Denis Frimpong is sharpening his teeth for his fifth straight scalp. But Peter Gabal has matured as a fighter and believes he has what it takes to stop the loud Irishman. OKTAGON returns on September 20th to its German home – Frankfurt. The event will feature a number of local stars led by the phenomenal Vosgröne. Also on the card, the Irish-Czech clash between Frimpong and Gabal promises a wave of emotions.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/7d2c1d0e-f645-4262-97df-91099a4d0a44/cs.1756319831072.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/adf5516d-0a85-4436-9fd2-a5b40d4dbc71/cs.1756319836077.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>FROM LONG JUMP TO OKTAGON: THE JOURNEY OF DENIS FRIMPONG</h2>Denis “The Menace” Frimpong isn’t exactly well-liked in Czechia and Slovakia. His trash talk, confidence, and fighter’s ego don’t sit well with many fans. But Denis got used to that already as a child. Few people know that Denis was born in Austria, then moved with his family to Canada, and five years later to Ireland. Even in Ireland, they didn’t stay long in one place – first in Drogheda, then Cahan, and finally Dublin.As a kid with dark skin in Ireland at the time, Denis was often the target of bullying. But “The Menace” wasn’t one to let things slide, which meant he often got into fights. During his teenage years, his athletic talent shone through when he became the Irish national champion in long jump. He only got into combat sports at 22, when he randomly started training Brazilian jiu-jitsu.A few years later, he transitioned to MMA – his first amateur fight came in 2021, and just two years ago he turned professional. Yet today he fights like a seasoned veteran, waiting for his opponent’s mistake. His notoriety also grew after a video surfaced of a sparring session with UFC fighter Paddy Pimblett, who tried to put him in his place after Denis’ cheeky remarks to teammates.<h2>THE UNSTOPPABLE IRISH STORM</h2>Frimpong loves to talk, but he loves proving it in the cage even more. Some fans can’t stand him, others love him, but one thing is clear – Frimpong entertains. His mix of swagger and skill makes him a serious threat in the lightweight division, which currently has no king.He is riding a four-fight win streak and holds the #10 spot in the rankings. His otherwise perfect OKTAGON run is blemished only by a loss to George Staines in the finals of OKTAGON Challenge: England vs. Ireland.Since then, he has beaten every opponent – and in dominant fashion. Most recently, at OKTAGON 71 in May, he finished Arijan Topallaj with a third-round TKO, marking his first stoppage in the yellow-black cage. Now he faces his next challenge in Czech warrior Peter Gabal.<h2>THE FIGHTER REBIRTH OF PETER GABAL</h2>Peter Gabal is a gritty Czech fighter who was never really considered a big prospect or a huge talent. But that has begun to change. Recently, he has spoken about feeling an inner transformation – becoming a different fighter than before. His professional record stands at 7–3, with four wins in his last five bouts.In his last fight against Elias Jakobi, he showed tremendous heart. After eating a perfectly placed axe kick in round one that dropped him – with the referee close to stopping it – Peter survived. By round two, it was as if he had risen from the dead. He pushed forward, exchanged heavy blows, and eventually overwhelmed Jakobi with a TKO finish. At the post-fight press conference, he admitted he didn’t even remember the first round, but from the break between rounds onward, he was back in the fight.Training under coach André Reinders, Peter is improving with each fight. He’s said he wants to beat a big name in OKTAGON and then call out Ivan Buchinger – and now he has the perfect opportunity. Love him or hate him, Frimpong is a big name in the lightweight division. His scalp would be the biggest win of Gabal’s career.Will Peter build on his recent success and find the key to stop the Irish showman? Or will Frimpong celebrate another victory over a Czech fighter?Find out on September 20th in Frankfurt’s Festhalle! The event will also feature the return of Vosgröne, German legend Daniel Weichel, Vespaziani, Nafuka, and many more. Get your PPV bundle for OKTAGON 75 &amp; 76 now and don’t miss a thing!<okteventcomponent eventid="112"></okteventcomponent>

Denis Frimpong is sharpening his teeth for his fifth straight scalp. But Peter Gabal has matured as a fighter and believes he has what it takes to stop the loud Irishman. OKTAGON returns on September 20th to its German home – Frankfurt.

