arena will host a matchup that will send chills down the spines of striking fans. OKTAGON 86 features a clash between two women who have reached the absolute pinnacle of their respective disciplines. 

CLASH OF ELITE STRIKERS: HOME FAVORITE CZERWIŃSKA TO FACE STAR KINEHAN IN SZCZECIN

OKTAGON’s historic first-ever tournament in Poland is knocking on the door, and with it comes the debut of a man entering the organization with the aura of a champion and a reputation as an uncompromising finisher. Mateusz Janur (11–4) dominated the Polish organization FEN and is now ready to conquer the European throne. Standing in his way, however, is one of the toughest obstacles in the division: former interim champion Piotr Wawrzyniak. How is Janur preparing, what does it mean to fight alongside legends like Materla and Narkun, and what kind of burger will he treat himself to after a victory? You’ll find out all this and more in our exclusive interview.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/c13b180f-559e-4df5-bbde-7b11971ddbe9/cs.1774531270380.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/1a5d2bc3-9da5-435d-b6c6-dc72a851a915/cs.1774531276157.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent>Mateusz, welcome to OKTAGON. Your debut takes place at the promotion's historic first-ever event in Poland. What are your prevailing emotions just a few weeks before this milestone?I am incredibly happy to be part of this historic event. I’m looking forward to the fight immensely. It also means a lot to me to be competing on the same card as Michał Materla and Tomasz Narkun—they are true icons of Polish MMA.What specifically attracted you to OKTAGON? Had you been following the promotion before, or did you start paying attention only after the expansion into Poland was announced?OKTAGON caught my eye because of its rapid expansion across Europe. Right now, it’s the largest and fastest-growing MMA organization on the European market. Of course, the contract offer played a role, but I had been following OKTAGON tournaments before that. What interested me most was last year’s middleweight tournament and the guys who competed in it.You enter OKTAGON with a reputation as a feared finisher—9 of your 11 wins ended before the final bell. Can fans expect another hunt for a finish? What kind of statement do you want to make in your first fight?In every fight, I prepare for a tough three-round battle. But if the opportunity arises during the fight, I always go for the finish—whether it’s a submission or a knockout. It will be the same here. I expect three demanding rounds with Piotr Wawrzyniak, but if the chance comes, I will definitely try to end the fight before the final gong.Your last two fights ended in victories via guillotine choke. Your upcoming opponent, Piotr Wawrzyniak, has never been finished by KO/TKO. Will you aim to be the first to do so, or will you rely on your grappling skills?As I said, I’m preparing for three rounds of hard exchanges. But if the situation gives me an opening to end the fight via submission or knockout, I’ll take it. I firmly believe in the power of my striking, but I see great opportunities in my ground game as well.Piotr Wawrzyniak is a former OKTAGON interim champion and one of the toughest fighters in the division. How do you view him as an opponent? Have you watched his previous fights?Piotr is a very tough fighter. He constantly pressures forward and loves sharp exchanges. He is in the top five of the rankings, so this is a great matchup for me and a huge opportunity to jump straight to the top of the division. I’m really looking forward to sharing the cage with him.You are a star in Poland, but in OKTAGON, you are starting a new chapter. How much does it motivate you to win over Czech, Slovak, and German fans who might be seeing you in action for the first time on Saturday night?It’s a new chapter for me and a chance to step onto a major international stage. I’m excited to fight in front of fans from all over Europe—whether they are from Czechia, Germany, Slovakia, or elsewhere. I want to put on a great performance so that they remember my name for a long time.Wawrzyniak is known for his aggressive style and heavy hands. How are you preparing for this type of opponent at your home gym, Armia Polkowice? Is it the sparring with heavyweights there that has toughened you up for this duel?I am preparing for Piotr tactically, of course, but I’d rather keep the details to myself. I train at the Armia Polkowice gym as well as Ankos MMA Poznań, where I have the opportunity to spar with some of the best middleweight fighters in Poland and Europe. Thanks to that, I will be fully prepared for Piotr’s style.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVJXJPiDLGb/?img_index=1"></oktinstagramcomponent>At 34, you are an experienced veteran at the top of your game. What do you see as your biggest advantage over the younger "hungry wolves" trying to fight their way to the top of the middleweight division?Honestly, I feel young and believe I am in the best shape of my career. My biggest advantage is definitely experience. I’ve been through tough battles, faced strong opponents, and known both victory and defeat. I’ve seen a lot in this sport, and that experience is one of my greatest assets.OKTAGON’s middleweight division is currently one of the most stacked. If you defeat Wawrzyniak on Saturday, will you want someone from the top five next, or do you have a specific name in mind?Right now, I am fully focused only on the fight with Piotr Wawrzyniak. That is the only thing that matters at the moment. I’m not looking too far ahead. After the fight in Szczecin, we’ll see what comes next in OKTAGON.Many fighters have their rituals. Do you do anything specific on fight day to get into "the zone"?On fight day, I like to focus on mental preparation. I use breathing exercises and meditation to stay calm and focused. I also visualize how the fight might unfold. It’s important for me to have my friends and my entire corner around me; that gives me a lot of confidence and peace.You won’t reveal your game plan, but if you had to guess—in which round and by what method will you emerge victorious in Szczecin?It’s hard to predict the exact ending, but I have two ideal scenarios. The first would be a quick submission finish. The second would be three hard rounds of intense exchanges followed by a submission or knockout in the third round.If you could say one thing to the Polish fans coming to the arena to support you, what would it be?I can promise all the Polish fans that we, as fighters, will do everything to make sure OKTAGON enters Poland in great style. I hope the fans come to the arena, enjoy the atmosphere, and support all the fighters—both the domestic and the international ones.Mateusz, outside the cage, you seem very calm and composed. How do you relax when you aren't training for fights?I love sports and I love good food. Outside of training, I like to stay active in various other sports and spend my free time enjoying great meals in good restaurants. That’s my way of resting and recharging my batteries.I have to ask about your love for burgers. What kind of burger will you treat yourself to after the fight in Szczecin?My love for burgers stems partly from the fact that one of my close friends owns a burger restaurant. He is also one of my sponsors and was one of the first people to support me in my professional career. You could say I’m the official taster for his burgers. So after the fight in Szczecin, I’m sure he’ll prepare something special for me.Authenticity is important for fighters. What should OKTAGON fans associate with the name Mateusz Janur? What legacy do you want to leave in the organization?I want people to associate my name with true sportsmanship and professionalism. Less talk, more action. I want to be known for my attitude outside the cage and for strong, exciting performances inside it.Mateusz Janur is ready to storm into OKTAGON and immediately aim for the highest goals. Will he manage to stop Wawrzyniak in Szczecin and secure a prime position in the stacked middleweight division? We’ll find out on April 11th at the Enea Arena. The historic Polish premiere is just around the corner, and tickets are disappearing at lightning speed. Be there when history is written. Secure your tickets today!<okteventcomponent eventid="127"></okteventcomponent>

