<p>It feels like it went by in a flash—another year packed with the best of European MMA in the Tipsport Gamechanger is behind us. This year showcased the top talents of the lightweight division, featuring gripping stories and breathtaking battles. Let’s take a journey through time to relive the path to the spectacular finale we’ll witness this Sunday at the O2 Arena.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/6e476f82-0e63-4615-a70e-69560d244d2f/cs.1734969057136.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/dc747f09-1534-47c5-b7e2-c42ac6e0e4f7/cs.1734969066660.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>IT ALL STARTED IN MARCH</h2><p>Most of the Round of 16 took place in March at the OSTRAVAR Arena, where six fighters secured their spots in the next stage:</p><p><strong>Legierski </strong>triumphed over Kohout, <strong>Bogdanović </strong>shocked Nafuka, leaving him in tears, <strong>Duque</strong> surprised everyone, particularly his opponent Grabinski, <strong>Machaev</strong> obliterated one of the biggest favorites, Amirkhani, <strong>Torres</strong> defeated the second Czech contender Lengál, and <strong>Rony Paradeiser</strong>, now a finalist, edged past Korkmaz, despite battling illness during his preparation.</p><p>But wait—are we missing someone?</p><h2>A WILD FIRST ROUND: INJURIES, CONFLICTS, AND DRAMA</h2><p>Not everything went smoothly.</p><p><strong>Losene Keita</strong>, who will step into the finale in just a few days, was a highly anticipated addition to the tournament. However, shortly after his participation was confirmed, an injury sidelined him from competing in Ostrava. Fans, however, voted for him to get a second chance, which he seized in May in Frankfurt by defeating Sardari on points. Yet, his Dutch opponent gave him a tough fight, and there were moments when it seemed Keita’s journey might end there.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/5caef68c-1c63-45f6-b9d8-2e4ab4806b06/cs.1734970076536.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/abd3f371-7b79-46de-b772-f11cc934d28c/cs.1734970085650.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><p></p><p>Then came the <strong>Wanliss vs. Siraj</strong> saga—a story many might prefer to forget. The cocky Englishman and Sweden's top lightweight served up a heap of drama. What started as provocation from Wanliss turned into an ugly attack by Siraj's coaches, and their match was canceled at the last minute. The two were given another chance in Birmingham, but the tension persisted. Ultimately, Wanliss emerged victorious, though he didn’t exactly win over the fans.</p><h2>QUARTERFINALS IN THE SUMMER HEAT</h2><p>The pyramid’s opening round set up more storylines than anyone could have anticipated. The quarterfinals, featuring four matches, were split between Prague and Bratislava.</p><p>In Prague’s Eden Arena, in front of nearly 30,000 fans, Wanliss was soundly defeated by <strong>Legierski</strong>, to the delight of the audience. The evening’s surprise came from powerhouse Acoidan <strong>Duque</strong>, who, against expectations, knocked out the promising Machaev with remarkable skill.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/79cce653-5f4d-4e08-8d68-0f00f0ddcee0/cs.1734970213950.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/09440213-9692-45ff-85aa-168ac5f0e4ad/cs.1734970217872.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><p></p><p>In Bratislava, the future finalists faced off. <strong>Losene Keita</strong> achieved a TKO against Bogdanović in the second round, while <strong>Rony Paradeiser</strong> defeated Torres on points. Both advanced to the semifinals, sharing the joy of their progress.</p><h2>SEPTEMBER: HIGH STAKES, BIG DECISIONS</h2><p>Time flew by, and suddenly, it was the semifinals! The million-dollar pyramid showdown took place in Brno, with the match between<strong> Legierski and Keita</strong> as the centerpiece. Both fighters were unusually cautious, aware of the stakes and the dangers they faced in the cage. A few precise strikes from the Belgian star and a decisive points victory secured his spot in the grand finale.</p><p>The Canary Islands’ miracle, <strong>Duque</strong>, faced a relentless <strong>Paradeiser</strong>, but the Slovak champion proved too much to handle. With a precise KO, Rony ended his opponent’s run with just over a minute left in the match.</p><h2>WHO WILL BE EUROPE’S BEST LIGHTWEIGHT?</h2><p>And so we arrive at the year’s end and the grand finale that fans have been dreaming about since the tournament began: champion <strong>Paradeiser</strong> versus the star <strong>Keita</strong>. The Slovak fighter is clearly in the form of his life, even putting his championship belt on the line. Additionally, the fight will determine the top spot in the pound-for-pound rankings across all weight classes. For Rony, it’s all or nothing; for Keita, it’s a chance for glory, wealth, and the title of double champion.</p><h2>SHINING IN THE RESERVE BOUTS</h2><p>Let’s not forget those who served in the reserve bouts, ready to step in when needed. <strong>Attila Korkmaz</strong> stood out, earning fans’ admiration twice as a “Lucky Loser.” Outstanding performances also came from <strong>Buki</strong> and <strong>Sardari</strong>, who will make his second appearance in the reserve match on Sunday against <strong>Legierski</strong>.</p><h2>YOU CAN WIN TOO!</h2><p>The action-packed year culminates with a new addition: the Tipsport Gamechanger Challenge! You can play for valuable prizes or even 2.5 million by sending us your predictions for the winners. Join the contest <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://tipsportgamechanger.com/en/challenge/">HERE</a>.</p><h2>NEW DIVISION, NEW CHALLENGES</h2><p>Curious about what’s next? The Tipsport Gamechanger 2025 will feature the middleweight division, and exciting announcements are already on the horizon.</p><p><strong>For the biggest reveals, join us on Saturday, December 28, at 4:30 PM in the O2 Universum or online during OKTAGON TIME, where you’ll be the first to learn what’s coming next!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="108"></okteventcomponent>

Thrilling duels, high drama, and unexpected twists. What led us to the grand finale of the Tipsport Gamechanger?

HOW DID TIME FLY IN THE TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER 2024? RELIVE THIS YEAR'S EXCITING EDITION