FRIMPONG HUNTS FOR HIS FIFTH STRAIGHT WIN. GABAL DREAMS OF A CAREER-DEFINING VICTORY

Only hours separate us from OKTAGON 85. Hamburg, Germany, once again welcomes Europe’s largest MMA organization. The legendary Barclays Arena becomes the stage for a night that will rewrite the record books and bring resolution to storylines fans have anticipated for months. From the coronation of a new champion and the return of a German icon to the professional debuts of two top talents—walk through the complete fight card bout by bout and get ready for the storm.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/87cfb4ec-fbdf-44c8-a6d1-7961985eeaab/cs.1772871907210.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/6e0bc764-48e7-4f99-aeaf-227f8f84a6f8/cs.1772871912105.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>IGOR SEVERINO vs. KHURSHED KAKHOROV</h2>The main event and a battle for the vacant bantamweight throne. Two years without a king, a twice-rescheduled duel, but now there is nowhere left to hide. Twenty-two-year-old Brazilian "Hannibal" Severino (9-1) stormed into OKTAGON by demolishing Mågård, proving he is a predator who gives no one room to breathe. Standing across from him is "Killer" Kakhorov (13-1)—a former PFL Europe champion and former world top-50 fighter who boasts an unprecedented nine KOs in the bantamweight division. This won't go to the judges—this is where history is written.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1319"></oktfightcomponent><h2>CHRISTIAN ECKERLIN vs. MATOUŠ KOHOUT</h2>The return of the King of Germany. Christian Eckerlin is more than a fighter; he is an icon who helped build the German scene. With 17 career wins, he returns home to silence the doubters. However, standing in his way is the "Mighty Rooster" Matouš Kohout—a Czech striking ace who has transformed into a well-rounded MMA machine. Kohout recently neutralized Nafuka and now faces the opportunity of a lifetime. Can he succeed against the fan favorite on Eckerlin’s home turf?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1368"></oktfightcomponent><h2>RAUL LEMBERANSKIJ vs. ALI GÜNDÜZ</h2>A clash of two undefeated prospects. Lemberanskij holds a flawless record (8-0) and already occupies the fifth spot in the rankings. Attempting to stop his perfect run is Ali Gündüz, a two-time amateur world champion and GMC titleholder. One of them will taste defeat for the first time in their career.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1366"></oktfightcomponent><h2>DENIZ ILBAY vs. ADRIAN HAMERSKI</h2>Expect sparks to fly! Former boxing world champion Deniz Ilbay needs a restart after an unlucky streak. "El Pistolero" has been grinding like never before to show his true face at home in Hamburg. But Polish raider Adrian Hamerski will give him nothing for free. With five of his six wins coming via KO, he enters the cage with a clear plan: take down the home star in the very first round.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1385"></oktfightcomponent><h2>RUBEN WOLF vs. OLUTOBI KALEJAIYE</h2>A battle of the heavyweights. German "Viking" Ruben Wolf is a rarity—all 12 of his MMA wins came via stoppage, and he also holds a boxing title. After a hiatus, he will be tested by "The Mad Dog" Kalejaiye, a former kickboxer who never takes a step back and has delivered eight of his nine wins by KO. The entire Barclays Arena will shake for this one!<oktfightcomponent fightid="1363"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MAREK BARTL vs. TYRONE PFEIFER</h2>Experience versus hungry youth. Marek Bartl, the "slayer of German fighters" and a man who has clocked over two hours of cage time in OKTAGON, returns to welterweight. German organization champion Tyrone Pfeifer intends to make Bartl's 17th promotional start a difficult one. Pfeifer recently shocked everyone with a submission victory over Wittner and is now hunting for the scalp of a legendary OKTAGON veteran<oktfightcomponent fightid="1378"></oktfightcomponent>PRELIMS<h2>MOHAMMED WALID vs. ABDULLAH SULTANI</h2>A heated flyweight clash. Division #4 Walid has seven finishes out of eight wins and recently pushed David Dvořák to his limits. Now he looks to confirm his status as the favorite. Making his debut against him is Abdullah Sultani, a wrestling champion and protégé of Wahed Nazhand. If Sultani upsets Walid in front of his home crowd, he will immediately catapult himself to the top of the division.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1383"></oktfightcomponent><h2>DENIS FRIMPONG vs. TOMÁŠ CIGÁNIK</h2>A clash of styles and personalities. Irish provocateur "The Menace" Frimpong has turned his status as a misunderstood rebel into being a fan-favorite fighter who literally exhausts his opponents. Facing him is Slovak prospect Tomáš Cigánik, who secured a vital victory over the dangerous Adorf in Düsseldorf and now wants to showcase his skills in another German metropolis.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1376"></oktfightcomponent><h2>VERONIKA SMOLKOVÁ vs. STEPHANIE EGGER</h2>A Slovak gem at the gates of a title shot. Veronika Smolková is riding a six-fight winning streak and proved in the O2 Arena that she is ready for anything. But now comes the trial by fire: former world #11 and UFC veteran Stephanie Egger. If Veronika stops this Swiss machine, a title shot will be within her grasp.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1389"></oktfightcomponent><h2>SHAWN MARCOS DA SILVA vs. MATHEUS SEVERINO</h2>The Severino clan attacks! While Igor fights for the title, his brother Matheus arrives to conquer the flyweight division. Standing in his way is local "hard knees" specialist Shawn Marcos Da Silva from the prestigious Planet Eater gym. A fight set to stir the waters of the 56kg division.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1367"></oktfightcomponent>FREE PRELIMS<h2>MICHAEL OBODOZIE vs. SEBASTIAN HORVATH</h2>Obodozie shocked the world when he knocked out Negru in 19 seconds as an amateur in Cologne. Now comes his professional debut. Stepping in on short notice is Slovak fighter Sebastian Horvath, who has the chance to secure an extremely valuable win right at the start of his professional career.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1375"></oktfightcomponent>OKTAGON 85 in Hamburg promises a night of emotion and world-class performances. Do you want to be there when legends walk out and new champions are born? Click the link below and secure your PPV on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://OKTAGON.TV">OKTAGON.TV</a> so you don’t miss a thing!<okteventcomponent eventid="128"></okteventcomponent>

Only hours separate us from OKTAGON 85. Hamburg, Germany, once again welcomes Europe’s largest MMA organization. The legendary Barclays Arena becomes the stage for a night that will rewrite the record books.

