<p>Introducing the first debutant set to premiere in OKTAGON in the opening round of the new Tipsport Gamechanger season. Today, we’re telling you more about the dangerous "Polar Bear" from France... Meet Anthony Salamone.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/516301de-d83b-4730-9f31-ffb8606b0d51/cs.1736874709996.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/aafa4249-33db-4694-a9ff-012a8f72688e/cs.1736874703772.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>BETWEEN GRECO-ROMAN WRESTLING AND MMA</h2><p>His beginnings were certainly remarkable, though Salamone himself admits he wasn’t much of a sports enthusiast as a child. Born in Tourcoing, France, he only started practicing combat sports as a teenager. After discovering MMA, he also decided to dive into Greco-Roman wrestling, a discipline with a strong tradition in France.</p><p>At the age of 16, Salamone made his professional MMA debut – and it’s worth mentioning that he finished his first opponent in the first round with a Rear Naked Choke. This happened in Belgium, as MMA was still illegal in France at the time. For this reason, Salamone leaned more toward traditional wrestling for several years.</p><p>And he excelled – he became a national champion multiple times and even represented France on the national team. He describes his early career as constantly switching between wrestling and MMA. Wrestling remained a part of his journey for ten years.</p><p><strong>DID YOU KNOW?</strong> His nickname, "Ours Blanc," means "Polar Bear" in French.</p><h2>RETURN TO MIDDLEWEIGHT</h2><p>Thirteen years of professional fighting brought many stellar moments. Salamone has finished all his fights before the time limit, with most victories coming in under two minutes! However, he can also win on points, and his ground-game experience makes him a persistent and dangerous opponent.</p><p>He is now returning to the middleweight division after 3.5 years, having competed exclusively in light heavyweight since 2022. Middleweight, however, seems to suit him best – he remains undefeated in this weight class.</p><p><strong>FUN FACT: </strong>Salamone faced Will Fleury, the new light heavyweight champion, in 2022!</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1086"></oktfightcomponent><p>In the pyramid’s opening round, Salamone faces a real challenge – the reigning champion, Engizek, who defeated Patrik Kincl in the fall to claim the middleweight throne. Will Salamone be the one to shake Engizek’s confidence?</p><h2>KEITA’S DARK HORSE</h2><p>Who does last year’s Tipsport Gamechanger winner, Keita, trust? He’s all in on Salamone, naming him as his favorite and even sending him into the fight. This endorsement from Keita undoubtedly carries weight with fans.</p><h2>PROUD OF HIS HOMETOWN </h2><p>Salamone is proud of his French roots and his northern region. He dreams of one day building a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to combat sports in his hometown, where France’s best fighters could train.</p><p><strong>ENGIZEK VS. SALAMONE on February 1 in Düsseldorf! Don’t miss the opening fights of TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER 2025.</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="103"></okteventcomponent>

Who is the OKTAGON debutant entering the Tipsport Gamechanger against the division champion?

INTRODUCING: ANTHONY SALAMONE, KEITA'S FAVORITE TO WIN

<p>Szczecin's Enea Arena witnessed an unforgettable night. OKTAGON 86 brought a historic milestone with the 200th submission in the organization's history, a devastating KO of the night, and a battle of legends under special rules. Take a look at the tournament overview from the judges' perspective.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/7e180826-e5b4-4850-a038-47834b29bfb2/cs.1776171378342.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/47f8576c-618e-447c-87bc-90f3f1982d26/cs.1776171382739.png" link="" croppedcorners="false" cropcornerbl="true" cropcornerbr="true" enablecornersmobile="false" smallercorners="false"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>MICHAŁ MATERLA vs. CHRISTIAN JUNGWIRTH</h2><p>Five rounds of boxing with elbows under special OKTAGON STAND AND BANG rules, and the winner was decided only by the scorecards. The start was cautious, but the intensity on both sides gradually escalated. Both fighters entered the final round with a tied score on two of the three judges' cards. In the final minute, Materla landed a knockdown that Jungwirth couldn't answer. The Polish veteran celebrated a unanimous decision victory.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1316" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>TOMASZ NARKUN vs. ALEXANDER POPPECK</h2><p>Narkun took the first round, Poppeck equalized in the second, and the result was decided in the finale. The German delivered a clean knockdown in the final round, convincing all three judges. Unanimous decision for Poppeck.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1401" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>ION SURDU vs. AMIRAN GOGOLADZE</h2><p>The judges weren't needed here. Gogoladze attacked his opponent from the start, and halfway through the first round, a crushing right hook landed. Surdu went down hard, and it was over. A first-round KO, and Gogoladze has put himself in title contention.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1371" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>MATEUSZ JANUR vs. ROBIN ROOS</h2><p>Both fighters have reputations as finishers, but this time the scorecards decided it. Janur dictated the pace on the ground throughout the match, taking his opponent down ten times. His dominance was clear, and all three judges agreed without hesitation. Janur thus secured a winning debut in OKTAGON.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1425" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>MICHAŁ PIWOWARSKI vs. TIMO FEUCHT</h2><p>Piwowarski had a plan and followed it from the first second: wrestling, pressure, and ground dominance. A finish was very close in the first round, and in the second, the Pole finished it with a series of heavy strikes. A second-round TKO meant Feucht's dream of a winning return did not happen.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1391" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>JONATAN KUJAWA vs. HENRIQUE MADUREIRA</h2><p>The cards had to speak here. Kujawa impressed with a clean spinning elbow at the end of the first round, but Madureira withstood it and took the round. The Brazilian delivered significantly more significant strikes throughout the evening and clearly dominated the third round. Two of the three judges awarded him all three rounds, and the unanimous decision for Madureira was well-deserved.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1351" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>ŁUKASZ RAJEWSKI vs. JAN STANOVSKÝ</h2><p>The judges only managed to record one round. The first went to Rajewski on points, but in the second, Stanovský delivered a takedown, worked into a dominant position, and a series of elbows forced the referee to stop the fight. TKO before the second-round bell.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1369" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>KACPER FRĄTCZAK vs. ZORAN SOLAJA</h2><p>A story of a comeback. Solaja dominated both opening rounds and led on all three judges' cards going into the final round. However, Frątczak did not give up and landed a series of precise strikes in the third round that ended the fight. A third-round TKO, and Frątczak turned the fight around in a way few expected.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1373" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>NATAN NIEWIADOMSKI vs. PATRICK SPIRK</h2><p>Niewiadomski repeatedly took his opponent to the ground and secured an RNC before the fourth minute of the first round. Three starts in his career, three wins, and two submissions. The talent of the Polish scene performed exactly as promised.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1352" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>LUKÁŠ CHOTĚNOVSKÝ vs. MICHAŁ HAWRO</h2><p>The cards were only opened for the first two rounds. Hawro was better during the sharp exchanges in the first, while Chotěnovský equalized by moving the fight to the cage in the second. The third round then belonged exclusively to the Czech fighter. Takedown, control, and a rear naked choke at 4:14. This was the historic 200th submission in OKTAGON history, putting Chotěnovský's name in the organization's chronicles forever.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1374" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>EMILIA CZERWIŃSKA vs. NIAMH KINEHAN</h2><p>After the first round, Kinehan had the upper hand with all three judges. In the second, a heavy high kick sent Czerwińska to the canvas, and a finish was within reach. The Polish fighter survived, however, and we went to the third round. Twelve seconds before the end, Kinehan delivered a left hook that ended the fight by brutal TKO.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1403" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><p></p><p><strong>Don't miss the next chapter. OKTAGON 87 will visit Liberec's Home Credit Arena on April 25th, promising a night full of battles that will keep you awake. Secure your spot and be there! Click the link below to purchase tickets.</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="129"></okteventcomponent>

Szczecin's Enea Arena witnessed an unforgettable night. OKTAGON 86 brought a historic milestone with the 200th submission in the organization's history, a devastating KO of the night, and a battle of legends under special rules.

