<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>The debut in Hamburg with OKTAGON 73 offered a spectacular show. Eight finishes, thrilling bouts, and above all, strong stories and emotions. We also witnessed a few decisions by the judges – let’s go over how the judges saw each of the fights.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/22999d31-a7f2-4302-adc3-f936aa176e1f/cs.1751291481312.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/cdd191d0-f278-4daa-994c-1f176110bddd/cs.1751291484046.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>CHRISTIAN ECKERLIN vs. ROBERT PUKAČ</h2><p>One of the surprises of the night – Robo Pukač defeated Eckerlin via TKO in the third round. The first round still went in favor of the German superstar. However, gradually, Pukač took control of the fight and deservedly won.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1166" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>ADAM PAŁASZ vs. KASIM ARAS</h2><p>This fight ended as quickly as it started. Kasim landed a perfect "cap" right on the chin of the Polish fighter, and the fight was essentially decided.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1190" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>KAIK BRITO vs. JOILTON LUTTERBACH</h2><p>Another masterclass performance by Brito, who claimed a TKO victory in the first round. This extended his record to 18 wins with a 100% finish rate.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1183" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>NIKLAS STOLZE vs. JESSIN AYARI</h2><p>Even the fight between two UFC veterans didn’t go the distance. Ayari had a great start to the second round and after three minutes, he managed to get Stolze’s back, where he quickly locked in an RNC, securing his ninth submission victory.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1098" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>JONAS MAGARD vs. FARBOD NEZHAD</h2><p>The only fight on the main card that went to the judges’ scorecards. Magard clearly won all three rounds and once again proved how far ahead he is compared to the rest of the division.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1189" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>WAHED NAZHAND vs. FARIDUN SHOKHNAZAROV</h2><p>One of the fights of the evening and an incredible victory by Wahed Nazhand, who also took home the Tipsport bonus for performance of the night. After breaking his jaw, he managed to win by forcing his opponent to tap with a Kimura. Wahed lived up to his nickname "Stone Eater" by enduring an unimaginable challenge and winning despite the injury.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1167" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>BENO ADAMIA vs. ZHALGAS ZHUMAGULOV</h2><p>An evenly matched title fight between elite flyweight fighters ended relatively clearly by a 4-1 decision in favor of the Kazakh fighter. Zhalgas was more active in the fight, and although Adamia spent more time in the center of the cage and pushed his opponent against the fence, he didn’t add enough strikes to his pressure. Zhumagulov moved excellently and wasn’t afraid to throw longer combinations, which ultimately won him the fight.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1174" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>MAREK BARTL vs. DANIEL MAKIN</h2><p>After his last loss, Marek Bartl secured another victory on German soil. He was clearly the better fighter in the contest, though he was thrown to the ground in the second round without much resistance. However, he used his extensive experience to lock in a Kimura on Makin, earning another submission victory.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1187" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>VOJTO BARBORÍK vs. RICHIE SMULLEN</h2><p>Vojto Barborík started the fight fantastically, and for a moment, it seemed like he might finish Richie in the first round. However, the Irish veteran showed why he will be a new threat in the division. He survived Barborík's hard strikes like it was nothing, and in the second round, he unleashed a hellish pace, earning a TKO victory.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1178" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>TOMÁŠ CIGÁNIK vs. AHMAD HALIMSON</h2><p>After two rounds, the scorecards were tied 1-1, and it was clear that the final round would decide the winner. Both fighters gave it their all, but Cigánik was the more precise in his combinations and caused his opponent more "damage," ultimately winning the fight.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1192" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>ALTIN ZENUNI vs. TIBOR BALÁZS</h2><p>A one-sided affair in favor of the Albanian fighter, a fantastic professional debut for Zenuni. Tibor didn’t even get into the fight – after just two minutes, Zenuni got to his back and locked in an RNC, which Balázs couldn’t escape from.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1199" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><p><strong>Hamburg experienced an incredible evening full of emotions. OKTAGON 73 offered eight finishes before the limit, and fans definitely got their money's worth. The next stop? Štvanice! OKTAGON 74 will take place on August 9th at the legendary Prague island. There are only a few tickets left, so don’t wait and secure your spot at the most beautiful event of the year!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="119"></okteventcomponent>

The debut in Hamburg with OKTAGON 73 offered a spectacular show. Eight finishes, thrilling bouts, and above all, strong stories and emotions. We also witnessed a few decisions by the judges – let’s go over how the judges saw each of the fights.

OKTAGON 73 THROUGH THE EYES OF THE JUDGES: WAS THE TITLE FIGHT REALLY CLOSE?