<p>The start of 2026 was nothing short of spectacular. OKTAGON kicked off its tenth year with two German events. OKTAGON 82 in Düsseldorf crowned the winner of the latest edition of the million-euro Tipsport Gamechanger pyramid. In Stuttgart, fans witnessed the crowning of a new featherweight champion, along with jaw-dropping performances in the women’s bouts. New stars arrived in OKTAGON with statement-making debuts, and a new season of OKTAGON Fantasy also got underway. Here’s a roundup of the biggest January highlights.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/1b29daa9-02ee-4396-b121-6db05c7a9eb2/cs.1770578315092.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/4a9d5926-7e16-4165-a0e9-310c618160a9/cs.1770578319958.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>JOTKO’S ONE-MAN SHOW</h2><p><strong>Krzysztof Jotko </strong>capped off his phenomenal run through the pyramid in Düsseldorf. He dominated the final against star contender<strong> Kerim Engizek</strong>, finishing him by submission in the first round. The Turkish middleweight champion was given virtually no room to operate, as the Polish veteran claimed one of the biggest wins of his career. <strong>Jotko completed a flawless run, controlling almost every fight</strong> inside the yellow-and-black cage.</p><p>Ironically, Jotko’s toughest and most competitive bout came in the opening round against Moldovan “Dracula”<strong> Ion Surdu</strong>. Even there, Jotko’s experience and physical strength were evident, as he neutralized Surdu’s biggest weapons and imposed his own game plan. He followed the same blueprint against <strong>Marek Mazúch, Hojat Khajevand</strong>, and in the final against <strong>Kerim Engizek</strong>. Minimal mistakes and <strong>precise execution of a clear strategy</strong> were the keys to Jotko’s success. Now he’s enjoying a well-earned break—and the €300,000 prize money he took home from the final. <strong>The big question is: who will he face next?</strong></p><h2>A NEW FEATHERWEIGHT KING: MAGO MACHAEV</h2><p>The main event of <strong>OKTAGON 83 in Stuttgart</strong> ended even quicker than the previous title fight. Both <strong>Machaev </strong>and<strong> Samsonidse </strong>came out at full throttle, looking for a fast finish. Although the early moments favored the German fighter, <strong>Machaev </strong>decided the fight with a perfectly timed hook that sent Samsonidse to the canvas. Less than two minutes into the title bout, a<strong> new featherweight champion </strong>was crowned. The achievement is even more impressive given that Machaev is <strong>only 26 years old</strong>, with most of his career still ahead of him.</p><p>The new champion won’t get much time to celebrate. His first challenger stepped up almost immediately. <strong>Gjoni Palokaj</strong> remains unbeaten in OKTAGON and is riding an eight-fight winning streak, making him the logical next contender for the young Austrian. Could we see their showdown as soon as OKTAGON 88 in Hannover?</p><h2>NEW STARS AND STANDOUT PERFORMANCES</h2><p>January also introduced several new faces to the organization. The biggest splash was made by <strong>Brian Manning</strong>. The Irish phenom was impossible to miss even before his fight with <strong>Daniel Schwindt</strong>, but he truly made his mark with an unforgettable <strong>walkout</strong>—riding to the cage on a tricycle while wearing a Jigsaw mask from the <strong>Saw horror series</strong>. Inside the cage, he backed it up with brutality, stopping his German opponent by first-round TKO. That’s the kind of debut that sticks in people’s minds, and OKTAGON may have just found another Irish star.</p><p><strong>Dastan Amangeldy </strong>also impressed in Stuttgart against seasoned Brazilian <strong>Wanderley Junior</strong>. The second Kazakh fighter in OKTAGON came in with a clear plan: push hard combinations on the feet and catch his opponent there. Junior showed his experience by countering well, but it wasn’t enough to contain the sharp and aggressive Amangeldy. His punches were accurate and his kicks razor-sharp. After three rounds, the young Kazakh secured a clear decision victory.</p><p>Several other standout performances deserve mention. Perhaps the biggest show was delivered by the “princess of German MMA,” <strong>Alina Dalaslan</strong>. Against the taller, stronger, and more experienced <strong>Karolina Sobek</strong>, she didn’t hesitate for a second. Their staredown the day before the fight raised doubts even among Dalaslan’s biggest fans, but she stepped into the cage confident and determined. She was sharper, faster, and ultimately more powerful—despite taking a shot in the opening seconds. In the final moments of the third round, she caught Sobek with a combination and, instead of settling for a safe decision win, took the risk and secured a spectacular TKO finish.</p><p>Don’t overlook <strong>Karol Ryšavý’s</strong> beautiful submission win over <strong>Deniz Ilbay</strong>, defying many expectations. <strong>Lazar Todev</strong> once again showed why he’s the clear number one in the heavyweight division, stopping UFC veteran <strong>Josh Parisian</strong>. <strong>David Zawada</strong> and <strong>Daniel Ligocki</strong> delivered a <strong>potential Fight of the Year contender</strong>—an all-out war from start to finish. The German veteran edged out a close decision, but both fighters earned massive respect for the performance. <strong>Zawada took home the Tipsport Performance of the Night bonus</strong> and, in a classy gesture, shared it with his Czech opponent.</p><h2>OKTAGON FANTASY: NEW SEASON, NEW CHANCES TO WIN</h2><p>The new year also launched a fresh season of the <strong>OKTAGON Fantasy</strong> fan league. More than 15,000 fans have already joined, which is awesome to see—and that’s why <strong>new features</strong> have been added this year. You’ll find all the details on the OKTAGON website in the Fantasy section. <strong>If you haven’t joined yet</strong>,<strong> you still can</strong>. Registration and participation are free, and you can win some great prizes. The next draft starts next Wednesday, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://oktagonmma.com/en/fantasy/">where you’ll be able to pick your favorites for the Ostrava event.</a></p>

The start of 2026 was nothing short of spectacular. OKTAGON kicked off its tenth year with two German events. OKTAGON 82 in Düsseldorf crowned the winner of the latest edition of the million-euro Tipsport Gamechanger pyramid.

A JAM-PACKED JANUARY 2026: WHAT DID THE FIRST MONTH OF OKTAGON’S 10TH YEAR BRING?

<p>A historic moment for Polish MMA and the OKTAGON organization. Polish legend<strong> Michał Materla</strong> will make his OKTAGON debut against one of the most prominent figures of the German scene – <strong>Christian Jungwirth</strong>. The clash of two national icons of European MMA will take place on <strong>April 11 at OKTAGON 86 in Szczecin</strong>, which will mark OKTAGON’s very first event on Polish soil. The bout is set at a catchweight of up to 89 kilograms.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/00e13343-cee6-4916-b0b1-943eb3ade404/cs.1770308542924.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/58695791-2d7d-4b60-a7ec-ca048db4ae71/cs.1770308547215.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>MATERLA: A LEGEND OF EUROPEAN CALIBER</h2><p>The return of a true <strong>Polish MMA legend</strong>. Michał Materla is among the greatest icons the European scene has ever seen. A <strong>former KSW champion</strong>, he successfully defended the middleweight title four times and is also a champion of the EFM organization. Over the course of his career, he has competed in an incredible <strong>44 professional fights</strong> with a <strong>record of 33 wins and 11 losses</strong>. The vast majority of his victories came inside the distance – <strong>13 by KO/TKO and 13 by submission</strong>. For more than a decade, Materla has been one of the established names in European MMA and is considered one of the key figures who significantly helped build the popularity of MMA in Poland. His move to OKTAGON immediately sparked huge interest among fans and the media, and his debut in the yellow-and-black cage will be one of the highlights of the night in Szczecin.</p><p><strong>“First of all, I’d like to thank OKTAGON for giving me the opportunity to face such an opponent. He’s a very experienced fighter who never gives up. I’m really looking forward to this fight, and I can promise the fans a dramatic bout and a great show,”</strong> Materla told fans ahead of his organizational debut.</p><h2>JUNGWIRTH: THE GERMAN ‘KELT’ WHO NEVER BACKS DOWN</h2><p>On the opposite side of the cage will stand <strong>Christian Jungwirth</strong> (16–9), one of the most popular German fighters of recent years. He has been part of OKTAGON since 2020 and has already stepped into the yellow-and-black cage fifteen times. Fans love him for his constant pressure, aggressive style, and legendary walkouts. <strong>“The Kelt”</strong> thrives on excellent conditioning and the ability to break opponents with relentless pace. Most recently, he competed at OKTAGON 80 in Munich, where he defeated UFC veteran Niklas Stolze in a thrilling battle, once again confirming his status as one of the organization’s standout names.</p><p><strong>“I’m really happy about this fight. Facing Michał Materla is something special for me – he’s an absolute MMA legend. When OKTAGON offered me this matchup, I didn’t hesitate for a second and accepted it right away. It’s a great honor for me to step into the cage in Poland against a fighter of his caliber,”</strong> says Jungwirth.</p><p>Here I would place an Instagram post of their staredown, or a graphic promoting their fight.</p><h2>OKTAGON UNDERGROUND: STAND AND BANG RULES</h2><ul><li><p>The fight is contested over 5 rounds of 3 minutes each</p></li><li><p>Fighters compete in small MMA gloves</p></li><li><p>Boxing is allowed (including open-palm strikes)</p></li><li><p>Active clinch is permitted</p></li><li><p>Elbows are allowed (including 12–6 elbows)</p></li><li><p>All kicks are prohibited, including knees</p></li><li><p>All takedowns and submissions are prohibited</p></li></ul><h2>OKTAGON FOR THE FIRST TIME IN POLAND: A STRATEGIC MOVE INTO ONE OF EUROPE’S STRONGEST MMA MARKETS</h2><p>OKTAGON 86 in Szczecin marks a historic milestone – the organization is entering the Polish market for the very first time. Poland is among the strongest MMA countries in Europe, with a massive fan base and a long tradition of combat sports. The clash of two icons, Materla and Jungwirth, perfectly symbolizes OKTAGON’s ambition to enter Poland in grand style – with maximum sporting quality and fan appeal. The debut in Szczecin has the potential to open a new chapter in the organization’s expansion and bring OKTAGON to millions of new fans.</p><p><strong>A battle of legends, OKTAGON’s historic Polish premiere, and a night full of emotions. Be there live! Secure your tickets for OKTAGON 86 in Szczecin early – the best seats are selling fast.</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="127"></okteventcomponent>