HAMBURG FIGHT CARD BOUT BY BOUT: OKTAGON 85 CROWNS A NEW BANTAMWEIGHT KING

Only a few days separate us from the fourth tournament of the year. OKTAGON returns across the border to Germany's second-largest city, Hamburg. OKTAGON 85 offers a stacked card full of local heroes and debutants eager to prove themselves on Europe’s most prestigious stage. Check out the stats and facts and pick your favorites for OKTAGON Fantasy. The draft is already open.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/5a2fed5a-a681-446d-85b2-6c9b135c3cb9/cs.1772656302149.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/a61beca9-a2ea-4f38-a243-d37dae6cdf9e/cs.1772656318839.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>A CHANCE TO SECURE THE 200TH SUBMISSION IN PROMOTION HISTORY</h2>OKTAGON is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. In Hamburg, however, fighters will have the chance to reach a different unique milestone. The next submission in the yellow-and-black cage will be exactly the 200th in the organization's history. Not just anyone can boast such a record. Who will claim it?There are several favorites:<ul><li>Matheus Severino, who already has five submission wins to his name.</li></ul><ul><li>Stephanie Egger, who relies on her high-level grappling; Veronika Smolková will certainly have her hands full.</li></ul><ul><li>Mohammed Walid, with five of his eight wins coming via submission. Now facing a striker, he will be even more motivated to utilize his ground skills.</li></ul><ul><li>Marek Bartl, who always finds a way to surprise. He is the only fighter in the promotion to secure a win via reverse triangle choke.</li></ul><h2>CLASH OF UNDEFEATED TALENTS</h2>The OKTAGON bantamweight division will witness a "clash of the new generation" as two undefeated talents face off. Homegrown star Raul Lemberanskij (8–0), the 23-year-old representative of Frankfurt's MMA Spirit with Azerbaijani roots, burst into professional MMA only three years ago and hasn't faltered since. At OKTAGON 76, he handled the experienced Jose Zarauz. He currently sits at #5 in the divisional rankings, and another victory would officially catapult him into the title conversation.However, standing in his way is a challenger one year his junior. 22-year-old Ali Gündüz (6–0) is a reigning champion of a German organization and proves his danger with a statistic of five finishes before the distance. For Lemberanskij, this is stylistically the biggest test of his career, while for Gündüz, the Barclays Arena debut is the ideal opportunity to immediately shake up the top of the bantamweight rankings.<h2>OKTAGON ADDS ANOTHER BROTHER DUO TO THE ROSTER</h2>Igor Severino heads to Hamburg alongside his older brother, Matheus Severino. Historically, they are the fourth pair of brothers to appear in OKTAGON. However, Matheus and Igor are poised to become the most successful tandem yet. While Igor fights for the bantamweight title in Hamburg, Matheus faces the tough Shawn Marcos Da Silva, who enters OKTAGON with a 7–1 record and the highest ambitions. Matheus, however, holds titles from three different Brazilian organizations, and with an overall professional record of 14–5, he wants to make it clear that a new predator is entering the flyweight division. Can he succeed in his debut and begin his march toward a title?<h2>A TOURNAMENT OF NEW FACES AND SEASONED VETERANS</h2>OKTAGON continues to grow, attracting more and more new fighters eager to make a name for themselves. OKTAGON 85 in Hamburg will feature eight new fighters. However, these are no beginners; they are often experienced warriors looking to shine in the spotlight of Europe's most prestigious MMA stage.New Faces:Khurshed Kakhorov – PFL European pyramid champion with a phenomenal 13–1 record.<ul><li>Ali Gündüz – Champion of a German organization with an undefeated 6–0 record.</li></ul><ul><li>Tyrone Pfeifer – Champion of a German organization with a 6–1 record.</li></ul><ul><li>Abdullah Sultani – A fierce German fighter on a three-fight win streak who has previously faced the likes of Joel Batoba.</li></ul><ul><li>Stephanie Egger – UFC veteran, former world #11, with experience in major global organizations and a pro record of 8–5.</li></ul><ul><li>Matheus Severino – Igor’s older brother, champion of three different Brazilian organizations, LFA title challenger, and currently ranked #129 in the world flyweight rankings.</li></ul><ul><li>Shawn Marcos Da Silva – Cage Warriors veteran who has defeated opponents like Mohammed Walid; pro record 7–1.</li></ul><ul><li>Sebastian Horvath – A young Slovak fighter making his professional debut.</li></ul>The tournament also features several organizational mainstays. Marek Bartl has been with OKTAGON since the very first OKTAGON Výzva (reality show). He has competed in 16 fights within the yellow-and-black cage and is one of the biggest fixtures of the local scene.Christian Eckerlin made his professional debut 17 years ago. Since then, he has amassed 25 fights, nine of which took place in OKTAGON. Notably, he has featured in the main or co-main event seven times, proving what a true icon of German MMA Eckerlin is.That is the overview of interesting facts ahead of OKTAGON 85. The OKTAGON Fantasy draft is already live, so go ahead and pick your favorites for this tournament. Hamburg has an unmistakable atmosphere, and the packed Barclays Arena is set to shake to its foundations once again. If you want to be there, this is your last chance. Only a few tickets remain. Secure your spot in the arena and experience the unique OKTAGON show for yourself.<okteventcomponent eventid="128"></okteventcomponent>

Only a few days separate us from the fourth tournament of the year. OKTAGON returns across the border to Germany's second-largest city, Hamburg. OKTAGON 85 offers a stacked card full of local heroes.

OKTAGON 85 RECORDS AND FACTS: WHAT YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT THE HAMBURG CARD

Two undefeated talents meet in Hamburg. Raul Lemberanskij (8–0) welcomes dangerous finisher Ali Gündüz (6–0) to the organization. Raul is currently ranked fifth in the bantamweight division, and another victory would put him among the potential title challengers. What does he expect from the duel in Hamburg? And what are his future ambitions? Find out in our interview.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/a1f8686b-b833-41f4-9dc9-bc0dc3d20838/cs.1772571567778.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/fdc17054-e797-4707-b49b-563e111ee7b3/cs.1772571570423.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent>Raul, the Hamburg tournament is just around the corner. How are you feeling just a few days before the fight?I feel great and I’m really looking forward to the fight on Saturday.How motivating is it for you to fight in a sold-out Barclays Arena?I don’t need extra motivation because I simply love to fight. Still, I’m excited to entertain as many people as possible and I’m really looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere.Your rise in the bantamweight division has been rapid. How much has your life changed since turning professional three years ago, now that you’re just one step away from a potential title shot at OKTAGON?Time flies incredibly fast. I started martial arts as a little boy, and now I’m a professional MMA fighter. Right now, I’m fully focused on Saturday, but of course, I always keep my eyes on the belt in every organization I fight for. I will definitely watch the main event very closely.Your opponent, Ali Gündüz, is also undefeated and known as a “finisher.” Where do you see his biggest strengths – and possible weaknesses?Ali prefers to move forward. On Saturday, however, the fans can look forward to seeing him move backward. I will play to my strengths and apply constant pressure.Many are calling this a “clash of the new generation.” Do you feel extra pressure because two undefeated fighters are facing each other?I’m fully focused on myself. I defend my zero in every fight, so nothing changes in terms of pressure.You train at MMA Spirit in Frankfurt, one of Germany’s most renowned gyms. How does this environment influence your development – and who pushed you the hardest during this camp?MMA Spirit is my home. I grew up there and became a man there. We push each other, we sweat and bleed together. My coaching team gives everything to make fight night as easy as possible for me. In this camp, I had especially tough rounds with Max Heine and Luis Döring – much love to them.Fans appreciate your humor and your videos with Fedor Durić. Is your relaxed presence on social media a balance to the intensity in the gym?I wouldn’t call it a “balance” – that’s simply who I am. And especially with Fedor, it’s always fun. But at the same time, we constantly push each other to reach new levels.You’re currently ranked #5 in the bantamweight division. Is a title fight after a win in Hamburg your clear goal – or do you already have a specific opponent in mind?Step by step. First, let me fully enjoy my fight on Saturday. It’s very important to me to embrace every moment and not look too far ahead. But as I said before, the belt is always the goal.What would you like to say to the fans supporting you in the Barclays Arena? Can we expect a special walkout?A huge thank you to every supporter in the arena and watching on TV. Because of you, I can do what I love most and what I was born to do. That’s why I’ve brought a very special track with me – get ready for a spectacle.If you win, can we expect a special celebration inside the cage?The fight itself will be the celebration 😉How will this clash of young talents end? You'll find out this Saturday! Don't miss your chance to be right in the arena and watch your favorites in action. Christian Eckerlin, Khurshed Kakhorov, and Deniz Ilbay will also step into action. The last tickets are literally disappearing, so don't wait and secure your spot right now!<okteventcomponent eventid="128"></okteventcomponent>

