It all started with a brief: create a video that will kick off the new essence of OKTAGON, called Face Your Fear. The “Hero” spot was premiered in front of a packed Eden stadium during OKTAGON 72. The creative group OPA is behind its creation. How did this project come to life, and what lies behind its creation?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/a546a525-4c37-4e62-97c5-873bd4f213f0/cs.1752750741505.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/1f0a2738-f2d4-44e9-bf87-0a45e47e8295/cs.1752750747749.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>WHEN YOU HAVE FREE REIN, ART IS BORN</h2>The OPA production group is not very experienced in the MMA world. Perhaps that’s exactly why their perspective was so refreshing. "In most of our projects, we get very specific briefs, leaving little room for creativity. But this time, we had complete freedom, and that immediately excited us," says producer Filip Hinca. MMA was a new territory for them. The video wasn’t meant to be just about sports; the brief was to create a work of art that carries our philosophy and conveys it in a creative way. And all of this had to be done in just four weeks. “It was definitely a challenge, but we’re used to working under time pressure. Once the creative idea and script were approved, we started working on multiple fronts. Additionally, the collaboration with the OKTAGON team was very efficient and built on trust,” adds Hinca.<h2>FEAR AS A DRIVING FORCE</h2>The theme of Face Your Fear is not easy. Fear is deep, fragile, personal. Yet, it is universal. "We didn’t want to portray fear as a negative emotion; instead, we tried to show what happens when a person overcomes it," explains director Adam Kubala. The goal was to find a balance between civility and strength. "We wanted it to be authentic, not cliché, while still conveying strength, motivation, and drive."There were many ideas at the beginning, but they had to be filtered down, which was the job of Adam and Filip, who bring the creativity. Kubala mentioned that they used a "trial and error" method until both agreed on an idea. “The key decision for us was that we would build the entire video towards a ‘final fight’ moment where our hero confronts his fears. That was probably when the final idea came to life.”<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DK9-b4XKMUo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>FROM HEART ANIMATION TO THE FINAL STRIKE</h2>The video starts with a 3D shot symbolizing a beating heart, all created using AI. This leads to a series of visually and emotionally powerful scenes, culminating in the moment of transformation—entering the cage. “We like to experiment with visual effects. We often use them if it’s too expensive or dangerous to execute in the real world,” says Tomáš Dvořák, VFX specialist for OPA.The entire VFX post-production ran from the initial approval of the idea until the final submission. "In this case, we started the spot with a fully 3D-created shot (Full CGI), except for the movement of the main character, where AI helped us – saving a lot of time in animation. Then we had the heart shot, created entirely with AI, and the rest of the video was a combination of real footage and digital effects," explains Dvořák about the technology and process.<h2>WHEN THE CAST REFLECTS THE IDEA</h2>Finding the right actor for the lead role wasn’t easy. It had to be an actor with experience in combat sports. After considering more than 200 candidates, the team immediately liked IKI, who was ultimately chosen. "Because of his experience as a host, he was already comfortable in front of the camera, exuded confidence, and also looked good. We clicked on a personal level, so he was a perfect fit," says director Adam Kubala about the casting choice for the main protagonist.<h2>MORE THAN JUST A SLOGAN</h2>Face Your Fear is not just a slogan. It’s a mindset, a philosophy that helps us move forward in moments when things get tough. “We told ourselves that during stressful moments in the shoot – and we tell ourselves that now too. It actually became our internal mantra,” admits Kubala.The concept of the video is also strongly inspired by the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche. "The core idea comes from Nietzsche’s teachings – his philosophy emphasizes the importance of facing your fears. He views fear as a compass, showing us the way. It’s a universal theme. It doesn’t matter if you’re an ordinary person or a professional fighter – everyone knows the feeling of fear, and overcoming it pushes us forward," adds producer Filip Hinca.<h2>A NEW WORLD, A NEW AUDIENCE</h2>While the video opened a new chapter of storytelling for OKTAGON, it also marked OPA's entrance into the world of MMA. "Before, we knew almost nothing about it. But when we stood in Eden in front of 24,000 fans and felt that atmosphere, we began to understand why people love it, and we became fans ourselves," says Hinca.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R18GDdQxAww">The HERO video</a> became more than just the opening of a new chapter for the organization. It reflects the philosophy that says: fear does not define us, but how we face it does. And this is what Face Your Fear is all about.If you haven’t seen the spot yet, you can find it on our YouTube channel. If you’ve already seen it, maybe after reading this article, you’ll watch it with new eyes.<oktyoutubecomponent url="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/AmOMlZVWjr0"></oktyoutubecomponent>

It all started with a brief: create a video that will kick off the new essence of OKTAGON, called Face Your Fear. The “Hero” spot was premiered in front of a packed Eden stadium during OKTAGON 72. The creative group OPA is behind its creation. How did this project come to life.

HOW THE "FACE YOUR FEAR: HERO" VIDEO CAME TO BE AND WHAT INSPIRED THE CREATORS?

Fan-favorite Miloš Petrášek is preparing for the final fight of his professional career. OKTAGON 81 will be the symbolic closing chapter to all the moments, highs, and lows that “Meloun” experienced in the organization. Let’s look back at the career of one of the most beloved Czech fighters.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/471211fc-e4f5-4fe4-83ae-33e5bf7b0b66/cs.1764947483949.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/a2dd3480-3cc9-4b74-bdd1-c119a148789f/cs.1764947489380.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>THE PRODIGY AND GREAT HOPE OF CZECH MMA</h2>At the start of Petrášek’s career, many predicted a bright future for him—and when you look at how he began, it’s easy to understand why.An interesting fact: Petrášek never had a single amateur MMA fight. He went straight into the professional ranks. This was partly because he had been training combat sports since the age of 12 and had already earned success in grappling. Transitioning into MMA therefore wasn’t too difficult. He also had the benefit of training alongside his older brother, Ondřej Petrášek, whom fans may remember from early OKTAGON events.His professional debut didn’t go well. But what followed was a streak of seven straight victories—four of them before the final bell, including two Kimuras and two TKOs. At just 23 years old, his career trajectory looked excellent. Then came a rough stretch—two consecutive losses and a one-year break.<h2>THE KIMBALL CHAPTER AND THE ROAD BACK</h2>When Petrášek returned in 2017, he was unstoppable. In just ten months, he collected four wins, all inside the distance. Two of those fights took place in OKTAGON—at OKTAGON 5 and OKTAGON 7. Miloš’s star rose again, fans embraced him, and with popularity came pressure.That’s when he encountered his “kryptonite” and long-time nemesis—American powerhouse Jeremy “The Grizzly” Kimball. Kimball had just finished his UFC run, where he fought four times, and came to Europe to test himself. At first glance, he doesn't even look like a typical top-level athlete—Petrášek jokingly once said that Kimball embodies the saying, “if you’ve got a belly, you’ve got a punch.” And the first fight proved it: Kimball finished it by first-round KO.Unwilling to accept such a crushing defeat, Petrášek insisted on a rematch, determined to prove that he belonged at the top of OKTAGON. But the result didn’t change—this time the fight went to a decision, but Kimball again had his hand raised. After two heavy losses, Petrášek needed a rebound. At the legendary OKTAGON 15 event—the night of the “Fight of the Century” and the promotion’s first sold-out O2 Arena—he faced Danish veteran Christensen. But again, things didn’t go his way, and he suffered another decision loss.<h2>THE PEOPLE’S FIGHTER WHO WILL ALWAYS BE LOVED</h2>Despite all the ups and downs—from thrilling victories to crushing defeats—Miloš Petrášek remained one of the most beloved fighters in OKTAGON. Always smiling, authentic, and open, he became an integral part of the promotion. Whether as a fighter, commentator, fan, or analyst, supporters admired his humanity.Now, Miloš is approaching the final chapter of his career. His last professional fight. The end of a story that may not have broken international barriers, but nonetheless left a powerful legacy. In the O2 Arena, he will say goodbye to his career and to the fans who have stood by him through everything. He helped build Czech MMA, inspired countless young fighters, and earned loyal supporters who will be with him until the end. And it is with them that he hopes to celebrate one last victory—to close his career with a win in front of the home crowd and step into the next stage of life without regrets.Will you be there to support him one last time?OKTAGON 81 is fast approaching! Only three weeks remain, and the seats in the O2 Arena are filling quickly. If you want to experience Petrášek’s farewell, don’t wait—secure your place today. The final event of 2025 takes place on December 28th, and it will be a spectacular ride!<okteventcomponent eventid="118"></okteventcomponent>

