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.<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>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.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.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.DID YOU KNOW? His nickname, "Ours Blanc," means "Polar Bear" in French.<h2>RETURN TO MIDDLEWEIGHT</h2>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.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.FUN FACT: Salamone faced Will Fleury, the new light heavyweight champion, in 2022!<oktfightcomponent fightid="1086"></oktfightcomponent>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?<h2>KEITA’S DARK HORSE</h2>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.<h2>PROUD OF HIS HOMETOWN </h2>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.ENGIZEK VS. SALAMONE on February 1 in Düsseldorf! Don’t miss the opening fights of TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER 2025.<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

The year 2025 was a turning point for OKTAGON. We visited new cities, launched new projects, and once again took a step forward. We also crossed several major milestones: since the organization was founded, our events have been attended by more than 750,000 fans, we have staged over 1,000 MMA bouts, and in the past year alone we witnessed a total of 11 title fights. Take a look back at the most significant moments of the year.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/f72d4041-e08a-44cd-bfd3-382d59e9716a/cs.1767972878304.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/a310dacc-f8f8-452a-8183-3bf0beeefe2e/cs.1767973034540.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>THE THIRD SEASON OF THE MILLION-EURO TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER PYRAMID</h2>New names, new challenges. The third season of the million-euro Tipsport Gamechanger project took place this time in the middleweight division (up to 84 kg). Just like previous editions, the tournament attracted elite fighters from around the world, all competing for prestige and a fairytale prize of €300,000. Who will become the winner of the final season of this unique project? We’ll find out next Saturday, when middleweight champion Kerim Engizek faces Polish veteran Krzysztof Jotko in the final.Fighters introduced by Tipsport Gamechanger last year:<ul><li>Dominik Humburger</li></ul><ul><li>Krzysztof Jotko</li></ul><ul><li>Mark Hulme</li></ul><ul><li>Kamil Oniszczuk</li></ul>All of them delivered outstanding performances, and we are already looking forward to seeing them back in the cage. Jotko now awaits a final showdown with Engizek, who has been unbeaten for nearly eleven years. Oniszczuk will face the in-form Marek Bartl. Dominik Humburger became one of the biggest stars of the year despite losing his semifinal bout to Engizek in an incredible battle—very possibly the fight of the year. Mark Hulme was considered the biggest favorite to win the tournament until his clash with Humburger, and his life story captured the hearts of many fans.<h2>WILL FLEURY BECOMES DOUBLE CHAMPION AND P4P KING</h2>The phenomenal Will “Fucking” Fleury added a second belt to his collection. After winning the light heavyweight title, he moved up to the heaviest division and defeated Lazar Todev in a five-round title fight. That victory confirmed Fleury’s peak form and his ability to prepare for much heavier opponents. He underlined this at the end of the year with arguably the biggest win of his career—against Slovak giant Martin Buday, who returned to OKTAGON after a successful run in the UFC.Fleury finished Buday in the first round, defended his heavyweight title, and earned the Performance of the Night bonus. The Irish fan favorite is simply unstoppable. After the fight, he expressed his desire to become OKTAGON’s first-ever triple champion—staging a staredown in the cage with interim champion Muradov. Would you like to see that fight? First, however, Fleury will defend his light heavyweight belt against the surging Daniel Škvor. It will be their second meeting, and it will be fascinating to see how the rematch unfolds.<h2>RETURN TO EDEN AND THE CONFIRMATION OF KARLOS VÉMOLA’S IMMORTALITY</h2>Last year, OKTAGON also returned to Prague’s Eden Stadium, where the final chapter of the trilogy between Karlos Vémola and Attila Végh took place. Two legends met in the cage one last time to decide the ultimate winner once and for all. After five intense and evenly matched rounds, the Infinity Belt went to the Czech “Terminator,” who definitively cemented his legacy as a giant and legend of Czech MMA.The event also featured an interim middleweight title fight between Patrik Kincl and Makhmud Muradov, which Muradov won convincingly on points. Beyond the sporting performances, the spectacular Progresus Halftime Show by Calin and his Rychlí kluci label added incredible energy and flair to the evening. OKTAGON will not return to Fortuna Arena in 2026, but instead will head back to Eintracht Stadium in Frankfurt, aiming once again to break the world record for MMA event attendance.<h2>THE MOST BEAUTIFUL EVENT OF THE YEAR AT ŠTVANICE</h2>OKTAGON 74 took place on Prague’s legendary Štvanice Island, where OKTAGON returned after two years. The open-air setting once again created an unmistakable atmosphere, and fans witnessed an evening full of powerful stories. The card featured the Tipsport Gamechanger quarterfinals and a historic title change, as Lucia Szabová defeated reigning champion Cecilia Bolander in the main event. One of the biggest surprises of the night came courtesy of Dominik Humburger, who stunned expectations by ending the winning streak of the favored Mark Hulme. Štvanice once again confirmed its status as one of the most iconic venues on the domestic MMA scene.<h2>OKTAGON DEBUTS ON FREE-TO-AIR RTL BROADCAST IN COLOGNE</h2>OKTAGON 78 in Cologne marked a major milestone not only for German MMA, but for European MMA as a whole. For the first time, an OKTAGON event was broadcast free-to-air on German television channel RTL. A wide audience was able to watch the two main fights of the evening for free—the women’s bout between Alina Dalaslan and Katharina Lehner, and the highly anticipated clash between Christian Eckerlin and Ivica Trušček. For OKTAGON and the German market, this was a clear signal of growing trust from major media outlets and confirmation that MMA is steadily finding its place in mainstream television.That was our 2025. Thank you to all the fans for the incredible energy and emotions that continue to drive us forward. In 2026, we will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the organization’s founding, and you can already look forward to a packed and unforgettable program. This year, we will deliver more events than ever before. We kick things off next Saturday, January 17, in Düsseldorf, where the winner of the final season of the Tipsport Gamechanger will be decided.<okteventcomponent eventid="121"></okteventcomponent>