A historic moment for Polish MMA and the OKTAGON organization. Polish legend Michał Materla will make his OKTAGON debut against one of the most prominent figures of the German scene – Christian Jungwirth.

MATERLA AND JUNGWIRTH TO CLASH IN SZCZECIN IN A BOUT BETWEEN TWO NATIONAL ICONS

<p>Ostrava is gearing up for a title fight that could rewrite OKTAGON history. Two absolute elites of the European scene will clash for the vacant welterweight belt – former lightweight king Ronald Paradeiser and ex-welterweight champion Kaik Brito. A matchup between two fighters from the Fightmatrix world top 100 (Paradeiser #60, Brito #87), this is one of the highest-quality bouts OKTAGON has ever delivered. Welterweight has long been one of the deepest and most stacked divisions in MMA – and in Ostrava, the European throne of the division will be decided.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/ce49b75a-6ef6-4783-b59a-8d1cac5303ea/cs.1770305534867.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/f82e00af-669b-4c60-a07b-b4a7efaa4e1e/cs.1770305540928.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>PARADEISER: OKTAGON’S RECORD HOLDER HUNTS FOR A SECOND BELT</h2><p>Ronald Paradeiser is one of the organization’s all-time constants. He has<strong> already fought 23 times in OKTAGON</strong> – more than anyone else in the yellow-and-black cage. According to the respected Tapology platform, <strong>he is considered the best European fighter across all weight classes</strong>. His résumé includes scalps of European MMA legends such as Bojan Veličković and Ivan Buchinger, and he has beaten virtually the entire domestic scene.</p><p>At just <strong>28 years old</strong>, Rony already has <strong>32 fights</strong> under his belt <strong>with a 23–9 record</strong> – more than many seasoned veterans who are nearing the end of their careers. The Slovak standout is a rare breed, relentlessly chasing progress and growing with every fight. Since moving up to welterweight, he has recorded two dominant finishes and now has the chance to cement his status as the undisputed king of the division.</p><p>He trains at <strong>Poland’s Ankos Gym</strong>, where he has grown close to <strong>Ion Surdu</strong>. Their <strong>“brotherhood”</strong> entertains fans on social media, but it also opens up an intriguing storyline for the future of the welterweight division. It was Surdu who vacated the belt after missing weight in Brno, clearing the path for Paradeiser’s title shot. If Rony succeeds in Ostrava, <strong>the question will be how their friendship shapes the division going forward</strong> – both have repeatedly said they don’t want to fight each other.</p><p>That friendship, however, could be a huge asset in preparation. The Moldovan “Dracula” is one of only two men in OKTAGON who have managed to stop the Brazilian.</p><h2>KAIK BRITO: A RUTHLESS FINISHER WITH A KILLER INSTINCT</h2><p>The road to the belt will be anything but easy.<strong> Kaik Brito </strong>is one of the most dangerous fighters OKTAGON has ever presented. He owns a professional record of <strong>18–6 and a 100% finishing rate </strong>– <strong>15 wins by KO/TKO and three by submission</strong>. In OKTAGON, he ended David Kozma’s legendary winning streak and wiped out names like Boráros, Kalašnik, and Lutterbach in the first round. When Brito steps into the cage, fans know blood will be spilled. <strong>His style is ruthless, straightforward, and extremely dangerous</strong> in every phase of the fight.</p><p>Both fighters are also among the organization’s biggest fan draws in terms of entertainment value. <strong>Paradeiser has collected four Tipsport Performance of the Night bonuses, Brito has two</strong>. Everything points to an epic climax to the entire card – and there’s a very real chance it ends inside the distance.</p><h2>AN EPIC WELTERWEIGHT SHOWDOWN</h2><p>Paradeiser’s technical precision, experience, and fight IQ against Brito’s knockout power and ruthless killer instinct. One man is chasing a second belt and a place in OKTAGON history. The other wants to prove once again that he is the most dangerous man in the welterweight division. Ostrava will witness the crowning of a new champion – and this title fight is set to be the perfect finale to a stacked night.</p><p><strong>Be there when a new king of the welterweight division is crowned in Ostrava. Secure your tickets early and experience Paradeiser vs. Brito live – this gala night will go down in OKTAGON history.</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="126"></okteventcomponent>

Ostrava is gearing up for a title fight that could rewrite OKTAGON history. Two absolute elites of the European scene will clash for the vacant welterweight belt – former lightweight king Ronald Paradeiser and ex-welterweight champion Kaik Brito. 

