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! 

Only two days left until the next tournament! The Munich card is packed with interesting stories, but also with statistics that will make you look like a pro. Whether you’re cheering live in the arena, at home on the couch, or in one of the OKTAGON bars, this overview will make you look cool.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/54820e01-8746-4c2c-872a-45fdb0ba2260/cs.1747334380798.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/c2832933-1b74-4b2a-aaac-20db9b5005df/cs.1747334386251.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>WINNING STREAKS AND THEIR HUNTERS</h2>Some fighters manage to rack up an impressive winning streak. And then there are fighters who have the talent to end those streaks, like Hafeni Nafuka and Patrick Vespaziani. Both have experience in ending long streaks – for example, Vespaziani ended a 6-year-long winning streak of Sebastian Herzberg in his last fight at OKTAGON 64! It was only his sixth professional fight, and he pulled off such a major win. Now, he faces Croatian challenger Jovan Zeljkovic, who lost only his first pro fight – to his current coach. Since then, he’s won 5 straight, and Vespaziani could be next. Hafeni Nafuka himself once had a very solid streak, which was broken by Serbian fighter Predrag Bogdanovic. As a small revenge, Nafuka ended Arijan Topallaj's undefeated streak in the very next fight, Topallaj having 7 wins in a row up until then. Undefeated streaks are fragile things. One small mistake, and it's gone. In Munich, English MMA hope George Staines will try to keep his undefeated streak going against Nafuka. Will "The Namibian Nightmare" add another streak to his list, or will Staines succeed again?We can’t forget the controversial trash talker Denis Frimpong either. He was the first to beat Robin Frank, ending his 5-fight winning streak. Another shooter who isn’t intimidated by his opponent’s record or winning streak. On the contrary, he enters the fight with extra motivation to prove that no one is unbeatable.<h2>DON’T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER!</h2>OKTAGON 71 will definitely be packed with adrenaline! But some fighters might surprise you by how they look off the cage. For instance, Attila Korkmaz is one of the toughest guys in OKTAGON – he hasn’t lost by KO in 24 fights in a row. That’s what you call a steel chin! Yet, Korkmaz works as an IT specialist, and perhaps that’s where he developed his ability to analyze his opponents and find weaknesses in their tactics. The same goes for Pavol Langer. The IT guy from Košice is currently ranked #2 in OKTAGON's light heavyweight division. Pavol is all about solving problems, whether in the cage or in a command line.George Staines, the promising English talent, has the soul of a true geek and loves LEGO and Star Wars. But when it comes down to business, his precise fighting technique shows that games are over and it’s time for serious business. Lastly, don't be fooled by Tomáš Mudroch. “Ostrava Express” doesn’t mess around and demolishes his opponents like an assembly line. Recently, he even scored a knockdown with a kick-up as the very first OKTAGON fighter. But even he enjoys building LEGO in his free time, when he’s not managing construction sites as a site manager.<h2>FAST AND SUBMISSIONS! RECORD HOLDERS IN THE SPEED OF GROUND FINISHES</h2>We saw plenty of fast KOs at the last tournament. This time, we might witness a different kind of speed – submission finishes. Several fighters on the Munich card have records to boast in this department.Arijan Topallaj achieved an extremely fast submission victory in his OKTAGON debut, catching Roman Paulus in an Anaconda Choke in under two minutes. That’s what you call a debut!Hafeni Nafuka holds the 4th fastest armbar in the organization, which he landed on Adrian Kep in the OKTAGON 44 tournament. Nafuka is a ground specialist – of his 4 wins in the organization, 3 have been submissions, and two of them in the first round. But this time, he faces an opponent who loves the ground game just as much as he does. However, instead of choking, Staines prefers hard ground &amp; pound – in his last 3 fights, George Staines delivered over 700 strikes on the ground!Jakub Dohnal should also be cautious – his opponent, Wanderley Junior, has 8 submission wins using 5 different techniques. You really don’t want to take him to the ground, and Dohnal should try to keep the fight standing, where he should have the upper hand. On the ground, it could be a quick end for him.Also worth mentioning are the fighters who don’t spend much time in the cage…Tomáš Mudroch spends on average just 1 minute and 9 seconds in the cage per fight! Additionally, 3 of his victories were finished in under 30 seconds, so better not blink during his fights!Jovan Zeljkovic has an average fight length of 2 minutes and 47 seconds, most of which he finishes by TKO through extremely intense exchanges. Classic Balkan style, which we all love.Harun Uzun, the newcomer to the organization and opponent of the returning Zdeněk Polívka, spends an average of 1 minute and 15 seconds in the cage! Most of his fights have been finished by submission, so Polívka will need to be extremely cautious and ready to defend against takedown attempts.And that’s not all! OKTAGON 71 has a card full of stories, returns, and great fighters ready to put on the best show! And if you don’t want to miss out, click the link below and grab your PPV now. OKTAGON 71 in Munich kicks off this Saturday at 18:00. Will you be watching with us?<okteventcomponent eventid="110"></okteventcomponent>

Only two days left until the next tournament! The Munich card is packed with interesting stories, but also with statistics that will make you look like a pro. Whether you’re cheering live in the arena, at home on the couch, or in one of the OKTAGON bars, this overview will make you look cool.