SZCZECIN THROUGH THE EYES OF THE JUDGES: SEVEN FINISHES INSIDE THE DISTANCE AND KO OF THE NIGHT

<p>For the first time in history, OKTAGON crossed the Polish borders, and the Enea Arena in Szczecin was shaken to its core! The night delivered a historic milestone with the 200th submission in the organization's history, a devastating knockout of the night, and an epic battle of legends under special rules. Relive the results of the OKTAGON 86 tournament, which brought an absolutely unforgettable night.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/9a9b421a-416e-4e57-a450-b53521b40cdf/cs.1776083690657.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/b94609c2-ae2e-438f-8d7c-f11962b974b0/cs.1776083700653.png" link="" croppedcorners="true" enablecornersmobile="false" smallercorners="false"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>MICHAŁ MATERLA vs. CHRISTIAN JUNGWIRTH</h2><p>The clash of legends took place under the special OKTAGON STAND AND BANG rules, offering five three-minute rounds of boxing with elbows. The opening round was cautious from both sides, with Materla eventually claiming it. Gradually, however, both warriors let their hands go, and beautiful exchanges piled up. They entered the fifth round with the score tied on two judges' scorecards, leaving everything down to the final three minutes. In the closing minute, Materla landed a massive knockdown that Jungwirth had no answer for, allowing the Polish hero to secure a highly valuable victory on points.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1316"></oktfightcomponent><h2>TOMASZ NARKUN vs. ALEXANDER POPPECK</h2><p>Poppeck had a clear game plan: keep the fight standing and work his low kicks. The very close first round went to Tomasz Narkun, who tried to drag Poppeck to the canvas. The German claimed the second round, sending the fight into the third with an even score. In the final round, Poppeck delivered a clean knockdown. Narkun survived all the heavy shots, but it wasn't enough for the scorecards, and Poppeck won by unanimous decision.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1401"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ION SURDU vs. AMIRAN GOGOLADZE</h2><p>A stand-up war right from the opening seconds! Gogoladze repeatedly caught his opponent with heavy shots early on, and halfway through the first round, the moment of the night arrived in the form of a crushing right hook that sent Surdu crashing hard to the floor. The Georgian phenomenon gave "Dracula" no chance in this bout and forcefully claimed a title shot in the welterweight division.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1371"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MATEUSZ JANUR vs. ROBIN ROOS</h2><p>Neither of these fighters is used to leaving results to the judges. This time, however, there was no other way. Janur managed to drag the fight to the ground a total of ten times, where he systematically dominated Roos, securing a victorious OKTAGON debut.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1425"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MICHAŁ PIWOWARSKI vs. TIMO FEUCHT</h2><p>Home crowd hero Piwowarski deployed a clear tactic from the very first seconds: get Feucht to the ground. He showcased pure dominance in the first round, and a finish hung in the air. Piwowarski's ground supremacy continued in the second round, giving Feucht zero room to breathe. After a barrage of heavy strikes, he finished the fight via TKO. He thereby shattered Feucht's plan for a spectacular comeback after seven long years.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1391"></oktfightcomponent><h2>JONATAN KUJAWA vs. HENRIQUE MADUREIRA</h2><p>Kujawa caught everyone's attention in the closing seconds of the first round with a clean spinning elbow, but Madureira ate it and ultimately took the opening frame for himself. The Brazilian delivered significantly more significant strikes throughout the entire fight and showed clear dominance in the third round. Although the finish never came, Madureira won convincingly on points.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1351"></oktfightcomponent><p></p><p><strong>PRELIMS</strong></p><h2>ŁUKASZ RAJEWSKI vs. JAN STANOVSKÝ</h2><p>The opening round was highly competitive, with Rajewski slightly edging it out on the scorecards. Stanovský repeatedly attempted takedowns but without success. In the second round, however, he finally broke through. He took his opponent to the mat, established a dominant position, and started raining down elbows. The series of precise strikes forced the referee to step in, giving Stanovský a TKO victory just before the end of the second round.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1369"></oktfightcomponent><h2>KACPER FRĄTCZAK vs. ZORAN SOLAJA</h2><p>This was a fight with a massive plot twist! Solaja was dropping bombs with his left hand in the first round and was incredibly close to a finish; he also managed to take his opponent down and secure the first frame. After two rounds, the German fighter was leading 20–18, and it looked like it was his night. But Frątczak refused to break. Midway through the third round, he unleashed a series of hard, clean strikes. Solaja showed an incredibly tough chin, but it ultimately wasn't enough, and Frątczak stopped the fight via TKO.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1373"></oktfightcomponent><h2>NATAN NIEWIADOMSKI vs. PATRICK SPIRK</h2><p>Niewiadomski put on a dominant performance, repeatedly taking Spirk to the ground before locking in an RNC in the very first round. In just three career fights, he now celebrates his third victory and his second submission. The huge talent of the Polish scene introduced himself in the best possible light.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1352"></oktfightcomponent><h2>LUKÁŠ CHOTĚNOVSKÝ vs. MICHAŁ HAWRO</h2><p>The Czech warrior Lukáš Chotěnovský engraved his name into the organization's history! The first round brought sharp exchanges and was slightly edged by the hometown favorite, Hawro. In the second round, Chotěnovský pushed the fight to the fence, evening the score, and the third round was entirely his domain. He dragged his opponent to the mat and, at 4:14, locked Hawro in a tight RNC. With this victory, Chotěnovský secured the historic 200th submission in OKTAGON history.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1374"></oktfightcomponent><p></p><p><strong>FREE PRELIMS</strong></p><h2>EMILIA CZERWIŃSKA vs. NIAMH KINEHAN</h2><p>Kinehan dominated the entire fight in her Muay Thai stance. In the second round, a brutal high kick sent Czerwińska to the canvas, and a finish was hanging by a thread. The Polish fighter managed to survive the round, but shortly before the final bell, Kinehan delivered a devastating left hook to win via TKO.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1403"></oktfightcomponent><p></p><p><strong>The cage is already calling for the next warriors! On April 25, the toughest show in Europe moves under the Ještěd mountain. The Home Credit Arena in Liberec will experience ruthless battles during the OKTAGON 87 tournament, and you can be there. Do not miss a night that will send shivers down your spine! Click the link below and secure your tickets now.</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="129"></okteventcomponent>

For the first time in history, OKTAGON crossed the Polish borders, and the Enea Arena in Szczecin was shaken to its core! The night delivered a historic milestone with the 200th submission in the organization's history, a devastating knockout of the night, and an epic battle of legends under special rules.