Two undefeated talents meet in Hamburg. Raul Lemberanskij (8–0) welcomes dangerous finisher Ali Gündüz (6–0) to the organization. Raul is currently ranked fifth in the bantamweight division.

RAUL LEMBERANSKIJ: „MY OPPONENT LIKES TO MOVE FORWARD, BUT ON SATURDAY YOU’LL SEE HIM BACKING UP“

Hamburg’s Barclays Arena will witness a clash that could redraw the map of the women’s flyweight division. Veronika Smolková, one of the most prominent faces of the new generation of Slovak MMA, faces the challenge of a lifetime. Standing in her way is the battle-hardened Swiss machine, Stephanie Egger. Will the Slovak fighter confirm her impressive run, or will she hit the harsh reality of the world’s elite?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/84a4c3dd-f77d-4abf-b282-0848f56acbe1/cs.1772538216023.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/e8d50c8d-cf29-4252-aa5d-ed96141e6904/cs.1772538220076.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>"SWEETHEART" IN THE BIGGEST TEST OF HER CAREER </h2>Veronika Smolková is experiencing the kind of period every fighter dreams of. She is currently riding an excellent five-fight winning streak, with three victories claimed in the past year alone. Most recently, she delivered a dominant performance in the electrifying atmosphere of a sold-out O2 Arena, proving that the pressure of major tournaments only gives her strength.However, Smolková is not just a dangerous fighter. She is a phenomenon who entertains fans outside the cage as well. She gains popularity through her honesty and unique personality—unafraid to show the grind in the gym, luxury fashion pieces, or even moments of weakness. This authenticity makes her a crowd favorite, but do not be fooled by the smiles. In preparation for Hamburg, she has left nothing to chance, sharpening her form alongside the "Silent Killer," Lucia Szabová. Veronika senses an opportunity and knows that a victory over such an experienced fighter would skyrocket her in the world rankings and bring immense prestige.<h2>STEPHANIE EGGER: A WORLD-CLASS CHALLENGE </h2>If anyone can test the qualities of the Slovak prospect, it is Stephanie Egger. The Swiss veteran, who has passed through global organizations including the UFC, comes to OKTAGON with a single goal—to show she belongs at the European top. Egger is a well-rounded fighter who draws on years of experience at the highest level and gives nothing away for free in the cage. She is as precise as a Swiss watch and leaves nothing to chance. Seven of her eight victories have ended before the distance, and she intends to do the same in Hamburg.For Smolková, this is the toughest test of her career so far. While Veronika wants to confirm her position as the division's number one, Egger arrives as an experienced predator planning to abruptly end the Slovak’s momentum.<h2>THE SITUATION AT THE TOP OF THE DIVISION </h2>The situation in the women’s 56.7 kg division is beginning to thicken. Lucia Szabová will fight for the flyweight title at the OKTAGON 87 tournament in Liberec. Given that they often train together, both Slovak fighters have ruled out facing each other in the past. Smolková wants to use another win to solidify her position in the division and improve her spot in the world rankings. Previously, she also expressed interest in a duel with the princess of German MMA, Alina Dalaslan, which would surely be a very attractive battle between two young hopes of women’s MMA. First, however, she must succeed in Hamburg, and that is exactly what the experienced Egger will want to prevent.OKTAGON 85 in Hamburg is knocking on the door! On March 7th, we will see if the young Slovak blood can overcome experience. In addition to the Smolková vs. Egger battle, you can look forward to the crowning of the bantamweight king and the returns of the biggest stars. It will be an evening everyone talks about! Secure your spot in front of the screen and buy your PPV at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://OKTAGON.TV">OKTAGON.TV</a> today.<okteventcomponent eventid="128"></okteventcomponent>

Hamburg’s Barclays Arena will witness a clash that could redraw the map of the women’s flyweight division. Veronika Smolková, one of the most prominent faces of the new generation of Slovak MMA, faces the challenge of a lifetime.