OKTAGON’s historic first-ever tournament in Poland is knocking on the door, and with it comes the debut of a man entering the organization with the aura of a champion and a reputation as an uncompromising finisher. 

MATEUSZ JANUR: "LESS TALK, MORE ACTION. I WANT FANS TO REMEMBER MY NAME"

Liberec's Home Credit Arena is bracing for an invasion of Moravian power. The inseparable duo, synonymous with attractive "wars" and an uncompromising style, is back in action. Radek Roušal and Vlado Lengál, two brawlers from Brno, will challenge dangerous international raiders at OKTAGON 87. We are in for a personal vendetta for a teammate and a battle for a spot in the Lightweight TOP 5. Will the Brno duo conquer North Bohemia?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/ef8f6998-6c2f-406d-962f-a7c2eac10493/cs.1774360393001.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/cdb1ecf5-31c2-4b16-9c50-f5c5db22d34a/cs.1774360399668.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>RADEK ROUŠAL: TIME FOR REVENGE AND A CLIMB TO THE TOP</h2>The popular Brno "bad boy" Radek Roušal is enjoying a dream run. His 2025 campaign was a total demolition—three fights, three victories, all finished before the distance. Most recently in Brno, he shocked the arena by knocking out Corey Frye, who was supposed to be his toughest test, in the very first round. Roušal is on a roll, and his confidence and hunger grow with every bout.In Liberec, however, he faces a challenge with a personal touch. Standing in his way is the Swedish "Sammon Decker," Samuel Bark. The former UAE Warriors champion and elite Muay Thai fighter has already sparked a heated exchange with Roušal on social media, much to the fans' delight. Bark is extremely dangerous in the cage—he submitted Sanikidze in Brno, and more importantly, he holds a win over Roušal’s teammate, Vlado Lengál. For Radek, the mission is clear: avenge his friend, take down the star Swede, and firmly establish himself among the Featherweight elite. A finish will be in the air from the very first second!<h2>VLADO LENGÁL: A BATTLE FOR THE TOP 5 AGAINST THE TURKISH DRAGON</h2>While Roušal attacks the top of the Featherweight division, the legendary Vlado Lengál aims to improve his standing in the stacked Lightweight division. Last time in Brno, Vlado showed his fists still possess devastating power when he steamrolled his Serbian opponent Dimić, finishing him in the second round. Lengál is a fan favorite thanks to his resilience and willingness to engage in any exchange.In Liberec, he faces the Turkish sharpshooter Ozan Aslaner. Currently ranked #7 in the Lightweight division, Aslaner is a proven name in OKTAGON with battles against the likes of Kuzník, Tichota, and Mudroch under his belt. Aslaner recently defeated Mexican veteran Elpidio and is now hungry for another Czech scalp. For Lengál, this is a pivotal duel—victory will catapult him toward the TOP 5 and prove that Vlado is far from finished. We are in for a clash of two hard-hitting strikers, and once again, a finish before the final bell is expected.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVteXb6jM-U/?img_index=8"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>WILL LIBEREC CELEBRATE WITH BRNO?</h2>Two teammates, one goal: to bring valuable scalps back from North Bohemia and show that the Brno school is world-class. Can Roušal tame Bark and Lengál stop Aslaner? The Home Credit Arena will be boiling, and fan support could be the deciding factor.OKTAGON 87 in Liberec is fast approaching! On April 25th, you’ll see not only the Brno duo in action but also the historic title fight of Lucia Szabová and local hero Dominik Humburger. This is a tournament you cannot miss! Secure your seat in the arena and experience the unique atmosphere for yourself!<okteventcomponent eventid="129"></okteventcomponent>