The year 2025 was a turning point for OKTAGON. We visited new cities, launched new projects, and once again took a step forward. We also crossed several major milestones: since the organization was founded, our events have been attended by more than 750,000 fans, we have staged over 1,000 MMA bouts.

2025 AT A GLANCE: THE MOST IMPORTANT MOMENTS OF THE PAST YEAR

OKTAGON’s featherweight division is approaching a pivotal moment. The matchup between Gjoni Palokaj and James Hendin brings together two in-form contenders at the top of the division, with the winner moving a major step closer to a title shot. Palokaj is hungry for his first finish in the organization, while England’s “Honeybadger” Hendin aims to build on his latest victory and defeat the home favorite.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/2d7681a8-9629-46f5-a7b4-3a77f87d406e/cs.1767801110268.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/97524d7c-e113-4d98-b45b-66ee1f8d34fe/cs.1767801115341.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>GJONI PALOKAJ CUTS THROUGH THE DIVISION WITH EASE</h2>Gjoni Palokaj is one of the most consistent fighters in the featherweight division. The current #5 contender most recently defeated the talented Jakub Batfalský in the main event of OKTAGON 75 in Hanover, extending his winning streak to seven fights in a row. He has been unbeaten for an incredible 1,176 days, making him one of the most dominant fighters on the entire roster.Palokaj is a former champion of two German organizations and remains the only fighter to have defeated star prospect Islam Dulatov. He has never been stopped by KO or TKO in his career. In OKTAGON, he has won all five of his bouts by decision. Some see this as a weakness, others as proof of complete control, patience, and the ability to outclass opponents round after round.One thing is certain: another win would launch Palokaj straight into the title conversation.<h2>THE ENGLISH “HONEYBADGER” ON THE ROAD TO THE TOP</h2>Standing across the cage is English fighter James Hendin, known as the “Honeybadger”—a nickname that perfectly reflects his style. Relentless, tough, and dangerous in every position. Hendin holds a professional record of 10–3, with six victories coming before the final bell. Like Palokaj, he has never been stopped by KO or TKO.Hendin made his OKTAGON debut at OKTAGON 56 in Birmingham, where he dominated Jakub Dohnal and finished him with brutal elbows in the second round. In that fight, he spent 87% of the time in a dominant ground position, clearly showcasing his biggest weapons: elite wrestling and suffocating control.Hendin is also a former Cage Warriors title challenger and currently sits at #187 in the global Fightmatrix rankings. A win over Palokaj would be the biggest victory of his career and a direct ticket into OKTAGON’s elite.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DQ9Dj-hDFq_/"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>WHO TAKES THE NEXT BIG STEP?</h2>This fight will come down to details. Palokaj’s precision, tactics, and long unbeaten run versus Hendin’s aggression, pressure, and ground dominance. Both men share one key trait—neither has ever been stopped on the feet. That makes it all the more intriguing to see who can seize control in the crucial moments.OKTAGON 82 promises an action-packed card featuring major OKTAGON names as well as exciting young talents eager to shine on Europe’s most prestigious MMA stage. We will also finally find out who claims victory in the third season of the million-euro Tipsport Gamechanger project and takes home the fairytale prize of €300,000. Get your PPV at a discounted price now and make sure you don’t miss a second of the action next Saturday, January 17!<okteventcomponent eventid="121"></okteventcomponent>

OKTAGON’s featherweight division is approaching a pivotal moment. The matchup between Gjoni Palokaj and James Hendin brings together two in-form contenders at the top of the division, with the winner moving a major step closer to a title shot. 