Fan-favorite Miloš Petrášek is preparing for the final fight of his professional career. OKTAGON 81 will be the symbolic closing chapter to all the moments, highs, and lows that “Meloun” experienced in the organization. Let’s look back at the career of one of the most beloved Czech fighters.

THE FINAL FIGHT OF MILOŠ PETRÁŠEK: A BELOVED FIGHTER SAYS GOODBYE IN THE O2 ARENA

Daniel Škvor is stepping into the heavyweight division. The current #3 light heavyweight contender will close out 2025 in truly massive fashion. At OKTAGON 81 in Prague’s O2 Arena, he will take on the German powerhouse Patrick Vespaziani. What can we expect from this matchup—and how does Škvor stack up at heavyweight?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/bb8ab834-7d10-4020-8d99-bf428aeb9ea1/cs.1764783633907.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/ace151f9-a6d7-4c4d-b494-58d79fc1acc1/cs.1764783644781.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>THE BEST FORM OF HIS CAREER AND THREE WINS IN A ROW</h2>Daniel Škvor launched his professional MMA career in 2020, shortly after winning the OKTAGON Underground tournament in the 100 kg division. At the time, he was still a pure kickboxer with experience from major organizations, including the prestigious GLORY promotion. Trying a striking match in small MMA gloves hooked him instantly. Just half a year after winning the Underground final, he made his professional MMA debut.He lost that fight via submission in the second round to Omar Sy—not the debut he hoped for, but a valuable lesson. He needed to improve takedown defense and grappling overall. Under coach André Reinders, he began developing all aspects of his MMA game. His biggest weapon, however, remained the stand-up. With his experience, technique, and physical attributes, Škvor is a dangerous opponent for anyone.After his debut loss, he earned five straight wins and quickly established himself as a new predator in the light heavyweight division. He defeated names such as Lucas Alsina, Marc Doussis, and Pavol Langer. In spring of last year, he lost to Will Fleury via second-round Arm Triangle Choke—and has been chasing a rematch ever since.Now Škvor is riding a streak of three dominant victories. His latest win came at Eden, again against the experienced Argentine Lucas Alsina. As the #3 light heavyweight contender, he was on the verge of a title shot—until Fleury decided to move up and claim a second belt. He succeeded and now defends his heavyweight throne against Slovak star Martin Buday, who returned to OKTAGON from the UFC.<h2>CLASH WITH THE SURGING VESPAZIANI</h2>Škvor will meet surging German gladiator Patrick Vespaziani in the O2 Arena. Just like Škvor, Vespaziani is on a three-fight winning streak and holds the #3 spot—except in the heavyweight division. This will be a collision of two potential title challengers, each coming from a different weight class. For Škvor, this is a partial return to his roots—he competed as a heavyweight throughout his kickboxing career, so size differences won’t feel foreign to him.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1315"></oktfightcomponent>But this time, the fight will follow MMA rules, where weight plays a far bigger role than in striking sports. Once the fight hits the ground, every extra kilo becomes painfully obvious—whether you're lifting it or it’s crushing you from above. This is likely Vespaziani’s game plan: take Škvor down early and use his size advantage relentlessly.The Czech striker, meanwhile, will try to keep the fight standing as long as possible—using speed, defending takedowns, and landing hard counters off the back foot. Distance management will be absolutely crucial. At the same time, he can’t afford to get clipped—“Il Gladiatore” can end a fight with a single shot.Škvor is facing a major career challenge. A win could position him as a title challenger in two divisions simultaneously. A loss on home soil in the O2 Arena would cast a bitter shadow over an otherwise excellent year.The winner will be decided in less than a month! On December 28, 2025, OKTAGON returns to the O2 Arena for its traditional end-of-year show. Two title fights—Fleury vs. Buday and Zhumagulov vs. Dvořák. The long-awaited rematch between Kincl and Pukač. The grand finale of the Celebrity Series. You can still gift tickets under the Christmas tree. Give an experience they’ll remember for years.<okteventcomponent eventid="118"></okteventcomponent>

Daniel Škvor is stepping into the heavyweight division. The current #3 light heavyweight contender will close out 2025 in truly massive fashion. At OKTAGON 81 in Prague’s O2 Arena, he will take on the German powerhouse Patrick Vespaziani. 