SMOLKOVÁ FACES A TRIAL BY FIRE IN HAMBURG. SHE WILL GO UP AGAINST A WORLD-CLASS VETERAN 

Christian Eckerlin faces a career-defining fight in Hamburg. In the co-main event of OKTAGON 85, he will clash with Czech challenger Matouš Kohout. Eckerlin needs to return to the winning track and remind fans why he is a legend of German MMA. For Matouš Kohout, on the other hand, this is the chance for the biggest scalp of his career. The "King of Germany" vs. the "King of Underground." Who will conquer the Barclays Arena?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/32041246-c0e9-436d-9084-df6a970aef9b/cs.1772203169101.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/1b6cab88-edc8-4814-b503-62edce24a57b/cs.1772203173010.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>CHRISTIAN ECKERLIN FACES A PIVOTAL MOMENT</h2>An icon of the German MMA scene and one of the most popular local fighters, Christian Eckerlin is standing on the edge. With two tough consecutive losses, some fans are beginning to doubt if the "King of Germany" can return to his former glory. This only makes Eckerlin more motivated. At the Barclays Arena in Hamburg, he intends to silence all doubters and snap his losing streak.Hamburg, however, doesn't hold the fondest memories for him lately. Last year, he lost here to Rob Pukač in the "King vs. Prince" battle. That was followed by a bitter defeat in Cologne, and now Eckerlin faces a must-win situation. A third consecutive loss would signal that his era might be coming to an end. But he isn't even considering that. He heads to Hamburg with one goal—a dominant victory.Eckerlin has been active in professional MMA for an incredible 17 years. Interestingly, he was previously a professional footballer. Since his debut in 2009, he has amassed 25 fights with a record of 17–8. Fourteen of his wins came before the distance—seven via KO/TKO and eight via submission. In OKTAGON, he has appeared in nine bouts, five of which were main events and two co-main events—the highest number of high-profile slots for any international fighter in the organization. Eckerlin is a true legend of German MMA, and the numbers prove it. Now is the time to defend his legacy against another hungry opponent.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DToDCHODCUf/?utm_source=ig_embed"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>MATOUŠ KOHOUT: MORE THAN JUST A STRIKER</h2>Fans often categorize Matouš Kohout purely as a striker, but his recent performances have shown he is much more. The "Mighty Rooster" has evolved into a truly well-rounded MMA fighter. The former Muay Thai European Champion took a gradual path of transformation. He first entered the OKTAGON Underground project, where he dominated the entire pyramid to become the champion. He then transitioned to professional MMA. With every fight, he improved, moving from simply defending takedowns to mastering wrestling and grappling. Today, we view Matouš as a complete mixed martial artist.In his last outing, he managed to handle the dangerous ground specialist Hafeni Nafuka, giving him zero room to work. Kohout has tested his skills against the elite of both the lightweight and welterweight divisions, facing names like Robo Pukač, Mateusz Legierski, Karol Ryšavý, and Jan Malach. He gradually moved from lightweight to welterweight, where he competed in his last four bouts. Notably, all four took place on German soil against local favorites. He faces a similar situation against Eckerlin, but the "King of Germany" enjoys a level of support unlike any other. It’s no coincidence people compare him to the Czech legend Karlos Vémola. Every Eckerlin walkout makes the entire arena shake, creating an unbelievable atmosphere and immense pressure. Facing him is extremely difficult for any fighter, and Hamburg will reveal if Kohout is ready for this challenge.The direction of Eckerlin’s career will be decided next Saturday. Only a few seats remain at the Barclays Arena, so seize the opportunity and secure your spot today. Besides the "King of Germany's" massive fight, you will witness the bantamweight title duel and a host of local heroes. Click the link below to ensure you experience it all first-hand!<okteventcomponent eventid="128"></okteventcomponent>

Christian Eckerlin faces a career-defining fight in Hamburg. In the co-main event of OKTAGON 85, he will clash with Czech challenger Matouš Kohout. Eckerlin needs to return to the winning track and remind fans why he is a legend of German MMA.

ECKERLIN ON THE ROAD TO REDEMPTION: AIMING FOR A COMEBACK IN HAMBURG

The Enea Arena in Szczecin is gearing up for a historic premiere. OKTAGON is expanding onto Polish soil for the first time, bringing out the big guns for its debut. One of the greatest icons of Polish MMA, Tomasz Narkun, is entering the yellow-and-black cage. However, his welcome to the new organization will be no friendly affair—standing in his way is the German Viking, Alexander Poppeck. Who will dominate this light heavyweight battle of titans?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/28cbfbd9-4760-445d-b12a-7b9556f9004f/cs.1772035031686.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/8d71f5cb-5de1-4a38-9a6c-815ddde97837/cs.1772035059353.png" croppedcorners="false"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>TOMASZ NARKUN: "THE GIRAFFE" IS HUNGRY FOR MORE GOLD</h2>Tomasz Narkun (21–6) isn't just another name in European MMA. He is a phenomenon. The long-time king of the Polish light heavyweight division, he has terrorized the weight class since 2009! Having held titles in three different Polish organizations, fans will never forget his two victories over the legendary Mamed Khalidov or his bold venture into the heavyweight division to face Phil De Fries.Narkun, nicknamed "Żyrafa" (The Giraffe), is unpredictable in the cage, possessing a unique style and a personality that leaves no one indifferent. Furthermore, he enters OKTAGON in incredible form—his last three fights combined lasted only 136 seconds! He has literally steamrolled his opponents and now arrives to show that his mission has only one goal: the belt of Europe's most prestigious organization.<h2>ALEXANDER POPPECK: THE GERMAN "IRONSIDE" IN THE FORM OF HIS LIFE</h2>Facing the Polish hero is a man who has looked absolutely invincible over the past year. Alexander Poppeck (20–5) is the current German #1 in the light heavyweight division, and his nickname "Ironside" fits him perfectly. This German giant possesses "grenades" in his hands, which ruthlessly shut the lights out for names like Jeremy Kimball and Pavol Langer in the very first round.Poppeck is riding a four-fight winning streak and heads to Szczecin with a clear plan: spoil the home favorite's debut and silence the entire arena. With his stone-cold expression and heavy hammers, Poppeck is the toughest possible test for Narkun. If the German prevails on Polish soil, he will become the clear frontrunner for a title shot.<h2>A STAR-STUDDED NIGHT IN SZCZECIN</h2>OKTAGON 86 promises a stacked card full of local stars and big OKTAGON names. In addition to Narkun vs. Poppeck, fans can look forward to:<ul><li>Mateusz Legierski vs. Gökhan Aksu – In the main event, the homegrown Legierski defends his lightweight title against the Turkish invader.</li></ul><ul><li>Michał Materla vs. Christian Jungwirth – A clash of two indestructible warriors in the exciting OKTAGON Underground: STAND &amp; BANG format.</li></ul><ul><li>Piotr Wawrzyniak vs. Mateusz Janur – A fierce all-Polish derby in the middleweight division.</li></ul>This historic tournament at the Enea Arena kicks off on Saturday, April 11th. Be there as European MMA history is rewritten! Tickets are selling fast, so don't hesitate. This will be a night to remember! Click the link below and secure your seat in the arena today.<okteventcomponent eventid="127"></okteventcomponent>

The Enea Arena in Szczecin is gearing up for a historic premiere. OKTAGON is expanding onto Polish soil for the first time, bringing out the big guns for its debut. One of the greatest icons of Polish MMA, Tomasz Narkun, is entering the yellow-and-black cage.