<p>The debut of OKTAGON in Hamburg delivered a show full of excitement, emotions, and surprising twists, with several finishes. The 73rd edition of the tournament showed once again why OKTAGON is unique in Europe. Let’s go over the results and highlights from this historic event in Germany’s second-largest city.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/ea8cd2e2-3b2d-4a28-a4c4-faac7b5de2ef/cs.1751149535816.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/28902a6b-89c7-415c-9ca6-cdf059af20f8/cs.1751149544332.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>CHRISTIAN ECKERLIN vs. ROBERT PUKAČ</h2><p>Hamburg and all of Germany stood behind their king, but unfortunately, that wasn’t enough to stop the precise performance of "Prince of Bratislava" Robo Pukač. Pukač entered the fight cautiously but gradually increased the intensity, landing more strikes, and in the third round, Eckerlin ran out of steam. In the biggest fight of his career, Pukač won by TKO after a flawless performance. Not many expected such a result, and Pukač deserves immense praise for his performance, which confirmed his current fantastic form. Eckerlin showed royal generosity in the post-fight interview when he mentioned that he would give Pukač back the 50 % of his purse, that was supposed to be Eckerlin's, after Robo missed his weight. A beautiful gesture of respect in combat sports to cap off an incredible evening.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1166"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ADAM PAŁASZ vs. KASIM ARAS</h2><p>Wow! Karim Aras provided the shock of the night by demolishing his Polish opponent in the first round. A fantastic demonstration of how unpredictable MMA can be, where a smaller fighter can land a devastating bomb. After a perfectly timed hook to the chin, Aras landed a few strikes on the ground, and Palasz struggled to get back up. A great debut for the Turkish fighter!</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1190"></oktfightcomponent><h2>KAIK BRITO vs. JOILTON LUTTERBACH</h2><p>World-class MMA, two Brazilians, and a clash at the top of the welterweight division – all in a single fight: Brito vs. Lutterbach. Huge expectations for both fighters, but only one could leave as the winner. And that fighter was Kaik Brito! He added another incredible finish in the first round! After less than two minutes, he knocked Lutterbach down with a perfectly timed hook, followed by a precise knee and a few more strikes to end the fight via TKO. A better comeback would be hard to imagine. Who will Brito face next?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1183"></oktfightcomponent><h2>NIKLAS STOLZE vs. JESSIN AYARI</h2><p>A first-class display of technique, toughness, and experience from two UFC veterans. The first round was slower, but the second round was much more intense. Ayari found the perfect distance for extended strikes, which Stolze couldn’t handle. After a hard knee in the clinch, Ayari managed to take Stolze to the ground, improve his position, and lock in an RNC, forcing Stolze to tap. Another submission of the night and an important win for Jessin Ayari.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1172"></oktfightcomponent><h2>JONAS MAGARD vs. FARBOD NEZHAD</h2><p>A highly charged fight at the top of the bantamweight division was about who could impose their style. Former champion Magard wanted to fight primarily in striking, while Nezhad focused on controlling the clinch and attempting takedowns. The Danish fighter was well prepared for this, and in the first round, he opened Nezhad up unpleasantly. In the third round, there was a break due to an illegal low blow from Magard, but Farbod was able to continue. Despite that, "The Shark" from Denmark was better in nearly every aspect of the fight and after a dominant decision victory, he is now eyeing a title shot.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1189"></oktfightcomponent><h2>WAHED NAZHAND vs. FARIDUN SHOKHNAZAROV</h2><p>The main card kicked off in grand style! Shokhnazarov stepped into the fight on short notice, but you couldn’t tell from his performance. In the first round, he caught his opponent a few times with hard shots in boxing exchanges. The second round offered incredible action – first, Faridun dropped Nazhand with a perfectly timed rear hook to the chin. However, Nazhand miraculously survived, and with a display of last-ditch strength, he caught Faridun’s arm in a Kimura and forced him to tap within seconds. Nazhand won by submission in the second round after an unbelievable turnaround.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1167"></oktfightcomponent><h2>BENO ADAMIA vs. ZHALGAS ZHUMAGULOV</h2><p>The prelims finale featured a title fight, but after Adamia failed to make weight, only Zhumagulov fought for the title. The Kazakh fighter was more active from the start, landing more strikes and being more precise. Adamia relied on his counters, but they didn’t threaten Zhalgas. In the third round, the Georgian tried to step up his pace, but Zhalgas was still leading in strikes. Entering the championship rounds, the Kazakh had a comfortable 3-0 lead on the scorecards. In the fourth round, Zhalgas nearly secured a finish with a perfectly timed spinning strike that knocked Adamia down, but Adamia recovered quickly. The fifth round didn’t bring any major changes, and Zhalgas won a unanimous decision, becoming the new flyweight champion of OKTAGON.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1174"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MAREK BARTL vs. DANIEL MAKIN</h2><p>Bartl’s opponent change didn’t throw him off, and he entered the fight very motivated. Makin, however, wasn’t there to lose and showed his skills and heart. But it wasn’t enough against the “Czech Executioner.” In the second round, Bartl caught Makin with a hard hook that dropped him and opened up a nasty cut on the root of his nose. Although Bartl gave Makin a dominant position almost for free, he managed to lock in a Kimura and secured another submission victory.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1187"></oktfightcomponent><h2>VOJTO BARBORÍK vs. RICHIE SMULLEN</h2><p>Vojto Barborík’s return and the debut of Irish MMA star Richie Smullen in OKTAGON didn’t disappoint. Barborík started the fight with some beautiful boxing exchanges, but Richie was more successful at the end of the round. The start of the fight clearly took a toll on Barborík, and in the second round, he couldn’t do much, unable to answer Smullen’s tough ground-and-pound. One minute before the end of the second round, the Irishman won via TKO.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1178"></oktfightcomponent><h2>TOMÁŠ CIGÁNIK vs. AHMAD HALIMSON</h2><p>The second fight offered higher quality from both sides. Cigánik got his opponent to the ground early in the fight, but didn’t gain much from it. Halimson, on the other hand, landed some unorthodox knee strikes from the bottom. The second round brought more striking action, with Cigánik using his height advantage and nasty high kicks. However, Halimson kept threatening with unusual strikes, especially in the clinch. Both fighters entered the final round evenly matched and very tired. They showed heart and offered fans a great finish to the fight, with Cigánik being the more precise and claiming his fifth win in a row.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1192"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ALTIN ZENUNI vs. TIBOR BALÁZS</h2><p>Zenuni made his professional debut in Hamburg, and it certainly didn’t look like it. Within seconds, he took the fight to the ground and improved his position until he got to Balázs’s back and locked in an RNC. Less than two minutes later, Zenuni claimed a dominant victory. A fantastic start to the evening, a great professional debut for the likable Albanian, and a cold shower for Balázs, who never got into the fight.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1199"></oktfightcomponent><p></p><p><strong>OKTAGON 73 in Hamburg delivered explosive action, a new champion, and unforgettable moments. The program was packed with amazing fights, and the German audience enjoyed another exciting evening of MMA. Now all eyes are on the next chapter. Stay tuned for OKTAGON 74 at Štvanice!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="119"></okteventcomponent>

The debut of OKTAGON in Hamburg delivered a show full of excitement, emotions, and surprising twists, with several finishes. The 73rd edition of the tournament showed once again why OKTAGON is unique in Europe. Let’s go over the results and highlights from this historic event in Germany’s second-largest city.