ŠKVOR MOVES UP TO HEAVYWEIGHT – FACES GIANT VESPAZIANI IN THE O2 ARENA

We are less than four weeks away from the final event of the year: OKTAGON 81. Fighter preparations are reaching their peak. It’s the final stretch. One of the most anticipated matchups is the clash between the former champion and one of the most accomplished Czech fighters, Patrik Kincl, and the Slovak veteran who is experiencing a career rebirth. A rematch that fans have been waiting ten long years for. What will decide the winner?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/f00563c7-4027-4ecb-9305-a5cc884eeda0/cs.1764606433504.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/7bbc7a2b-6194-41a6-8af6-1e85548e0157/cs.1764606440000.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>BACK TO THE PAST: A CLOSE FIRST FIGHT</h2>When Kincl and Pukač first met, the MMA world looked completely different. Conor McGregor was preparing for his first UFC title fight, OKTAGON existed only in the minds of its founders, and Karlos Vémola was demolishing opponents in England. Czech and Slovak MMA was still in its early stages—and at that moment, two promising prospects stood across from each other: 25-year-old Patrik Kincl and the two-years-younger Robo Pukač. Both fighters already had a solid number of professional fights. Kincl held a 13–8 record and had just returned from an unsuccessful run in Russia’s ACB, where he lost to Albert Duraev. Pukač had a slightly better record of 12–4–1 and, after his win over Šindelář, many saw him as the favorite. The fight took place on May 30, 2015 , in Banská Bystrica. Both fighters knew how important the matchup was for their careers, and the fight reflected that—neither opened up with risky combinations, usually throwing only single or double strikes. Pukač relied heavily on low kicks , and after the first round Kincl’s leg was badly bruised. The Czech fighter tried to pressure Pukač against the fence and score takedowns , which he succeeded in doing a few times—possibly the deciding factor in his victory. Otherwise, most of the fight was spent in the center, standing, with neither gaining a major advantage. After 15 minutes, the judges delivered a majority decision in favor of the Czech “Inspector.” Their careers then split. Kincl went on an impressive run, losing only once in his next 10 fights. Pukač struggled, collecting 6 losses and only 4 wins in his next 10 bouts.<div class="source-inline-chip-container ng-star-inserted"></div><div class="source-inline-chip-container ng-star-inserted"></div><div class="source-inline-chip-container ng-star-inserted"><h2>THE STORY OF ROBERT PUKAČ'S REDEMPTION</h2></div>Ten years passed, and while Patrik Kincl became OKTAGON’s middleweight champion and even reached the top of the P4P rankings , Robo Pukač struggled for years to find the form that would bring him back into the spotlight. He finally did it this year. With bold trash talk and a fearless attitude, he called out the struggling David Kozma —and seized the biggest opportunity of his career. He finished the “Pink Panther” in the first round in front of Czech fans in Třinec, scoring the biggest win of his career. But he wasn’t satisfied. After beating one king, he wanted another —this time Germany’s Christian Eckerlin. Many claimed Pukač’s win over Kozma was a fluke or simply a consequence of Kozma’s poor performance. But the “Prince of Bratislava” didn’t care. He knew his win was built on years of hard work and sacrifice. And once again, he proved it. In Hamburg’s Barclays Arena, he demolished the local star Eckerlin via third-round TKO. Each win boosted his appetite —and now he wants one more giant of the Czech scene and a chance to avenge his decade-old loss.<div class="source-inline-chip-container ng-star-inserted"></div><div class="source-inline-chip-container ng-star-inserted"></div><div class="source-inline-chip-container ng-star-inserted"></div><div class="source-inline-chip-container ng-star-inserted"></div><div class="source-inline-chip-container ng-star-inserted"></div><h2>KINCL HAS STUMBLED TWICE – NOW HE MUST WIN</h2>Standing in the way of Pukač’s fairy-tale rise is the Czech “Inspector” Patrik Kincl —one of the most successful Czech MMA athletes of all time. The former OKTAGON middleweight champion reigned over the division for 956 days and defended the title three times, against names like Karlos Vémola, Alex Lohoré, and Piotr Wawrzyniak. Today he sits at #77 in the global FightMatrix rankings —though at the start of 2024, he was ranked as high as #35. But then came two consecutive losses —something that hadn’t happened to Kincl in 15 years. First, he lost in front of a record-setting 59,194 fans at the Frankfurt football stadium, where he was outclassed by Kerim Engizek. He couldn’t threaten the Turkish fighter and allowed him to control the fight. The decision was clear. A similar story unfolded in June at OKTAGON 72 in Prague’s Eden, where he lost the interim title fight against Makhmud Muradov. He couldn’t find success in striking or on the ground. After four years, Kincl now enters a non-title bout —facing someone outside the global top 160 for the first time in ten matches. Still, this may be one of the most important fights of his career. A third consecutive loss would be a major problem and signal danger for his ranking among the hungry contenders below.<div class="source-inline-chip-container ng-star-inserted"></div><div class="source-inline-chip-container ng-star-inserted"></div><h2>CZECHIA vs. SLOVAKIA</h2>A rivalry embedded in the DNA of OKTAGON. From the very first OKTAGON Challenge to the Fight of the Century. Czech–Slovak matchups have shaped the local MMA scene since its beginnings—and they will continue to do so. This fight once again puts two nations head-to-head. On one side stands the Czech “Inspector” Patrik Kincl. On the other, the “Prince of Bratislava” Robo Pukač. Whether you’re Team Kincl or Team Pukač, this fight forces you to pick a side. And in the O2 Arena, one side will celebrate. Will you be there?<div class="source-inline-chip-container ng-star-inserted"></div><div class="source-inline-chip-container ng-star-inserted"></div><div class="source-inline-chip-container ng-star-inserted"></div><div class="source-inline-chip-container ng-star-inserted"></div><div class="source-inline-chip-container ng-star-inserted"></div>Sunday, December 28th. Prague’s O2 Arena. A grand finale to the OKTAGON year. Two world-class title fights. The long-awaited rematch Kincl vs. Pukač II. The conclusion of the Celebrity Series. And a lineup of electrifying matchups that will lift fans from their seats. That’s OKTAGON 81. And you still have a chance to be part of it. Tickets are disappearing fast—don’t miss your opportunity. Be there and watch the entire event live!<okteventcomponent eventid="118"></okteventcomponent>

We are less than four weeks away from the final event of the year: OKTAGON 81. Fighter preparations are reaching their peak. It’s the final stretch. 

ESCALATING CZECH–SLOVAK RIVALRY: KINCL vs. PUKAČ II IGNITES EMOTIONS

OKTAGON 80 was an epic night full of brutal finishes, fantastic submissions, and surprising outcomes. A few days after the event, we can now look back at everything that went down in Munich. Who climbed the global rankings, and how do the OKTAGON rankings look now? You’ll find all the updates right here.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/ed803622-358a-4187-ad55-53809a065cac/cs.1764171125432.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/03a94528-e3de-4ba6-a9ae-fc13f2d292a1/cs.1764171129687.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>A NEW LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPION AND A TURBULENT WELTERWEIGHT DIVISION</h2>The main change, of course, is the crowning of the returning lightweight champion Mateusz Legierski. Along with regaining the belt, he now holds the #7 spot in the P4P rankings and sits at #125 in the global FightMatrix rankings—which is an excellent result in such a stacked lightweight division.Another double shift came for the Slovak star Ronald Paradeiser. In the welterweight rankings, he overtook his teammate and friend Ion Surdu and is now the division’s #1 contender. A fan favorite with a staggering 22 MMA fights in OKTAGON, he also moved to #8 in the promotion’s P4P rankings. The prestigious website Tapology even named Paradeiser the European #1 in the 77 kg division as well as in the European P4P rankings! Will Rony finally get his long-awaited title shot?But the changes in the welterweight division don’t end there. The undefeated German phenomenon Felix Klinkhammer is rising fast—after submitting Máté Kertész, he moved up to #5 and is now within reach of a title eliminator. On the other hand, Kertész dropped out of the top 10 after another loss. The beloved “Kelt,” Christian Jungwirth, also moved up two places and now holds the #8 spot, overtaking his rival Christian Eckerlin, who sits at #10.There were also notable shifts in the lightweight division. Mateusz Legierski is the champion and Ivan Buchinger remains the clear #1 contender. But the biggest jump came from the Turkish powerhouse Gökhan Aksu, who is now ranked #2 and can realistically aim for a title opportunity. Meanwhile, Attila Korkmaz fell one spot and sits at #4. Ozan Aslaner also entered the lightweight top 10 after his victory over the experienced Elpidio.<h2>GLOBAL RANKING SHIFTS: WHO MADE THE BIGGEST JUMPS?</h2>Alongside the OKTAGON rankings, several changes occurred in the global FightMatrix rankings. Here are the most significant movements after the Munich event:<ul><li>The biggest jump came from Ozan Aslaner, who moved from #911 to an incredible #181 in lightweight after defeating Elpidio!</li><li>Mateusz Legierski improved by 40 places, landing at #125 and moving within striking distance of the global lightweight top 100.</li><li>Gökhan Aksu also made a major leap, rising from #221 to #158 in a single evening—highlighting how important his win over Frimpong was.</li><li>Felix Klinkhammer climbed thirty spots and now holds the #135 position in the welterweight division.</li><li>Czech fighter Matouš “Mighty Rooster” Kohout made a massive climb, moving from #558 to #388—a fantastic result.</li></ul><h2>THE FINAL EVENT OF THE YEAR PROMISES A SPECTACULAR ENDING</h2>Just four weeks remain until OKTAGON 81. One of the best cards in OKTAGON history will bring several world-class matchups. Four of the six highest-ranked male fighters in the promotion will compete on the same night—against each other! The title fight between Fleury and Buday has all the ingredients to become one of the biggest European bouts ever. The same can be said for the flyweight title fight, where two UFC veterans—current champion Zhalgas Zhumagulov and Czech contender David Dvořák—will collide.And that’s far from all. Fans will finally see a heated rematch that has been building for ten long years. The rivalry between Patrik Kincl and Robert Pukač will culminate in a true Czech-Slovak derby. Both have been firing shots for months, bringing old wounds back to the surface, but on December 28 the talking ends and the cage will settle it. Kincl, a former champion, desperately needs a win after two defeats, while “The Prince of Bratislava” Pukač is in the best form of his life and knows this is the biggest opportunity of his career.We will also see the first ever Celebrity Series bout between Raška and Tóth—tension is building and the O2 arena is ready.Fan favorite Daniel Škvor steps into heavyweight waters against German gladiator Patrick Vespaziani. Veronika Smolková faces the toughest challenge of her career against UFC veteran Stephanie Egger, and many more exciting fights guarantee a night to remember.So don’t hesitate—get a ticket for yourself or as a Christmas gift for someone close to you. There’s no better present than an unforgettable experience, and OKTAGON 81 will be exactly that!<okteventcomponent eventid="118"></okteventcomponent>