RONY PARADEISER IS CHASING HIS SECOND CHAMPIONSHIP BELT. DANGEROUS BRITO STANDS IN HIS WAY

<p>OKTAGON 83 in Stuttgart delivered another night full of finishes, emotions, and defining moments. Fans witnessed the crowning of a new featherweight champion, several dominant performances, and closely contested battles that required the judges’ intervention. Where was it decided within minutes—and where did it go all the way to the scorecards?</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/5fe5860f-c76d-40a0-8072-3ddc8d61c30f/cs.1770134262036.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/b4512d13-c3a0-4169-896a-6e501d1603a9/cs.1770134266253.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>NIKO SAMSONIDSE vs. MOCHAMED MACHAEV</h2><p>In the main event of the evening, the judges were not needed. The featherweight title was decided by a single punch. Mago Machaev and Niko Samsonidse didn’t engage in a tactical chess match, but in an open stand-up firefight. The decisive moment came when Machaev landed a brutal left hook straight to the chin. Samsonidse went down immediately, and after a few follow-up strikes, it was over. First-round KO and the crowning of a new OKTAGON champion.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1317" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>ALINA DALASLAN vs. KAROLINA SOBEK</h2><p>The judges weren’t required here either, although the decision came in the third round. Alina Dalaslan passed the toughest test of her career so far. In the third round, Dalaslan landed a heavy hook and secured a KO victory.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1301" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>LAZAR TODEV vs. JOSH PARISIAN</h2><p>Once again, no scorecards were needed. Lazar Todev confirmed his status as the clear number one heavyweight. In the second round, he took the fight to the ground, where he bombarded Parisian with heavy punches and knees. The referee stepped in before the end of the round, awarding Todev a TKO win.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1349" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>EMILIO QUISSUA vs. JORICK MONTAGNAC</h2><p>A very unfortunate ending to one of the most anticipated fights of the night. The judges had nothing to score this time. Montagnac injured his knee in the first round and was unable to continue. The fight was stopped by TKO, and Emilio Quissua remains undefeated with a record of 8–0.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1329" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>ALEXANDER POPPECK vs. JESUS SAMUEL CHAVARRÍA</h2><p>Quick work and no scorecards. Alexander Poppeck lived up to his favorite status, quickly took his opponent to the ground, unleashed heavy ground-and-pound, and then locked in a rear-naked choke. First-round submission and a dominant performance by the German “Viking.”</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1377" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>ARIJAN TOPALLAJ vs. MARCO ELPIDIO</h2><p>Here, the judges had to step in. Arijan “Albanian Eagle” Topallaj managed his energy better and was more active, especially in the first two rounds. He was tougher and more accurate on the feet and controlled the tempo. Elpidio attempted to turn the fight around on the ground in the third round, but it wasn’t enough. After three rounds, Topallaj earned a well-deserved decision victory.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1300" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>PRELIMS</h2><h2>DANIEL SCHWINDT vs. BRIAN MANNING</h2><p>Brian Manning made a statement with both his entrance and performance. After an evenly matched first round, he landed a powerful right hand that sent Schwindt to the canvas. A spectacular KO and a fantastic debut for the Irish fighter.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1340" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>LUCIE PUDILOVÁ vs. KATHARINA LEHNER</h2><p>A fight where the judges had a clear view. Pudilová took the first round with strong ground control and was more active in combinations and wrestling in the second. After an accidental head clash, she fought through the third round heavily bloodied but safely saw the fight to the end. A clear decision win for the Czech fighter.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1331" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>WANDERLEY JUNIOR vs. DASTAN AMANGELDY</h2><p>A closely contested battle full of hard exchanges that went to the scorecards. In his OKTAGON debut, Amangeldy was the more active fighter, pushed the pace, and scored better in key moments. After three rounds, he celebrated a unanimous decision victory.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1347" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>JAN MALACH vs. AHMAD HALIMSON</h2><p>Here, the judges had a relatively easy job. Halimson was dominant throughout the fight, dictated the tempo, and Malach couldn’t find a way to threaten him. After three one-sided rounds, Halimson earned a clear decision win.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1334" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>HARUN KURT vs. NATHAN HAYWOOD</h2><p>The free prelims delivered an even and entertaining battle between two young finishers. The fight remained open until the final minutes. The decisive factor was the third round, where Harun Kurt was more active. The judges were in agreement and awarded him the victory.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1338" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><p><strong>The featherweight division has a new champion in Mago Machaev, Alina Dalaslan continues her impressive run, and Lazar Todev once again confirmed his dominance at heavyweight. The next stop is just around the corner—OKTAGON 84 in Ostrava on February 14. The last tickets are disappearing fast, so don’t wait and be there!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="122"></okteventcomponent>

OKTAGON 83 in Stuttgart delivered another night full of finishes, emotions, and defining moments. Fans witnessed the crowning of a new featherweight champion, several dominant performances, and closely contested battles that required the judges’ intervention.

THE STUTTGART EVENT THROUGH THE EYES OF THE JUDGES: WHAT DECIDED THE CLOSE FIGHTS?

<p>The third OKTAGON event in Stuttgart delivered another spectacular night full of finishes, twists, and surprises. The main event was dominated by Mago Machaev, who became the new featherweight champion. Alina Dalaslan passed the toughest test of her career, while Brian Manning delivered a stunning debut against the durable Schwindt. Take a look at the results of the second OKTAGON event of 2026.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/2a9c05be-50a3-4221-b60d-4496c3f09c71/cs.1769901315601.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/b4ad3225-dfd9-462f-9ce1-c49063639620/cs.1769901322700.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>NIKO SAMSONIDSE vs. MOCHAMED MACHAEV</h2><p>One punch decided it all. Mochamed Machaev is the new OKTAGON featherweight champion. Many fans and experts expected a tactical chess match, but instead Samsonidse and Machaev engaged in a wild stand-up shootout. It was only a matter of time before one of them went down. Machaev landed a brutal left hook straight to the chin, dropping Samsonidse instantly. Two or three follow-up punches sealed the deal. A spectacular ending to a stacked night.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1317"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ALINA DALASLAN vs. KAROLINA SOBEK</h2><p>The dominant run of the princess of German MMA continues! Alina Dalaslan passed the toughest challenge of her career, defeating Karolina Sobek by TKO in the third round. Dalaslan was sharper and more powerful on the feet throughout the fight, while the Polish fighter remained dangerous mainly due to her height advantage. In the third round, Dalaslan landed a heavy hook that visibly rocked Sobek, prompting the referee to step in and stop the fight.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1301"></oktfightcomponent><h2>LAZAR TODEV vs. JOSH PARISIAN</h2><p>Lazar Todev once again showed why he is the clear number one of the heavyweight division. Against the experienced Parisian, he had the upper hand from the opening moments. He was more accurate on the feet and applied constant pressure. In the second round, the Bulgarian “Punisher” took the fight to the ground and unleashed heavy ground-and-pound. Just before the end of the round, after more brutal knees, the referee stepped in. Todev won by TKO and can once again think about a title shot.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1349"></oktfightcomponent><h2>EMILIO QUISSUA vs. JORICK MONTAGNAC</h2><p>A very unfortunate ending to one of the most anticipated fights of the night. Jorick Montagnac injured his knee during the first round, and the injury prevented him from continuing. Quissua was awarded a TKO victory and improved his undefeated record to 8–0.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1329"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ALEXANDER POPPECK vs. JESUS SAMUEL CHAVARRÍA</h2><p>Alexander Poppeck fully lived up to his role as the favorite, securing a quick first-round victory. The German Viking wasted no time—he took his opponent to the ground, unleashed heavy ground-and-pound, and then locked in a rear-naked choke. After less than four minutes, “Ironside” claimed the win by submission.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1377"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ARIJAN TOPALLAJ vs. MARCO ELPIDIO</h2><p>Fan favorite Arijan “Albanian Eagle” Topallaj learned from his previous bout against Frimpong and paced himself better across all rounds. He was the harder hitter in the first two rounds and confidently threw longer combinations. Elpidio attempted to take the fight to the ground in the third round, but Topallaj was ready and successfully defended the takedowns. The Albanian weathered the Mexican’s late pressure and secured an important unanimous decision victory.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1300"></oktfightcomponent><h2><strong>PRELIMS</strong></h2><h2>DANIEL SCHWINDT vs. BRIAN MANNING</h2><p>This fight delivered exactly what fans expected. Manning made a memorable entrance, riding in on a tricycle wearing a mask inspired by the horror movie Saw. In the fight, Schwindt targeted Manning’s lead leg with heavy low kicks, but near the end of the first round, Manning landed a powerful rear hand that sent the German fighter to the canvas. A few follow-up strikes on the ground forced the referee to stop the fight. Manning earned a TKO victory in his OKTAGON debut and extended his winning streak to six.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1340"></oktfightcomponent><h2>LUCIE PUDILOVÁ vs. KATHARINA LEHNER</h2><p>A closely contested fight between two experienced fighters. Pudilová took the first round by securing a takedown and controlling her opponent from a dominant position. Lehner was more active in the second round and attempted her own takedown, but Pudilová was stronger in the exchanges and wrestling. After an accidental head clash, Pudilová suffered a cut above her eyebrow and fought most of the third round covered in blood. Fortunately, the bout was not stopped. Both fighters slowed down in the final round, and Pudilová cruised to a clear decision victory.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1331"></oktfightcomponent><h2>WANDERLEY JUNIOR vs. DASTAN AMANGELDY</h2><p>A razor-close fight! Making his OKTAGON debut, Dastan Amangeldy wasted no time and immediately engaged in fierce stand-up exchanges. Wanderley responded well, countering with sharp combinations. The fight maintained a high pace and quality throughout, both on the feet and on the ground. The bout went the distance, and Amangeldy celebrated a hard-fought decision win.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1347"></oktfightcomponent><h2>JAN MALACH vs. AHMAD HALIMSON</h2><p>Halimson started the fight aggressively, unleashing heavy combinations early. Malach weathered the storm and tried to tie the fight up in the clinch. Halimson, however, controlled the bout throughout, while Malach struggled to find a way to threaten him. After three one-sided rounds, Halimson earned a clear decision victory.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1334"></oktfightcomponent><h2>HARUN KURT vs. NATHAN HAYWOOD</h2><p>The free prelims opened with a phenomenal battle between two young finishers. Both Kurt and Haywood came in extremely well prepared, and their evenly matched skill levels were evident. Until the final moments, it was unclear who would win. After three exhausting rounds of high-paced action, Harun Kurt secured the decision victory, largely thanks to his higher activity in the third round.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1338"></oktfightcomponent><p></p><p><strong>The featherweight division has a new champion in Mago Machaev. Alina Dalaslan continues her impressive run, and Lazar Todev once again confirmed his status as the top heavyweight. This—and much more—was delivered by OKTAGON 83. In just two weeks, OKTAGON returns to the toughest city in the Czech Republic. OKTAGON 84 in Ostrava takes place on February 14. Last tickets are still available—click the link below and secure your seat today!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="126"></okteventcomponent>