WINNING STREAKS, NERDS IN THE CAGE, AND AVERAGE FIGHT TIMES: HERE ARE YOUR FUN FACTS FOR OKTAGON 71

The new generation of MMA fighters. Youth, drive, and high ambitions. The fight between Nafuka and Staines is not just about who will break into the top 10 in the OKTAGON lightweight division. It’s a clash of two different schools, two countries, and most importantly, two big dreams of young fighters with their futures at their feet. Who will want victory more? And who will impose their style? Let’s take a look at the story of the Nafuka vs Staines fight.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/f365323a-a344-42c6-8b70-538d67a816ec/cs.1747226673955.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/001bc57f-36f3-4e0d-915b-40e5491d61cd/cs.1747226679836.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>YOUTH AHEAD, BUT IT WON’T BE EASY</h2>Hafeni Nafuka knows all about this. His journey in OKTAGON started off brilliantly. He finished his first two fights in the first and second rounds. A great start! Then came the great opportunity to face the best in Europe – the second season of the Tipsport Gamechanger pyramid. In his first fight, the 22-year-old Nafuka faced Serbian killer Predrag Bogdanovic, who expertly controlled the fight. The previously undefeated Hafeni suffered his first loss. A minor stumble, but still an impressive performance against a potential title challenger. "The Namibian Nightmare" returned to the gym more motivated than ever and began working on his weaknesses. He showcased his progress in his next fight against Topallaj, handing his opponent his first loss. Nafuka was back on track and now faced an enormous challenge – the main event in Bratislava against OKTAGON legend Ivan Buchinger. Nafuka had to prove he belonged among the best in the organization. But that didn’t happen. "Buki" controlled Hafeni’s BJJ and finished him with a TKO in the second round. A nightmare and a huge lesson for the young Nafuka. Will he learn from it and deliver a performance worthy of the lightweight division’s top in Munich?<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DII9_CsoW98/"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>GEORGE STAINES: THE PRECISION KILLER WITH THE SOUL OF A TRUE GEEK</h2>Appearances can be deceiving, and George "Saint" Staines is living proof of that. The smiling young guy who looks like a computer science student is, in fact, an undefeated champion of OKTAGON Challenge: England vs Ireland. And that’s where it all started! In his following fights, he first defeated Tomáš Cigánik, then took down local talent Jakub Tichota, giving him almost no chance and delivering a perfect performance. The 24-year-old George can control his opponents like few others. His fighting style resembles that of an experienced veteran rather than an immature youngster. Calm, measured, precise – all three words perfectly describe Staines’ performances in OKTAGON. But he showed his talent from a young age. He started combat sports at the age of seven, specifically kickboxing. Over time, he gained experience and transitioned to MMA. In amateurs, it was hard to find opponents, and as a professional, he came with a 16-1 record. When he dominated the feared Frimpong in the final of OKTAGON Challenge, it was clear that “Saint” had the potential to become a true star. Stars and space are also linked to his favorite film series. That’s right, George is a geek through and through. Besides being a Star Wars lover, he also enjoys building LEGO and has a massive collection at home. Like many from Generation Z, he is quite superstitious and has strict pre-fight rituals. For instance, he always watches the movie Brothers in Arms the day before a fight and wears the same, favorite hoodie on fight day.<h2>WHO CAN WITHSTAND THE PRESSURE OF THE MOMENT?</h2>The fight between Nafuka and Staines is sure to be a great spectacle. Both are likely to want to take the fight to the ground. On the feet, Staines should have the advantage, but Nafuka can still pose a threat there as well. On the ground, it will be a battle of two different styles and approaches – while George will focus on strong ground &amp; pound, Nafuka will try to find the ideal position and attempt a submission. Who will impose their will? We’ll find out this Saturday.<h2>WHO CAN WITHSTAND THE PRESSURE OF THE MOMENT?</h2>The fight between Nafuka and Staines is sure to be a great spectacle. Both are likely to want to take the fight to the ground. On the feet, Staines should have the advantage, but Nafuka can still pose a threat there as well. On the ground, it will be a battle of two different styles and approaches – while George will focus on strong ground &amp; pound, Nafuka will try to find the ideal position and attempt a submission. Who will impose their will? We’ll find out this Saturday.The OKTAGON 71 card is packed and ready for a serious showdown. The BMW Park Arena in Munich will shake, and you can watch it all from the comfort of your home! Don’t hesitate and get our PPV to ensure you don’t miss this tournament. We start on Saturday, May 17th, at 18:00.<okteventcomponent eventid="110"></okteventcomponent>

The new generation of MMA fighters. Youth, drive, and high ambitions. The fight between Nafuka and Staines is not just about who will break into the top 10 in the OKTAGON lightweight division.