RESULTS OF OKTAGON 73: NEW CHAMPION, QUICK FINISHES, AND A SHOCK IN HAMBURG

<p>Tomorrow, June 28th, Hamburg will experience its premiere as the host city for OKTAGON. For the first time, OKTAGON will enter the Barclays Arena, and it promises an exciting night with an international fight card full of experience, big comebacks, and rising talents. Let’s break down the individual fights and pick your favorites.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/24acd231-7798-41a4-9565-ff51ef6d9cbd/cs.1751038610377.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/1aa7775a-0d25-49fd-8d94-3efc0d2068b9/cs.1751038615223.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>CHRISTIAN ECKERLIN vs. ROBERT PUKAČ</h2><p>The main event of the evening will be a clash of two big OKTAGON names. Germany’s superstar and crowned "King of Germany", Christian Eckerlin, returns to his home crowd after a historic victory over Jungwirth. Slovakian "Prince of Bratislava" Robert Pukač, however, is in the best form of his life and after defeating former champion David Kozma, he is looking for another iconic win. A duel of two versatile fighters, with not just pride on the line, but also the chance to challenge for the welterweight title. Can Pukač handle the home crowd pressure that will cheer for Eckerlin?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1166"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ADAM PAŁASZ vs. KARIM ARAS</h2><p>Polish heavyweight Adam Pałasz will try to bounce back from two losses and get back on the winning track. With his power style, experience, and a huge desire for redemption, he will push forward. His opponent is Turkish fighter Kariim Aras, a veteran with tough battles in Bellator, who will make his debut in OKTAGON. Both fighters are eager to impress the German audience, and this heavyweight bout promises to be fast-paced and uncompromising.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1190"></oktfightcomponent><h2>KAIK BRITO vs. JOILTON LUTTERBACH</h2><p>A Brazilian showdown like no other. Brito has finished 11 of his 17 wins in the first round, boasting a 100% finish rate. Lutterbach has an incredible 49 professional fights across 33 different MMA organizations and has finished 25 opponents in the first round. Both are at the top of the welterweight division, and a win in Hamburg could be the key to a title shot.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1183"></oktfightcomponent><h2>NIKLAS STOLZE vs. JESSIN AYARI</h2><p>A battle of two German UFC veterans promises a technically refined contest. Stolze is dangerous in the striking department, while Ayari excels on the ground. Both fighters have numerous first-round finishes under their belts and will look to shine again in Hamburg. Another top 10 welterweight fight on the card – these fighters will look to make their mark in the division’s upper echelon, and this bout could determine who moves forward.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1172"></oktfightcomponent><h2>JONAS MAGARD vs. FARBOD NEZHAD</h2><p>Former bantamweight champion Jonas Magard returns after a hiatus to face German talent Farbod Nezhad. Magard is one of the most versatile fighters in the organization, with his favorite submission, the Japanese Necktie, leading him to victories on five occasions. Nezhad impressed in his last fight by dispatching former bantamweight champion Sanikidze with ease and will look to confirm his qualities against the Danish "Shark."</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1189"></oktfightcomponent><h2>WAHED NAZHAND vs. FARIDUN SHOKHNAZAROV</h2><p>Afghan hero Wahed Nazhand, who has an inspiring life story, has won the hearts of fans. His impressive following on Instagram, with over half a million followers (second only to Muradov), attests to his popularity. In Hamburg, he will aim for his third win in OKTAGON but faces the undefeated Faridun Shokhnazarov, a tough and precise fighter who has yet to taste defeat.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1167"></oktfightcomponent><h2>BENO ADAMIA vs. ZHALGAS ZHUMAGULOV</h2><p>A title fight for the best flyweight in OKTAGON will feature two world-class names. Current champion Beno Adamia (currently ranked #51 in the world) will face former world #8, UFC veteran Zhalgas Zhumagulov. Both exceptionally experienced fighters, known for their pace and world-class technique, will battle for dominance in the fast-growing flyweight division. With one small caveat: because Adamia failed to meet the required weight limit, he cannot defend his belt, even if he wins. Zhumagulov, on the other hand, could become champion with a victory.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1174"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MAREK BARTL vs. DANIEL MAKIN</h2><p>Marek Bartl comes to Hamburg with a desire for redemption after his recent tough fight against Schwindt. His opponent is the tough German fighter Daniel Makin, who accepted the fight on short notice and will make his debut in OKTAGON. Don’t be fooled by Makin’s record – he currently boasts six wins in a row, and Bartl certainly won’t have an easy fight ahead. The bout will take place at a contracted weight of 82 kilograms.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1187"></oktfightcomponent><h2>VOJTO BARBORÍK vs. RICHIE SMULLEN</h2><p>After four years, Slovakian grappling wizard Vojto Barborík returns to face experienced Irishman Richie Smullen. Smullen, known from the reality show The Ultimate Fighter, is tough, but he will need to be wary of Barborík’s submissions. Will the Slovak return be successful? He’ll want to show his best form before his upcoming fight with Buchinger.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1178"></oktfightcomponent><h2>TOMÁŠ CIGÁNIK vs. AHMAD HALIMSON</h2><p>Young Slovak striker Cigánik will face dangerous grappler Ahmad Halimson, who has finished all of his wins before the limit. This stylistic clash promises an electrifying showdown. Who will impose their will?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1192"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ALTIN ZENUNI vs. TIBOR BALÁZS</h2><p>The evening will kick off with a fight between two young fighters. Zenuni makes his professional debut in front of his home crowd, while Balázs, a dangerous Slovak tough guy, is eager to succeed on the big stage and give his career a new direction.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1199"></oktfightcomponent><p><strong>Hamburg will experience the explosive atmosphere of an OKTAGON event for the first time. The packed Barclays Arena will be watching not only the main event but the entire card full of great fights. Everything is ready – now it’s up to you to pick your spot and enjoy OKTAGON 73! Today is the last chance to purchase PPV at a discounted price, so don’t miss out!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="111"></okteventcomponent>

Tomorrow, June 28th, Hamburg will experience its premiere as the host city for OKTAGON. For the first time, OKTAGON will enter the Barclays Arena, and it promises an exciting night with an international fight card full of experience.

HAMBURG FIGHT CARD ROUND-BY-ROUND: WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE PREMIERE OF OKTAGON 73?