The third OKTAGON event in Stuttgart delivered another spectacular night full of finishes, twists, and surprises. The main event was dominated by Mago Machaev, who became the new featherweight champion.

OKTAGON 83 RESULTS: CHAMPION CROWNED, BRUTAL FINISHES AND SUCCESSFUL DEBUTS

<p>OKTAGON 83 přinese zásadní večer, který přepíše historii pérové váhy. Po dlouhých dvou letech dostane divize nového šampiona. Kromě titulového duelu nabídne karta návraty, těžkotonážní střet, ženské bitvy na světové úrovni i souboje talentů, kteří chtějí prorazit mezi elitu. Projdi si kompletní přehled zápas po zápase ať víš, na co se můžeš už dnes těšit.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/d4cf4f0f-1273-4c0d-a5bc-f639327aa459/cs.1769859030221.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/6fed7fce-37d0-451b-a0f5-955e5af3a807/cs.1769859034501.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>NIKO SAMSONIDSE vs. MOCHAMED MACHAEV</h2><p>The main event of the evening will bring the coronation of a new champion. Hometown fighter Niko Samsonidse stands before the opportunity of a lifetime. A BJJ black belt with a 12–3 record, his career has been marked by severe trials—serious injuries, long layoffs, and painful comebacks. Yet today he is back, stronger than ever, and in Stuttgart he aims to complete his long journey by capturing the title. Standing opposite him will be Austrian fighter of Chechen origin Mochamed Machaev (16–2), one of the most exciting young talents on the European scene. Precise striking, physical strength, and relentless aggression—Machaev arrives with one clear goal: to become the new featherweight king.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1317"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ALINA DALASLAN vs. KAROLINA SOBEK</h2><p>Alina Dalaslan enjoyed an exceptionally successful 2025. Four wins in just a few months made her one of the most prominent figures on the German scene. In Stuttgart, however, she faces the toughest test of her career so far. Poland’s Karolina Sobek is the highest-ranked fighter in the Fightmatrix world rankings ever to compete in OKTAGON.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1301"></oktfightcomponent><h2>LAZAR TODEV vs. JOSH PARISIAN</h2><p>The popular Bulgarian “Punisher” Lazar Todev takes on UFC veteran Josh Parisian. Todev relies on physical dominance, aggression, and pressure, while Parisian brings years of experience from the highest level. A fight that could end with a single punch—and the winner may put himself in line for a future title shot.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1349"></oktfightcomponent><h2>EMILIO QUISSUA vs. JORICK MONTAGNAC</h2><p>Undefeated Emilio Quissua continues his flawless run. In Stuttgart, he will face the experienced Jorick Montagnac, a familiar name to OKTAGON fans. A clash of two dynamic strikers promises an exciting spectacle that will very likely end inside the distance.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1329"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ALEXANDER POPPECK vs. JESUS SAMUEL CHAVARRÍA</h2><p>A highly intriguing and unexpected matchup comes in Poppeck vs. Chavarría. German Viking Alexander Poppeck accepted the fight on short notice and instantly became the biggest favorite of the entire event. His opponent from Honduras, however, has never tasted defeat. Can he succeed even against the star “Ironside” Poppeck?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1377"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ARIJAN TOPALLAJ vs. MARCO ELPIDIO</h2><p>Fan favorite Arijan “Albanian Eagle” Topallaj returns in front of the German crowd. Standing across from him will be the experienced Marco Elpidio, who has already shown in OKTAGON that he can punish every mistake. Topallaj brings raw emotion and explosiveness to the cage like few others, finishing the vast majority of his wins before the limit. Against the Mexican, however, he will have to stay sharp.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1300"></oktfightcomponent><h2><strong>PRELIMS</strong></h2><h2>DANIEL SCHWINDT vs. BRIAN MANNING</h2><p>Undefeated Brian Manning enters the yellow-and-black cage for the first time. But he faces a tough welcome—Daniel Schwindt, a veteran known as a man who’s hard to break. An ideal test for OKTAGON’s new face. This one is unlikely to go to the judges, as both fighters start fast and come with a clear plan: finish the opponent inside the distance.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1340"></oktfightcomponent><h2>LUCIE PUDILOVÁ vs. KATHARINA LEHNER</h2><p>Lucie Pudilová returns to the cage after a long knee injury. Opposite her stands experienced German veteran Katharina Lehner. An emotional bout where not only the result matters, but also the return of confidence. Both fighters openly harbor title ambitions.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1331"></oktfightcomponent><h2>WANDERLEY JUNIOR vs. DASTAN AMANGELDY</h2><p>OKTAGON welcomes its second fighter from Kazakhstan. Talented Dastan Amangeldy arrives with a clear ambition—to follow in the footsteps of compatriot Zhumagulov and make a run for the bantamweight title. Testing him will be experienced Brazilian veteran Wanderley Junior, who returns to his original weight class after a long time and wants to show fans he is still extremely dangerous.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1347"></oktfightcomponent><h2>JAN MALACH vs. AHMAD HALIMSON</h2><p>Jan Malach will try to halt an unfavorable streak and bounce back toward better days. Ahmad Halimson, however, comes with a clear plan to spoil Malach’s return to the win column. A clash of contrasting styles awaits—Malach aiming to dominate on the feet, while Halimson will look to take the fight to the ground. Who will impose their game?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1334"></oktfightcomponent><h2>HARUN KURT vs. NATHAN HAYWOOD</h2><p>The event opens with a clash of two young finishers. Undefeated Harun Kurt wants to extend his winning streak, but the surging Englishman Nathan Haywood arrives with ambitions to shock everyone. Tensions were already high between the two during the press conference. Who will make a statement in the stacked bantamweight rankings?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1338"></oktfightcomponent><p></p><p><strong>OKTAGON 83 in Stuttgart delivers crucial matchups, comebacks, and new faces—and above all, the coronation of a new featherweight champion. If you don’t want to miss the moment history is written, secure your PPV and watch the entire gala live. This is one night you definitely won’t want to catch up on through highlights.</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="122"></okteventcomponent>

OKTAGON 83 will deliver a pivotal night that will rewrite the history of the featherweight division. After a long two years, the division will finally get a new champion. Beyond the title clash, the card features comebacks, a heavyweight showdown, world-class women’s bouts, and clashes of rising talents looking to break into the elite.