NAFUKA vs STAINES: A CLASH OF TWO YOUNG TALENTS ON THE ROAD TO THEIR DREAM

A title shot rematch. Langer and Poppeck will meet once again at the upcoming OKTAGON 71 in Munich. In their last fight, Slovakian executioner Pavol Langer defeated all expectations. He claimed the interim title and earned the chance to challenge the reigning light heavyweight champion, Karlos Vémola. Who will fight for the opportunity to challenge the two-time champion, Will Fleury?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/abcb5fd5-e02f-45bc-9799-8119dde831df/cs.1746645079261.png" mobileurl=""></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>PAVOL LANGER: THE HUMBLE FIGHTER WHO STILL SHOCKS</h2>Don’t be fooled by the calm demeanor and moderate expression of the Košice native. In the cage, a storm awakens, knocking even the toughest and most experienced opponents down. Langer is currently ranked #97 in the world’s light heavyweight rankings and is the best Slovakian fighter in this weight class.Despite having 11 losses on his record, no one should doubt his quality. Pavol never backs down from a challenge, which makes him one of the most dangerous fighters in the division. He is known for his determination and excellent technique. He has faced major names and secured several key victories that have led him to his interim title. Even though he may come across as humble and unassuming, he has the heart of a warrior and is always ready to give it his all, no matter what the bookies say.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJWRBQot5GN/"></oktinstagramcomponent>Looking back at his fight against Rafael Xavier, where he took control and eventually claimed the win, or his brilliant performance against Marc Doussis, where he surprised the home crowd and took the victory, it’s surprising that he is still underestimated and enters the rematch with Poppeck again as the underdog. But nothing will throw Pavol off track. Will he silence the entire arena filled with German fans and prove his capabilities once and for all? OKTAGON 71 in Munich is another big opportunity for him. Who knows? Maybe this will be the moment when he finally reaches the coveted light heavyweight throne.<h2>ALEXANDER POPPECK: THE BRAWLER LOOKING TO REDEEM HIS PREVIOUS MISTAKE</h2>When you think of Alexander Poppeck, every MMA fan imagines a tough fighter with an uncompromising approach and incredible physical strength. Over the course of his career, he has defeated many quality opponents. But his record also contains one major blemish – a loss to Langer on home turf in Oberhausen.Poppeck is known for his striking, combined with solid wrestling skills. He started with Muay Thai, gradually transitioned to Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and developed his grappling skills. His aggressive fighting style, combined with a high level of technique, quickly catapulted him to the stars of European MMA.In 2017, he became the AFSO international middleweight champion and three years later, he claimed the USC light heavyweight title. Across various organizations in Europe, he demolished one opponent after another, which is reflected in his impressive 17-5 record.In the fight against Pavol Langer, Poppeck was expected to have the upper hand. But the reality was different. For Alexander, it was a lesson in humility, not only in physical strength but also in his mental game. That loss was a very bitter pill for the German Viking. However, he redeemed himself with a victory over Jeremy Kimball, finishing the American “bear” in the first round.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1130"></oktfightcomponent>Now, he will face Langer once again at OKTAGON 71 in Munich. The German “Ironside,” once again entering the fight as the favorite, is fully focused on one goal – to avenge his previous loss. However, Langer is an unpredictable opponent. Poppeck knows that he must do more than just fight hard – he has to show his endurance and his ability to cope with pressure.The match between Poppeck and Langer will not only be a huge challenge for both fighters, but also a decisive moment to determine who will continue their journey towards the title. Will Poppeck return to his winning ways, or will Langer shock again and prove that his unexpected victory wasn’t a fluke? We’ll find out soon! Get your PPV now and enjoy the incredible card of OKTAGON 71 from the comfort of your home.<okteventcomponent eventid="110"></okteventcomponent>

A title shot rematch. Langer and Poppeck will meet once again at the upcoming OKTAGON 71 in Munich. In their last fight, Slovakian executioner Pavol Langer defeated all expectations.

LANGER vs POPPECK: A STORY OF REVENGE. WHO WILL CHALLENGE FLEURY?

Kerim Engizek and Matěj Peňáz will step into the cage at Eden. OKTAGON 72 is slowly approaching, and the last spots on the card are being filled. The main events don’t need any introduction. But we will also see two quarterfinals in the European MMA Champions League – the Tipsport Gamechanger pyramid. In these, Peňáz will face Wawrzyniak, and Engizek will meet Stanton. Who will advance to the semifinals and get closer to the fairytale victory?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/6ecf6b80-ef58-4e28-8e06-7f92257c2858/cs.1746547107439.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/ee2a034c-6d55-4b17-8165-dfa2a27bf3bc/cs.1746547110344.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>THE STAND-UP SNIPER MATĚJ “MONEY” PEŇÁZ</h2>Matěj Peňáz is one of the most well-known fighters in the Czech Republic. His incredibly long arms (211 cm!), excellent stand-up technique, and a string of fast finishes have made him a star and one of the most sought-after prospects on the scene. With a current record of 10-1, he’s at the top of the middleweight division and now aims to confirm his position with a win in the third season of Tipsport Gamechanger.Born in Vysočina, and trained in Brno for a long time, he now lives in Sweden, training at the prestigious Allstars Gym alongside stars like Khamzat Chimaev, Alexander Gustafsson, and others. From a professional striker, fighting in Glory, he has gradually become a full-fledged MMA fighter. While Matěj still primarily relies on his striking, he also boasts the highest takedown defense success rate in OKTAGON. Few fighters are willing to trade punches with him because his physical attributes make him a walking sniper – his strikes come fast, accurate, and from a frightening range. He also has a 76% success rate for significant strikes.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1179"></oktfightcomponent>Now he faces a fighter who has already shown in OKTAGON that he has a chin and fists of steel. Piotr Wawrzyniak, the often underrated Polish fighter, has scalps like Vlasto Čepo, Andreas Michailidis, and Marek Mazúch on his record. He was the first fighter to finish Čepo via TKO and knocked out brawler Mazúch in the first round in Karlovy Vary. Matěj is in for a tough test. Wawrzyniak is a well-rounded fighter who might try to take the fight to the ground and test how much Peňáz has improved in wrestling and BJJ.Will Matěj claim another “easy money” win and show his absolute dominance in the stand-up? Or will he run into the Polish wall in Wawrzyniak for the first time in OKTAGON?<h2>KERIM ENGIZEK: 9 YEARS OF DOMINANCE</h2>Kerim Engizek hasn’t lost in 9 years. To put that into perspective, that’s as long as the history of OKTAGON MMA itself. The best middleweight in Germany and currently the OKTAGON middleweight champion, Engizek has confirmed his reputation from the moment he entered the organization. In his very first fight, he knocked out Matiase Juarez in 99 seconds! This was followed by another quick victory over Adam Horváth, and then a title fight against Patrik Kincl. He clearly won that bout by unanimous decision, taking all the will to fight away from Patrik, with the last two rounds being a one-sided affair. With this victory, he not only earned the championship belt but also the respect of OKTAGON fans who had to acknowledge his undeniable qualities.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJMdrYXsA2m/?hl=cs&amp;img_index=1"></oktinstagramcomponent>However, his entry into the Tipsport Gamechanger was not as smooth as many expected – in the first round, he faced the tough Polish fighter Kamil Oniszczuk. He managed to challenge the champion through all three rounds, and the decision wasn’t as clear-cut. But in the end, Engizek, fighting under the Turkish flag, secured the win and advanced to the next round of the pyramid.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1180"></oktfightcomponent>In the draw, he had a bit of bad luck, as he drew the first number and thus couldn’t choose his opponent. Instead, he’s facing Mick Stanton, who’s second in line. The experienced Englishman, considered one of the dark horses of the competition, completely wiped out Petrášek in the first round of Tipsport Gamechanger. He didn’t give the popular “Meloun” a chance and dominated him on the ground for all three rounds. Will his feared wrestling work against the experienced champion? Or will the 9-year streak continue?At Eden, everything will be at stake: the final legacy of two legends, the reputation of middleweight veterans, the women’s title, the queen of the Czech-Slovak MMA scene, and progress in the European MMA Champions League. You can still grab your group and enjoy Eden in person and be part of history.<okteventcomponent eventid="109"></okteventcomponent>