OKTAGON 80 was an epic night full of brutal finishes, fantastic submissions, and surprising outcomes. A few days after the event, we can now look back at everything that went down in Munich. Who climbed the global rankings, and how do the OKTAGON rankings look now?

THE STORM IN THE WELTERWEIGHT DIVISION CONTINUES. HOW DID THE RANKINGS CHANGE AFTER OKTAGON 80?

A storm of finishes and a night of underdogs. That’s the best way to describe Saturday night in Munich’s SAP Garden. OKTAGON 80 delivered a phenomenal show — the atmosphere in the arena said it all. Fans witnessed eight stoppages in eleven fights. So how did the judges score the remaining three bouts?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/e318b6ed-4556-4db4-b245-699a12217a29/cs.1764082543984.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/474c6ec1-b7b1-42ed-be0f-70c563624609/cs.1764082548719.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>MATEUSZ LEGIERSKI vs. ATTILA KORKMAZ</h2>A new lightweight champion! Mateusz “Dynamite” Legierski delivered a dominant performance and deservedly won on points. Korkmaz had a few bright moments, especially in the third round, but Legierski always responded, regained control and dictated the pace. Whenever scoring on the feet got complicated, he took the fight to the ground and secured it there. With his return to OKTAGON, he sent a clear message to the entire division — he’s back and stronger than ever.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1288" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>CHRISTIAN JUNGWIRTH vs. NIKLAS STOLZE</h2>A Celtic war and an unexpected TKO! Christian “The Kelt” Jungwirth delivered one of the best performances of his career. His endless pressure caused Stolze to fade until, in round four, he was forced into total survival mode. Jungwirth overwhelmed him with combinations, and the referee stopped the fight. An emotional eruption in the arena — Jungwirth’s road to the Eckerlin rematch has officially begun.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1270" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>ALEXANDER POPPECK vs. DAVID HOŠEK</h2>A crazy start, a brutal finish! Hošek dropped Poppeck early with a stunning high kick — he was inches away from causing a huge upset. But the German “Viking” survived, came back into the fight, and controlled the rest of the round on the ground. In round two, he broke Hošek with heavy ground-and-pound. Poppeck wins via TKO.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1290" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>RONALD PARADEISER vs. GERALDO NETO</h2>Technical dominance from Rony Paradeiser! From the very first second, he showcased the difference in skill levels. He maintained distance, landed clean shots, and didn’t allow Neto to impose his game. When the Brazilian tried to tie things up in the clinch, Rony punished him with a sharp elbow followed by ground strikes, forcing a TKO in round two. One of the most controlled performances of the evening.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1284" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>GÖKHAN AKSU vs. DENIS FRIMPONG</h2>A wild shootout and a performance of the night! This heated clash delivered exactly what everyone expected. Frimpong struck first and rocked Aksu, but the Turkish finisher instantly turned the momentum. A clean rear hand and an uppercut put Frimpong in trouble, Aksu swarmed him, and the referee stopped it already in round one. With this statement victory, Gökhan Aksu made his case for a spot in the lightweight TOP 5.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1305" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>MATOUŠ KOHOUT vs. HAFENI NAFUKA</h2>A tactical war until the final second! Nafuka wanted to take Kohout to the ground, while Kohout excelled in the clinch and standing exchanges. After two rounds, the score was 1–1. In the decisive third round, the more active fighter was “Mighty Rooster” Kohout, who earned the closest possible win by split decision. How did you see the fight?<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1324" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>MÁTÉ KERTÉSZ vs. FELIX KLINKHAMMER</h2>The submission master strikes again! Felix Klinkhammer proved why he’s considered a phenomenon from London Shootfighters. He took the fight to the ground quickly, looked for the back, then changed the plan and caught a knee bar. Kertész tapped immediately. Felix improves to 11–0 and records his eighth career submission.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1281" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>MICHAEL DEIGA-SCHECK vs. TEO SMITH</h2>Emotion, a sudden turn, and a sad career ending. The German crowd pushed Scheck forward, and the beginning of the match looked promising. But then Smith landed a powerful right hand, secured a dominant position on the ground, and forced the tap with elbows. Smith wins by first-round TKO, and Scheck announced his retirement afterward. Thank you for everything, Michael.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1303" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>OZAN ASLANER vs. MARCO ANTONIO ELPIDIO</h2>A Turkish lesson in clean counters! Elpidio tried to close the distance, but Aslaner was waiting for every mistake. His long reach caused the Mexican a lot of problems. After three competitive rounds, Aslaner secured a tight split-decision win.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1322" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>HENRIQUE MADUREIRA vs. ERIGLENT PRIZRENI</h2>A submission the MMA world has likely never seen before! Madureira delivered a complete rarity — a standing reverse triangle choke! One of the strangest submissions in OKTAGON history. Prizreni had no idea how to react. A highlight that quickly spread around the world.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1326" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>EUGEN BLACK-DELL vs. EEMIL KURHELA</h2>A dominant demolition by the German favorite! Black-Dell shook Kurhela several times already in round one. In the second, he landed a clean combination that sent the Finnish talent to the canvas, and he finished the job with strikes. A TKO victory that sent the arena into a frenzy.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1266" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent>Munich witnessed a spectacular night full of emotion, finishes, surprises, and historic moments. OKTAGON 80 confirmed the strength of the German scene and crowned a new lightweight king. Now only one step remains — OKTAGON 81 in the O2 Arena, featuring two title fights, the anticipated Kincl vs. Pukač showdown, and the conclusion of the Celebrity Series. The year 2025 will end with a show you definitely don’t want to miss.<okteventcomponent eventid="118"></okteventcomponent>

A storm of finishes and a night of underdogs. That’s the best way to describe Saturday night in Munich’s SAP Garden. OKTAGON 80 delivered a phenomenal show — the atmosphere in the arena said it all. Fans witnessed eight stoppages in eleven fights. 