OKTAGON 83 FIGHT BY FIGHT: STUTTGART WILL CROWN A NEW FEATHERWEIGHT KING

<p>OKTAGON returns to Stuttgart this Saturday. <strong>OKTAGON 83 </strong>will be the organization’s third event in the German metropolis. After more than two years, fans will finally witness a<strong> title fight for the featherweight championship</strong>. Hometown favorite <strong>Samsonidse</strong> will attempt to complete his long journey against the Austrian “Beast,” <strong>Machaev</strong>. The card will also feature women’s bouts—fans can look forward to popular names like Alina Dalaslan and Lucie Pudilová. The entire lineup promises an exciting spectacle, and <strong>with these interesting facts you can shine</strong> whether you’re in the arena or watching the event from the comfort of your couch.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/c7082f6f-21c5-4891-a02a-cf2055055354/cs.1769694525024.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/a291c4e3-52c5-4d85-a209-780ac9fcce94/cs.1769694530337.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>FIVE BRAVE ONES</h2><p>There will be a lot at stake! As many as<strong> five undefeated</strong> fighters will step into action during the event. The princess of German MMA, <strong>Alina Dalaslan</strong>, made her professional MMA debut last April at OKTAGON 68. Since then, she has recorded four victories and now has the chance to secure the most valuable scalp of her career—her opponent <strong>Karolina Sobek</strong> is the highest-ranked fighter in the world rankings (eighth in the women’s featherweight division) ever to compete in OKTAGON. Will Alina succeed against the dangerous Pole, or will we see the first loss of the hometown favorite?</p><p>Another undefeated fighter is <strong>Harun Kurt</strong>, who will compete on the free prelims. His matchup with the surging <strong>Nathan Haywood</strong> promises a dynamic start to the event. The Irish contingent of OKTAGON has grown with another sharpshooter. <strong>Brian Manning</strong> arrives with an unblemished record of 5–0, having finished all his opponents inside the distance. He has already won four times in the first round and is now setting his sights on the resilient <strong>Daniel Schwindt</strong>, who has repeatedly shown a steel chin and devastating finishes.</p><p><strong>Emilio Quissua</strong> has also yet to taste defeat. The German light heavyweight boasts a perfect 7–0 record and made his debut with a quick finish of the experienced Strzelczyk. He now faces a French challenge in the form of <strong>Jorick Montagnac</strong>. Another win would move him closer to his dream title shot.</p><p>Last but not least, fans can look forward to another appearance by <strong>Jesus Samuel Chavarría</strong>. The sole representative of Honduras in OKTAGON faces a truly massive challenge in Stuttgart—replacing the injured Vosgröne, he will take on the feared German Viking <strong>Alexander Poppeck</strong>. After the change of opponent, Chavarría became the biggest underdog of the entire event. So far, however, he has never lost and should not be underestimated. Against the experienced “Ironside” Poppeck, though, he will have an incredibly tough task.</p><h2>NEW FACES, NEW CHALLENGES</h2><p>A total of four new faces will appear in Stuttgart. Whether it’s an experienced veteran, a rising young prospect, or a successful female fighter, all four debuts are drawing strong attention from fans.</p><p>Joining the heavyweight roster is the highly experienced <strong>Josh Parisian</strong>. The American veteran brings experience from the UFC and other prestigious organizations. His record of 16–8, including 14 wins inside the distance, commands respect. In Stuttgart, he will test himself against the long-time top heavyweight of OKTAGON, Lazar Todev.</p><p>The already mentioned <strong>Brian Manning</strong> enters the organization with a reputation as a fighter who gets fans out of their seats. The Irish finishing machine has big ambitions and wants to leave a strong impression on OKTAGON fans right from his debut. Will he deliver another wild finish even against the indestructible Schwindt?</p><p>After Zhalgas Zhumagulov, OKTAGON welcomes another warrior from Kazakhstan. Headed to Stuttgart is three-time champion of a Kazakh organization,<strong> Dastan Amangeldy</strong>. With an overall record of 9–1 and six wins inside the distance, he will face experienced <strong>Wanderley Junior</strong> in the yellow-and-black cage, who is eager to return to the win column after his last defeat.</p><p><strong>Karolina Sobek</strong> is ranked eighth in the world in the women’s featherweight division in the prestigious Fightmatrix rankings. That makes her the highest-ranked female fighter ever to compete in OKTAGON. Although the women’s featherweight division is among the least populated, Sobek’s ranking is an incredible achievement that speaks to her quality—and it means <strong>Alina Dalaslan</strong> will have no easy task ahead of her.</p><h2>STORIES BEYOND THE CAGE</h2><p>The stories of our fighters aren’t written only inside the cage. Many of them have long life journeys that have led them all the way to the yellow-and-black cage. Some are still waiting for their moment to shine. Others simply can’t wait for winter to end so they can take their powerful motorcycles out for a ride.</p><p>One such fighter is <strong>Jesus Samuel Chavarría</strong>. The young brawler from Honduras fights for his country, which he hopes to help make a better place to live. This will be only his second fight outside his homeland—and immediately against a name like Alexander Poppeck. A win would be an absolutely phenomenal achievement. And Chavarría would surely celebrate it with a ride on his beloved motorcycle.</p><p>The bout between <strong>Pudilová and Lehner</strong> has its own history. The fight was originally scheduled to take place back in 2016 in the GCF organization, but it was canceled at the time. Now, ten long years later, we will finally see it. <strong>Daniel Schwindt</strong> played football for 10 years before deciding to change paths and start training MMA. <strong>Nathan Haywood</strong> works in an English supermarket, and his fights in OKTAGON represent a chance to break through in MMA and become a professional athlete.</p><p><strong>In addition to great fights and an electrifying atmosphere, OKTAGON 83 will also deliver many compelling stories. And it’s precisely these stories that can inspire and motivate countless fans. Don’t miss the second OKTAGON event of 2026—buy the PPV at a discounted price today!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="122"></okteventcomponent>

OKTAGON returns to Stuttgart this Saturday. OKTAGON 83 will be the organization’s third event in the German metropolis. After more than two years, fans will finally witness a title fight for the featherweight championship. 