Kerim Engizek and Matěj Peňáz will step into the cage at Eden. OKTAGON 72 is slowly approaching, and the last spots on the card are being filled. The main events don’t need any introduction.

TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER QUARTERFINALS IN EDEN: PEŇÁZ AND ENGIZEK FACE TOUGH TESTS

OKTAGON 71 in Munich will welcome two of the most controversial and striking foreign fighters. Shem Rock and Denis Frimpong – two names that guarantee not only tough fights but also plenty of tension before stepping into the cage. Two fighters whose stories are intertwined with battles not just in the sport, but outside of it as well. And that’s what makes them so exceptional.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/f35b498c-bf23-4d82-be75-491cff5f772f/cs.1746458843937.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/200edcf5-f441-4fbc-a5d2-b757664d9a3f/cs.1746458847607.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>SHEM ROCK: CONTROVERSY THAT BOTH ENTERTAINS AND INFURIATES</h2>Shaqueme "Shem" Rock is a man whose life story could fill a novel. After being wrongfully accused of robbery and assault in 2014, he fled to Malaysia, where he began his MMA career. Following appearances on a reality show, he was arrested in Dublin, but in 2022, he was officially cleared during a brief court hearing. Since then, he’s fully focused on his career as a fighter, training at the prestigious Next Generation MMA team in Liverpool alongside Paddy Pimblett and Molly McCann.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1146"></oktfightcomponent>In OKTAGON, he has made a name for himself not only with his performances but also controversial moments, such as the incident with Petr Pokorný, where he physically attacked him during the weigh-in. When their fight finally took place at OKTAGON 58 in front of 27,000 fans at Eden, Rock defeated Pokorný dominantly with a submission in the first round.In Munich, Shem Rock will face the newcomer to the organization, Abdull Khodzhaev, who has never been submitted. The lightweight duel promises a clash between Rock’s dynamic aggression and the technical precision of "Prince of Persia." And it’s certain that Rock will aim to make headlines once again.<h2>DENIS FRIMPONG: THE IRISH "MENACE" IN AND OUT OF THE CAGE</h2>Denis "The Menace" Frimpong introduced himself to OKTAGON fans on the reality show OKTAGON Challenge: England vs Ireland, where he quickly became one of the standout personalities. Under the guidance of Paddy Holohan and close friend Shem Rock, he gained attention with his relentless trash talk and fearless nature.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1165"></oktfightcomponent>Frimpong grew up in a small Catholic town in Ireland, where, due to his mixed heritage, he often felt like an outsider. From a young age, he learned to settle conflicts physically. At 21, he discovered jiu-jitsu, which changed his life and set him on the path to combat sports. During OKTAGON Challenge, he brutally knocked out Hascen Gelezi with a head-kick, which Ondřej Novotný described as one of the best he’d ever seen. In the semifinals, he defeated Beau Gavins in a hard-fought battle that many considered the best fight of the entire series. It was only in the final that he lost to the still undefeated George Staines.In Munich, Frimpong will face Arijan Topallaj. Despite his impressive streak of wins, this time he faces a tough test of his skills against a dangerous opponent.<h2>ONE NIGHT, TWO "BAD GUYS"</h2>Shem Rock and Denis Frimpong – two troublemakers who aim to put on a show. Bold, untamed, and damn dangerous. Their appearances in Munich promise not only high-quality sports action but also a hefty dose of emotions. Get ready – May 17th at BMW Park Arena is going to be on fire.The last tickets are still on sale, but if you can’t make it to Munich, make sure to buy our PPV. Langer vs. Poppeck, the return of Polívka, two "bad guys," and plenty of other great fights you won’t want to miss. Next Saturday, May 17th, from 18:00!<okteventcomponent eventid="110"></okteventcomponent>

OKTAGON 71 in Munich will welcome two of the most controversial and striking foreign fighters. Shem Rock and Denis Frimpong – two names that guarantee not only tough fights but also plenty of tension before stepping into the cage.