OKTAGON 80 THROUGH THE EYES OF THE JUDGES: ONLY THREE FIGHTS WENT TO THE SCORECARDS!

An incredible night full of surprises, lightning-fast finishes, and hard-fought battles — that was OKTAGON 80 in Munich’s SAP Garden. The packed modern arena witnessed a spectacular evening of European MMA. Eight out of eleven fights ended before the final bell. And we also crowned a new lightweight champion. Here are the results from the final German event of 2025.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/7c0e413f-f1d9-42c0-bc95-8fa27251a074/cs.1763905067813.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/f304b3c0-2a0d-4af4-9606-f713958bcf7c/cs.1763905075699.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>MATEUSZ LEGIERSKI vs. ATTILA KORKMAZ</h2>Mateusz Legierski earned a clear decision victory and became the new lightweight champion. The Polish “Dynamite” was better in almost every aspect of the fight. Korkmaz had a few good moments when it looked like he might turn the fight around, but Legierski always regained focus and took control again. And whenever things got tricky on the feet, he took the fight to the ground. After five rounds, Legierski won by decision and sent a message to the entire division — I’m back and I’m ready. Who will challenge him first?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1288"></oktfightcomponent><h2>CHRISTIAN JUNGWIRTH vs. NIKLAS STOLZE</h2>Arguably one of the fights of the night. An unbelievable war that ultimately ended in the fourth round with a victory for the beloved “Kelt” Jungwirth! A huge surprise for many fans and experts. Jungwirth relied on his biggest weapon — relentless pressure. Stolze seemed to slowly fade and lose the will to withstand Jungwirth’s nonstop aggression. In the fourth round, he was forced into a deep defensive shell, and “The Kelt” overwhelmed him with combinations. Just before the end of the round, the referee had seen enough and stopped the fight. Jungwirth wins by TKO — and his dream of a rematch with Eckerlin is alive once again.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1270"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ALEXANDER POPPECK vs. DAVID HOŠEK</h2>We were just inches away from the biggest upset of the night. In the opening seconds, Hošek dropped Poppeck with a powerful high kick. But the German Viking recovered quickly and then took over. Using his size and weight advantage, he controlled Hošek on the ground, hammering him with heavy strikes and finishing the fight by TKO in the second round.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1290"></oktfightcomponent><h2>RONALD PARADEISER vs. GERALDO NETO</h2>A dominant performance from Rony Paradeiser — even despite an unpleasant injury. He entered the fight confidently and dictated the pace from the start. His distance control was excellent, and Neto quickly realized that striking would be extremely difficult. He tried to tie Paradeiser up and limit his movement, but the Slovak fighter handled the clinch just as well. In the second round, Paradeiser landed a hard elbow and followed with strikes on the ground until the referee stepped in. Paradeiser wins by TKO.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1284"></oktfightcomponent><h2>GÖKHAN AKSU vs. DENIS FRIMPONG</h2>A performance worthy of a “Performance of the Night” bonus! Gökhan Aksu won by TKO in the first round! This heated matchup delivered exactly what everyone expected — a back-and-forth war where neither man gave an inch. Frimpong started well and even stunned Aksu, but then got caught by a heavy cross and uppercut that rocked him badly. Aksu swarmed him and finished the fight brutally. A fantastic bout from both fighters! Aksu moves significantly closer to a future title shot.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1305"></oktfightcomponent><h2>HAFENI NAFUKA vs. MATOUŠ KOHOUT</h2>A tense fight that went all the way to the judges’ scorecards. Hafeni Nafuka came in with a clear strategy — take the fight to the ground and dominate there. Kohout, on the other hand, aimed to keep it standing and in the clinch, where he threatened with hard elbows. It was a true back-and-forth fight. Kohout repeatedly managed to stand up and avoided dangerous traps, but he struggled to fully impose his game. Entering the final round, the score was tied 1–1. In the last five minutes, “Mighty Rooster” was the better man and earned a tough, well-deserved victory. Credit to Nafuka for taking the fight on short notice and delivering a solid performance.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1324"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MÁTÉ KERTÉSZ vs. FELIX KLINKHAMMER</h2>A surgical performance from the undefeated Felix Klinkhammer, who won by submission at the end of the first round. The fight stayed standing only briefly — once on the ground, Felix was clearly superior. He first attempted to take Kertész’s back for an RNC, but then transitioned and caught his leg in a knee bar. The Hungarian fighter tapped quickly. Klinkhammer secures his eighth career submission and improves to 11–0. Who will he face next?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1281"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MICHAEL DEIGA-SCHECK vs. TEO SMITH</h2>It was clear from the walkouts who the SAP Garden crowd was supporting. And early in the fight, it looked like Deiga-Scheck was on his way to victory. But then Smith landed a huge right hand and everything changed. He forced the German veteran into a bad position on the ground and began smashing him with elbows, forcing the tap. Teo Smith wins by first-round TKO in his debut. Deiga-Scheck announced his retirement after the fight — we thank him for all the moments he gave us and wish him the best in the next chapter of his life.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1303"></oktfightcomponent><h2>OZAN ASLANER vs. MARCO ANTONIO ELPIDIO</h2>Ozan Aslaner returned in great form. Elpidio struggled from the start with the German-Turkish fighter’s long reach. He tried to close the distance, but that was exactly what Aslaner anticipated — landing sharp counters again and again. After 15 minutes, Aslaner earned a clear decision victory and an important win.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1322"></oktfightcomponent><h2>HENRIQUE MADUREIRA vs. ERIGLENT PRIZRENI</h2>We have truly never seen anything like this! Madureira scored a completely unique submission victory — a standing reverse triangle choke combination! An absolute rarity that fans will remember for a long time. Prizreni, on the other hand, was extremely disappointed as his OKTAGON debut went terribly wrong.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1326"></oktfightcomponent><h2>EUGEN BLACK-DELL vs. EEMIL KURHELA</h2>Eugen Black-Dell came prepared and controlled the fight from the very first moment. He was sharp on the feet and shook Kurhela several times in the opening round. In the second round, he landed a strong combination that sent the Finnish talent to the canvas — and finished the job there. The German favorite secures a dominant TKO victory.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1266"></oktfightcomponent>Now only the final event of 2025 remains. Prague O2 Arena — December 28, 2025. A year-ending show you don’t want to miss: two title fights, the heated clash Kincl vs. Pukač, and the Celebrity Series finale Raška vs. Tóth. Tickets are disappearing fast — don’t wait and secure your seat today. Just click the link below.<okteventcomponent eventid="118"></okteventcomponent>

An incredible night full of surprises, lightning-fast finishes, and hard-fought battles — that was OKTAGON 80 in Munich’s SAP Garden. The packed modern arena witnessed a spectacular evening of European MMA.