GJONI PALOKAJ REMAINS UNBEATEN IN OKTAGON. NOW HE FACES DANGEROUS HENDIN

Marek Bartl, nicknamed the “German Slayer” is heading back to Germany. In Düsseldorf, he will face the durable Polish fighter Kamil Oniszczuk. Bartl is currently riding a two-fight winning streak, and another victory could move him into the TOP 10 of OKTAGON’s stacked middleweight division. Oniszczuk most recently defeated the experienced David Zawada. Will he withstand this tough test against the Czech veteran?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/a4b0b739-6347-4742-be9b-bcac618e056b/cs.1767698600288.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/6e16cb1e-7735-4a65-bd53-fcaa7c15847e/cs.1767698605053.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>BARTL HAS WON OVER GERMAN FANS</h2>Marek Bartl has been a regular presence at German events since OKTAGON 36, where he first introduced himself to German fans at the Frankfurt event. Since then, he has competed at a total of seven OKTAGON events in Germany—winning five of them. He has almost always faced local fighters, and German crowds made it clear he was fighting on enemy territory. Over time, however, and with each performance, Bartl built his reputation and is now among the most sought-after fighters on German OKTAGON cards.One thing is guaranteed with Bartl—he always delivers a war. Only two of his last seven fights went to the judges’ scorecards. His bout with Schwindt is remembered by fans as one of the wildest fights in OKTAGON history, with both fighters pushing themselves to the absolute limit. In his most recent appearance, Bartl produced a spectacular finish, flooring Kennedy Rayomba with a spinning back elbow in the first round. The highlight went viral on social media and quickly became a contender for Finish of the Year.In Düsseldorf, Bartl will face a Polish opponent, making it interesting to see which side the German fans will support. Will they back Bartl on his path toward a long-awaited clash with Jungwirth, or will they rally behind the dangerous Polish fighter?<h2>KAMIL ONISZCZUK: A NEW ADDITION FROM TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER</h2>Kamil Oniszczuk made his OKTAGON debut in early February 2025 as part of the opening round of the million-euro Tipsport Gamechanger pyramid at OKTAGON 66, also held in Düsseldorf. Right from the start, he faced star middleweight champion Kerim Engizek, who was one of the favorites to win the entire tournament. Oniszczuk entered the fight as a huge underdog, yet delivered a thrilling contest that went all the way to the judges’ decision. They narrowly awarded the victory to Kerim Engizek, but the Polish fighter could be satisfied with his debut performance—he was genuinely close to pulling off the win.That was followed by a bout against David Zawada at OKTAGON 74 at Prague’s Štvanice, where Oniszczuk imposed his game and defeated the experienced German veteran on points. Now he faces another tough challenge—a Czech sharpshooter hungry for another valuable scalp.OKTAGON keeps rolling, and on January 17 it delivers another stacked card. OKTAGON 82 in Düsseldorf will feature the final of the last season of the Tipsport Gamechanger project, with Kerim Engizek taking on Krzysztof Jotko. The card will also include Slovak veteran Karol Ryšavý, Swedish fighter Samuel Bark, and young Albanian talent Altin Zenuni. You can watch it all from the comfort of your home—PPV is now available at a special discounted price.<okteventcomponent eventid="121"></okteventcomponent>

Marek Bartl, nicknamed the “German Slayer,” is heading back to Germany. In Düsseldorf, he will face the durable Polish fighter Kamil Oniszczuk. Bartl is currently riding a two-fight winning streak, and another victory could move him into the TOP 10 of OKTAGON’s stacked middleweight division.

MAREK BARTL RETURNS TO GERMANY. HE WILL FACE KAMIL ONISZCZUK IN DÜSSELDORF. 

Prague’s O₂ Arena hosted one of the most memorable events in the history of the organization. OKTAGON 81 delivered dominant title defenses, surprising finishes, and emotional farewells. Fans witnessed a barrage of stoppages, with the judges stepping in only on a few occasions. So how did the final event of 2025 look from the scorecards?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/29accad4-cc7a-48ab-a8db-70996896431c/cs.1767608779101.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/dc110343-9495-4c64-bd49-cceef4ca6c62/cs.1767608785750.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>WILL FLEURY vs. MARTIN BUDAY</h2>And Still! Will Fleury once again proved that he currently has no equal in the heavyweight division. Against the experienced Martin Buday, he looked confident, fast, and precise. A caught kick, a heavy hook, and a follow-up barrage of punches resulted in a first-round KO. There was nothing for the judges to decide—an emphatic and dominant title defense.