FRIMPONG AND SHEM ROCK: TWO "BAD GUYS" OF OKTAGON HEADING TO MUNICH

OKTAGON 70 will go down in history as one of the wildest events in the organization’s nearly nine-year journey. Incredible KOs, fighters’ stories, and brutal wars in the KV Arena thrilled every combat sports fan. It was a night that showcased the beauty and unpredictability of our sport. A celebration of MMA that we’ll fondly remember. Let’s take a look at the aftermath of the entire night.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/1a375e65-9af8-41b8-9118-6f9562594a56/cs.1746188135797.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/7a53e59d-f69e-43f9-acbe-e64f6f5d4b30/cs.1746188164022.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>RESULTS OF THE TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER PYRAMID DRAW</h2>The first round of the pyramid is behind us. It brought a number of surprises and new favorites for the overall win. After the event in Karlovy Vary, the second-round matchups were drawn, and it’s clear we have a lot to look forward to.Middleweight king Kerim Engizek will face dark horse of the competition Mick Stanton. This will not be an easy match for the champion. Stanton is a tricky opponent who can threaten both standing and on the ground, where he demolishes opponent after opponent.Next, we’ll see the clash between South African fighter Mark Hulme and again underrated Dominik Humburger. After defeating the experienced “Pirát,” bookmakers still don’t give him much of a chance. Will “Hambáč” prove them wrong?We were so close to finally witnessing the long-awaited clash between Matěj Peňáz and Vlasto Čepo. But an unyielding Polish fighter, Piotr Wawrzyniak, threw a wrench in that plan by choosing “Money” as his opponent. This fight also promises to be great, and Matěj will need to step up his game. After all, Wawrzyniak has already defeated Mazúch and Čepo. Will Peňáz be his next scalp?The new big favorite for the overall win in the third season of Tipsport Gamechanger, Krzysztof Jotko, convincingly beat welterweight champion Ion Surdu, proving his experience and undeniable quality. But now he faces a completely different opponent – Vlasto Čepo is not like other fighters. His strategy is to move forward until someone falls. It worked against Kartal; will it be enough against the experienced Jotko?<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJBmH_Vscof/?utm_source=ig_embed"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>MOVEMENTS IN THE GLOBAL RANKINGS: WHO MADE THE BIGGEST LEAP?</h2>Dominik Humburger came very close to the top 100 middleweights. With his victory over Pirát, he moved from 140th to 107th in the global rankings, marking his highest position so far. Vlasto Čepo also achieved his best ranking, currently sitting at 181st. Krzysztof Jotko, after beating Surdu, moved up just one spot and is now the 42nd-best middleweight in the world. Piotr Wawrzyniak made a great leap, moving up eight positions to 76th, just one spot short of his personal best. Andrej Kalašnik shot up dramatically – his win over Kertész propelled him up an incredible 70 spots, and he is now the 139th welterweight in the world. “Dee Dee” Škvor not only moved closer to a title shot and a potential rematch with Will Fleury but also into the top 100 light heavyweights. He’s currently ranked 110th. Mallory Martin is now in the top 20 strawweights in the world. A great performance and title defense moved her up 6 spots to a strong 19th in the rankings. Other notable rankings shifts include Radek Roušal (#966), Hojat Khajevand (#147), and Mateusz Strzelczyk (#151).<h2>WHAT’S NEXT? A STACKED CARD IN MUNICH AND MMA LEGENDS IN EDEN!</h2>In just two weeks, we’ll have a fantastic card at OKTAGON 71 in Munich. The main event of the evening will feature a rematch between Slovak programmer Langer and German Viking Poppeck. A number of exciting names will also appear – the much-hated Irishmen Frimpong and Rock, returning brawler Polívka, first-round finish expert Mudroch, and many more.Additionally, the much-anticipated Czech-Slovak and European MMA celebration is approaching – OKTAGON 72 at Prague’s Eden Stadium. The culmination of a 7-year-long rivalry between two legends. The end of one great era, with Karlos Vémola and Attila Végh writing the final chapter in Eden.But that’s not all. You can also look forward to the heated clash for the interim title between Muradov and Kincl, “The Neanderthal” Vosgröne, Matěj Peňáz, and many other big names. Without a doubt, it will be the card of the year. A night full of stars, roaring fans, and unforgettable experiences. And you can be there!Tickets are already on sale, so head over to the link below and secure your spot at the stadium. This is a show you don’t want to miss. June 14th at the football stadium in Prague’s Eden. We look forward to seeing you there!<okteventcomponent eventid="109"></okteventcomponent>

OKTAGON 70 will go down in history as one of the wildest events in the organization’s nearly nine-year journey. Incredible KOs, fighters’ stories, and brutal wars in the KV Arena thrilled every combat sports fan. It was a night that showcased the beauty and unpredictability of our sport.

WHO ADVANCED AND WHAT DID THE TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER DRAW BRING?