OKTAGON 80 RESULTS: A NIGHT FULL OF SURPRISES! WHO BECAME THE LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPION?

This Saturday, SAP Garden will transform into an arena where everything is on the line. OKTAGON 80 brings a show packed with stars, legends, hometown heroes, and elite international talents. The return of icons, clashes of top prospects, heated rivalries, and battles for a spot among the elite – that’s what the final German event of the year promises. Here is your complete fight-by-fight breakdown.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/bd94038c-5b63-4953-af28-77b3481f7f4e/cs.1763802589276.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/95964533-d530-457a-805c-689fcdcfaafd/cs.1763802650868.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>MATEUSZ LEGIERSKI vs. ATTILA KORKMAZ</h2>A lightweight shootout for the title! Mateusz Legierski – the first lightweight champion in OKTAGON history – returns after years to show why people have always spoken about his potential comeback to the throne. The Polish powerhouse is dangerous both on the feet and on the ground and wants to prove he still belongs at the very top. But Turkey’s Attila Korkmaz is one of the most seasoned fighters in the division. With three European titles already, he now aims to add the most prestigious one to his collection. Who will become the new lightweight king?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1288"></oktfightcomponent><h2>CHRISTIAN JUNGWIRTH vs. NIKLAS STOLZE</h2>An emotional German derby. Christian “The Kelt” Jungwirth is a fan favorite whose fights are never boring. He always moves forward, always wants a war, and always fights until the last breath. Niklas Stolze, a UFC veteran, enters with one mission – silence SAP Garden and prove he is one of the most talented German fighters of his generation. Relentless pressure vs. pure technique – who takes Munich?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1270"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ALEXANDER POPPECK vs. DAVID HOŠEK</h2>A fight that could be decided by a single punch! German powerhouse Alexander Poppeck is known for his physical dominance and nonstop pressure. But David Hošek is no newcomer to OKTAGON – his gloves have put many opponents to sleep before the final bell. “The Spartan” wants to get back on track and show that he still carries dynamite in his hands.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1290"></oktfightcomponent><h2>RONALD PARADEISER vs. GERALDO NETO</h2>Paradeiser on the hunt for a title shot! Ronald Paradeiser has been a top name in the organization for years and wants to follow up on his dominant win over Veličković. The Slovak sniper brings precise striking and massive experience against elite competition. Brazil’s Geraldo Neto, however, has plenty of experience of his own – 3 of his last 4 fights were for titles. He’s traveling to Europe for the first time to upset the favorite.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1284"></oktfightcomponent><h2>GÖKHAN AKSU vs. DENIS FRIMPONG</h2>A heated clash between two streaking fighters! Denis Frimpong is one of the organization’s biggest “villains” – he provokes, annoys his opponents, entertains fans, and wins. Five straight victories and #8 in lightweight make him a strong candidate for the top 5. But Gökhan Aksu has been trading words with him since the press conference. The two-time Austrian champion rides the same five-fight winning streak and loves finishing fights violently. One of them will lose the streak. The other will move closer to a title shot.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1305"></oktfightcomponent><h2>HAFENI NAFUKA vs. MATOUŠ KOHOUT</h2>A classic clash of styles! Hafeni Nafuka relies on his dominance on the ground and won’t want to spend a single second trading with the dangerous Kohout. The Czech “Mighty Rooster,” however, has seen it all and won’t give up his back easily. He’ll be looking to use his devastating clinch, which has broken many opponents. A stylistic battle where precision meets heart.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1324"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MÁTÉ KERTÉSZ vs. FELIX KLINKHAMMER</h2>An extremely tough matchup! Máté Kertész is one of OKTAGON’s most battle-tested fighters – a former title challenger who has been through true wars in the cage. After two straight losses, he needs the performance of his life. Standing across from him is undefeated German predator Felix Klinkhammer (10–0). A product of the legendary London Shootfighters gym, a submission master, and a former Ares FC champion. On the ground, he dominates like no one else, with seven submission victories to his name. Experience vs. flawless precision.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1281"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MICHAEL DEIGA-SCHECK vs. TEO SMITH</h2>German power vs. Swiss ferocity! Deiga-Scheck has delivered several unforgettable OKTAGON moments – his aggression and toughness are well-known. Teo Smith, the Swiss bulldog, arrives determined to break through and defeat the German favorite at his own game.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1303"></oktfightcomponent><h2>OZAN ASLANER vs. MARCO ANTONIO ELPIDIO</h2>Expect relentless pace! Ozan Aslaner never backs down from a challenge – not even from a seasoned veteran like Elpidio (22–11–2). Both can finish fights early but can also drag out technical battles. Aslaner wants to repair his reputation after his last loss, while Elpidio aims to show he can compete with OKTAGON’s best.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1322"></oktfightcomponent><h2>HENRIQUE MADUREIRA vs. ERIGLENT PRIZRENI</h2>A clash of two hungry wolves! Henrique Madureira impressed in his last performance, demolishing Serbezis in the first round. He now looks to continue that momentum. Standing against him is young Albanian blood Eriglent Prizreni, entering OKTAGON with a 3–0 record and two early finishes. How will he fare against the experienced Brazilian?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1326"></oktfightcomponent><h2>EUGEN BLACK-DELL vs. EEMIL KURHELA</h2>A finish is in the air! Black-Dell is a former champion in two German organizations with 18 professional bouts to his name. Last year he went three rounds with Holzer. Now he’s looking to brutally stop the northern raider Eemil Kurhela. The talented and likable Finn hasn’t had much luck in the yellow-black cage so far, which only fuels his hunger for victory. Will he break the streak on his third attempt, or will Black-Dell claim another scalp?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1266"></oktfightcomponent>OKTAGON 80 brings the return of legends, showdowns of undefeated talents, hometown heroes, and matchups that will reshape the rankings. November 22 in SAP Garden – be there live, or watch it all on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://OKTAGON.TV">OKTAGON.TV</a>.<okteventcomponent eventid="115"></okteventcomponent>

This Saturday, SAP Garden will transform into an arena where everything is on the line. OKTAGON 80 brings a show packed with stars, legends, hometown heroes, and elite international talents. 