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1304" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>ZHALGAS ZHUMAGULOV vs. DAVID DVOŘÁK</h2>Elite pace from the opening minute. Zhalgas Zhumagulov was faster, more accurate, and more powerful than local favorite David Dvořák. In the third round, the Czech fighter was visibly shaken after a series of heavy strikes, prompting the doctor to stop the fight. The flyweight champion’s first title defense ended decisively in his favor.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1293" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>PATRIK KINCL vs. ROBERT PUKAČ II</h2>A textbook display of experience and tactics. Patrik Kincl controlled the fight in every area and denied Robert Pukač any significant moments. All three judges agreed on a clear 30–27 verdict for Kincl. A masterful return from the former champion.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1277" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>PATRICK VESPAZIANI vs. DANIEL ŠKVOR</h2>One of the biggest surprises of the night. Daniel Škvor proved that size isn’t everything. Against the heavier Patrick Vespaziani, he capitalized on a mistake and locked in a guillotine choke midway through the second round. An unexpected submission that immediately reshaped the light heavyweight title picture.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1315" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>ONDŘEJ RAŠKA vs. PAVEL TÓTH</h2>The conclusion of the Celebrity Series followed a clear script. The experienced Ondřej Raška approached the bout calmly and methodically. Pavel Tóth tried to surprise on the feet, but once the fight went to the ground, it ended quickly with a TKO via ground-and-pound. Respect goes to Tóth for his courage and heart.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1252" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>MILOŠ PETRÁŠEK vs. MATEUSZ STRZELCZYK</h2>An emotional farewell to a career. Miloš Petrášek survived the pressure in the first round, but in the second he was forced to tap to an armbar. Strzelczyk secured another major submission victory.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1314" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>JONAS MAGARD vs. ELVIS SILVA</h2>Control, pace, dominance. Jonas Magard gave the experienced Elvis Silva no meaningful opportunities and kept the fight firmly under control for all three rounds. A clear decision win and a strong message: a title shot is within reach.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1291" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>VERONIKA SMOLKOVÁ vs. MARTA SÓS</h2>Speed and pressure from the opening second. Veronika Smolková hunted for the finish—and found it. Marta Sós was pushed back to the fence, and after a flurry of punches the referee stepped in to stop the fight in the first round.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1310" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>VOJTĚCH KHOL vs. HUGO VACH</h2>A technical striking battle with a clear winner. Hugo Vach was more accurate and more powerful, denying Vojtěch Khol any significant offense over three rounds. A unanimous decision victory for the German prospect.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1313" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>ALEX HUTYRA vs. VIKTOR KOVÁČ</h2>Another submission added to the collection. Alex Hutyra managed the stand-up well and dominated on the ground. In the second round, he finished Viktor Kováč with a rear-naked choke, delivering an excellent OKTAGON debut.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1348" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>IVAN KLEVETS vs. BARTŁOMIEJ SKOWYRA</h2>The only truly even contest of the evening. After three closely contested rounds, the judges awarded a 2–1 round victory to Ivan Klevets, earning him a very valuable win.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1350" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent>OKTAGON 81 closed out 2025 in spectacular fashion—titles remained with the champions, new stars confirmed their rise, and emotions ran high. Now it’s time to turn the page. The next chapter begins on January 17, 2026, in Düsseldorf, where the million-euro Tipsport Gamechanger pyramid will reach its climax. Buy the PPV and see who becomes the winner of the third and final season of Europe’s MMA Champions League.<okteventcomponent eventid="121"></okteventcomponent>