<p>OKTAGON is heading to Hamburg! The second largest city in Germany will host the premier OKTAGON 73 tournament this Saturday, June 28th. Barclays Arena will welcome 14,000 spectators and offer not only the return of the home legend and "King of Germany" Christian Eckerlin, but also a strong Slovak challenge from Robert "Prince of Bratislava" Pukač. However, the OKTAGON 73 fight card offers much more. Let's break it down in numbers and interesting facts.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/43833cdd-f7e8-4e49-b77e-1f4c3a512ec5/cs.1750949196498.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/c588c021-c06a-4c42-8cdc-b2ff5adcf820/cs.1750949203756.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>SPECIALISTS IN SUBMISSIONS: WHEN GROUND DECIDES</h2><p>The Hamburg tournament brings some of the best experts in submission finishes to the cage. The stats confirm this:</p><p><strong>Joilton Lutterbach</strong> has 13 submission victories. In addition, he has 15 KO/TKO finishes, showing just how versatile he is. <strong>Jessin Ayari</strong> and <strong>Christian Eckerlin</strong> both forced their opponents to tap out eight times. Eckerlin is particularly fond of the RNC technique, which he won six times. Jonas Magard, former bantamweight champion, loves the Japanese Necktie, a move he has used to win five of his seven submission victories. <strong>Vojto Barborík</strong> has finished 11 opponents by submission, confirming that he is one of Slovakia's best grapplers. He also has an upcoming rematch with the legendary Ivan Buchinger, so he’ll have even more reason to perform in Hamburg upon his return. And let’s not forget<strong> Marek Bartl</strong>, who made history by completing the only reverse triangle choke in OKTAGON history.</p><h2>EXPERIENCED VETERANS: THE NUMBER OF FIGHTS THAT COMMAND RESPECT</h2><p>Some stars of OKTAGON 73 have a significant number of fights under their belts:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Joilton Lutterbach</strong> (49 fights) is a highly experienced veteran of 33 different MMA organizations, with several fights in karate, K-1, and other disciplines.</p></li><li><p><strong>Robert Pukač</strong> (33 fights) fought his first OKTAGON match in 2018 at OKTAGON 10, where he won against Jan Janko.</p></li><li><p><strong>Zhalgas Zhumagulov </strong>(26 fights) is a UFC veteran and former world #8 bantamweight. Will Zhumagulov prevail against the dangerous Beno Adamia in the title fight?</p></li><li><p><strong>Marek Bartl</strong> (28 fights) is one of the longest active fighters in the organization. He remains undefeated in the welterweight division (3-0) and will aim to extend his streak.</p></li></ul><h2>OKTAGON CHALLENGE AS A SPRINGBOARD</h2><p>Several participants of the evening have been with OKTAGON since its very beginnings. Robert Pukač and Marek Bartl appeared in the very first season of OKTAGON Challenge, which preceded the organization’s first tournament. While Pukač participated as a coach, Bartl entered as a fighter. Christian Eckerlin, Pukač’s opponent, also had a similar experience as one of the coaches of the first German OKTAGON Challenge.</p><h2>FIRST-ROUND FINISHES? NO PROBLEM FOR THESE GUYS</h2><p>Some fighters have first-round finishes practically in their DNA:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Kaik Brito</strong> has finished 11 fights in the first round, and all 17 of his wins have been finishes – a 100% finish rate! His fastest victory came in just 21 seconds.</p></li><li><p><strong>Joilton Lutterbach</strong> has finished 25 opponents in the first round! His fastest finish came in a mere 20 seconds.</p></li><li><p><strong>Niklas Stolze</strong> and <strong>Jessin Ayari</strong>, two fighters facing each other in Hamburg, each have eight first-round victories. Who will add another one this time?</p></li><li><p><strong>Marek Bartl </strong>has an impressive nine first-round wins.</p></li><li><p><strong>Christian Eckerlin </strong>has eight such finishes.</p></li></ul><p><strong>OKTAGON 73 promises an action-packed evening full of stories, experiences, and uncompromising finishes. Barclays Arena will witness not only the historic German premiere but also a sports show that will reaffirm why OKTAGON is at the top of European MMA organizations. Follow the event from the comfort of your home with our PPV or watch it at the nearest OKTAGON Bar. Don’t miss this card!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="111"></okteventcomponent>

OKTAGON is heading to Hamburg! The second largest city in Germany will host the premier OKTAGON 73 tournament this Saturday, June 28th.

OKTAGON 73 IN NUMBERS: WHAT RECORDS AND STATISTICS ARE HIDDEN IN THE CARD IN HAMBURG?

<p>This Saturday, June 28, 2025, the Barclays Arena in Hamburg will host OKTAGON 73. For the first time in history, the biggest European MMA organization is making its way to Germany's second-largest city – and it's bringing a star-studded fight card. The highlight of the night will be a clash between two powerful stories, two complex fighters, and two different paths: Christian “King of Germany” Eckerlin vs. Robert “Prince of Bratislava” Pukač. This fight could determine the next challenger in the stacked welterweight division.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/e67e4ff5-c37c-4be9-ad44-b4e112906852/cs.1750690004398.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/e9ac286e-dff9-41a4-b73c-42ee1a2db629/cs.1750690011286.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>CHRISTIAN ECKERLIN: THE CROWNED KING OF GERMANY</h2><p><strong>Christian Eckerlin</strong> is a household name in Germany. A former footballer and now an elite MMA fighter with the nickname <strong>“King of Frankfurt,”</strong> Eckerlin has solidified his position as one of the biggest stars of the German fight scene over the past year. In 2024, he secured two major victories: first, he finished Miroslav Brož by TKO, and then in a high-stakes duel for the symbolic crown of Germany, he defeated Christian Jungwirth. All of this happened in <strong>front of nearly 60,000 fans at Deutsche Bank Park</strong> stadium during the record-breaking OKTAGON 62.</p><p>Eckerlin is known for his aggressive style – in striking, he applies technical boxing, punishing even the smallest mistakes with power. In the clinch, he delivers elbows with surgical precision, and on the ground, he’s no slouch – evidenced by <strong>eight submission wins</strong>. He enjoys massive popularity in his homeland, and Hamburg is sure to bring a loud cheer for him. For any opponent, this means a pressure that’s tough to handle.</p><h2>ROBERT PUKAČ: THE PRINCE IN THE BEST FORM OF HIS CAREER</h2><p><strong>Robert “Prince of Bratislava” Pukač</strong> is preparing for the biggest fight of his life. The Slovakian fighter, who has been with OKTAGON since its early years, is experiencing a <strong>well-deserved career restart</strong> after fifteen years. Following a disappointing performance against Jungwirth, where he chose not to continue into the third round, Pukač made significant changes – switching gyms, altering his mental approach, and tweaking his training strategy. The result? A dominant victory over the beloved ex-champion David Kozma.</p><p>Pukač is a versatile and experienced fighter –<strong> with nearly 35 professional bouts </strong>under his belt, he’s capable of finishing a fight both standing and on the ground. He’s now the #4 fighter in the welterweight division, and a win over #3 Eckerlin could bring him closer to a title shot. Although he enters this fight as an underdog, he brings with him form, determination, and one clear goal – to prove he is the one who deserves to sit on the metaphorical throne.</p><h2>PRINCE vs. KING: WHO WILL CONQUER HAMBURG?</h2><p>The fight between Pukač and Eckerlin not only features two excellent athletes but also tells the story of two powerful paths. Both are at the peak of their careers, and it's uncertain how long they will continue to fight. They each have fresh big victories under their belts and are <strong>in the top 5 of the welterweight division.</strong> They will square off in the tense atmosphere of OKTAGON’s <strong>debut in Hamburg</strong>, with home favorite Eckerlin not wanting to disappoint his fans – while Pukač arrives as the underdog, with one clear goal: to win.</p><p>Stylistically, we can expect a dynamic battle, with Eckerlin pushing forward, using his powerful striking and clinch, while Pukač will rely on his movement and striking from a safe distance. Both are capable of ending the fight before the limit, and both know what’s at stake: a chance to fight for the title in one of OKTAGON’s most exciting divisions. Hamburg is in for a thrilling main event of the night. Who will conquer another German city – the Prince or the King?</p><p><strong>Whether you’re cheering for Eckerlin or Pukač, this fight will be the climax of the evening. There was already some heat between the two during their first staredown, so we’re in for a treat. But there’s much more to look forward to in Hamburg – a flyweight title fight, Lutterbach’s OKTAGON debut, and plenty of other exciting bouts. You can buy PPV at a discounted price until Friday!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="111"></okteventcomponent>

This Saturday, June 28, 2025, the Barclays Arena in Hamburg will host OKTAGON 73. For the first time in history, the biggest European MMA organization is making its way to Germany's second-largest city – and it's bringing a star-studded fight card. 