OKTAGON 86 RESULTS: MATERLA TRIUMPHS IN BATTLE OF LEGENDS; HISTORIC 200TH SUBMISSION REACHED

<p>The final countdown to OKTAGON 86 is on. For the first time ever, the yellow-and-black colossus crosses the Polish border, bringing a card stacked to the brim. From a brutal war between legends under special rules to a high-stakes short-notice rescue mission and the anticipated debuts of elite prospects. Check out the full fight card and get ready for the ride.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/04f0f0da-f27b-4605-81c8-a689f436f7a0/cs.1775821814136.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/7d83cadc-51d4-4592-9d18-79b8a0686ca6/cs.1775821818925.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>MICHAŁ MATERLA vs. CHRISTIAN JUNGWIRTH</h2><p>The main event and a battle for the history books. Local icon and former long-time KSW champion Michał Materla (33-11) enters his 45th professional fight to defend his home turf. Charging at him is the unstoppable German tank, Christian Jungwirth (16-9). This won't be your typical MMA match, though. Contested at a catchweight of 89kg, this fight takes place under OKTAGON UNDERGROUND: STAND AND BANG rules. Small gloves, boxing, and elbows only. No kicks, no takedowns, no ground game. Prepare for a brutal face-to-face shootout where only the toughest chin survives.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1316"></oktfightcomponent><h2>TOMASZ NARKUN vs. ALEXANDER POPPECK</h2><p>A clash of titans in the light heavyweight division. Local grappling phenom Tomasz Narkun (21-6). The man who twice defeated the legendary Mamed Khalidov is ready to display total dominance on the mat. Stepping into the cage with him is Munich’s own finisher and the current divisional #1, Alexander Poppeck (20-5). Poppeck is riding a wave of momentum and is looking to shut Narkun’s lights out. Will Narkun prove why he’s a submission master, or will the German powerhouse send him crashing to the canvas?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1401"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ION SURDU vs. AMIRAN GOGOLADZE</h2><p>A "cursed" duel that is finally getting its resolution. Former champion Ion Surdu (17-7), who lives and trains in Poland, faces the Georgian sniper Amiran Gogoladze (17-3). Gogoladze boasts an incredible record of eight finishes under 100 seconds and prepared for this fight in Las Vegas alongside world champion Merab Dvalishvili. Third time's a charm. These two elite warriors finally meet head-on, with the winner inching closer to a welterweight title shot.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1371"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MATEUSZ JANUR vs. ROBIN ROOS</h2><p>Expect fireworks! Swedish killer Robin Roos (8-6), known for his heavy hands and aggressive style, has secured every single one of his victories via knockout. In his OKTAGON debut, he aims to prove he belongs among the striking elite. Standing in his way is the dangerous local hero Mateusz Janur (11-6). Janur also makes his promotional debut as the reigning and undisputed FEN champion. Expect a gritty middleweight battle between two highly motivated fighters determined to make a massive statement.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1425"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MICHAŁ PIWOWARSKI vs. TIMO FEUCHT</h2><p>A heavyweight clash that will send shivers down your spine. Local hero, feared ground specialist, and Polish Army soldier Michał Piwowarski (7-4) promises a literal earthquake. Across the cage stands the German machine, Timo Feucht (8-1). Returning to the organization after seven long years, Feucht has one goal: demolish the hometown favorite and prove he is still a force to be reckoned with.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1391"></oktfightcomponent><h2>JONATAN KUJAWA vs. HENRIQUE MADUREIRA</h2><p>A trial by fire in front of the home crowd. Poland’s Jonatan Kujawa (5-2) faces an extremely dangerous grappler who can also throw heat on the feet. Brazilian technician Henrique Madureira (9-7) is a constant threat, as proven by his recent, spectacular reverse triangle choke. Simply put, he can find a finish from anywhere. Kujawa is highly motivated to showcase his progress at home, making this a tense tug-of-war between local grit and Brazilian magic.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1351"></oktfightcomponent><p></p><p><strong>PRELIMS</strong></p><h2>ŁUKASZ RAJEWSKI vs. JAN STANOVSKÝ</h2><p>A tough lightweight test. Elite striker and professional firefighter Łukasz Rajewski (13-10) was originally set to face Vojto Barborík, but illness forced a change. Coming to the rescue is a mission from the Czech Republic! Jan Stanovský (6-2) accepted this massive challenge on extreme short notice, just six days before the event, and is stepping up for the opportunity of a lifetime. Can he defeat the Polish favorite?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1369"></oktfightcomponent><h2>KACPER FRĄTCZAK vs. ZORAN SOLAJA</h2><p>The introduction of the "Polish Robocop." Kacper Frątczak (2-0), a multiple-time World and European Kickboxing Champion, wants to fully translate his skills to the MMA world. Facing him is the dangerous Zoran Solaja (3-1), who holds numerous accolades in K1. Solaja heads to Szczecin with a clear plan: spoil Frątczak’s party and deliver a bitter lesson to the local prospect.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1373"></oktfightcomponent><h2>NATAN NIEWIADOMSKI vs. PATRICK SPIRK</h2><p>A clash of rising talents. BJJ brown belt Natan Niewiadomski (2-0), who holds an incredible 19-0 amateur record, will be tested by Austrian finisher Patrik Spirk (5-3). Spirk has never left a fight in the hands of the judges in his entire career. Expect a war from the very first second.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1352"></oktfightcomponent><h2>LUKÁŠ CHOTĚNOVSKÝ vs. MICHAŁ HAWRO</h2><p>A Czech-Polish battle in the bantamweight division. The incredibly tough Michał Hawro (7-2), boasting a terrifying 6 KOs out of 7 wins, now wants to conquer OKTAGON. However, Czech talent and teammate of Patrik Kincl, Lukáš Chotěnovský (7-3), won't give an inch. This will be a classic battle for every centimeter of the cage where aggression will decide the victor.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1374"></oktfightcomponent><p></p><p><strong>FREE PRELIMS</strong></p><h2>EMILIA CZERWIŃSKA vs. NIAMH KINEHAN</h2><p>The fight that kicks off the Szczecin storm. Two fighters bringing world-class striking pedigrees into MMA meet in a 59kg catchweight bout. Local star Emilia Czerwińska (3-1) wants to display brutal dominance, but English decorated champion Niamh Kinehan (1-0) won't make it easy. Expect elite technique in a fight that will set the arena on fire immediately.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1403"></oktfightcomponent><p></p><p><strong>OKTAGON 86 in Szczecin promises a night of raw emotion and world-class performances. Do you want to be there when the organization breaks Polish ground for the first time and the European MMA elite collide? The last tickets for the Enea Arena are disappearing fast! Secure your spot and experience this historic storm in person. Link to tickets below.</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="127"></okteventcomponent>

The final countdown to OKTAGON 86 is on. For the first time ever, the yellow-and-black colossus crosses the Polish border, bringing a card stacked to the brim. From a brutal war between legends under special rules to a high-stakes short-notice rescue mission and the anticipated debuts of elite prospects.