OKTAGON 70 was a night to remember, and we’ll be reminiscing about it for a long time. Take a look through the photos and relive the best moments from the event in Karlovy Vary..

OKTAGON 70 PHOTO GALLERY: THE BEST MOMENTS FROM THE EVENT IN PICTURES

This was one of those events where the judges didn’t have to work too hard. Out of 10 fights, 8 were finished before the limit, and 6 of them in the first round. An incredible record and a confirmation of just how fantastic the card in Karlovy Vary was. The only victories by decision came from Mallory Martin in the five-round title fight and Krzysztof Jotko in the Tipsport Gamechanger favorite battle against Ion Surdu. Let’s take a look at how the judges saw the bouts on the scorecards.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/14040659-3210-4fe0-b5c0-606364292dc4/cs.1745865241039.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/1fcf0a9b-9092-4dab-879d-a1cc28e4ea14/cs.1745865246034.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>HUMBURGER vs KRIŠTOFIČ</h2>The main event of the evening eventually went into the second round, and Dominik Humburger showed his toughness by finishing Pirát via TKO. The first round went in favor of the Slovak favorite, who was close to finishing Humburger. However, in the second round, Pirát ran out of energy, and the younger “Hambáč” had the clear upper hand.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1108" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>ČEPO vs KARTAL</h2>Čepo didn’t disappoint, opening the fight with an exchange of punches in the first ten seconds. Kartal tried to tie Čepo against the cage for a moment, but it didn’t work too well. Čepo confirmed his toughness and willingness to move forward with reckless abandon, which paid off. Just before the end of the first round, he finished his opponent via TKO.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="916" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>SURDU vs JOTKO</h2>One of the two bouts that went to the judges’ scorecards. Surdu was more active in the beginning, but Jotko responded well in the stand-up and dominated the cage and ground game. The experienced Pole showed why he’s one of the biggest favorites in the entire pyramid, beating the welterweight champion in all three rounds.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1116" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>MAZÚCH vs WAWRZYNIAK</h2>Another wild ride. The feared Slovak fighter Mazúch couldn’t make his hard punches count against the Polish opponent. On the other hand, Wawrzyniak was more precise in the exchanges, and he celebrated a KO victory in the first round.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1018" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>KALAŠNIK vs KERTÉSZ</h2>“Vagabund” didn’t wait around and immediately went for a finish in the stand-up. It took him a minute and a half to land a KO punch right on Kertész’s chin, and he celebrated a crucial victory.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1137" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>ŠKVOR vs DOUSSIS</h2>Škvor sat down after Doussis’ shot to his rear but quickly recovered and got back on his feet. Soon, he pressured his opponent with punches, landing a perfect hook that sent Doussis straight to dreamland. Another KO victory and a move up the light heavyweight ranks.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="729" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>MARTIN vs DOURTHE</h2>A great title fight from Mallory Martin and her opponent Eva Dourthe. Both fighters showed their all-around skills and high-level abilities. As the rounds progressed, Martin became the stronger fighter, and the judges saw her winning 4 out of 5 rounds. A well-deserved victory and a hard-fought first title defense for the strawweight champion.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1160" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>ROUŠAL vs KUTYLA</h2>The first round was even, with both fighters having good moments, which is reflected in the judges’ balanced scorecards. In the second round, however, Roušal imposed his brutal body shots, which Kutyla didn’t like, and his defense began to break down. Just before the end of the second round, “Ruchy” won via TKO.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1170" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>SIWIEC vs KHAJEVAND</h2>Siwiec didn’t really get going in this fight. Khajevand made excellent use of his height advantage and longer reach. After three minutes, he landed a KO punch that ended the fight.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1144" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>STRZELCZYK vs DUCZMAL</h2>The first fight of the night kicked off the crazy pace of the entire event. Strzelczyk showed his grappling skills – after just a minute and a half, he locked in Duczmal’s leg for a submission, forcing him to tap out. Another submission victory for the Polish fighter.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1177" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent>OKTAGON 70 was one wild ride! Finishes, comebacks, wars – the Karlovy Vary card had it all. Now, we’re looking forward to a great event in Munich, where we’ll see the Langer vs. Poppeck fight, the return of Polívka, and many more great matches. Get your tickets to see it firsthand!<okteventcomponent eventid="110"></okteventcomponent>

This was one of those events where the judges didn’t have to work too hard. Out of 10 fights, 8 were finished before the limit, and 6 of them in the first round. An incredible record and a confirmation of just how fantastic the card in Karlovy Vary was.