ANOTHER POLISH LEGEND IN OKTAGON! TOMASZ NARKUN HEADS TO SZCZECIN

The Barclays Arena in Hamburg is set to witness the crowning of a new king. The bantamweight division has been without a ruler for two years, but that is about to change. In a high-stakes title battle, Brazilian talent Igor Severino will clash with German finishing machine Khurshed Kakhorov, who makes his highly anticipated OKTAGON debut. What are the stories behind these two warriors, and what can you expect from this duel?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/87d61c5c-ae48-4427-9e23-3f0b8c5dd9dc/cs.1771930220195.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/13cffad2-9cf5-4b12-aede-9d3810ca1282/cs.1771930225624.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>IGOR SEVERINO: THE BRAZILIAN "HANNIBAL" ON A MISSION</h2>At just 22 years old, Igor Severino has already proven he belongs among the world's elite. Currently ranked #79 in the world bantamweight rankings, he boasts a 9–1 record. Eight of those victories came via stoppage—four by KO/TKO and four by submission. His only professional defeat came via disqualification during his UFC debut. Ever since that moment, he has been on a relentless quest for redemption.Severino is a unique fighter who stops at nothing on his way to the top. In his OKTAGON debut, he shocked fans and experts alike by completely neutralizing the "Danish Shark" Jonas Magard, defeating him in a dominant three-round decision. At just 21 years old, he made it clear to the entire division exactly who they were dealing with. Dangerous, fast, and lethal—Severino is the prototype of a well-rounded fighter, elite both on the ground and on the feet, always hunting for the finish.Now, he returns to the cage after a two-year hiatus, during which five scheduled bouts were cancelled, only to finally land this title shot in Hamburg. This time, he has extra motivation—his brother, Matheus Severino, will compete on the same card. However, his opponent is no pushover, and Severino is likely facing the toughest test of his career. To make matters more intense, he will be fighting on his opponent's home soil with the entire arena against him.<h2>MEET THE CHALLENGER: KHURSHED KAKHOROV</h2>German fighter with Tajik roots, Khurshed Kakhorov, arrives in OKTAGON with the reputation of an uncompromising finisher. Out of his 13 career wins, an incredible 9 have come via KO/TKO. He is the first-ever PFL tournament champion to compete in OKTAGON and a former champion of the Polish organization EFM. At one point, he reached an impressive world ranking of #53. Now, he comes to claim the title of Europe's most prestigious organization to complete his collection.Kakhorov is 11 years older than his Brazilian counterpart, bringing significantly more experience and riding a five-fight winning streak. In the cage, he lives up to his "Killer" nickname, turning out his opponents' lights with ease. Flying knees, elbows, hooks—Kakhorov is a threat from any position. His only career defeat came in the closing moments of the third round against Brett Johns in Bellator four years ago.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DTfmuefjMuA/?utm_source=ig_embed"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>A TWICE-POSTPONED SHOWDOWN WILL FINALLY HAVE A WINNER</h2>This world-class match-up has been scheduled twice before, only to fall through. Now, it finally takes place in the legendary Barclays Arena, a venue where European MMA history is written. We are looking at a clash that is unlikely to see the judges' scorecards. After a long 2 years and seven months, the bantamweight division will finally have its king back.Severino wants the belt and his honor back after the UFC disqualification. Kakhorov has the chance to showcase his skills on home turf in front of his German fans. It will be a collision of two styles, two surging fighters, and two unique legacies. But only one can leave as the new champion.OKTAGON 85 is fast approaching. On March 7th, the organization returns to Hamburg to crown the new bantamweight king. The card also features the "King of Germany" Christian Eckerlin, Matouš Kohout, Denis Frimpong, and Raul Lemberanskij—all set within the electric atmosphere of the Barclays Arena. Don’t miss out. Click the link below and get your PPV today!<okteventcomponent eventid="128"></okteventcomponent>

The Barclays Arena in Hamburg is set to witness the crowning of a new king. The bantamweight division has been without a ruler for two years, but that is about to change. In a high-stakes title battle, Brazilian talent Igor Severino will clash with German finishing machine Khurshed Kakhorov, who makes his highly anticipated OKTAGON debut.