KING vs PRINCE: MAIN EVENT OF OKTAGON’S DEBUT IN HAMBURG

<p>The Prague Fortuna Arena witnessed one of the greatest moments in European MMA history on June 14, 2025. OKTAGON 72 etched itself into the history books – not only as the culmination of an iconic trilogy between two legends, but also as an event that once again pushed the boundaries of the sports and entertainment show in combat sports. Eden was packed, and every fan in attendance knew they were witnessing something extraordinary. Let’s take a look back at what happened in Eden.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/7ee15392-8368-4489-ba85-975aa8a78dd5/cs.1750617781418.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/63810b9f-9733-4f0a-8242-f3ec509a1be1/cs.1750617788819.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>THE ENDURING LEGACY OF KARLOS VÉMOLA</h2><p>The final fight of the Vémola vs Végh trilogy. Five rounds that defined the greatest rivalry in Czech-Slovak MMA history. <strong>Karlos "Terminátor" Vémola</strong> delivered a champion-worthy performance in Eden, defeating Attila Végh by decision despite all doubts. The final bell not only marked victory in their historic trilogy but also <strong>symbolized the end of his professional career.</strong></p><p>Vémola exits as an absolute legend, holder of the Infinity Belt, loved and hated, but forever etched in the hearts of fans. His story proves that even in difficult times, one can overcome themselves and show why he was, is, and will be called the king of OKTAGON.</p><h2>THE NEW MIDDLEWEIGHT SHERIFF: MAKHMUD MURADOV</h2><p>In one of the most anticipated fights of the evening, <strong>Makhmud Muradov</strong> and <strong>Patrik Kincl</strong> clashed for the interim middleweight title. Muradov confirmed his role as the favorite, winning convincingly by decision. He <strong>remains undefeated in OKTAGON</strong> and with the title win, has firmly placed himself among the elite.</p><p>The Uzbek fighter is now eyeing further challenges – particularly from the million-euro Tipsport Gamechanger pyramid, where the quarterfinals will take place in August, and from which a potential future challenger could arise. Muradov’s calmness, accuracy, and dominance in both striking and grappling ensure that his name will continue to be relevant in the months to come.</p><h2>MOVES IN THE GLOBAL RANKINGS</h2><p>The tournament in Eden not only brought emotions but also significant moves in the global Fightmatrix rankings. Several OKTAGON fighters earned important victories and made their mark on the global scene:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Makhmud Muradov</strong> – strengthened his position among the world elite in middleweight and moved up to 32nd place in the global rankings.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Rony Paradeiser </strong>– his first welterweight fight went excellently, catapulting him to #654 in the global rankings.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Daniel Škvor</strong> – “DeeDee” did not disappoint again. After delivering a devastating finish, he broke into the world top 100, specifically at #97.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Alina Dalaslan</strong> – for the young German, this was a crucial win, propelling her to #79 in the women’s bantamweight rankings.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Jakub Batfalský</strong> – his fifth straight win moved him to #269 in the world featherweight rankings – who will he face next in OKTAGON?</p></li></ul><h2>OKTAGON 74 RETURNS TO ŠTVANICE</h2><p>During OKTAGON 72, the next destination was announced live: the legendary Prague’s Štvanice. Fans’ reactions were immediate – <strong>within just five days, 80% of the tickets were sold out.</strong></p><p>OKTAGON 74, taking place on <strong>August 9, 2025</strong>, will feature the quarterfinals of <strong>Tipsport Gamechanger</strong> in middleweight, <strong>a title fight for women</strong>, and other exciting bouts. After two years, OKTAGON returns to the place where the most impressive summer stories are written, and the atmosphere under the open sky is among the most beautiful in the entire sporting calendar.</p><p><strong>OKTAGON 72 was more than just a tournament. It was a manifestation of courage, determination, and strong emotions. Whether you were there in person or watching from home – this evening will be forever etched in history. And we already know that the next great chapter will be written in August at Štvanice.</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="119"></okteventcomponent>

The Prague Fortuna Arena witnessed one of the greatest moments in European MMA history on June 14, 2025. OKTAGON 72 etched itself into the history books – not only as the culmination of an iconic trilogy between two legends.

LOOKING BACK AT OKTAGON 72: LONG LIVE THE KING OF OKTAGON!

<p>The grand OKTAGON 72 tournament brought several close fights. The judges had a tough job, and many bouts were decided by the smallest of details. Let’s go through all the matches from the judges' perspective.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/17997d0e-bc40-4b30-b837-3f196c6fbcb0/cs.1750102382081.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/12c8d943-0602-42a7-b0f9-8dd71586f23f/cs.1750102396465.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>KARLOS VÉMOLA vs ATTILA VÉGH</h2><p>The culmination of a long-standing trilogy was ultimately decided by control and pressure, which was clearly on Karlos Vémola’s side. Even before the fifth round, the fight was still close, but with his physical resilience and strength, the Czech "Terminator" ended his career with the biggest win of his life.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1127" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>MAKHMUD MURADOV vs PATRIK KINCL</h2><p>Makhmud Muradov and Patrik Kincl entered the fight in excellent form, and neither slowed down in the fourth and fifth rounds. From the beginning of the fight, "Mach" was slightly more active, and Kincl couldn’t find an answer to his strategy, which was reflected in the judges' scorecards.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1153" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>IVAN BUCHINGER vs VLADO LENGÁL</h2><p>This fight did not disappoint. Lengál definitely surprised many fans and even Buchinger with how much he had improved his takedown defense. However, it wasn’t enough against the legendary “Buki.” In the second round, Buchinger got to Lengál’s back, gradually wore him down, and eventually secured a Rear-Naked Choke for the win.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1186" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>BOJAN VELIČKOVIĆ vs RONALD PARADEISER</h2><p>The top-tier welterweight fight ended early due to an injury to Bojan, who was forced to tap out. However, during the first 90 seconds, Rony showed that he would be a massive challenge for everyone in the new division.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1158" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>DANIEL ŠKVOR vs LUCAS ALSINA</h2><p>Daniel Škvor won with a beautiful knockout in the second round, when he sent the experienced Alsina to the canvas after a series of hard strikes. The referee stepped in correctly to stop the fight. Another finish for the popular Czech fighter.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1200" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>JAMIE CORDERO vs DAVID HOŠEK</h2><p>Hošek relied on the first two minutes, throwing heavy strikes. However, when the fight went to the ground, Cordero knew exactly what to do and finished the fight in the second round due to a large cut on Hošek’s face.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1191" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>KAROL RYŠAVÝ vs JAKUB BATFALSKÝ</h2><p>Batfalský and Ryšavý delivered one of the best fights of the night. On the feet and on the ground, it was a very close battle, and the winner was decided by the smallest of details. Batfalský was a little more precise and had more control, so after three rounds, he rightfully claimed the victory.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1188" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>ALINA DALASLAN vs ROŹA GUMIENNA</h2><p>Another dominant performance from the young German beauty, Alina Dalaslan. From the start, she put pressure on Gumienna, bombarding her with hard strikes that led to Gumienna’s TKO in the second round.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1181" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>ROMAN PAULUS vs AYTON PAEPE</h2><p>Roman Paulus couldn’t find a way to threaten his opponent. Paepe defended the takedown attempts well and was more dangerous and accurate in the stand-up.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1201" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>JAN STANOVSKÝ vs DANIJEL SOLAJA</h2><p>A very close battle between two brave fighters ended in the final seconds of the third round, when Stanovský managed to apply an armbar, and Solaja was forced to tap out. In a bloody fight, Jan Stanovský emerged victorious.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1195" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><p><br></p><p><strong>The MMA celebration of the year 2025 in Eden is now in the past, but the euphoria continues! The stadium witnessed fights that got fans out of their seats, surprising twists, and emotional farewells from legends. After this night, Czech-Slovak MMA will never be the same again. And we are already planning more epic moments – stay with us!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="111"></okteventcomponent>