Prague’s O₂ Arena hosted one of the most memorable events in the history of the organization. OKTAGON 81 delivered dominant title defenses, surprising finishes, and emotional farewells. Fans witnessed a barrage of stoppages, with the judges stepping in only on a few occasions.

OKTAGON 81 THROUGH THE EYES OF THE JUDGES: TITLES DEFENDED AND ONLY A HANDFUL OF DECISIONS

Prague’s O₂ Arena witnessed a spectacular conclusion to 2025. OKTAGON 81 delivered thrilling title fights, emotional farewells, and clear answers to the questions that had been shaking the domestic scene. Fans saw lightning-fast finishes, dominant championship performances, and stories that will be remembered for a long time. How did the final event of the year unfold?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/b01d7ada-2631-4052-8183-bd5498ecb57b/cs.1767023123041.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/62f97f68-ba6e-48c3-8981-31ed1c1e6232/cs.1767023127476.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>WILL FLEURY vs. MARTIN BUDAY</h2>And Still! Will “Fucking” Fleury did it again. In the toughest test of his career against Slovak UFC veteran Martin Buday, he secured victory in the very first round. As expected, Fleury relied on his speed and excellent movement, troubling the heavier Buday with single shots. He then caught Buday’s kick and dropped him with a follow-up hook. A barrage of strikes on the ground sealed Fleury’s incredible win. The Irish fan favorite simply continues to amaze. Next, a light heavyweight title defense against Daniel Škvor now appears likely.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1304"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ZHALGAS ZHUMAGULOV vs. DAVID DVOŘÁK</h2>A dominant performance by the Kazakh champion and a convincing first defense of the flyweight title against local star David Dvořák. Zhumagulov controlled the fight from the opening bell—he was faster, sharper, and more powerful. In the third round, he landed several heavy shots that visibly rocked Dvořák, prompting the doctor to stop the bout during the break before the next round. A commanding victory for Zhumagulov.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1293"></oktfightcomponent><h2>PATRIK KINCL vs. ROBERT PUKAČ II</h2>A masterclass from Patrik Kincl, who systematically dismantled Robert Pukač and proved he still has plenty to offer in OKTAGON. Calm, focused, and tactically flawless, Kincl dominated both on the feet and on the ground, giving Pukač no room to operate. Credit is due to Pukač as well for surviving all the damage and lasting until the judges’ decision, which unanimously favored Kincl in all three rounds. Who will the former champion face next?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1277"></oktfightcomponent><h2>PATRICK VESPAZIANI vs. DANIEL ŠKVOR</h2>Škvor did it again! He shocked fans and experts alike by submitting the bigger and heavier Vespaziani with a guillotine choke midway through the second round. Few expected such an ending—possibly not even Škvor himself. The seasoned striker capitalized perfectly on his opponent’s mistake, and once the submission was locked in, there was no escape. After defeating the division’s #3 contender, Škvor called out champion Will Fleury for a light heavyweight title rematch.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1315"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ONDŘEJ RAŠKA vs. PAVEL TÓTH</h2>The conclusion of the Celebrity Series unfolded largely as many had expected. Raška entered the bout calmly and confidently against the inexperienced Tóth, asserting his dominance from the opening seconds. Tóth, however, refused to give up easily and attempted a counter left hook on the feet. Raška chose not to take risks, took the fight to the ground, and unleashed heavy ground-and-pound. The referee stopped the fight after 80 seconds, awarding Raška a TKO victory. Still, Tóth deserves respect for accepting the challenge and fighting until the very end. The next Celebrity Series bout will take place in Bratislava between singer Michal Novotný aka Yaksha and Rastislav Zara aka Zvarči, known from the reality show Ruža pre nevestu.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1252"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MILOŠ PETRÁŠEK vs. MATEUSZ STRZELCZYK</h2>The final fight of Miloš Petrášek’s career ended on a bitter note. Mateusz Strzelczyk weathered “Melon’s” pressure in the first round and applied an armbar in the second, forcing Petrášek to tap. The farewell did not go as planned, but the beloved Czech fighter still enjoyed an emotional goodbye with the fans. He entered the cage accompanied by his young son, further amplifying the moment. Petrášek now plans to focus more on his family, while remaining involved in training, passing on his experience to younger generations—and perhaps competing in grappling events. On behalf of OKTAGON, we congratulate Miloš on a wonderful career and thank him for everything.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1314"></oktfightcomponent><h2>JONAS MAGARD vs. ELVIS SILVA</h2>The Danish “Shark” delivered another clear and dominant victory. The current #2 bantamweight and the highest-ranked OKTAGON bantamweight in the Fightmatrix world rankings showed exactly why he should be next in line for a title shot. He gave the experienced Silva no openings and controlled the fight in all aspects over three rounds.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1291"></oktfightcomponent><h2>VERONIKA SMOLKOVÁ vs. MARTA SÓS</h2>“Sweetheart” Veronika Smolková confirmed her excellent form and claimed her sixth consecutive win. From the start, she pressed hard against Poland’s Marta Sós, clearly hunting for a quick finish—and she got it. After a flurry of punches against the cage, the referee stepped in to stop the bout. Smolková earned a first-round TKO in her fourth fight of 2025.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1310"></oktfightcomponent><h2>VOJTĚCH KHOL vs. HUGO VACH</h2>Hugo Vach delivered a flawless performance, thoroughly outclassing the home fighter Khol. The German prospect showed why he is considered one of the most promising young talents in Germany. The fight played out mostly on the feet, where Vach was more accurate and powerful, denying the courageous Khol any major opportunities. A high-quality bout between two young prospects of the organization.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1313"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ALEX HUTYRA vs. VIKTOR KOVÁČ</h2>Alex Hutyra confirmed his favorite status and added another submission finish to his résumé. He managed the dangerous Kováč well on the feet before taking over on the ground, where he secured his third professional win with a rear-naked choke in the second round. A perfect OKTAGON debut for the young prospect. Who would you like to see him face next?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1348"></oktfightcomponent><h2>IVAN KLEVETS vs. BARTŁOMIEJ SKOWYRA</h2>The free prelims featured an extremely close contest between two young fighters. Ukraine’s Ivan Klevets ultimately emerged victorious, securing his fourth consecutive win and confirming his rising form. After three evenly matched rounds, the judges awarded Klevets the decision, giving him rounds one and three.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1350"></oktfightcomponent>OKTAGON 81 delivered everything fans could have hoped for—great title fights, surprises, emotions, and powerful stories. The year 2025 ended in spectacular fashion, and it’s already clear that 2026 will be even bigger. Follow the next chapter of OKTAGON and be there—next stop is Hannover, where the winner of the million-euro Tipsport Gamechanger pyramid will be decided on January 17, 2026.<okteventcomponent eventid="121"></okteventcomponent>

Prague’s O₂ Arena witnessed a spectacular conclusion to 2025. OKTAGON 81 delivered thrilling title fights, emotional farewells, and clear answers to the questions that had been shaking the domestic scene. Fans saw lightning-fast finishes, dominant championship performances.