OKTAGON 86 FIGHT BY FIGHT: HISTORIC POLISH DEBUT IN SZCZECIN

<p>OKTAGON is crossing Polish borders for the first time in history. For its grand premiere, the organization has chosen the Enea Arena in Szczecin, which will shake to its foundations this Saturday. Before the arena lights go up and the cage door closes, read about the most interesting stories hidden beneath the surface of the first Polish expedition.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/5db36bda-d30a-466c-bb33-0c692616d65d/cs.1775654880282.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/a64a64d1-0915-426b-8a6e-e8637533e6c2/cs.1775654884959.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>THE HUNT FOR THE HISTORIC 200TH SUBMISSION </h2><p>Szczecin becomes the milestone <strong>40th location</strong> and the <strong>23rd city visited</strong> by OKTAGON. Moreover, a massive milestone is hanging in the air: the magic 200. Over the organization’s existence, fans have witnessed exactly <strong>199 submissions</strong>. This means the first fighter to tap out their opponent in Szczecin will claim the<strong> historic 200th submission</strong> for the organization.</p><h2>BATTLE OF LEGENDS UNDER BRUTAL RULES</h2><p>This is the definition of a superfight. Local idol and former six-time KSW champion <strong>Michal Materla</strong> is entering his <strong>45th professional fight</strong>. A man who fought his way from gritty halls to sold-out stadiums will defend his home turf in his native Szczecin. However, the unstoppable German tank<strong> Christian Jungwirth</strong> is rolling his way.</p><p>The bout, set at a catchweight of 89 kilograms, will take place under <strong>OKTAGON UNDERGROUND: STAND AND BANG RULES</strong>. Two unyielding legends face five three-minute rounds in small MMA gloves, where only boxing and elbows are permitted. No kicks, no takedowns, no submissions on the ground. Just a pure and uncompromising stand-up war where there is no room for retreat.</p><h2>THE NARKUN PHENOMENON AND A FIREFIGHTER IN THE CAGE</h2><p>In the light heavyweight division, <strong>Tomasz Narkun</strong>, a grappling phenomenon and a 3rd-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, will make his appearance. If you are looking for a fighter with one of the most prestigious resumes, he is the one. As one of the few people on the planet, he managed to defeat the legendary Mamed Khalidov twice. His opponent will be<strong> Alexander Poppeck</strong>, for whom returning to light heavyweight right in his opponent’s backyard represents a career turning point and the ultimate test of his number one ranking.</p><p>A huge stir will also be caused by <strong>Łukasz Rajewski</strong>. Not only is he an elite striker and one of only two people in the world to defeat Konrad Dyrschka, but in his civilian life, he is a full-time firefighter with over a hundred active call-outs. Originally, he was set to face Vojto Barborík, but illness sidelined the Slovak legend. A rescue mission from the Czech Republic has arrived in Szczecin at the eleventh hour. <strong>Jan Stanovský</strong> accepted this massive challenge on extreme short notice, just six days before the tournament, and is coming for the chance of a lifetime.</p><h2>A CURSED DUEL AND PREPARING WITH A WORLD CHAMPION</h2><p>Third time’s the charm. The duel between <strong>Ion Surdu</strong> and <strong>Amiran Gogoladze</strong> is the embodiment of this proverb. The fight was scheduled twice before—once as part of the Tipsport Gamechanger project and later as a title bout, which Surdu lost on the scales. Now, they finally meet in the cage. Surdu, who lives in Poland, will face Gogoladze, who benefits from grueling camps in Las Vegas. There, he prepared for this fight alongside the world champion Merab Dvalishvili.</p><h2>REVERSE TRIANGLE CHOKE AND THE CANCELLED FIGHT WITH A GIANT</h2><p>If anyone knows how to shock, it’s the Brazilian technician <strong>Henrique Madureira</strong>. In his last performance, he pulled off an absolutely unprecedented finish: a <strong>reverse triangle choke</strong>. According to his training partner Deiga-Scheck, he could hold a title if he ever actually trained. His opponent, <strong>Jonatan Kujawa</strong>, is a man of many talents; not only does he fight, but he also regularly <strong>commentates OKTAGON tournaments</strong> for Polish television.</p><p>Another fascinating story is that of <strong>Natan Niewiadomski</strong>. This talent with an incredible 19-0 amateur record was originally supposed to compete in an open-weight bout outside of OKTAGON against a Senegalese giant Serigne Ousmane Dia, known as "Bombardier", weighing a terrifying 150 kilograms. Instead, Niewiadomski will be tested in Szczecin by Austrian finisher <strong>Patrik Spirk</strong>. Spirk has never had to rely on a judges' decision in his entire career.</p><p><strong>Will we see the magic 200th submission? Will Materla hold his fortress against the unstoppable Jungwirth? We will get the answers to these burning questions and much more this Saturday evening. Don’t miss OKTAGON’s historic premiere in Poland and watch all the fights from the Enea Arena in Szczecin live and exclusively on </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://OKTAGON.TV"><strong>OKTAGON.TV</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="127"></okteventcomponent>

OKTAGON is crossing Polish borders for the first time in history. For its grand premiere, the organization has chosen the Enea Arena in Szczecin, which will shake to its foundations this Saturday. 