The grand OKTAGON 72 tournament brought several close fights. The judges had a tough job, and many bouts were decided by the smallest of details. Let’s go through all the matches from the judges' perspective.

OKTAGON 72 THROUGH THE EYES OF THE JUDGES: CLOSE BATTLES DECIDED BY THE SMALLEST DETAILS

<p><span>&nbsp;</span>OKTAGON 72 brought an incredible climax to long-standing rivalries on the domestic MMA scene. The outdoor stadium in Eden hosted several historic moments that will be remembered for a long time, and some of them will likely never be forgotten. Let’s go through the tournament results and revisit the thrilling action of each fight.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/7c695ed6-cd57-4a35-9021-cd176574a41c/cs.1750001244791.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/3458b0fd-92f7-448c-8eea-e8d1d86cbe94/cs.1750001285094.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>KARLOS VÉMOLA vs ATTILA VÉGH</h2><p><span>In one word – LEGENDARY! The last dance between two icons of Czech and Slovak MMA was everything we hoped for. We witnessed all five rounds of an incredible fight that was back and forth, and until the very end, it wasn’t clear who would take the victory. Vémola absorbed several hard punches and started to wobble, but with sheer willpower, he stayed on his feet and managed to push Attila back to the cage, where he thrives. Végh showed significant improvement in defending against Karlos’s attacks. This epic final led to several nail-biting moments for fans of both camps. In the end, it was Karlos Vémola's hunger and desire for victory that proved to be greater. He became the eternal winner of the Infinity Belt and the ultimate legend of domestic MMA.</span></p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1127"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MAKHMUD MURADOV vs PATRIK KINCL</h2><p><span>Muradov and Kincl delivered the world-class MMA performance we’ve all been waiting for. A strategic and technical five-round battle that sometimes felt like a chess match, with both fighters carefully reading each other's moves and preparing for their offensive. The Uzbek fighter was clearly superior in this game, and after the five-round war, he walked away not only with a valuable scalp of one of the best Czech fighters but also the interim middleweight title. Muradov once again showed great form, and we can look forward to seeing him next.</span></p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1153"></oktfightcomponent><h2>IVAN BUCHINGER vs VLADO LENGÁL</h2><p><span>A true clash of styles. One wanted to dominate on the feet, the other on the ground, and it turned into a thrilling fight that had the entire stadium on its feet. Lengál surprised many fans and experts with how much he improved his takedown defense, but it wasn’t enough against the legendary Buchinger. In the second round, Ivan stuck to Lengál’s back, gradually wore him down, and eventually secured a Rear-Naked Choke to claim another victory via submission. A fantastic fight that set the stage for the final bouts of the tournament.</span></p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1186"></oktfightcomponent><h2>BOJAN VELIČKOVIĆ vs RONALD PARADEISER</h2><p><span>A highly anticipated fight, but unfortunately, it ended prematurely due to injury. After only 90 seconds of the fight, Veličković tapped out, likely suffering a muscle tear in his leg. But even in those 90 seconds, Rony showed his progress, and despite the premature end, it was clear he was on his way to victory. The gracious Veličković put his gloves in the center of the cage and announced his retirement from professional MMA. Thank you for all your fights and we wish you the best, champion! Rony’s important victory shot him to the top of the welterweight rankings, where a host of hungry challengers await. We can’t wait to see who Rony faces next.</span></p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1158"></oktfightcomponent><h2>DANIEL ŠKVOR vs LUCAS ALSINA</h2><p><span>Škvor may have spent the last month on the rocks, but it didn’t change his style. His relentless strikes in the stand-up game were too much for Alsina. Škvor relied heavily on teep kicks in the beginning, which kept him at the perfect distance and wore down his Argentine opponent. However, “La Cobra” showed heart and a solid chin. But it wasn’t enough. The beloved "DeeDee" finished the fight via TKO at the end of the second round.</span></p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1200"></oktfightcomponent><h2>JAMIE CORDERO vs DAVID HOŠEK</h2><p><span>Jamie Cordero confirmed his role as the favorite and showcased his quality once again. In the first round, there was a controversial (non) tap from Czech "Sparťan" Hošek, which temporarily threw off the German fighter, but in the second round, he wasn’t willing to leave anything to chance. A quick takedown and hard elbows in dominant position opened Hošek up, and the fight was stopped. A fourth win in a row for Jamie Cordero – who will he face next?</span></p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1191"></oktfightcomponent><h2>KAROL RYŠAVÝ vs JAKUB BATFALSKÝ</h2><p><span>What a fight! Jakub Batfalský and Karol Ryšavý delivered exactly what fans hoped for – a thrilling battle full of hard exchanges, twists, and ground techniques. Batfalský used his height advantage to great effect and landed several quick jabs early in the fight. "Bomby" Ryšavý wasn’t ready to give up without a fight, engaging in exchanges, trying to bring the fight to the ground, and making life difficult for the young Ostrava fighter. But it wasn’t enough. After three rounds of fantastic action, Jakub Batfalský won by decision.</span></p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1188"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ALINA DALASLAN vs ROŹA GUMIENNA</h2><p><span>The young German beauty Alina Dalaslan showed her skills in only her second professional fight. Against the more experienced Roźa Gumienna, Alina displayed excellent preparation and toughness on the feet. The German was dominant throughout the fight, and in the third round, Roźa couldn’t resist anymore. Alina Dalaslan maintained her undefeated record, stopping her opponent via TKO.</span></p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1181"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ROMAN PAULUS vs AYTON PAEPE</h2><p><span>Ayton Paepe made a big impact in his debut. In the first round, he landed a hard knee that shook Paulus badly. In the second and third rounds, the Belgian "Hitman" was in control, and Roman couldn’t find a way to challenge him. Paepe defended well against takedown attempts and was more dangerous on the feet. A well-deserved victory by decision for the newcomer Ayton Paepe.</span></p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1201"></oktfightcomponent><h2>JAN STANOVSKÝ vs DANIJEL SOLAJA</h2><p><span>The spectacular OKTAGON 72 started in great style. The fight between Stanovský and Solaja delivered the expected clash of two styles. Solaja was more successful in the first round, landing precise strikes. But Stanovský knew exactly what he wanted to do – bring the fight to the ground, find the best position, and attempt a submission. The very close fight ended in the final moments of the third round, when the Czech fighter managed to lock in an armbar, forcing Solaja to tap out. In a bloody battle, Jan Stanovský came out on top.</span></p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1195"></oktfightcomponent><p></p><p><span><strong>The biggest tournament of 2025 is officially in the books, and what a night it was! The history of Czech and Slovak MMA was forever changed in Eden, and the stories from this event will be talked about for years to come. Don't miss out on the next chapter of OKTAGON MMA!</strong></span></p><okteventcomponent eventid="119"></okteventcomponent>

