Lanxess Arena in Cologne will transform tomorrow into the capital of European MMA. OKTAGON 78 brings to Germany an incredibly stacked card full of stars, stories, and moments that could change fighters’ careers. Expect the return of legends, domestic derbies, explosive heavyweight clashes, and a title fight for the bantamweight championship belt. Here’s your fight-by-fight overview – get ready for a night fans will never forget.

CHRISTIAN ECKERLIN vs. IVICA TRUŠČEK

“The King of Germany” Christian Eckerlin is back in action! A beloved fan favorite and the symbol of German MMA faces one of the biggest legends of the European scene – Croatian veteran Ivica Trušček. With an incredible 83 professional fights and a three-fight winning streak, Trušček is coming to spoil the homecoming. Eckerlin will want to prove his star status in front of his home crowd, but “The Terror” Trušček has only one goal – to silence the Cologne arena.

ALINA DALASLAN vs. KATHARINA LEHNER

The first-ever German women’s derby in OKTAGON history! Alina “Iron Fist” Dalaslan, the rising star of German MMA, faces the experienced Katharina Lehner, who returns to fight on home soil in MMA after eight long years. Dalaslan, with experience in K-1 and amateur MMA, wants to prove that her path leads to the bantamweight title. Lehner, on the other hand, brings vast experience – she has competed in boxing, bare-knuckle fighting, and even in Power Slap. For both women, this could be the fight that defines the next chapter of their careers.

KASIM ARAS vs. SIMON BIYONG

A heavyweight clash that will shake the Lanxess Arena! Kasim Aras, who shocked fans in April with a brutal KO of Poland’s Palasz, returns to perform in front of his home crowd. Unlike most heavyweights, he stands just 171 cm tall – a height typical of welterweights – but makes up for it with unbelievable strength and explosiveness. His opponent, Cameroon-Italian champion Simon Biyong, is known for his fierce striking style. Expect a shootout that could end with a single punch!

PATRICK VESPAZIANI vs. OLUTOBI KALEJAIYE

A clash of generations in the heavyweight division! Patrick Vespaziani, a former elite paratrooper and current #3 heavyweight in OKTAGON, will face Dutch veteran Olutobi "Mad Dog" Kalejaiye. Kalejaiye has more than a decade of professional MMA experience under his belt, during which he has racked up nine victories, eight of which were by KO/TKO. He is known for his aggressive style, enormous physical strength, and ability to decide a fight with one precise strike. However, he faces the German "Gladiator," who is ten years younger and has won all five of his victories before the limit. This will be a clash of two uncompromising fighters – a fight that will most likely not go to the judges.

CIHAD AKIPA vs. DAVID PIECHACZEK

A tough German showdown promising fireworks. Cihad Akipa, known for his aggression and deadly grappling, challenges David Piechaczek – an adventurer who once traveled across Africa with a tent and now seeks to conquer Europe. Both love wild exchanges, both want to finish their opponent before the limit. One of them will confirm his status as a middleweight threat in Cologne.

ARIJAN TOPALLAJ vs. HASSAN KAYANI

Tension in the air – this is a rematch! Arijan Topallaj and Hassan Kayani fought before, and the fight ended in a draw. This time, both want a clear winner. The “Albanian Eagle” Topallaj and striker Kayani have devastating styles and no plan B – they’ll either win or fall.

TAMERLAN DULATOV vs. HENRIQUE MELO

From a family MMA fans know well. Tamerlan Dulatov continues the legacy of a famous name, determined to show that the Dulatovs remain among Europe’s most dangerous fighters. His opponent, Brazilian grappler Henrique Melo, is a submission specialist. A stylistic clash that will reveal whether the family tradition of victory continues.

MAREK BARTL vs. KENNEDY RAYOMBA

Veteran and showman Marek Bartl is back! One of OKTAGON’s longest-serving fighters, Bartl competes for the seventh time on German soil – having won five of those bouts. This time he faces dangerous local talent Kennedy Rayomba. Bartl will once again aim to prove that toughness and experience can overcome youth and hunger.

ALEKSANDAR STEFANOCIV vs. JESUS SAMUEL CHAVARRÍA

Stepping into a fight on short notice takes courage – and Aleksandar Stefanović has plenty of it. The Serbian veteran, who made his MMA debut back in 2006, returned after a twelve-year break and brings his fighting spirit back to the cage. In Cologne, he faces an undefeated test in Jesus Samuel Chavarría from Honduras, who holds three KO/TKO wins and last finished his opponent in the first round. Will experience be enough to stop raw youth?

ALTIN ZENUNI vs. MARCEL MÁŠA

A clash of two young talents representing the new generation of OKTAGON. The German-Albanian fighter Altin Zenuni, who balances MMA with his civil engineering studies, faces Czech newcomer Marcel Máša, who grew up in an orphanage and now lives his dream in Europe’s biggest organization. Two stories, one chance – who will earn a breakthrough victory?

KIRILL NEGRU vs. MICHAEL OBODOZIE

A battle between two debutants who share one goal – to make their mark on the fans. Negru brings sharp technique and crisp combinations, while Obodozie offers raw power and unpredictability. It’s the opening fight of the evening, but it will be anything but a warm-up!

DON’T MISS THE BIGGEST GERMAN SHOW OF THE YEAR

OKTAGON 78 promises the return of legends, historic moments, and fights that will shape the future of European MMA. Cologne’s Lanxess Arena will become the epicenter of emotion and energy. Be there live or watch the entire gala through PPV – October 18, 2025, when history will be made.

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