Liberec's Home Credit Arena is bracing for an invasion of Moravian power. The inseparable duo, synonymous with attractive "wars" and an uncompromising style, is back in action. Radek Roušal and Vlado Lengál, two brawlers from Brno, will challenge dangerous international raiders at OKTAGON 87.

THE BRNO COMBO IN ACTION: LENGÁL AND ROUŠAL HEAD TO LIBEREC

Szczecin's Enea Arena is bracing for a clash that could decide the future of the welterweight division. Former champion Ion Surdu returns to the cage on a mission to prove the throne belongs to him. However, standing in his way is the Georgian phenomenon Amiran Gogoladze, who remains undefeated in OKTAGON. We are in for a showdown between two elite strikers where a single second of inattention could mean the end. Who will blast their way to a title shot in Szczecin?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/c0ded12b-36ed-4212-b5dd-d51ff6c1098e/cs.1774017515316.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/61397426-157d-44c5-9aa5-a71264f75141/cs.1774017522382.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>"DRACULA" HEADS BACK TO THE TOP</h2>The Moldovan Prince, Ion Surdu, is one of the most prolific finishers in European welterweight history. He lost his title unfortunately due to missing weight, but inside the cage, he left no room for doubt. Most recently in Brno, he put on a clinical demolition, brutally finishing local hero Andrej Kalašník in front of his home fans.Surdu is currently the division's #1, and his hunger for gold is greater than ever. The reigning champion is Kaik Brito, who secured the belt by knocking out Ronald Paradeiser in the third round. "Dracula" is now driven by dual motivation—he wants his belt back and seeks to avenge his teammate Rony. Furthermore, Surdu has already defeated Brito once before and is confident that a rematch would yield the same result. First, however, he must deal with a dangerous new contender.<h2>THE RETURN OF THE GEORGIAN SNIPER</h2>Facing the Moldovan predator is a man with surgical precision in his hands. Georgian champion Amiran Gogoladze returns after a forced 18-month hiatus due to injury. "The Sniper" boasts an impressive 17 victories and has yet to find a conqueror inside the yellow-and-black cage.At just 28 years old, the Georgian is considered one of Europe's top talents. His style is built on incredible speed, timing, and the ability to strike from angles no one sees coming. The long layoff has built up massive motivation. Gogoladze isn't just returning to compete—he's returning to show that despite the injury, he remains the predator of the welterweight division and that his undefeated streak in OKTAGON will continue.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DTxuetmjGzU/"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>WHO WILL TAKE THE NEXT STEP TOWARD THE TITLE?</h2>Surdu vs. Gogoladze is a battle at the very pinnacle of the division. For Ion, it’s a chance to finally erase the shadow of the missed weight and take the first step back to the title. For Amiran, it’s a career-defining opportunity to dethrone the division’s #1 immediately upon his return. It will be a collision of Moldovan explosiveness and Georgian precision.OKTAGON 86 in Szczecin is writing Polish MMA history! On April 11th, witness this battle for the welterweight throne, alongside:<ul><li>Tomasz Narkun vs. Alexander Poppeck – A Polish legend vs. the German Viking.</li><li>Michał Materla vs. Christian Jungwirth – A battle between two national icons.</li><li>Mateusz Janur vs. Piotr Wawrzyniak – A Polish derby between two top-tier tough guys.</li></ul>The Enea Arena will be packed. Do you have your ticket yet? If not, secure your spot at the link below and watch Gogoladze’s return and Surdu’s campaign live!<okteventcomponent eventid="127"></okteventcomponent>

Szczecin's Enea Arena is bracing for a clash that could decide the future of the welterweight division. Former champion Ion Surdu returns to the cage on a mission to prove the throne belongs to him. However, standing in his way is the Georgian phenomenon Amiran Gogoladze.