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE SZCZECIN CARD: BATTLE OF LEGENDS, A FIREFIGHTER IN THE CAGE, AND THE HUNT FOR THE 200TH SUBMISSION

<p>OKTAGON 86 in Szczecin will deliver a heavyweight bout that promises to shake the cage. On one side stands the hometown hero, a feared grappler and Polish Army soldier, Michał Piwowarski. Across the cage, the German machine Timo Feucht makes his return after seven long years, determined to prove he deserves a second chance in Europe's best league. Who will emerge victorious from this highly anticipated clash?</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/fbd33c88-b578-459f-9bdf-735cd12f2589/cs.1775568772957.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/5c53f9bf-4cb5-42f4-8aaa-cda7f2145c9d/cs.1775568779233.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>MICHAŁ "PIWO" PIWOWARSKI: A DANGEROUS SOLDIER WITH A BLACK BELT</h2><p>For the Szczecin crowd, he is a massive draw and an obvious fan favorite. Another representative of the renowned local Berserkers Team gym, <strong>Michał Piwowarski (7-4)</strong> is the embodiment of a local patriot. Although he is 37 years old and only jumped into professional MMA in 2017, his skills command immense respect.</p><p>Out of 11 professional bouts, he has secured seven victories—<strong>six of them by submission</strong>. Like his teammates, "Piwo" is absolutely at his best on the ground, where, as a BJJ black belt, he gives his opponents no room to breathe. His undeniable quality is further proven by the fact that he defeated former OKTAGON title challenger Kamil Minda during his amateur career.</p><p>Beyond the hard grind on the mats, Piwowarski is also a <strong>professional soldier</strong>. He brings his iron discipline and unwavering resolve straight from the barracks. Currently riding a two-fight win streak, he now faces the opportunity of a lifetime to shine in front of his home fans on Europe's most prestigious stage.</p><h2>TIMO FEUCHT: A PREDATOR WHO DOESN'T NEED THE JUDGES</h2><p>Facing him in the cage is the extremely dangerous <strong>Timo Feucht (8-1)</strong>. The German striker returns to the yellow-and-black banner after seven years with massive motivation. Fans might remember him from OKTAGON 14, where he shocked the arena by literally <strong>demolishing the then-feared Jeremy Kimball</strong>, finishing him in just two minutes.</p><p>Now, he announces a spectacular comeback and makes no secret of his highest ambitions. Feucht has walked a rocky road since his last OKTAGON appearance, but he has learned from past mistakes. He sees this return as a dream second chance and wants to focus entirely on building his sporting legacy.</p><p>His resume in the cage is simply terrifying: <strong>he has finished all 8 of his professional wins before the final bell</strong>. Heavy hands and devastating ground and pound are the weapons this German tank uses to strike fear into his opponents.</p><h2>HEAVYWEIGHT CHESS WITH NO MARGIN FOR ERROR</h2><p>This matchup promises a highly attractive battle where even the slightest mistake could spell an instant end. The crushing pressure and raw physical strength of Timo Feucht will collide with the elite grappling of Michał Piwowarski.</p><p>Although the German fighter has a reputation as a ruthless striker, he is definitely not someone to be underestimated on the mat. <strong>He has secured three of his career wins by submission</strong>. In Szczecin, however, he faces a highly specific challenge in the form of a specialist whose greatest weapon is the ground game. "Piwo" will look to use his jiu-jitsu expertise to drag the fight into positions where he has found most of his success. Furthermore, this will be a huge mental test for the German, as he steps into a roaring Enea Arena against a highly motivated hometown fighter.</p><p><strong>Will the German finisher survive enemy territory, or will the hometown submission master claim another triumph? OKTAGON 86 erupts in Szczecin on April 11th. Don’t miss this brutal heavyweight clash and watch the entire event live. Get your PPV at </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://OKTAGON.TV"><strong>OKTAGON.TV</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="127"></okteventcomponent>

OKTAGON 86 in Szczecin will deliver a heavyweight bout that promises to shake the cage. On one side stands the hometown hero, a feared grappler and Polish Army soldier, Michał Piwowarski. Across the cage, the German machine Timo Feucht.

HEAVYWEIGHT COLLISION: PIWOWARSKI TAKES ON FEUCHT IN SZCZECIN

<p>On April 25, the Home Credit Arena in Liberec will witness a raid unprecedented in OKTAGON history. A single fight card will feature four elite representatives of the Swedish fight scene. Scandinavian steel is coming to test both the Czech and international waters, determined to leave an everlasting mark. Meet the fighters behind this destructive legion arriving to conquer the north of Bohemia.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/744bf243-fc34-4f28-83a0-65fa97e8cabf/cs.1775220295836.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/09cd29a6-265b-4e17-beed-6dfecfbb52fa/cs.1775220300342.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>ZEBAZTIAN KADESTAM: THE CHAMPION WHO PUT SOLDIĆ TO SLEEP </h2><p>Leading the Swedish army is the former ONE Championship world titleholder.<strong> Zebaztian "The Bandit" Kadestam (15-8)</strong> is the embodiment of absolute striking destruction, a fact he proved in his recent bout in Colorado, where he brutally <strong>knocked out the feared Roberto Soldić</strong> in the second round. Kadestam brings devastating elbows and a wealth of experience from the world's biggest arenas into the cage. In Liberec, however, he faces an extremely motivated hometown hero and elite soldier, <strong>Dominik Humburger</strong>. This will be a clash of two worlds that is highly unlikely to reach the judges' scorecards.</p><h2>SAMUEL BARK: THE COLD-BLOODED BELT COLLECTOR</h2><p>If anyone embodies a modern gladiator, it is the cold-blooded <strong>Samuel Bark (11-3)</strong>. One of Europe's most successful Muay Thai fighters and a WBC belt holder, he has already made his mark in OKTAGON with a dominant victory over <strong>Vladimír Lengál</strong> and a breathtaking performance in Brno, where, despite getting off to a rocky start, he pulled off an incredible comeback to<strong> submit former champion Mate Sanikidze</strong>. Now, he returns to the cage starving for victory after a <strong>narrow decision loss to Zafar Mohsen</strong> at OKTAGON 82 in January. Standing in his way this time is the Brno brawler <strong>Radek Roušal</strong>, who is out for revenge on behalf of his friend. Brace yourselves for a ruthless stand-up war in small gloves that will make your blood run cold.</p><h2>JOSEFINE KNUTSSON: AN ELITE STRIKER WITH CLINICAL PRECISION </h2><p>The female wing of the Swedish expedition brings a true gem to the Liberec card. <strong>Josefine "Thunder" Knutsson (8-1)</strong> is an elite fighter whose movement in the cage resembles a deadly dance with a razor blade. The Muay Thai World Championship gold medalist and Japanese K-1 elite tournament finalist heads to OKTAGON with a clear goal: to bounce back from her first professional <strong>loss in her last UFC bout against Piera Rodriguez</strong>. However, an easy path back to the win column does not await her. Standing in her way in Liberec is 25-year-old Brazilian heavy hitter<strong> Mileide Simplicio</strong>, well-remembered by local fans from her clash with <strong>Veronika Smolková</strong>. In this highly anticipated matchup, the Swedish favorite is expected to deliver precise technique, devastating speed, and a harsh, world-class striking lesson.</p><oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWWzRDTDB-h/"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>LIAM PITTS: THE TV STAR WHO ALWAYS GETS THE FINISH</h2><p>Closing out the Swedish legion is a representative of the fierce next generation and a true phenomenon. At just <strong>22 years old</strong>, <strong>Liam Pitts (3-0)</strong> brings not only an undefeated record into the cage but also a 100% stoppage rate. In his last fight at OKTAGON 79, <strong>he gave Stephan Guide no chance</strong>, choking him out in the very first round. Although a massive <strong>reality TV star back home</strong>, once the cage door locks, he transforms into a ruthless brawler from the renowned Allstars gym. He comes to Liberec to prove why he represents the bright future of European MMA and is ready to unleash absolute hell.</p><p><strong>The Swedish invasion is here, and on April 25, the ground in Liberec will shake! Be there when the cage doors close at the Home Credit Arena. Tickets are on sale now and disappearing fast. Don't miss your chance, secure your seats at </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://oktagonmma.com"><strong>oktagonmma.com</strong></a><strong>, and experience this Nordic storm for yourself!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="129"></okteventcomponent>

On April 25, the Home Credit Arena in Liberec will witness a raid unprecedented in OKTAGON history. A single fight card will feature four elite representatives of the Swedish fight scene. Scandinavian steel is coming to test both the Czech and international waters.