FUN FACTS OF THE STUTTGART CARD: ANTICIPATED DEBUTS, UNDEFEATED MACHINES, AND POWERFUL STORIES

<p>The OKTAGON featherweight division will finally crown a new champion after a long wait. Following the departure of the dominant two-time titleholder Losene Keita, a full-blown “game of thrones” has unfolded in the division, and <strong>OKTAGON 83 in Stuttgart</strong> will bring the coronation of a new king. Two standout figures of the European scene will battle for the vacant belt – hometown German <strong>Niko Samsonidse</strong> and Austrian fighter of Chechen origin <strong>Mochamed Machaev</strong>.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/fdcfbafe-d3e8-43fd-b18c-cc1149896e8a/cs.1769540739062.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/77e437be-c66e-4db4-b6bc-4c845e322a97/cs.1769540744598.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>NIKO SAMSONIDSE: A LONG ROAD TOWARD A DREAM</h2><p>Niko Samsonidse is one of the most recognizable names in German MMA. A black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, he holds a <strong>professional record of 12–3</strong> and has found only one conqueror in OKTAGON so far – former champion <strong>Losene Keita</strong>. His career, however, is above all a story of comebacks and overcoming severe trials.</p><p>In 2021, Samsonidse suffered a complicated tibia fracture in a bout with <strong>Yassine Trabelsi</strong>, requiring surgery and resulting in a two-year layoff. Upon his return, he entered OKTAGON in convincing fashion, securing wins over <strong>Roman Paulus</strong> and Romanian fighter <strong>Nicolae Hantea</strong>. Another pivotal moment came in the title fight with Keita, who stopped Samsonidse hard in the second round and caused a fractured jaw. Another surgery followed, along with roughly a ten-month break.</p><p>Despite all the obstacles, Samsonidse never gave up on his goal of becoming OKTAGON champion. He is currently riding a two-fight winning streak and <strong>aims to complete his long journey by capturing the title in Stuttgart</strong>. In the event of victory, he has openly expressed his wish to defend the belt at a home event in Berlin, where he comes from.</p><h2>MOCHAMED MACHAEV: “THE BEAST” AIMING TO CONQUER EUROPE</h2><p>Standing on the opposite side of the cage will be Austrian fighter of Chechen origin <strong>Mochamed Machaev</strong>, one of the most exciting European MMA talents of recent years. At just 26 years old, he already has 18 professional fights under his belt, with a record of <strong>16 wins and only two losses</strong>. He entered OKTAGON as one of the favorites of the second season of the Tipsport Gamechanger project and quickly proved his ambitions are anything but small.</p><p>Czech fans may remember Machaev from his time in the XFN organization, where he defeated <strong>Jaroslav Pokorný</strong>. He fully lived up to his nickname <strong>“The Beast”</strong> in a striking battle with unbeaten talent <strong>Václav Sivák</strong>, where he came very close to a sensation and the outcome was decided only in an extra round, in which the Czech kickboxer was more active. Despite the loss, Machaev showed he belongs among the absolute elite of his generation.</p><p>He decorated his OKTAGON debut with a hugely valuable scalp, knocking out former UFC fighter <strong>Makwan Amirkhani </strong>in the third round. He was later eliminated from the million-euro pyramid in a tight and highly competitive bout by <strong>Acoidan Duque</strong>, but since then Machaev has recorded two dominant victories and once again fought his way back to the very top of the division. In Stuttgart, he now has the chance to <strong>prove that he is the best featherweight fighter in Europe.</strong></p><h2>WHO WILL TAKE THE FEATHERWEIGHT THRONE?</h2><p>The title fight <strong>Samsonidse vs. Machaev</strong> offers a clash of two powerful stories. On one side stands a hometown fighter who endured injuries, surgeries, and long layoffs, yet never abandoned his dream of becoming champion. On the other, a young and hungry talent with international experience, convinced that his time is now.</p><p>Samsonidse’s grappling, experience, and mental toughness against Machaev’s aggression, pace, and all-around skill set. One man wants to complete a lifetime journey by winning the gold belt in front of his home crowd. The other wants to confirm he belongs at the absolute top of Europe. <strong>OKTAGON 83 in Stuttgart</strong> will decide. The featherweight division will crown a new king.</p><p><strong>OKTAGON 83 in Stuttgart will offer not only the coronation of a new featherweight champion, but an entire card packed with OKTAGON’s biggest names. Be there for a historic moment as a new name is written onto the OKTAGON throne. Watch the event live via PPV on </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://OKTAGON.TV"><strong>OKTAGON.TV</strong></a><strong> and don’t miss a night full of adrenaline and the very best MMA Europe has to offer.</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="122"></okteventcomponent>

The OKTAGON featherweight division will finally crown a new champion after a long wait. Following the departure of the dominant two-time titleholder Losene Keita, a full-blown “game of thrones” has unfolded in the division.

FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT: SAMSONIDSE AND MACHAEV CLASH FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP BELT

<p>OKTAGON’s premiere in Poland is drawing ever closer, and the card is already promising a spectacular show. <strong>OKTAGON 86</strong> will deliver a title fight, the return of a legend, and bouts featuring former champions. All of this will take place on <strong>April 11</strong> at the <strong>Enea Arena in Szczecin</strong>, where fans will witness the organization’s very first event on Polish soil.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/1d2faf3d-8d57-467d-8c64-84c6dd2d7c56/cs.1769439129942.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/4f69532c-f936-49af-ab33-f0bd1c1d49eb/cs.1769439133935.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT: HOME CHAMPION FACES A CHALLENGE FROM TURKEY</h2><p>The main event in Szczecin will be a lightweight title fight. The reigning champion and hometown favorite <strong>Mateusz Legierski</strong> will defend his throne for the first time against Turkish finisher<strong> Gökhan Aksu</strong>.</p><p>Legierski is a returning OKTAGON champion – historically, he became the organization’s first-ever lightweight titleholder when he defeated Slovak veteran Miroslav Štrbák in a title bout back in 2020. A short stint in Poland’s KSW followed, after which he returned to OKTAGON after two fights and seamlessly picked up where he left off. In the organization, he has been beaten only by former champion Losene Keita. All other opponents fell convincingly, <strong>many of them before the limit</strong> – including names such as Ronald Paradeiser, Matouš Kohout, and Matěj Kuzník.</p><p>He reclaimed the title last November, when he defeated hometown fighter <strong>Attila Korkmaz</strong> in a stunning five-round war in the main event of OKTAGON 80. Now, the Polish <strong>“Dynamite”</strong> prepares for another major challenge in the form of Turkish contender <strong>Gökhan Aksu</strong>, who has been flawless in OKTAGON so far, <strong>finishing all of his opponents in the first round</strong>.</p><p>Aksu boasts a professional record of <strong>14–6–1</strong>, with <strong>all of his wins coming inside the distance</strong> – eleven by KO/TKO and three by submission. He is also a <strong>former champion of two Austrian organizations</strong> and is currently riding a six-fight winning streak. Most recently, he defeated the surging Denis Frimpong, clearly staking his claim for a title shot. Can hometown hero Legierski succeed at OKTAGON’s very first Polish event?</p><oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DSKwphfCCSD/"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>THE RETURN OF A LEGEND: MICHAL MATERLA MAKES HIS OKTAGON DEBUT</h2><p>One of the biggest attractions of the evening will be the return of a true Polish MMA legend. <strong>Michal Materla</strong> will make his first appearance in OKTAGON and instantly becomes one of the main draws of the event.</p><p>Materla is a <strong>former KSW champion</strong>, where he successfully <strong>defended the title four times</strong>, and also a champion of the EFM organization. He is an extremely experienced veteran with an incredible<strong> 44 professional fights</strong> under his belt. His record stands at <strong>33 wins</strong> and just 11 losses, with the vast majority of his victories coming inside the distance – thirteen by KO/TKO and thirteen by submission.</p><p>His move to OKTAGON immediately sparked massive interest among fans and media alike. Materla is one of the biggest icons of Polish MMA, and his debut in the yellow-and-black cage will be one of the highlights of the night in Szczecin.</p><h2>FORMER CHAMPIONS FACE TOUGH TESTS</h2><p>But the stacked program does not end there. Fans can also look forward to elite clashes featuring former champions who will face extremely demanding challenges in Szczecin.</p><p>One of them is former OKTAGON welterweight champion <strong>Ion Surdu</strong>. The Moldovan fighter has long belonged to the absolute European elite. He lost his title before his last fight due to missing weight, but the bout itself clearly showcased his quality – he brutally finished hometown fighter Kalašnik in front of his fans in Brno. Surdu is currently <strong>ranked #2 in the welterweight division</strong>, while the #1 spot, Ronald Paradeiser, is already preparing for a title fight against Kaik Brit, scheduled for February 14 at OKTAGON 84 in Ostrava.</p><p>In Szczecin, the <strong>Moldovan</strong> <strong>“Dracula”</strong> will face <strong>Amiran Gogoladze</strong>. The Georgian <strong>“Sniper”</strong> has 20 professional fights to his name, <strong>winning 17 of them and losing only three times</strong>. The Georgian champion remains <strong>unbeaten in OKTAGON</strong>. After an injury, he was forced into a longer layoff and will return to the cage after a year and a half. At just 28 years old, he has already proven his quality and is now ready to take another step toward the ultimate goal – the OKTAGON championship belt.</p><p>Another former interim OKTAGON champion on the card is <strong>Piotr Wawrzyniak</strong>. Currently ranked <strong>#92 in the world at middleweight</strong> according to the Fightmatrix rankings, he belongs among the best fighters in Europe at 84 kg. <strong>“Pitrek”</strong> is also a guarantee of exciting fights that regularly get fans out of their seats. He is currently ranked second in OKTAGON’s middleweight standings, and with another dominant win, he could once again be knocking on the door of a title shot.</p><p>Standing across from him will be the feared <strong>Mateusz Janur</strong>, champion of the Polish FEN organization. The 34-year-old veteran holds a professional record of <strong>11–4</strong>, with nine of his wins coming inside the distance. His last two fights were title bouts, both of which he finished by guillotine choke. Against the experienced Wawrzyniak, however, he faces a very tough welcome into the yellow-and-black cage. Which side will the fans in Szczecin choose?</p><p><strong>More names are being added to the card gradually, and it is already clear that OKTAGON 86 will deliver a stacked event from the first fight to the last. Fans can look forward to new Polish faces, seasoned veterans, former champions, and true legends of the sport. The Netto Arena in Szczecin is slowly but surely filling up. Don’t miss your chance to experience OKTAGON’s premiere event in Poland live. Click the link below the article and secure your seat today – this is a night that will be remembered for a long time.</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="127"></okteventcomponent>