OKTAGON 70 SCORECARDS: THE JUDGES HAD AN EASY JOB IN KARLOVY VARY

There’s no doubt about it – this was one of the best events in OKTAGON’s nearly nine-year history. We may have never seen such a wild night. And all of this in the stunning setting of the Karlovy Vary KV Arena, filled with enthusiastic fans pushing their favorites into the toughest battles. 10 fights and 8 finishes. Simply put: an absolute blast!<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/97b88ace-325e-47ea-af03-1304d6212f76/cs.1745708687961.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/0e5cfdaa-bc6b-4c09-ba11-72622ae17d28/cs.1745708694345.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>SAMUEL KRIŠTOFIČ vs.&nbsp;DOMINIK HUMBURGER</h2>The deserved main event of the night delivered exactly what every fan expected. An absolute war! An unbelievable duel between two fighters who fought as if their lives depended on it. The first round was all about who could impose their style, and Pirát managed to do so better, winning the first round on points. The second round, however, was a different story. Dominik saved up more energy and started breaking down his opponent, who had no answer. Even though the Slovak favorite took an unbelievable amount of hard hits, he eventually went down. Dominik won this battle via TKO and deservedly celebrated not only his successful debut in the main event of a home event but also the Tipsport Performance of the Night bonus.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1108"></oktfightcomponent><h2>VLASTO ČEPO vs ERHAN KARTAL</h2>The start was exactly as we all expected. Motivated Vlasto Čepo, rushing forward and throwing punches with one goal in mind – to finish his opponent immediately. Kartal, however, was cut from the same cloth and showed that both could play this game. Eventually, the Slovak fighter backed off and started tying Čepo against the cage to defend himself from his relentless pressure. But Čepo wouldn’t be slowed down, and when the opportunity came, he threw himself into an insane exchange and was successful. He landed several well-placed punches that shook Kartal, and eventually, he scored a textbook KO. A great victory and huge joy for the fans.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1117"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ION SURDU vs KRZYSZTOF JOTKO</h2>Jotko took this fight very personally – first, he showed up to weigh-ins with garlic around his neck, and then entered the cage dressed as Blade, the famous movie character who hunts vampires. While Surdu had the crowd on his side, his vampire-like determination and thirst for blood weren’t enough to overcome Jotko. The Polish fighter excelled in striking, but especially on the cage and the ground, where he literally dominated. Surdu gave everything and fought until the last second, but it wasn’t enough against Jotko, who won the fight by unanimous decision.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1116"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MAREK MAZÚCH vs PIOTR WAWRZYNIAK</h2>It was all or nothing – that’s how the strategy of both fighters could be described in this bout. Going forward, trying to take the opponent’s head off with every punch, a typical fight for Marek Mazúch. However, this time, he miscalculated. Piotr Wawrzyniak, known for his steel chin, showed once again that he can withstand the initial pressure. He took the initiative and finished the fight in just one round! This was something few expected. A huge victory for the Polish fighter, securing his place in the Tipsport Gamechanger pyramid.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1118"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ANDREJ KALAŠNIK vs MATÉ KERTÉSZ</h2>A fight for a spot in the welterweight division’s top ranks. But this night was as wild as it was fast – another first-round finish! Kalašnik relied on his explosiveness and aggressive style, which paid off. He didn’t give Meté much chance to get into the fight. "Vagabund" literally stormed his opponent, and after just under two minutes, another KO came from a powerful right hook. Kalašnik made it clear that he belongs among the best, and with his fans behind him, we can’t wait to see how far his new version will go.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1137"></oktfightcomponent><h2>DANIEL ŠKVOR vs MARC DOUSSIS</h2>Škvor via KO! This fight ended even faster than it started. Škvor didn’t start well, and his opponent had the upper hand in hard exchanges. He was landing shots with more precision and power, and Škvor was close to serious trouble. Then came the left hook, and it was over. A crushing blow to Doussis' chin ended the fight in an instant. Škvor is moving up the light heavyweight rankings, and after the fight, he called for Fleury’s attention. Will his next opponent be the Irish double-champ? Or does he still need to earn his title shot with another fight? One thing is clear – we have another contender for the Performance of the Night bonus.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1155"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MALLORY MARTIN vs EVA DOURTHE</h2>The first and last women’s fight on the card, and it was for the title! Mallory Martin vs Eva Dourthe showed us why they’re at the top of the division. A five-round battle between two well-rounded fighters who didn’t miss a beat in any aspect of the fight. Striking exchanges, grappling battles – this fight had it all! After five rounds, the judges gave a unanimous decision to Martin, who successfully defended her title. Who will face her next?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1160"></oktfightcomponent><h2>RADEK ROUŠAL vs KAROL KUTYLA</h2>Ruchy didn’t disappoint and entertained the fans even before the fight started. This time, he chose a costume based on his opponent – a butcher’s apron, mocking his opponent’s "Thai Butcher" nickname. The first round was even, with both fighters exchanging good strikes in the stand-up and on the cage. Kutyla even tried to bring the fight to the ground but was unsuccessful. In the second round, Roušal found his distance and started landing brutal body shots. After a few of them, it was clear that a finish was in the air. Kutyla didn’t want to give up easily, but eventually, the referee was forced to stop the fight, and Roušal won in the second round via TKO to a huge cheer from the fans.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1170"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ŁUKASZ SIWIEC vs HOJAT KHAJEVAND</h2>We didn’t expect this kind of pace even in our wildest dreams. Two fights, two first-round finishes. Khajevand expertly used the length of his arms, making it difficult for Siwiec to get inside. He gradually set up his strike, which finally came. A hard uppercut, followed by a rear hook, and then a quick finish with several ground punches. A simple and precisely executed strategy. Who will be Hojat’s next opponent?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1144"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MATEUSZ STRZELCZYK vs MATEUSZ DUCZMAL</h2>That was speed! The first fight of the night, and already a first-round victory! Both Polish fighters came out hard from the start, even crossing the line of the rules – Duczmal hit his opponent with an illegal shot to the back of the head in the first minute. Strzelczyk initially seemed disoriented but quickly recovered. After a quick doctor check, Strzelczyk didn’t wait for long and went straight into an exchange where he managed to land several clean shots. Then, he decided to go for a submission, suddenly jumping to the ground and locking in Duczmal’s leg in a submission. Duczmal was forced to tap out after a short time. Strzelczyk celebrated his victory in just under two minutes, being the first to claim the Tipsport Performance of the Night bonus.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1177"></oktfightcomponent>OKTAGON 70 couldn’t have gone better – incredibly exciting fights, twists, stories, and a climax worthy of such a night. And what’s next? Eden. OKTAGON 72 and the card of the year. After this, more than ever, you won’t want to miss your chance to be at the stadium and see the legends of the Czech-Slovak scene face off for the last time in the cage. So don’t wait and get your tickets!<okteventcomponent eventid="109"></okteventcomponent>

There’s no doubt about it – this was one of the best events in OKTAGON’s nearly nine-year history. We may have never seen such a wild night. 