SWEDISH INVASION BENEATH JEŠTĚD: LIBEREC BRACES FOR A NORDIC STORM

<p>On April 25th, the Home Credit Arena in Liberec will host the highly anticipated debut of a global star. <strong>Zebaztian Kadestam</strong>, a former world champion and elite striker whose life journey led from a juvenile detention center to the absolute pinnacle of the sport, is stepping into the cage. He arrives with a clear goal: to conquer North Bohemia and leave an undeniable mark on OKTAGON soil. However, waiting for him under the Ještěd mountain is elite soldier <strong>Dominik Humburger</strong>, who refuses to back down an inch in front of his home crowd.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/b80b59ab-a121-484b-af71-668206005675/cs.1775057702696.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/aec260d3-ec35-483f-b365-3f701b126a54/cs.1775057707558.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>AN ELITE STRIKER WITH DEVASTATING POWER</h2><p>Zebaztian Kadestam <strong>has long been ranked among the most respected strikers on the global scene</strong> and is one of the most prominent names introduced by OKTAGON this year. The <strong>former welterweight king of the prestigious Asian promotion ONE Championship</strong> brings immense experience and a professional record of <strong>15–8</strong> to the cage. Remarkably, <strong>13 of his wins have come via KO/TKO</strong>. His ability to control the tempo and apply calculated pressure makes him an extremely dangerous adversary.</p><h2>FROM THE STREETS TO THE WORLD THRONE</h2><p>The story of "<strong>The Bandit</strong>" reads like a gritty Nordic drama. Born in Uppsala, Sweden, Kadestam struggled with ADHD as a child, quickly lost interest in school, and fell into the illusions of the street. Theft, street fighting, and drugs eventually led him behind the walls of a detention center on the island of Gotland at just sixteen years old. It was there, however, that Kadestam found his salvation—martial arts. Though he initially received harsh lessons in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on the mats, the defeats didn't break him. On the contrary, they helped him tame his ego and discover his inner strength.</p><p>At eighteen, he made a solemn promise to himself: he would reach the global stage before turning twenty-five. Following his release in 2009, he headed to Stockholm, and a year later, he flew to Thailand to train. He admits he knew all too well that this was his last chance to avoid ending up in prison for good. <strong>Combat sports gave him the meaning and direction</strong> he had previously sought in vain. The troubled boy grew into a predator, completing his life’s turnaround in <strong>2018 </strong>when he ascended the championship throne of ONE Championship. Thus, he enters the OKTAGON cage not just as an elite athlete, but as a hardened warrior who knows exactly what it’s like to fight his way up from the very bottom.</p><h2>THE EXECUTIONER WHO SILENCED SOLDIĆ</h2><p>To understand the magnitude of the threat the Swedish fighter poses, one only needs to look at his recent performance in Colorado, USA, where Kadestam brutally <strong>knocked out the feared</strong> <strong>Roberto Soldić</strong>. The local audience still vividly remembers the Croatian "Robocop" as the man who clinicaly broke <strong>Patrik Kincl</strong> in the third round back in 2021. Yet, Kadestam needed only two rounds to definitively shut Soldić down, confirming his status as absolute world class. For Dominik Humburger, this means one thing: he stands at a career crossroads and faces perhaps the toughest test that could ever define his legacy. This trial will speak volumes about the future of the middleweight division.</p><oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DV_qwwCjAA6/?utm_source=ig_embed"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>AN EARTHQUAKE IN NORTH BOHEMIA</h2><p>OKTAGON 87 in Liberec offers more than just a clash between a world champion and a local soldier; it features a card packed with stars of the European scene. Under the spotlights of the Home Credit Arena, you will witness the historic title fight of Lucia Szabová, the spectacular return of Vlado Lengál, and an uncompromising striking war featuring Radek Roušal.</p><p><strong>On April 25th, witness the confrontation of vast experience and pure hunger for victory. Watch the tournament live via PPV on </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://OKTAGON.TV"><strong>OKTAGON.TV</strong></a><strong>, or soak up the electrifying atmosphere directly from the stands.&nbsp;Secure your spot below 👇</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="129"></okteventcomponent>

On April 25th, the Home Credit Arena in Liberec will host the highly anticipated debut of a global star. Zebaztian Kadestam, a former world champion and elite striker whose life journey led from a juvenile detention center to the absolute pinnacle of the sport, is stepping into the cage. 