OKTAGON 80 FIGHT-BY-FIGHT: MUNICH IS SET FOR AN ACTION-PACKED NIGHT OF EMOTIONS

OKTAGON 80 brings a stacked card full of high-level matchups. We’ll see the crowning of a new lightweight champion, a heated German derby between Jungwirth and Stolze, and an intense clash between Aksu and Frimpong. All this and much more is coming this Saturday, November 22. Check out the most interesting stats from the Munich card so your fantasy draft is built on solid ground.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/f26e4b5d-940b-4835-8ea1-c0256ab6fed0/cs.1763673597770.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/50a57934-a64f-414b-98d1-9dde26047e40/cs.1763673602500.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>DANGEROUS FINISHERS</h2>A real fireworks show is expected inside Munich’s SAP Garden. Several fighters on the card are known as killers who waste no time and chase the finish from the first second.One of them is undoubtedly Polish “Dynamite” Mateusz Legierski. In OKTAGON alone, he holds a 9–1 record, with five finishes inside the distance. Korkmaz, however, has never been finished by KO/TKO.Extremely dangerous is also Niklas Stolze, who finished 10 of his 14 wins, eight of them in the first round. But “Kelt” Jungwirth is no easy matchup and can push hard even in the later stages of a fight.A true bomber showdown awaits in Poppeck vs. Hošek. German “Ironside” Poppeck has 12 KO/TKO wins, 11 of those coming in the first round. Hošek isn’t far behind — he has finished 11 opponents inside the distance, seven in round one. Poppeck is the clear favorite, but the hammers of the Czech “Spartan” have shocked many favorites before.And we can’t forget about Gökhan Aksu, who holds a 100% finish rate! Of his 13 wins, 10 came by KO/TKO and 3 by submission. Just like his opponent Denis Frimpong, he rides a five-fight winning streak — and this fight will decide who moves closer to the lightweight top five.<h2>ORGANIZATION VETERANS</h2>Munich will also feature two of OKTAGON’s biggest veterans — Rony Paradeiser and Máté Kertész.The Slovakian standout has long been among the absolute elite of OKTAGON. He has an incredible 21 OKTAGON fights, winning 16 of them. The former lightweight champion now sits at #2 in the welterweight rankings, and another victory could push him into a clear title-contender spot. With a record of 22–9, he currently sits 60th in the global FightMatrix rankings.His short-notice opponent will be dangerous Brazilian veteran Geraldo Neto. A former champion of two Brazilian organizations, he has a record of 18–7. His last 3 of 4 fights were title bouts. Neto returns after a longer layoff, and facing a surging Paradeiser will be extremely tough. Still, he was so excited for this matchup that he agreed to fight in Europe for the first time in his life. Will his European debut be a success?Máté Kertész became a fan favorite from his very first OKTAGON fights and now has 18 appearances in the yellow-black cage. The Hungarian warrior “The Cold Blooded” made it all the way to a title fight against David Kozma, though he came up short. Still, he has been a major figure in the welterweight elite for years.Recently, however, things haven’t gone well — after two straight losses, he desperately needs a win to get back on track. But his opponent is feared predator Felix Klinkhammer. The German fighter from the prestigious London Shootfighters gym holds a perfect 10–0 record. Eight of those wins came inside the distance, seven by submission. Can Kertész stop the German phenomenon, or will Felix’s flawless run continue?<h2>OUTSIDERS WHO COULD SURPRISE</h2>David Hošek is arguably the biggest underdog on the card. He is facing a larger opponent who will be performing in front of a home Munich crowd. A tough task for the “Spartan.” But he has shown many times that he doesn’t care about odds or crowd reactions. This is a huge opportunity to prove he can still compete with the best. A scalp like Poppeck would be one of the biggest wins of his career. And all it takes is one punch — few fighters on the domestic scene hit as hard as Hošek. That’s the magic of MMA: a single strike can change everything.Christian Jungwirth and Attila Korkmaz also enter as dark-horse threats. Both face stylistically similar opponents — dynamic finishers looking to end the fight violently. But that is where their strength lies. They can absorb pressure and weaponize their endless cardio, which has broken many opponents before. Their toughness and physical conditioning could be decisive factors.Ozan Aslaner and Henrique Madureira have already shown their qualities in OKTAGON. Aslaner shut down the heavily favored Tichota, and Madureira shocked fans by blasting through Serbezis in the opening seconds.And we can’t forget about the beloved “Mighty Rooster” Matouš Kohout, whose opponent was switched at the last minute — he now faces Hafeni Nafuka. Kohout is the underdog, but remember: Nafuka is moving up a weight class and took the fight on short notice, always a risky scenario. Kohout can rely on his striking and especially his powerful Muay Thai clinch, which has broken many foes. Nafuka will undoubtedly try to bring the fight to the ground and drag the Czech cowboy into deep grappling waters. Will he succeed? We’ll find out this Saturday.A packed event awaits us from start to finish — adrenaline, emotion, and an electrifying atmosphere. Matchups full of action and, hopefully, a barrage of finishes. You can still buy PPV at a discounted price, so don’t wait — click the link below! The price is valid only until Friday midnight. OKTAGON 80 is going to be worth it.<okteventcomponent eventid="115"></okteventcomponent>

OKTAGON 80 brings a stacked card full of high-level matchups. We’ll see the crowning of a new lightweight champion, a heated German derby between Jungwirth and Stolze, and an intense clash between Aksu and Frimpong. All this and much more is coming this Saturday, November 22.

INTERESTING OKTAGON 80 STATS: WHO SHOULD YOU PICK FOR YOUR FANTASY DRAFT?

Only a few days remain before Saturday’s OKTAGON 80 event in Munich’s SAP Garden. The main event will crown the new lightweight champion. The title clash will be decided between Mateusz Legierski, the first lightweight champion in OKTAGON history, and Attila Korkmaz, former titleholder in three different European organizations.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/db9e0d7f-95ef-417c-bfef-d7f1610a5582/cs.1763570317376.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/4637e273-3bf5-47cd-a3f9-f7cc2e671de6/cs.1763570322566.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent>Before the upcoming battle, we spoke with Attila not only about his preparation and expectations, but also about what connects the work of an IT specialist and MMA fights and what his Turkish roots mean to him.Attila, do you remember the moment when it became clear to you that you wanted to step into the cage?When I was a teenager, an older friend showed me PRIDE FC highlight videos. That was my first real contact with MMA. Despite the violent scenes, I was fascinated by the sport. My immediate reaction to those videos was: “You’ll see me in that ring one day.”How do you assess Mateusz Legierski as an opponent – technically, tactically, and mentally?He is a very athletic, explosive opponent who often relies on his physicality and toughness. However his movement patterns are stiff and predictable. Mentally, he comes across like a typical athlete: very stoic, respectful, and sportsmanlike.Where do you see the keys to victory against a former OKTAGON champion?The most important elements in this fight will be patience, aggression, and creativity.What distinguishes a title fight from a regular bout for you – and how does it influence your preparation?Unlike the usual three rounds, a title fight goes for five, which creates an additional conditioning challenge. There is also no 500-gram weight allowance. Preparation therefore puts even greater emphasis on endurance and weight management.You work full-time as a software developer. What parallels do you see between programming and combat sports?These are two passions that operate in completely different domains yet share one key commonality: both involve continuous learning. You solve problems and grow your abilities along the way.Does your technical way of thinking help you “read” opponents like Legierski and recognize strategic patterns?Definitely. Analytical thinking is always helpful when identifying patterns and tendencies. But you still need to translate those insights into practice and integrate them consistently into training. That requires a lot of hard work.How do you structure your daily routine during the intense phase of a title-fight camp – and what are the biggest challenges?The biggest challenge is the dieting phase. My inner foodie and the strict requirements of my weight class are constantly negotiating with each other – and the scale usually has the final say.You are a Berliner but compete internationally for Turkey. What does this dual identity mean to you – especially ahead of a title fight?Berlin taught me everything I needed technically and mentally as a fighter, such as discipline and persistence. But the passion and fire – that comes from my Turkish soul. When I represent Turkey, I represent the belief that with hard work and the right mindset, anything is possible, no matter where you come from. It motivates me deeply when I hear that someone was inspired to start training because of my fights. That thought gives my performances a much deeper meaning.Many athletes appear at media events in training gear. You, however, often show up very elegantly – in suits, well groomed, recently even with a distinctive pair of sunglasses. What does fashion mean to you, and what do you want to express with this stylish presence?I rarely have opportunities to dress up, since I spend most of my time at the gym. So I like to use any excuse to present myself elegantly. I enjoy showing my best self and embodying a certain level of professionalism.OKTAGON will come to Berlin for the first time in June 2026. What would it mean to you personally to walk into your hometown as a potential titleholder?That would be an incredibly motivating spectacle. All my fans in Berlin would get the chance to witness my performance live. The whole city would shake – I’m certain of that.You speak of “training systems.” What sets this approach apart from classic technique training?Technique training is only one piece of the puzzle. There are too many variables involved in successfully applying a technique. Understanding and repeating a technique is one thing; having the body truly internalize and execute it is another.This includes distance management, timing, and the right reflexes.If you structure your training correctly, you can apply techniques effectively under physical resistance, regardless of your natural movement talent.Is there a personal maxim that carries you through tough camps, setbacks, and successes?I don’t have a specific motto. In the end, I have to be able to look myself in the eyes. If I’ve done everything in my power, that fact alone carries me through both the good times and the bad.What does “success” mean to you at its core – the title itself or the path toward it?Success is a mindset. Everything leading toward it is the sum of the decisions you make day in and day out. I see the title as a milestone.If your journey so far were a movie – what would its title be?Dragonball Z.Every great athlete experiences a moment where they face their fear and grow from it. What was your defining “face your fear” moment on the road to OKTAGON 80?The question of fear doesn’t really come up for me in that way. “The Fearless” isn’t a nickname I chose – it’s a description of my reality.My defining moment wasn’t looking fear in the eyes, but realizing that I simply don’t have a space for fear within me. When I step into the cage, there’s no room for doubt or hesitation.On the road to OKTAGON 80, the biggest challenge in this camp was consistently executing everything day after day, especially sticking to the diet and cutting out all the treats.<okteventcomponent eventid="115"></okteventcomponent>