OKTAGON 72 brought an incredible climax to long-standing rivalries on the domestic MMA scene. The outdoor stadium in Eden hosted several historic moments that will be remembered for a long time, and some of them will likely never be forgotten.

OKTAGON 72 RESULTS: THE BIGGEST TOURNAMENT IN THE HISTORY OF THE HOME SCENE

<p>The historic OKTAGON 72 is just hours away. The weight is done, and nothing is stopping the tournament from taking place in Eden that will forever change Czech and Slovak MMA. Two icons, one last dance. Who will leave Fortuna Arena as the eternal winner? But it won't just be about the main event. We have an action-packed evening ahead from start to finish. Go through the card fight by fight and get ready to cheer for your favorites.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/a66f0aaa-3ac5-420a-828a-7358d5b77f41/cs.1749904522923.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/a8db8b95-cfb0-4353-9fdb-a9964aa6159e/cs.1749904553456.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>KARLOS VÉMOLA vs ATTILA VÉGH</h2><p>Enough talk – tomorrow it will all be decided! Two legends, two nations, and the final fight for everything. Both Karlos and Attila are facing the most important fight of their careers, and it will also be their last. In 2019, Végh won the "Fight of the Century," and in 2024, Vémola won the "Rematch of the Century." But only one will become eternal. Will Attila repeat his lightning-fast KO, or will we see a dominant performance from Karlos? The Infinity belt awaits. Everything will be decided this Saturday in the cage.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1127"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MAKHMUD MURADOV vs PATRIK KINCL</h2><p>We’ve been waiting for this fight for six years. Their rivalry has turned personal, and they want to settle it in the cage. Muradov made his OKTAGON return after UFC with victories over Scott Askham and Yasubei Enomoto. He is currently the highest-ranked male fighter in OKTAGON in the world rankings. Patrik Kincl was the longest-reigning P4P king and middleweight champion. Both fighters are happy with their preparations, so get ready for an intense showdown!</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1153"></oktfightcomponent><h2>IVAN BUCHINGER vs VLADO LENGÁL</h2><p>Buchinger, a European MMA legend, faces ambitious Lengál. Ivan is a former Cage Warriors champion and the first-ever two-time OKTAGON champion. His experience is unquestionable, and he loves to dominate his opponents on the ground. Lengál, known for his resilience and strong striking, will want to prove he belongs among the best. He wanted a fight with the legend, and now he has a chance to show he is a true MMA fighter. Will "Buki" exploit any gaps in Lengál’s style?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1186"></oktfightcomponent><h2>BOJAN VELIČKOVIĆ vs RONALD PARADEISER</h2><p>Bojan Veličković returns after a year-and-a-half break. The winner of the first season of Tipsport Gamechanger, who has fought names like Jiří Procházka and Darren Till, will face young Slovak talent Ronald Paradeiser, a former lightweight champion. Veličković is technically precise and knows how to adapt to his opponent’s style. Paradeiser, who is moving up to welterweight, will rely on his height advantage and increased dynamism. Both respect each other, but they know how crucial and tough this fight will be.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1158"></oktfightcomponent><h2>DANIEL ŠKVOR vs LUCAS ALSINA</h2><p>Daniel Škvor is truly unique. Barely off the rocks (literally, Dan spent the last weeks rock climbing!), he accepted the fight on short notice against dangerous Lucas Alsina at the biggest tournament of 2025. Yet, he is the big favorite! Škvor has several dominant victories, often finishing opponents in the first round. “DeeDee” is a KO machine and is heading for a rematch with champion Will Fleury. Alsina managed to challenge Vémola and even gave him trouble on the ground, which doesn’t happen every day. The Argentine striker wants to show that he has much more to offer and that he hasn’t said his final word in the light-heavyweight division.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1200"></oktfightcomponent><h2>JAMIE CORDERO vs DAVID HOŠEK</h2><p>A fight that likely won’t go to the judges’ decision. Two fighters, two different styles, and a number of fast finishes on their records. Cordero has 4 first-round finishes in OKTAGON alone. “Sparťan” Hošek is known for his explosive strikes and is a tough opponent regardless of the outcome. Both fighters plan to finish the fight as soon as possible, so fans can expect a dynamic and fast-paced battle between two different styles. Who will impose their will?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1191"></oktfightcomponent><h2>KAROL RYŠAVÝ vs JAKUB BATFALSKÝ</h2><p>One of the most anticipated prelim fights. A Czech-Slovak battle between the rising talent from Ostrava and OKTAGON veteran and winner of OKTAGON Challenge, Karol Ryšavý. Jakub Batfalský has excellent momentum and is brimming with confidence. Karol Ryšavý enters as the favorite and aims to shut down the 22-year-old Jakub. This is an extremely important fight for both, and their desire to impress in front of a packed Eden stadium will only add to the intensity. Aggressive youth vs experienced power – who will succeed?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1188"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ALINA DALASLAN vs ROŹA GUMIENNA</h2><p>The princess of German MMA arrives in Prague with a clear goal – to show that she is the new beast in the division. Confident Alina Dalaslan has only one professional fight, but she is a world amateur champion who has never lost, even in K1, where she holds a perfect 11-0 record. Her opponent will be the seasoned Polish fighter Roźa Gumienna, who knows that her experience and abilities will help her give the young German her first loss.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1181"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ROMAN PAULUS vs AYTON PAEPE</h2><p>Roman Paulus and Ayton Paepe accepted the fight on short notice, and they both deserve great respect. For the Belgian fighter, this will be his debut in the organization, and he has the chance to make a name for himself at the largest Czech stadium. Roman Paulus will want to redeem himself after his most recent loss. His goal is always clear – to take the fight to the ground and secure a submission. Will he manage to do so against the experienced Ayton?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1201"></oktfightcomponent><h2>JAN STANOVSKÝ vs DANIJEL SOLAJA</h2><p>Stanovský, the 26-year-old rising star from Brno, has proven multiple times that he has the heart of a fighter. Once again, he accepted a fight on short notice against a dangerous opponent. Danijel Solaja is a three-time world champion in K1 and a member of the elite UFD Gym, where he trains with stars like Kerim Engizek and Deniz Ilbay. The tension between the two was palpable at the press conference, and we’re in for a treat tomorrow. You can also watch the fight as part of the free prelims on our YouTube channel, so don’t miss it!</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1195"></oktfightcomponent><p></p><p><strong>Just a few hours left before the biggest tournament of 2025 begins – outdoors at Eden stadium, with the biggest fights. The end of a great era and the last dance of two legends who helped shape MMA in Czechia and Slovakia. Will you be there? If not, make sure to buy the PPV because this is an event that will be talked about for a long time!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="109"></okteventcomponent>