THE BIRTH OF A BANDIT: HOW A TROUBLED KID BECAME A WORLD CHAMPION NOW HEADING TO OKTAGON

<p>On April 11th, Szczecin's Enea Arena will host a matchup that will send chills down the spines of striking fans. OKTAGON 86 features a clash between two women who have reached the absolute pinnacle of their respective disciplines. Homegrown star and nine-time Polish K-1 champion Emilia Czerwińska will face British icon Niamh Kinehan, considered by many to be the best female Muay Thai fighter on the planet. Will Polish grit dominate in small gloves, or will technical precision from the cradle of Thai boxing prevail?</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/c5e910b4-14c2-45e9-af44-634c4067b49f/cs.1774958869458.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/fa8d7f26-e45c-4ff2-871d-0bc14155d38c/cs.1774958873870.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>EMILIA CZERWIŃSKA: THE IRON LADY OF POLISH STRIKING</h2><p>The resume of <strong>Emilia Czerwińska</strong> (3–1) commands respect from anyone who has ever laced up gloves. A nine-time Polish champion and two-time K-1 World Champion, she is at the peak of her career at 35. Czerwińska isn't just a "fighter"—she is a winning machine with years of experience in the world’s toughest rings.</p><p>She transitioned to MMA with a clear goal: to prove her style is adaptable to the cage. She has already proven her worth in KSW, showing that her strikes carry knockout power even in small gloves. In Szczecin, she will have the entire arena behind her. Emilia is hunting for her fourth professional win and intends to show that experience and power are on her side.</p><h2>NIAMH KINEHAN: THE WORLD'S BEST MUAY THAI FIGHTER</h2><p>Standing across from the local hero is a woman whose name is spoken with sacred reverence across Europe. <strong>Niamh Kinehan</strong> joined OKTAGON as the absolute "GOAT" of female Thai boxing. Holding titles from the WBC, WMO, and ISKA, she has won everything there is to win in the ring. Her style is defined by relentless pressure, lethal knees, and clinches from which there is no escape.</p><p>While Kinehan is still a newcomer to MMA, her <strong>debut</strong> at a sold-out Štvanice was breathtaking. She systematically dismantled Czech prospect Michaela Hlaváčiková, proving her Muay Thai is absolutely devastating in the cage. Now, Niamh is raising the bar. For the first time, she faces an opponent who is larger and more experienced in MMA. However, the British champion loves a challenge and travels to Poland with one goal: to silence Szczecin and confirm her technique is unmatched.</p><oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVgdkBtiCHZ/"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>A CLASH OF TWO WORLDS: K-1 VS. MUAY THAI</h2><p>Czerwińska vs. Kinehan is more than just an MMA duel. It is a confrontation between two schools of striking. While the Pole relies on boxing combinations and the high-pressure K-1 style, the Brit brings the destructive power of Thai boxing into the cage. Which woman will conquer Szczecin and secure a crucial victory in the OKTAGON cage?</p><p><strong>OKTAGON 86 in Szczecin will be a night of legends!</strong> Don’t miss this exceptional clash alongside a stacked card:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Michał Materla vs. Christian Jungwirth</strong> – A war between two national icons.</p></li><li><p><strong>Tomasz Narkun vs. Alexander Poppeck</strong> – A battle for the light heavyweight title challenger spot.</p></li><li><p><strong>Piotr Wawrzyniak vs. Mateusz Janur</strong> – A Polish derby at the top of the middleweight division.</p></li></ul><p><strong>The Enea Arena will shake on April 11th under the roar of the fans. Be part of this historic Polish premiere! Tickets are moving fast, so secure your spot or buy the PPV at </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://OKTAGON.TV"><strong>OKTAGON.TV</strong></a><strong>. Ticket link below.</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="127"></okteventcomponent>

On April 11th, Szczecin's Enea Arena will host a matchup that will send chills down the spines of striking fans. OKTAGON 86 features a clash between two women who have reached the absolute pinnacle of their respective disciplines. 

CLASH OF ELITE STRIKERS: HOME FAVORITE CZERWIŃSKA TO FACE STAR KINEHAN IN SZCZECIN

<p>OKTAGON’s historic first-ever tournament in Poland is knocking on the door, and with it comes the debut of a man entering the organization with the aura of a champion and a reputation as an uncompromising finisher. Mateusz Janur (11–4) dominated the Polish organization FEN and is now ready to conquer the European throne. Standing in his way, however, is one of the toughest obstacles in the division: former interim champion Piotr Wawrzyniak. How is Janur preparing, what does it mean to fight alongside legends like Materla and Narkun, and what kind of burger will he treat himself to after a victory? You’ll find out all this and more in our exclusive interview.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/c13b180f-559e-4df5-bbde-7b11971ddbe9/cs.1774531270380.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/1a5d2bc3-9da5-435d-b6c6-dc72a851a915/cs.1774531276157.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><p></p><p><strong>Mateusz, welcome to OKTAGON. Your debut takes place at the promotion's historic first-ever event in Poland. What are your prevailing emotions just a few weeks before this milestone?</strong></p><p>I am incredibly happy to be part of this historic event. I’m looking forward to the fight immensely. It also means a lot to me to be competing on the same card as Michał Materla and Tomasz Narkun—they are true icons of Polish MMA.</p><p><strong>What specifically attracted you to OKTAGON? Had you been following the promotion before, or did you start paying attention only after the expansion into Poland was announced?</strong></p><p>OKTAGON caught my eye because of its rapid expansion across Europe. Right now, it’s the largest and fastest-growing MMA organization on the European market. Of course, the contract offer played a role, but I had been following OKTAGON tournaments before that. What interested me most was last year’s middleweight tournament and the guys who competed in it.</p><p><strong>You enter OKTAGON with a reputation as a feared finisher—9 of your 11 wins ended before the final bell. Can fans expect another hunt for a finish? What kind of statement do you want to make in your first fight?</strong></p><p>In every fight, I prepare for a tough three-round battle. But if the opportunity arises during the fight, I always go for the finish—whether it’s a submission or a knockout. It will be the same here. I expect three demanding rounds with Piotr Wawrzyniak, but if the chance comes, I will definitely try to end the fight before the final gong.</p><p><strong>Your last two fights ended in victories via guillotine choke. Your upcoming opponent, Piotr Wawrzyniak, has never been finished by KO/TKO. Will you aim to be the first to do so, or will you rely on your grappling skills?</strong></p><p>As I said, I’m preparing for three rounds of hard exchanges. But if the situation gives me an opening to end the fight via submission or knockout, I’ll take it. I firmly believe in the power of my striking, but I see great opportunities in my ground game as well.</p><p><strong>Piotr Wawrzyniak is a former OKTAGON interim champion and one of the toughest fighters in the division. How do you view him as an opponent? Have you watched his previous fights?</strong></p><p>Piotr is a very tough fighter. He constantly pressures forward and loves sharp exchanges. He is in the top five of the rankings, so this is a great matchup for me and a huge opportunity to jump straight to the top of the division. I’m really looking forward to sharing the cage with him.</p><p><strong>You are a star in Poland, but in OKTAGON, you are starting a new chapter. How much does it motivate you to win over Czech, Slovak, and German fans who might be seeing you in action for the first time on Saturday night?</strong></p><p>It’s a new chapter for me and a chance to step onto a major international stage. I’m excited to fight in front of fans from all over Europe—whether they are from Czechia, Germany, Slovakia, or elsewhere. I want to put on a great performance so that they remember my name for a long time.</p><p><strong>Wawrzyniak is known for his aggressive style and heavy hands. How are you preparing for this type of opponent at your home gym, Armia Polkowice? Is it the sparring with heavyweights there that has toughened you up for this duel?</strong></p><p>I am preparing for Piotr tactically, of course, but I’d rather keep the details to myself. I train at the Armia Polkowice gym as well as Ankos MMA Poznań, where I have the opportunity to spar with some of the best middleweight fighters in Poland and Europe. Thanks to that, I will be fully prepared for Piotr’s style.</p><oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVJXJPiDLGb/?img_index=1"></oktinstagramcomponent><p><strong>At 34, you are an experienced veteran at the top of your game. What do you see as your biggest advantage over the younger "hungry wolves" trying to fight their way to the top of the middleweight division?</strong></p><p>Honestly, I feel young and believe I am in the best shape of my career. My biggest advantage is definitely experience. I’ve been through tough battles, faced strong opponents, and known both victory and defeat. I’ve seen a lot in this sport, and that experience is one of my greatest assets.</p><p><strong>OKTAGON’s middleweight division is currently one of the most stacked. If you defeat Wawrzyniak on Saturday, will you want someone from the top five next, or do you have a specific name in mind?</strong></p><p>Right now, I am fully focused only on the fight with Piotr Wawrzyniak. That is the only thing that matters at the moment. I’m not looking too far ahead. After the fight in Szczecin, we’ll see what comes next in OKTAGON.</p><p><strong>Many fighters have their rituals. Do you do anything specific on fight day to get into "the zone"?</strong></p><p>On fight day, I like to focus on mental preparation. I use breathing exercises and meditation to stay calm and focused. I also visualize how the fight might unfold. It’s important for me to have my friends and my entire corner around me; that gives me a lot of confidence and peace.</p><p><strong>You won’t reveal your game plan, but if you had to guess—in which round and by what method will you emerge victorious in Szczecin?</strong></p><p>It’s hard to predict the exact ending, but I have two ideal scenarios. The first would be a quick submission finish. The second would be three hard rounds of intense exchanges followed by a submission or knockout in the third round.</p><p><strong>If you could say one thing to the Polish fans coming to the arena to support you, what would it be?</strong></p><p>I can promise all the Polish fans that we, as fighters, will do everything to make sure OKTAGON enters Poland in great style. I hope the fans come to the arena, enjoy the atmosphere, and support all the fighters—both the domestic and the international ones.</p><p><strong>Mateusz, outside the cage, you seem very calm and composed. How do you relax when you aren't training for fights?</strong></p><p>I love sports and I love good food. Outside of training, I like to stay active in various other sports and spend my free time enjoying great meals in good restaurants. That’s my way of resting and recharging my batteries.</p><p><strong>I have to ask about your love for burgers. What kind of burger will you treat yourself to after the fight in Szczecin?</strong></p><p>My love for burgers stems partly from the fact that one of my close friends owns a burger restaurant. He is also one of my sponsors and was one of the first people to support me in my professional career. You could say I’m the official taster for his burgers. So after the fight in Szczecin, I’m sure he’ll prepare something special for me.</p><p><strong>Authenticity is important for fighters. What should OKTAGON fans associate with the name Mateusz Janur? What legacy do you want to leave in the organization?</strong></p><p>I want people to associate my name with true sportsmanship and professionalism. Less talk, more action. I want to be known for my attitude outside the cage and for strong, exciting performances inside it.</p><p></p><p><strong>Mateusz Janur is ready to storm into OKTAGON and immediately aim for the highest goals. Will he manage to stop Wawrzyniak in Szczecin and secure a prime position in the stacked middleweight division? We’ll find out on April 11th at the Enea Arena. The historic Polish premiere is just around the corner, and tickets are disappearing at lightning speed. Be there when history is written. Secure your tickets today!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="127"></okteventcomponent>