BANTAMWEIGHT WILL CROWN ITS CHAMPION: SEVERINO FACES GERMAN CHALLENGER KAKHOROV

OKTAGON 84 in Ostrava delivered the crowning of a familiar welterweight champion, the emotional return of David Kozma, and brutal finishes. At the same time, the card featured several closely contested fights that had to be decided by the judges. Where was it over within minutes, and where did it go all the way to the scorecards?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/e32a911f-cb77-449a-9f93-364e3173db05/cs.1771336659677.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/66b7e924-ddd7-45c3-b9a9-192023ae221a/cs.1771336670306.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>RONALD PARADEISER vs. KAIK BRITO</h2>The judges weren’t needed here. The welterweight title was decided in a single moment. The opening two rounds delivered an even stand-up battle, but in the third round Kaik Brito landed a precise spinning backfist. Paradeiser went straight to the canvas and the referee stopped the fight. Third-round KO and Brito is champion again.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1345" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>DAVID KOZMA vs. JOZEF WITTNER</h2>Kozma returned with a clear plan – take the fight to the ground and control the tempo. In every round, he brought Wittner down, drained his energy, and piled up points. He avoided wild stand-up exchanges, and the patient approach paid off. After three rounds, a unanimous decision win for “The Pink Panther.”<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1297" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>TOMÁŠ MUDROCH vs. FEDOR DURIĆ</h2>This one didn’t go to the scorecards. From the opening seconds, Durić shut down Mudroch’s explosive striking and took the fight to the mat. In the second round, he unleashed heavy ground-and-pound, forcing the referee to step in. TKO for Durić and Mudroch’s first stoppage loss of his career.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1323" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>JAKUB BATFALSKÝ vs. EUGEN BLACK-DELL</h2>An entertaining striking battle. Batfalský was the more active fighter throughout, making good use of his height advantage and stiff jab. Although he weathered a dangerous storm of elbows from Black-Dell in the third round, the key moments belonged to him. After three rounds, Batfalský took the decision win.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1312" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>MATĚJ KUZNÍK vs. HAFENI NAFUKA</h2>No need for the judges here either. The clash of two grapplers quickly hit the mat, where Nafuka had the edge. With just six seconds left in the second round, he locked in a submission to finish the fight. A crucial win for the “Namibian Nightmare.”<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1336" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>JAN ŠIROKÝ vs. FRANTIŠEK FODOR</h2>A veterans’ war that went to the scorecards. Fodor had the upper hand in the early stages and came close to finishing the fight, but Široký survived the critical moments and even began to take over late in the bout. The opening rounds proved decisive, and the judges awarded the win to Fodor.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1341" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>VÁCLAV KLIMŠA vs. BRAJAN PRZYSIWEK</h2>Here too, the judges had the final say. Przysiwek was more active, faster, and more accurate throughout, mixing explosive entries with well-timed takedowns. Klimša couldn’t find his rhythm, and after three rounds the scorecards clearly favored the Polish fighter.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1382" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>PETR BARTONĚK vs. ENDRIT BRAJSHORI</h2>Brajshori exploded into the fight from the opening second, landing a heavy hook and then securing a first-round submission. A lightning-fast finish and a clear message to the division.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1339" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>LUKÁŠ ZÁVIČÁK vs. DANIEL SCHORDJE</h2>A razor-close fight in which the judges had their toughest task of the night. Závičák allowed himself to be pressured against the fence while relying on heavy boxing, while Schordje stayed constantly active and applied pressure. Three very close rounds ended in a split decision win for the Austrian fighter.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1387" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>ADAM HAVRAN vs. OSKAR STASZCZAK</h2>A fight that went the distance. Havran had a promising start and came close to a submission, but from the second round on Staszczak took control. He clearly won rounds two and three, earning a decision victory in his OKTAGON debut.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1372" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent>Kaik Brito reclaimed the welterweight throne, David Kozma celebrated a crucial return to the win column, and Ostrava witnessed a mix of brutal finishes and razor-thin battles decided by the smallest details. The next OKTAGON stop is just around the corner – OKTAGON 85 in Hamburg. Don’t miss the next big moments – secure your PPV and watch it live.<okteventcomponent eventid="128"></okteventcomponent>

OKTAGON 84 in Ostrava delivered the crowning of a familiar welterweight champion, the emotional return of David Kozma, and brutal finishes. At the same time, the card featured several closely contested fights that had to be decided by the judges.

OKTAGON 84 THROUGH THE JUDGES’ EYES: TIGHT BATTLES AND UNEXPECTED RESULTS

The first home event of 2026 crowned a familiar name as the welterweight champion once again – Kaik Brito. David Kozma celebrated a victorious comeback together with a sold-out Ostravar Arena after a difficult period in his career. Check out the results of OKTAGON 84, a night that delivered plenty of surprises.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/8e119ca5-9b11-46b0-8bb2-5491e76ed4cb/cs.1771152078169.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/bdc09fa3-6083-44d1-aca6-ba8a40bacbf1/cs.1771152083790.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>RONALD PARADEISER vs. KAIK BRITO</h2>The welterweight division has a new champion. Kaik Brito reclaimed the throne after finishing Rony Paradeiser in the third round. The opening two rounds were closely contested, with both fighters landing clean shots. Kaik attempted spinning strikes several times, but it was in the third round that he landed one perfectly. A sharp spinning elbow sent Paradeiser straight to the canvas, forcing the referee to step in immediately. Brito recorded another KO victory and regained the championship belt.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1345"></oktfightcomponent><h2>DAVID KOZMA vs. JOZEF WITTNER</h2>“The Pink Panther” is back! The Ostrava crowd got what they came for as David Kozma snapped his losing streak with a crucial victory over Jozef Wittner. Kozma committed to a clear strategy – taking the fight to the ground. He avoided wild exchanges on the feet and systematically drained his opponent’s energy. In every round he secured dominant positions and ultimately earned a unanimous decision win. Who will the fans’ favorite Kozma face next?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1297"></oktfightcomponent><h2>TOMÁŠ MUDROCH vs. FEDOR DURIĆ</h2>Fedor Durić put on an incredible one-man show. He gave Mudroch no chance to get his dangerous striking going. He quickly took the fight to the ground in both the first and second rounds. Mudroch tried to escape bad positions, but Durić was quicker in transitions. In the second round, he unleashed heavy ground-and-pound, forcing the referee to stop the fight. Durić secured a fantastic TKO victory.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1323"></oktfightcomponent><h2>JAKUB BATFALSKÝ vs. EUGEN BLACK-DELL</h2>A beautiful stand-up battle that went all the way to the judges’ scorecards. The first hometown fighter to celebrate a win was young Jakub Batfalský. Fans enjoyed an entertaining striking duel in which both men took heavy shots. “Batfal” used his height advantage brilliantly, with his stiff jab causing major problems for his opponent. Although he ran into trouble in the third round and absorbed sharp elbows from Black-Dell, he weathered the storm and secured a decision win, once again confirming his status as one of the brightest talents on the domestic scene.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1312"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MATĚJ KUZNÍK vs. HAFENI NAFUKA</h2>Kuzník vs. Nafuka delivered an intriguing clash of two grapplers. It didn’t take long for the fight to hit the mat. Both fighters showcased impressive grappling skills and experience in the exchanges, but Nafuka had the edge. The “Namibian Nightmare” finished the fight by submission just six seconds before the end of the second round, earning a crucial victory.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1336"></oktfightcomponent><h2>PRELIMS</h2><h2>JAN ŠIROKÝ vs. FRANTIŠEK FODOR</h2>A battle of two seasoned veterans that went to the judges. In the first half of the fight, the Slovak brawler had the upper hand and came close to finishing the bout. Široký, however, showed incredible toughness and survived the worst moments. Toward the end of the fight, he even began to take control himself, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win. Both fighters earned huge respect for an entertaining war that had fans on their feet.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1341"></oktfightcomponent><h2>VÁCLAV KLIMŠA vs. BRAJAN PRZYSIWEK</h2>The Ostrava crowd was in for an unpleasant surprise. Fan favorite Václav Klimša entered as the clear favorite, but the fight told a different story. Przysiwek was faster, more accurate, more powerful, and more active. Klimša couldn’t cope with his explosive entries, well-timed takedowns, and relentless pressure. The tough Polish fighter cruised to a clear unanimous decision victory.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1382"></oktfightcomponent><h2>PETR BARTONĚK vs. ENDRIT BRAJSHORI</h2>That was fast! Endrit Brajshori wasted no time and went for the finish from the opening second. He first rocked Bartoněk with a heavy hook and then secured a first-round submission. This win sent a message to the entire division – Endrit Brajshori is hungry for big scalps.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1339"></oktfightcomponent><h2>LUKÁŠ ZÁVIČÁK vs. DANIEL SCHORDJE</h2>A tense battle between the experienced Závičák and Austrian prospect Schordje. Závičák chose an unusual strategy, allowing himself to be pressured against the fence while firing back with heavy boxing. Schordje maintained constant pressure, which likely tipped the judges in his favor. After three very close rounds, the fight ended in a split decision win for the Austrian fighter.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1387"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ADAM HAVRAN vs. OSKAR STASZCZAK</h2>Hometown fighter Havran started well and for a moment it looked like we might see a quick submission finish. The Pole, however, stayed composed and gradually took over. He clearly won the second and third rounds, earning a victorious debut in the yellow-and-black cage.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1372"></oktfightcomponent>The first Czech event of 2026 is in the books. In three weeks, OKTAGON returns to Germany – this time to Hamburg. OKTAGON 85 will feature a bantamweight title fight, a bout involving star fighter Eckerlin, and the dangerous Frimpong. Secure your PPV today and make sure you don’t miss this special event.<okteventcomponent eventid="128"></okteventcomponent>