Only a few days remain before Saturday’s OKTAGON 80 event in Munich’s SAP Garden. The main event will crown the new lightweight champion.

KORKMAZ AHEAD OF THE TITLE FIGHT: PATIENCE, AGGRESSION AND CREATIVITY WILL BE THE KEY

The welterweight division is in turmoil. Champion Ion Surdu lost his belt on the scales, and it’s still unclear whether he’ll get an immediate title shot. Meanwhile, several hungry contenders — including Rony Paradeiser, Kaik Brito, and Amiran Gogoladze — are circling the throne. But now, a long-awaited name is returning to OKTAGON: the undefeated German phenom Felix Klinkhammer.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/efcbce76-c0a7-4207-85d2-d574f8b84588/cs.1763484984551.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/1a6781b9-cb43-4e78-a87b-aa8e4ff6fc3c/cs.1763484989495.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>TEN WINS, ZERO LOSSES</h2>In the world of MMA, Felix Klinkhammer is known by one simple word: flawless. For over a decade, he’s trained at the legendary London Shootfighters gym — home to a roster of world-class fighters who’ve achieved success across the globe. Among its notable alumni is none other than Czech legend Karlos “Terminátor” Vémola, who spent years training there.London Shootfighters is synonymous with discipline, brutal sparring, and technical precision on the ground. It’s here, in this furnace of elite talent, that Klinkhammer was forged into one of Europe’s most dangerous welterweights.With a perfect 10–0 record, including seven submission victories, Klinkhammer is not a brawler — he’s a surgeon. A technical assassin. Once he takes you to the mat, your world starts shrinking — fast.His control, timing, and attention to detail are the result of years spent training alongside grappling specialists in London. He has finished opponents with a wide arsenal of techniques — rear-naked choke, arm triangle, heel hook, kneebar, and side choke, to name a few.He first appeared in OKTAGON back in 2021 at OKTAGON 26, where he dominated the dangerous Tarasenko from start to finish. Since then, he’s captured the Ares FC championship, earned a reputation as one of Germany’s most respected talents, and risen to become one of Europe’s top welterweight prospects. Now, he faces his biggest challenge yet — a battle against the #9-ranked welterweight in OKTAGON.<h2>THE UNDEFEATED PHENOM vs. THE SEASONED VETERAN</h2>In Munich, Klinkhammer will meet Máté “The Cold-Blooded” Kertész — an OKTAGON veteran with an incredible 18 fights under the promotion. Kertész has fought for the welterweight title against David Kozma and has earned the admiration of OKTAGON fans for his grit and heart inside the cage.But the Hungarian warrior enters Munich after two tough losses, knowing that this fight could define his career. He’ll step into the SAP Garden determined to prove that his time isn’t over — and that Felix Klinkhammer hasn’t yet faced anyone like him.On the other side stands the undefeated German — a fighter with no cracks in his armor. Klinkhammer isn’t coming to survive. He’s coming to take over. His goal is clear: to show that the welterweight division belongs to him, and that he’s not in OKTAGON for experience — he’s here for the championship belt.<h2>WILL HE TRIUMPH IN MUNICH?</h2>Is Felix Klinkhammer truly what people say he is — a cold-blooded, world-class predator capable of dismantling even the toughest veterans? Or will Máté Kertész remind him that the climb to the top of European MMA is far more brutal than it looks from the outside?For Kertész, this is a fight for survival in the welterweight Top 10 — a third consecutive loss could signal the beginning of the end. For Klinkhammer, however, a victory here would be a golden ticket straight into the elite of the division.OKTAGON 80 – Munich, November 22. An undefeated rising star faces the battle-hardened veteran who’s seen it all. One man will rise. The other will fall. And the story doesn’t end there — fans can also look forward to Paradeiser vs. Neto, Jungwirth vs. Stolze, and the lightweight title showdown between Legierski and Korkmaz. Don’t miss this stacked night of fights! The final tickets for OKTAGON 80 are selling fast — secure your spot now and witness history live in Munich!<okteventcomponent eventid="115"></okteventcomponent>

The welterweight division is in turmoil. Champion Ion Surdu lost his belt on the scales, and it’s still unclear whether he’ll get an immediate title shot. Meanwhile, several hungry contenders.

HOW THE "FACE YOUR FEAR: HERO" VIDEO CAME TO BE AND WHAT INSPIRED THE CREATORS?

You might be interested in

THE STORM IN THE WELTERWEIGHT DIVISION CONTINUES. HOW DID THE RANKINGS CHANGE AFTER OKTAGON 80?

OKTAGON 80 FIGHT-BY-FIGHT: MUNICH IS SET FOR AN ACTION-PACKED NIGHT OF EMOTIONS

THE FINAL FIGHT OF MILOŠ PETRÁŠEK: A BELOVED FIGHTER SAYS GOODBYE IN THE O2 ARENA

KORKMAZ AHEAD OF THE TITLE FIGHT: PATIENCE, AGGRESSION AND CREATIVITY WILL BE THE KEY

KLINKHAMMER: THE UNDEFEATED PREDATOR FROM LONDON SHOOTFIGHTERS IS HEADING TO MUNICH