The historic OKTAGON 72 is just hours away. The weight is done, and nothing is stopping the tournament from taking place in Eden that will forever change Czech and Slovak MMA. Two icons, one last dance.

OKTAGON 72 FIGHT-BY-FIGHT: A NIGHT OF LEGENDS, LONGTIME RIVALRIES AND WORLD-CLASS MMA

<p><strong>OKTAGON 72</strong> at Eden will be a celebration for all MMA fans. A unique outdoor tournament, with an unforgettable show and an action-packed side program, but most importantly, with the <strong>biggest fights in the domestic scene!</strong> The finale of the great rivalry between Vémola and Végh, and the intense middleweight showdown between Muradov and Kincl. Check out the most interesting statistics and get ready for the historic event, whether you'll be in the stadium or watching from the comfort of your home.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/10210494-fa41-4a62-aa60-2c802f7fcc0d/cs.1749809097155.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/4a959a16-3168-4105-8e14-98e9f4548b77/cs.1749809105452.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>VETERANS WHO WERE THERE AT THE START OF THE MMA BOOM</h2><p>When we look at the careers of OKTAGON veterans, it's no surprise that the biggest names are <strong>Karlos Vémola, Attila Végh</strong>, and <strong>Ivan Buchinger</strong>. All three fighters began their professional careers in 2008. However, what may surprise you is that the most experienced in professional MMA is <strong>Patrik Kincl</strong>, who had his first fight in 2007. At that time, the sport was still in its infancy, and very few people knew about it. Today, MMA is the fastest-growing sport in the world.</p><p>For context, in 2008, movies like the first Iron Man, which kicked off the superhero movie era, and The Dark Knight, where Heath Ledger memorably portrayed the Joker, were playing in theaters. The iPhone 3G, which was many people's first smartphone, also hit the market. While our veterans started fighting and shaping Czech and Slovak MMA, the world around them was experiencing a technological revolution.</p><h2>THE BEST OF OKTAGON</h2><p>Eden will also feature <strong>the best of the best who are fighting in OKTAGON</strong>. Just take a look at the positions of fighters in the respected global rankings of FightMatrix, and it's clear that this card will showcase a truly world-class level.</p><ul><li><p><strong>Makhmud Muradov</strong> is ranked 39th in the middleweight division.</p></li><li><p><strong>Patrik Kincl</strong> is ranked 60th in the middleweight division.</p></li><li><p><strong>Karlos Vémola</strong> is ranked 68th in the light heavyweight division.</p></li><li><p><strong>Attila Végh </strong>is ranked 187th in the light heavyweight division.</p></li><li><p><strong>Bojan Veličković</strong> is ranked 55th in the welterweight division.</p></li><li><p><strong>Ronald Paradeiser</strong> is ranked 124th in the welterweight division.</p></li></ul><p>It's worth mentioning that Attila Végh once reached as high as <strong>17th</strong> in the world rankings, a truly impressive achievement! Similarly, Karlos Vémola was among the top 50 in the world. Who will rise again after OKTAGON 72?</p><h2>THE UNDEFEATED BEAUTY ALINA DALASLAN</h2><p>The only participant in the tournament with an undefeated record. Although she has only one professional fight, Alina has never lost, even as an amateur or in her K1 matches, where she holds a perfect 11-0 record. In an interview with OKTAGON, she stated that she considers herself the best fighter in her weight class at OKTAGON, and she will have the chance to prove her words at Eden. She faces the dangerous opponent Roźa Gumienna, who has already fought the top of the division and plans to stop the young German's flawless streak.</p><h2>IS FATE FAVORABLE TO IVAN BUCHINGER?</h2><p>Ivan Buchinger enters the fight with Brno's Vlado Lengál as a clear favorite. And it's not just the bookmakers who favor him — since 2019, he has alternated between 2 wins and 1 loss, without a single exception! Knowledgeable fans know that "Buki" scored a fantastic win in his last fight against the dangerous Hafeni Nafuka. The statistics are in his favor, but statistics alone don't win fights. Vlado Lengál is strong in striking and will want to showcase his skills on the biggest domestic stage. Will he break Buchinger's streak?</p><h2>FORGET ABOUT LONG FIGHTS AND JUDGES' DECISIONS</h2><p>Recent OKTAGON events have clearly shown how fast MMA fights can be. And in front of a packed Fortuna Arena, all the fighters will want to show their best. The card also features several experts in fast finishes. The fastest finish in OKTAGON is held by Karlos Vémola, who <strong>won in an incredible 5 seconds</strong>. Daniel Škvor won in 26 seconds in a way that few expected – by submission! Rony Paradeiser has three fights under 38 seconds, the fastest being a 21-second victory. A scalp like that against Veličković would be a huge success. Jamie Cordero also finishes fights incredibly fast – against Török, it only took two punches and a KO in 22 seconds. Against Hošek's bombs, it will be an intense battle. Will we see another lightning-fast KO?</p><p><strong>Eden. The place where it all happens. A packed Fortuna Arena, an unforgettable show, and fights that will be remembered. And you still have the chance to be part of it! Don't miss your chance to see firsthand how the history of Czech and Slovak MMA is being written. The last tickets are available now.</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="109"></okteventcomponent>

OKTAGON 72 at Eden will be a celebration for all MMA fans. A unique outdoor tournament, with an unforgettable show and an action-packed side program, but most importantly, with the biggest fights in the domestic scene! 

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

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