RESULTS OF OKTAGON 81: THE END OF 2025 DELIVERED A SPECTACULAR SHOW AND PLENTY OF SURPRISES

On December 28, Prague’s O₂ Arena will transform into the epicenter of European MMA. OKTAGON 81 delivers a spectacular year finale—title fights, heated rematches, and emotional farewells to legends. Home heroes, world-class talent, and fan-favorite stories. Go through the complete fight-by-fight card overview and make sure you don’t miss a thing.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/f0ee6bf2-86c3-4bb2-868b-04eb01e9b6d8/cs.1766868344173.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/56d91363-e422-48c9-91b6-5bbad134c919/cs.1766868351685.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>WILL FLEURY vs. MARTIN BUDAY</h2>The main event and a heavyweight title mega clash. Two-division champion Will Fleury defends the heavyweight belt against Slovak colossus Martin Buday. Fleury rules two divisions, is #1 P4P, and rides an eight-fight win streak. Buday returns for a throne he once held—now armed with UFC experience and huge motivation. One ruler. One belt. Who will sit on the heavyweight throne?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1304"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ZHALGAS ZHUMAGULOV vs. DAVID DVOŘÁK</h2>A Czech title hope. David Dvořák challenges champion Zhalgas Zhumagulov. After returning from the UFC, Dvořák shone with a brutal KO and immediately earned a title shot. Zhumagulov, an elite UFC veteran and former three-time FNG champion, makes his first OKTAGON title defense. A clash of two fighters at the top of the food chain will decide the flyweight champion.<h2>PATRIK KINCL vs. ROBERT PUKAČ II</h2>A rematch ten years in the making. Patrik Kincl faces Robert Pukač again. Their first fight was razor-close—now the stakes are much higher. Kincl needs to get back on the winning track after two losses, while Pukač is in the form of his life after wins over Kozma and Eckerlin. Czech Republic vs. Slovakia. This battle will ignite the entire O₂ Arena.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1277"></oktfightcomponent><h2>PATRICK VESPAZIANI vs. DANIEL ŠKVOR</h2>Škvor’s first MMA fight at heavyweight. The popular home fighter takes on German giant Patrick Vespaziani. Speed and technique versus size and power. Both are on three-fight win streaks—but only one can extend it.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1315"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ONDŘEJ RAŠKA vs. PAVEL TÓTH</h2>The culmination of the Celebrity Series. Veteran Ondřej Raška carries the pressure of the entire MMA community against amateur Pavel Tóth. Over time, Tóth has won over some fans and is improving rapidly under Karlos Vémola and Petr Kníže. Raška is the clear favorite—anything less than dominance will be seen as a failure.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1252"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MILOŠ PETRÁŠEK vs. MATEUSZ STRZELCZYK</h2>An emotional farewell. Beloved Miloš Petrášek enters the final fight of his career. In front of home fans, he wants to leave with a win and close his MMA story. Across from him stands unpredictable Polish veteran Mateusz Strzelczyk.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1314"></oktfightcomponent><h2>JONAS MAGARD vs. ELVIS SILVA</h2>A heated clash at the top of the bantamweight division. Danish “Shark” Jonas Magard faces Brazilian “Karate Kid” Elvis Silva. Magard is #2 in the division; Silva has a chance for the biggest scalp of his career. Magard is known for stirring things up long before fight night and has fired up sharp trash talk again—will it get into Silva’s head, and will it affect the outcome?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1291"></oktfightcomponent><h2>VERONIKA SMOLKOVÁ vs. MARTA SÓS</h2>Veronika Smolková is enjoying the best run of her career. Five straight wins, aiming to finish 2025 with a sixth. Her opponent Marta Sós accepted the fight on short notice and makes her OKTAGON debut. She’s unbeaten in pro MMA, but facing a red-hot Smolková will be a serious test. Will the Slovak favorite deliver, or will the Pole spring the upset of the night?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1310"></oktfightcomponent><h2>VOJTĚCH KHOL vs. HUGO VACH</h2>A clash of young prospects. Vojtěch Khol, coached by Patrik Kincl and David Dvořák, excelled in his OKTAGON debut at Štvanice. Now he can score the biggest win of his career against Germany’s talented Hugo Vach—inside a packed O₂ Arena with home fans behind him. Vach has already shown why he’s one of Germany’s most exciting young fighters. A career-defining opportunity for both.<h2>ALEX HUTYRA vs. VIKTOR KOVÁČ</h2>Alex Hutyra makes his OKTAGON debut—21-year-old talent from Ostrava moving at full speed. First pro win in September, second in November, now aiming for a year-ending hat trick. Both wins came by first-round RNC, and with an amateur record of 11–2, he’s one to watch. Opposite him is Viktor Kováč—a hard-hitting Slovak who last finished a fight in just 18 seconds. His OKTAGON debut didn’t go as planned, but with over 20 amateur bouts, he knows how to perform under pressure.<h2>IVAN KLEVETS vs. BARTŁOMIEJ SKOWYRA</h2>Ukrainian MMA standout Ivan Klevets makes his OKTAGON debut. Both fighters accepted the bout on short notice, proving true fighter spirit. Klevets boasts an astonishing 89 amateur wins and a 3–3 pro record with big ambitions. Across the cage stands dangerous Polish fighter Bartłomiej “Bucketboy” Skowyra (5–3), looking to showcase renowned Polish power.OKTAGON 81 delivers title fights, legendary rematches, emotional farewells, and the finale of the Celebrity Series. Tomorrow, December 28, at the O₂ Arena! Be there live or watch the broadcast on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://OKTAGON.TV">OKTAGON.TV</a>. This event will go down in European MMA history.<okteventcomponent eventid="118"></okteventcomponent>

On December 28, Prague’s O₂ Arena will transform into the epicenter of European MMA. OKTAGON 81 delivers a spectacular year finale—title fights, heated rematches, and emotional farewells to legends. 