OKTAGON’s historic first-ever tournament in Poland is knocking on the door, and with it comes the debut of a man entering the organization with the aura of a champion and a reputation as an uncompromising finisher. 

MATEUSZ JANUR: "LESS TALK, MORE ACTION. I WANT FANS TO REMEMBER MY NAME"

<p><strong>Liberec's Home Credit Arena</strong> is bracing for an invasion of Moravian power. The inseparable duo, synonymous with attractive "wars" and an uncompromising style, is back in action. <strong>Radek Roušal </strong>and <strong>Vlado Lengál</strong>, two brawlers from Brno, will challenge dangerous international raiders at <strong>OKTAGON 87</strong>. We are in for a personal vendetta for a teammate and a battle for a spot in the Lightweight TOP 5. Will the Brno duo conquer North Bohemia?</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/ef8f6998-6c2f-406d-962f-a7c2eac10493/cs.1774360393001.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/cdb1ecf5-31c2-4b16-9c50-f5c5db22d34a/cs.1774360399668.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>RADEK ROUŠAL: TIME FOR REVENGE AND A CLIMB TO THE TOP</h2><p>The popular Brno "bad boy" <strong>Radek Roušal</strong> is enjoying a dream run. His 2025 campaign was a total demolition—<strong>three fights, three victories</strong>, all finished before the distance. Most recently in Brno, he shocked the arena by knocking out Corey Frye, who was supposed to be his toughest test, in the very first round. Roušal is on a roll, and his confidence and hunger grow with every bout.</p><p>In Liberec, however, he faces a challenge with a personal touch. Standing in his way is the Swedish "Sammon Decker," <strong>Samuel Bark</strong>. The former UAE Warriors champion and elite Muay Thai fighter has already sparked a<strong> heated exchange with Roušal </strong>on social media, much to the fans' delight. Bark is extremely dangerous in the cage—he submitted Sanikidze in Brno, and more importantly, he <strong>holds a win over Roušal’s teammate</strong>, Vlado Lengál. For Radek, the mission is clear: avenge his friend, take down the star Swede, and firmly establish himself among the Featherweight elite. A finish will be in the air from the very first second!</p><h2>VLADO LENGÁL: A BATTLE FOR THE TOP 5 AGAINST THE TURKISH DRAGON</h2><p>While Roušal attacks the top of the Featherweight division, the legendary <strong>Vlado Lengál</strong> aims to improve his standing in the stacked Lightweight division. Last time in Brno, Vlado showed his fists still possess <strong>devastating power </strong>when he steamrolled his Serbian opponent Dimić, finishing him in the second round. Lengál is a fan favorite thanks to his resilience and willingness to engage in any exchange.</p><p>In Liberec, he faces the Turkish sharpshooter <strong>Ozan Aslaner</strong>. Currently ranked #7 in the Lightweight division, Aslaner is a <strong>proven name</strong> in OKTAGON with battles against the likes of Kuzník, Tichota, and Mudroch under his belt. Aslaner recently defeated Mexican veteran Elpidio and is now hungry for another Czech scalp. For Lengál, this is a pivotal duel—victory will catapult him toward the <strong>TOP 5 </strong>and prove that Vlado is far from finished. We are in for a clash of two hard-hitting strikers, and once again, a finish before the final bell is expected.</p><oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVteXb6jM-U/?img_index=8"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>WILL LIBEREC CELEBRATE WITH BRNO?</h2><p>Two teammates, one goal: to bring valuable scalps back from North Bohemia and show that the Brno school is world-class. Can Roušal tame Bark and Lengál stop Aslaner? The Home Credit Arena will be boiling, and fan support could be the deciding factor.</p><p><strong>OKTAGON 87 in Liberec is fast approaching! On April 25th, you’ll see not only the Brno duo in action but also the historic title fight of Lucia Szabová and local hero Dominik Humburger. This is a tournament you cannot miss! Secure your seat in the arena and experience the unique atmosphere for yourself!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="129"></okteventcomponent>

Liberec's Home Credit Arena is bracing for an invasion of Moravian power. The inseparable duo, synonymous with attractive "wars" and an uncompromising style, is back in action. Radek Roušal and Vlado Lengál, two brawlers from Brno, will challenge dangerous international raiders at OKTAGON 87.

INTRODUCING: ANTHONY SALAMONE, KEITA'S FAVORITE TO WIN

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