OKTAGON’s premiere in Poland is drawing ever closer, and the card is already promising a spectacular show. OKTAGON 86 will deliver a title fight, the return of a legend, and bouts featuring former champions. All of this will take place on April 11 at the Enea Arena in Szczecin.

A STACKED CARD IN SZCZECIN: LEGIERSKI, MATERLA, JANUR AND FORMER CHAMPION SURDU 

<p>Düsseldorf witnessed a historic event that delivered the climax of the Tipsport Gamechanger project, a series of lightning-fast finishes, and several extremely close battles. OKTAGON 82 was a night where stories were written—and the judges definitely did not stay on the sidelines. How did they see the fights that went to the scorecards?</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/7551306e-382b-4722-aba7-a8c759d6fa3c/cs.1768932277164.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/09d0ff57-602f-4f53-b1c5-c66a9ca05f08/cs.1768932283063.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>KERIM ENGIZEK vs. KRZYSZTOF JOTKO</h2><p>In the Tipsport Gamechanger final, the judges were not needed at all. Krzysztof Jotko confirmed his reputation as a top-level strategist, took Kerim Engizek to the ground and submitted him with a rear-naked choke in the first round. After almost eleven years, Engizek finally found his conqueror, and Jotko became the winner of the million-euro pyramid.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1295" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>GJONI PALOKAJ vs. JAMES HENDIN</h2><p>The battle for a potential featherweight title contender delivered a clash of styles. James Hendin tried to tie the fight up and bring it to the ground, but Palokaj systematically shut down his attempts. Excellent takedown defense, sharper striking, and two knockdowns played a key role. After three rounds, the judges were unanimous—a clear win for Gjoni Palokaj, who secured his eighth straight victory and confirmed he belongs among the absolute elite of the division.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1320" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>DENIZ ILBAY vs. KAROL RYŠAVÝ</h2><p>There was nothing to count here. Karol Ryšavý took advantage of a transition to the ground, locked in a guillotine, and forced Deniz Ilbay to tap in the first round. With this win, Ryšavý put himself firmly back in the conversation in the featherweight division.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1332" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>TAMERLAN DULATOV vs. STEFAN KONČAR</h2><p>The highly anticipated clash of two young prospects ended before the opening round horn. Dulatov first set a high pace on the feet, then smartly changed tactics and took the fight to the ground. An armbar just before the end of the round meant the judges once again had no work to do.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1362" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>DAVID ZAWADA vs. DANIEL LIGOCKI</h2><p>Here, the judges played a crucial role. Ligocki was more aggressive early, landing hard combinations and rocking Zawada several times. The German veteran, however, survived the critical moments, managed to turn the fight in his favor during key exchanges, and gradually evened the score. After three rounds of an extremely close contest, the judges awarded a split decision victory to David Zawada.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1364" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>PRELIMS - SAMUEL BARK vs. ZAFAR MOHSEN</h2><p>A technical grappling duel in which Zafar Mohsen appeared more active from top positions and dictated the pace more often. Bark managed to escape dangerous situations, but control and initiative played the decisive role in the scoring. After three rounds, Mohsen won by decision and recorded a very solid organizational debut.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1357" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>MAREK BARTL vs. KAMIL ONISZCZUK</h2><p>Bartl once again entertained with his creativity on the feet, but Oniszczuk managed the distance well and took the fight to the ground in the second round. A locked-in arm triangle brought a quick finish.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1344" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><p></p><h2>TOMÁŠ CIGÁNIK vs. MAURICE ADORF</h2><p>The Slovak samurai Cigánik delivered a flawless performance. Once the fight hit the ground, it didn’t take long before Adorf was caught in a rear-naked choke. A first-round finish and no work for the judges.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1335" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>ALTIN ZENUNI vs. MURAT TÜYSÜZ</h2><p>Zenuni systematically controlled the fight on the ground and unleashed heavy ground-and-pound in the second round, prompting the referee to stop the bout. Another clear finish inside the distance.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1342" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>EMIR-CAN AL vs. PATRIK ŠEBEK</h2><p>Across all three rounds, Patrik Šebek repeatedly took his opponent to the ground, controlled positions, and came close to a finish. Emir-Can Al tried to threaten on the feet, but long stretches spent on the defensive decided the outcome. All three judges agreed on a unanimous decision victory for Šebek.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1318" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>ARIAN SADIKOVIĆ vs. JIXIE MOLAPO</h2><p>A cautious opening gave way to Sadiković’s pressure, as he took control in the second round and finished the fight by TKO. It was not the best night for the Czech fighter this time.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1354" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><p></p><p><strong>OKTAGON 82 delivered everything—fast finishes, tactical battles, and fights where small details decided individual rounds. Jotko wrote himself into history as the Tipsport Gamechanger winner, Palokaj confirmed his status as a title contender, and several young names took significant steps forward. The next chapter comes soon—OKTAGON 83 in Stuttgart. The year 2026 has started in grand style.</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="122"></okteventcomponent>