OKTAGON 81 FIGHT–BY–FIGHT: TITLES, REMATCHES, AND EMOTIONS THAT WILL TAKE OVER THE O2 ARENA

The final event of 2025 is just around the corner, so we’re serving up the best highlights, records, and stories to get you ready for this Sunday! A stacked card awaits from start to finish: two title fights, a rematch ten years in the making, the culmination of the Celebrity Series, and much more. Read on for selected fun facts ahead of OKTAGON 81.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/ecb47830-cedf-4a96-ae58-26d272e6338d/cs.1766779678640.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/44f9aa01-281d-498b-b13c-585bbd175b62/cs.1766779688871.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>WORLD-CLASS ELITE</h2>It’s not just two title fights—it’s two bouts at the absolute highest world level and the very peak of OKTAGON competition. Prague’s O2 Arena will host four of the organization’s six highest-ranked male fighters according to the respected global Fightmatrix rankings.Will Fleury (#49), Martin Buday (#46), David Dvořák (#40), and Zhalgas Zhumagulov (#33) all rank among the top 50 fighters in the world in their respective weight classes! And this Sunday, they’ll all appear on the same card—each in a title fight. We could hardly wish for bigger matchups to close out the year.Also inside the global top 100 are Patrik Kincl (#77), Daniel Škvor (#98), Jonas Magard (#58), and rising Slovak star Veronika Smolková, who is an impressive #45 in the women’s flyweight world rankings.December 28 will truly be massive. Can Fleury defend his throne against the extremely dangerous and experienced Buday? And will Dvořák bring the OKTAGON championship belt back to the Czech Republic? One thing is certain—these fights will have fans on their feet.<h2>BRAZILIAN NEMESIS</h2>Jonas Magard is a proven force on the domestic scene, tested by countless hard wars. The Danish “Shark” is among the most dominant fighters in the organization. He has competed eight times in OKTAGON, winning six of those bouts. The only two men to defeat him both came from Brazil.Now Magard has a chance to even the score against Brazilian opponents. His bantamweight showdown with Elvis Silva promises a high-level clash between two world-class fighters. Silva is a seasoned competitor with the highest kick frequency per minute of any OKTAGON fighter—averaging a kick every 11 seconds! Will the “Karate Kid” handle the fearless Dane and earn a title shot, or will Magard finally break his Brazilian curse?<h2>RIDING THE WAVE OF SUCCESS</h2>Several fighters entering the O2 Arena are enjoying incredibly successful runs and haven’t tasted defeat in a long time. The most dominant of them all is Will “Fucking” Fleury. The ruthless P4P king of OKTAGON and champion of two weight classes is riding an eight-fight winning streak and hasn’t lost in an astonishing 1,920 days.But now he faces a literally massive challenge from Slovakia in Martin Buday, who himself is on a three-fight win streak—each victory coming against former UFC fighters.Also riding high is the “Prince of Bratislava,” Robo Pukač, who is in the best form of his career. He currently holds a four-fight winning streak, with his last two victories coming against names like Eckerlin and Kozma. Pukač says this is his moment—and he won’t let it slip away. He’s determined to avenge a ten-year-old loss that once derailed his career. Can he finally overcome the experienced and accomplished Kincl? The Czech “Inspector,” on the other hand, desperately needs a win. A loss to Pukač would be devastating.We can’t forget rising Slovak star Veronika Smolková either. “Sweetheart” has been undefeated for nearly two years, racking up five straight wins. She wants to cap off her outstanding 2025 in victorious fashion. Even though her opponent changed at the last minute, her plan remains the same: deliver another dominant finish and stake her claim for a title shot.All of this goes down in just two days! On Sunday, December 28, 2025, Prague’s O2 Arena will once again surge with the adrenaline that only MMA can deliver. Two title fights, a decade-long rematch, the Celebrity Series finale, the final fight of Miloš Petrášek, and countless other stories will reach their conclusions. And you still have one last chance to be there! Tickets are selling at lightning speed, with only a few seats remaining. Will you join us to witness one of the biggest events in the history of the organization?<okteventcomponent eventid="118"></okteventcomponent>

The final event of 2025 is just around the corner, so we’re serving up the best highlights, records, and stories to get you ready for this Sunday! 