WHO WILL BE BRITO’S NEXT CHALLENGER? SURDU AND GOGOLADZE COLLIDE IN SZCZECIN

Home soil, his hometown, and an opponent whose name resonates on a global scale. Dominik Humburger, an elite soldier and now one of OKTAGON’s brightest stars, returns to Liberec. The year 2025 was a journey of unexpected triumphs and battles that brought fans to their feet. Now, "Hambáč" stands at the threshold of the absolute top. However, standing in his way is the Swedish "Bandit."<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/7ae055ee-7467-42b7-b5a1-ea978ced2619/cs.1773842465517.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/8ca4c9c7-e9f9-4e16-b8e3-a45300420990/cs.1773842483232.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>A WARRIOR IN HEART AND SOUL</h2>Dominik Humburger is no ordinary fighter. His profile is unique in European MMA—he is an elite soldier whose life is defined by service to his country. During the summer of 2025, he moved to the elite Special Forces of the Czech Armed Forces, further highlighting his incredible discipline and dedication. Dominik brings more than just strikes into the cage; he brings the values of a true warrior: honor and respect.Humburger is a man of many roles—a close-quarters combat instructor, a recipient of a military award from President Petr Pavel, but above all, an uncompromising combatant.<h2>2025: THE JOURNEY OF AN UNDERDOG WHO SHOCKED EUROPE</h2>Last year belonged to him. Dominik Humburger entered every major fight as the underdog, yet he delivered a miracle every single time.<ul><li>Taking Pirát’s Scalp: In his debut in Karlovy Vary, he silenced the critics by steamrolling the favored Samuel Krištofič in the main event via second-round TKO.</li><li>The Miracle at Štvanice: The Tipsport Gamechanger quarter-final against Hulme. At the packed open-air stadium in Prague, Dominik finished the tournament's biggest favorite, leaving thousands of fans cheering in a standing ovation. It was a moment that became one of the ultimate highlights of the year.</li><li>Fight of the Year with Engizek: In the semi-finals in Bratislava, he faced the undefeated champion Kerim Engizek. It was a duel that fans voted the "2025 Fight of the Year." Dominik was literally seconds away from victory, pushing the champion like no one else has in the last 10 years. Only an unfortunate pause following a low blow and Engizek's experience in the final round resulted in a narrow decision loss.</li></ul>This run propelled Humburger to #4 in the middleweight rankings and made him a national favorite. Now, it’s time for the next step.<h2>A WORLD-CLASS ADVERSARY: ZEBAZTIAN KADESTAM</h2>While Dominik will have the entire city of Liberec behind him, he faces a man who knows exactly what it’s like to hold world gold over his head. Zebaztian "The Bandit" Kadestam is a Swedish powerhouse arriving in OKTAGON with the aura of a former World Champion from the prestigious Asian organization ONE Championship. Kadestam is renowned for his brutal striking power and an incredible ability to finish fights—his style is pure aggression that leaves no room for error. His professional record stands at 15–8, with 13 of those wins coming via KO/TKO, proving just how lethal a finisher he truly is.The quality of the Swedish fighter is best illustrated by his recent scalp. In Colorado, USA, Kadestam emphatically knocked out the feared Roberto Soldić. Soldić is a name that strikes fear into Czechoslovak fans—he is the same man who brutally finished Patrik Kincl in the third round back in 2021. Kadestam managed to take down the Croatian "Robocop" in the second round, sending a clear message that he belongs among the elite of the world. For Humburger, this is likely the greatest test of his career.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DV_qwwCjAA6/"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>THE HOME CREDIT ARENA IS SET TO BOIL</h2>OKTAGON 87 in Liberec offers a night that North Bohemia will never forget. Can the elite soldier stop the Swedish raider in his hometown? Or will Kadestam confirm his reputation as the executioner of European stars?In addition to this clash, you can look forward to the historic title fight of Lucia Szabová, the return of Vlado Lengál, and the Brno firebrand Radek Roušal. History will be rewritten on April 25th in Liberec. Be there! Tickets are on sale now and disappearing fast. Don't miss your chance to experience OKTAGON live!<okteventcomponent eventid="129"></okteventcomponent>