OKTAGON 70: A NIGHT TO REMEMBER!

<h2>THE BATTLE FOR THE PERFORMANCE BONUS OF THE NIGHT</h2>An enticing reward: the Tipsport Performance of the Night bonus worth €5,000. Of course, victory is the most important thing for every fighter, but the bonus is a nice cherry on top of a solid performance.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/d1cc52ea-e85c-47b9-b97c-90022062acd1/cs.1745517380017.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/1f647a36-5075-4a45-84a7-74c489ce1e54/cs.1745517387806.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent>In Karlovy Vary, a number of fighters who have already accumulated 13 Performance of the Night awards will appear – whether it's Pirát, who earned his bonus for his incredible win over Vémola, or Vlasto Čepo, who has won the bonus twice! Ion Surdu and Marek Mazúch are also in the mix, both with aggressive styles that will surely earn them a shot at the bonus in every fight. Kalašnik has already enjoyed the reward three times! Will he add a fourth bonus to his collection and equal the current record held by Rony Paradeiser? Strzelczyk and Mallory Martin each have one bonus. Martin also earned a bonus for her performance in the UFC, just like Ion Surdu's opponent, Krzysztof Jotko. The entire card is packed with warriors eager to deliver the best show possible and, alongside a vital victory, secure the award for the best performance of the night. Who will take it home? We’ll find out this Saturday.<h2>RECORD-BREAKING POLISH PARTICIPATION</h2>OKTAGON 70 will be, among other things, the event with the largest number of Polish fighters in history. Among them is the highly experienced UFC veteran Krzysztof Jotko, who will be one of the main attractions of the evening in his OKTAGON debut. He will be joined by Piotr Wawrzyniak, Łukasz Siwiec, and Karol Kutyła, all of whom bring the famed Polish toughness and determination, qualities they’ll certainly need in their bouts. While Ion Surdu is not Polish, he has lived and trained in Poland for many years and has many fans there, so he can be considered a Polish fighter in the broader sense. And let’s not forget the two Mateuszes – Strzelczyk and Duzcmal – who accepted a last-minute fight and will face off in the free prelims of this Polish war.<h2>CHAMPIONS IN THE HOUSE</h2>At OKTAGON 70, true titans will meet! Two OKTAGON Underground champions, Vlasto Čepo and Daniel Škvor, will step into the cage with sheer determination. Both carry that "underground" tension, never holding back on hard strikes! But that’s far from the end. Mallory Martin and Ion Surdu, two OKTAGON champions, are here to confirm their qualities and prove they belong on the throne, with no intention of stepping down anytime soon. Surdu may be fighting outside his weight class, and while his title isn’t on the line, it’s about honor. And we can’t forget Samuel Krištofič, the OKTAGON Challenge champion, who’s been through a tough journey and already showed us that he has what it takes to fight the best. <oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DI1m9upMbVK/?hl=cs"></oktinstagramcomponent>Each of these fighters has something to prove, and fans can expect some serious battles that will stay in their memories for a long time! This event will be filled with nerves, hard hits, and proper MMA – you simply cannot miss this!<h2>NEW FACES AND VETERANS OF OKTAGON: WHO WILL BREAK THROUGH?</h2>In Karlovy Vary, we’ll see a number of fresh faces making their debut in the yellow-and-black cage. Dominik Humburger, Krzysztof Jotko, and Erhan Kartal are all stepping into their OKTAGON debuts with one clear goal – a loud victory. For Humburger, this is the toughest test of his career so far. In the opposite corner stands the unpredictable “Pirát” Krištofič, who is one of the most experienced fighters. Pirát has 19 fights in the organization, with 11 wins, placing him among the top 9 fighters with the most victories in OKTAGON. The former interim middleweight champion and conqueror of Karlos Vémola wants to show young “Hambáč” that he’s an easy target. The battle of veterans in the domestic scene will feature the clash between Maté Kertész and Andrej Kalašnik. Both experienced, both popular, but only one can win and move forward. Who will take it and who might say goodbye to the top 10 welterweight division? We shouldn’t forget about local fighter Daniel “Dee Dee” Škvor. He has 11 out of his 12 professional MMA fights in OKTAGON, not counting the additional three bouts in OKTAGON: Underground. Škvor faces a stylistically similar opponent in Marcus Doussis, so we can expect an exciting striking battle.Whether you’re rooting for Pirát or Humburger, Kertész or Kalašnik, Mazúch or Wawrzyniak – one thing is clear, you don’t want to miss this! OKTAGON 70 will shake up Karlovy Vary. Some stories will end, but others will begin. Don’t miss it! This Saturday, April 26th, starting at 18:00.<okteventcomponent eventid="107"></okteventcomponent>