The first home event of 2026 crowned a familiar name as the welterweight champion once again – Kaik Brito. David Kozma celebrated a victorious comeback together with a sold-out Ostravar Arena after a difficult period in his career.

OKTAGON 84 RESULTS: KAIK BRITO IS CHAMPION AGAIN. KOZMA RETURNS WITH A WIN

He’s only 21 years old, yet already one of the biggest talents on the German scene, and in OKTAGON he has delivered performances that prove he fears no one. Now he faces his biggest test yet – a road fight in the toughest city in the country. At OKTAGON 84 in Ostrava, he will take on the local phenomenon Tomáš Mudroch, the “Ostrava Express,” known as a machine for lightning-fast finishes. In our interview, you’ll find out how Durić views the atmosphere in the Ostravar Arena, why he isn’t afraid of size or pressure, and what he promises the fans.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/8778ee96-1f6b-40b5-8f6a-158765b2e864/cs.1771080157422.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/8a91bdf0-c265-4dff-bf85-1af3be94b33a/cs.1771080164887.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent>Hi Fedor, how are you feeling a few days before the fight, and what stage of preparation are you in right now? I feel great. Everything is done – now we’re just fine-tuning the details, keeping the pace, and most importantly staying healthy. At this stage, focus and a clear mind are key. I’m excited because Ostrava is a huge challenge.You’re fighting away from home against a local hero who will have the crowd behind him. How do you deal with that atmosphere mentally? I’m really looking forward to it. The atmosphere isn’t anything negative for me – on the contrary, it motivates me. It’s clear I’ll be fighting in his city and most of the fans will be against me. But that’s exactly the energy I want to use. I want to silence the arena and turn his fans into mine.Tomáš Mudroch is known for lightning-fast first-round finishes. What makes him such a dangerous opponent? He’s very heavy – for me, almost like a welterweight. That can be an advantage, but also a disadvantage, because a big weight cut costs strength. In the first round, he comes forward very aggressively and wants to finish quickly. That’s exactly what we prepared for. I expect we’ll meet in the middle of the cage.Does that change your game plan at all? No, it doesn’t. You have to stay focused against any opponent. I don’t see him as just a striker. I’m prepared for everything, and whatever comes, I’ll use it against him.So how are you preparing for his strengths? I focus on what he does best. My job is to turn his weapons against him and run him over. I don’t want to adapt to what he wants – I want to impose my own game.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DR7TIHBDCEa/"></oktinstagramcomponent>Where do you see your biggest advantages? In my conditioning, speed, striking, and grappling. Overall, I see myself with the edge. Size and weight alone won’t help him.Your style is very controlled and often moves the fight to the ground. How important is it to impose your own rhythm? I don’t want to rush anything. I can fight on the feet and I can fight on the ground. If an opportunity presents itself, I’ll take it. I’ll stay calm and focused – and I will impose my rhythm on him.And if the fight goes to the ground? Then we go to the ground. That’s where I clearly feel stronger.You’re only 21 and already competing regularly on big stages. What has changed mentally? I used to lack confidence, I was shy and avoided confrontation. Today, after four years of MMA, I feel mentally stronger than ever. This sport changed me. It made me a stronger person.What message do you want to send to young people who follow you? That you can achieve anything even at a young age. Age is just a number. In the end, everything is decided in the mind.A win would move you up the lightweight rankings. Does that matter to you? Right now, I’m focused only on this fight. Of course I want to be champion and beat every opponent, ideally before the limit. But at this moment, only Ostrava matters.OKTAGON is promoting this fight as one of the highlights of the night. What does that position mean to you? It’s an honor. I’ve invested my whole life in this sport. The fact that our fight is seen as a highlight makes me proud.What can the fans in Ostrava expect? No one will be disappointed. The fans will get action and fire – a big show. For Germany, for Serbia, for all my supporters. This fight will be big.OKTAGON 84 in Ostrava will feature one of the most exciting matchups of the rising generation. Mudroch at home, Durić on the road – both with a clear goal of taking the next step toward the lightweight elite. The last tickets are selling fast, so if you don’t want to miss this war live, click the link below and secure your seat in the arena today!<okteventcomponent eventid="126"></okteventcomponent>

He’s only 21 years old, yet already one of the biggest talents on the German scene, and in OKTAGON he has delivered performances that prove he fears no one. Now he faces his biggest test yet – a road fight in the toughest city in the country.

FRIMPONG HUNTS FOR HIS FIFTH STRAIGHT WIN. GABAL DREAMS OF A CAREER-DEFINING VICTORY

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