OKTAGON 81 HIGHLIGHTS AND FUN FACTS BEFORE THE FINAL EVENT OF 2025

The Celebrity Series has unleashed emotions within the MMA community the likes of which we haven’t seen in a long time. From the very first announcement, it became a topic that divided fans, sparked heated debates, and often provoked sharp reactions. At the center of it all stands Pavel Tóth—confident, controversial, and impossible to ignore. A man who stepped out of reality TV and into the toughest arena of all: the professional MMA cage.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/7aa9fc28-3152-4e10-a2c8-08bf4f174b7e/cs.1766163046818.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/dd501d51-c8a6-41e5-ac9c-f22f27fd9bc2/cs.1766163054413.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent>What initially looked like a provocation or an April Fool’s joke has now become reality. And the closer the fight gets, the higher the tension rises.<h2>PAVEL TÓTH: FROM REALITY SHOW TO THE REALITY OF THE CAGE</h2>Pavel Tóth, a Love Island contestant and the winner of this year’s Survivor Czech Republic &amp; Slovakia, decided to take a step that very few would dare to take. At just 24 years old, he accepted a challenge with no precedent in Czech-Slovak MMA—entering a professional fight after only a few months of training, and against an opponent who, in Pavel’s own words, has “at least seven wins on his record.”From day one, he became the target of ridicule, criticism, and hateful comments. And it must be said that his own statements fueled the fire—arriving as a newcomer in such a specific environment as MMA and declaring from the outset that he wants to end someone’s career is extremely bold, if not naïve.For many, he became a symbol of everything that “doesn’t belong” in MMA. But it was precisely this resistance that became his fuel. Booing in arenas, mockery on social media, and skepticism from experts did not discourage him—quite the opposite. Tóth threw himself into preparation with surprising intensity and determination.Under the guidance of Petr “Monster” Kníže and Karlos “Terminator” Vémola, he began to improve rapidly. OKTAGON closely documented his journey, allowing fans to watch a television celebrity gradually transform into a fighter who takes the challenge seriously. And this is where the turning point came.In recent weeks, some fans have begun to shift to his side. Voices are emerging that Pavel has genuinely improved. Even some active fighters are warning that Tóth may not be completely without a chance against Raška. The question remains: is it enough?<h2>ONDŘEJ RAŠKA: THE VETERAN DEFENDING THE HONOR OF MMA</h2>On the opposite side of the cage stands Ondřej Raška—a man who grew up with OKTAGON from its earliest days. A veterinarian by profession and a professional fighter with a total of 19 bouts inside the cage. Raška has been involved in combat sports for 15 years and has a rich background in both Muay Thai and MMA.However, he has never been among the absolute elite. He often alternated between wins and losses, struggled in big fights, and lost his most recent OKTAGON bout in just 14 seconds by knockout. Paradoxically, it is precisely now that the biggest fight of his career awaits him.Raška is the clear favorite—and that is exactly the problem. In this matchup, he has nothing to gain and everything to lose. A loss to an amateur who has trained for only a few months would not be seen as just a personal defeat. It would be perceived as a failure of the entire MMA community, which Raška symbolically represents.Moreover, history shows that pressure is not his strongest suit. In several key moments of his career, Raška has faltered under the weight of expectations. This time, the pressure is absolute. Nothing is expected of Tóth. Dominance is expected from Raška. Anything else will be considered a failure.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DQhrtacjHC4/"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>EMOTIONS AND PRESSURE AHEAD OF THE BATTLE</h2>Preparation for both fighters is reaching its peak. Pavel is dealing with health issues, though fortunately not serious enough to prevent him from competing. Raška, on the other hand, will have to battle the weight cut. Instead of the originally planned catchweight, the fight will take place at the official middleweight limit of 84 kg. Those extra kilos could play a crucial role in the final days before the event. Who will handle the weight better?One thing is certain: this fight has long transcended the boundaries of sport. It is a clash of two worlds. A test of courage, ego, mental strength, and the ability to handle pressure. For one man, it could mean a life-changing breakthrough. For the other, an existential crisis.Pavel has the chance to silence all doubters and show that when someone fully commits to something, anything is possible. Raška, meanwhile, will want to prove that some things cannot be rushed overnight and that experience still plays a crucial role in MMA.The Celebrity Series has shown that MMA is not just about records and titles, but above all about emotions and stories. And the fight between Pavel Tóth and Ondřej Raška is one of the strongest stories on the card. No matter who you support, one thing is certain: this fight will leave no one indifferent. The answer to who can handle it mentally will only come when the cage door closes behind them.You still have the chance to watch the entire OKTAGON 81 event live at the O2 Arena. Two title fights, a heated rematch between Kincl and Pukač, and the conclusion of the controversial Celebrity Series—and that’s far from all. This tournament promises a truly spectacular end to the year, and it’s one you don’t want to miss. Get your ticket and watch your heroes live. The last remaining tickets are on sale now!<okteventcomponent eventid="118"></okteventcomponent>

The Celebrity Series has unleashed emotions within the MMA community the likes of which we haven’t seen in a long time. From the very first announcement, it became a topic that divided fans, sparked heated debates, and often provoked sharp reactions.

FINAL LOOK AT THE CELEBRITY SERIES: WHAT CHANCE DOES PAVEL TÓTH HAVE TO SUCCEED?

The main event of OKTAGON 81 will deliver the very best that European MMA currently has to offer. Two men whose stories, physiques, and performances go far beyond the ordinary will step into the cage. Two-division champion Will “Fucking” Fleury will defend the heavyweight title for the first time against Slovakian colossus Martin “Badys” Buday – a former OKTAGON champion and one of the most successful Slovak MMA fighters in history.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/1a60ae7a-5e04-4a51-a59c-90e9bfa06f91/cs.1765983839132.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/3aa3f8dd-a6c5-45ba-a974-1234f28264e6/cs.1765983844028.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>WILL FLEURY: KING OF TWO DIVISIONS IN THE FORM OF HIS LIFE</h2>Will Fleury is currently enjoying the most dominant period of his career. Since joining OKTAGON, he has become the undisputed ruler of the promotion – four wins, no defeats, and two championship belts. He reigns over both the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions and rightfully holds the clear #1 spot in the OKTAGON pound-for-pound rankings.On his rise to the top, Fleury defeated the absolute elite: Škvor, Langer, Todev, and Karlos Vémola. Each victory told a different story, but the result was always the same – Fleury’s hand raised in triumph. He is well-rounded, intelligent, physically extremely powerful, and mentally unshakable. Fully deservedly, he has established himself at the very peak of the organization as an unstoppable apex predator.Fleury himself openly admits, however, that a fight with Buday represents the greatest challenge of his career. For the first time in OKTAGON, he enters a bout knowing that the man across from him not only has world-class experience, but also physical attributes that could fundamentally alter the dynamics of the fight.<h2>MARTIN BUDAY: THE RETURN FOR A LOST THRONE</h2>Martin Buday is a man you simply cannot miss. A giant by birth, always bigger than those around him. That size, however, defined him outside of sport as well. During his teenage years, he weighed around 160 kilograms, and his initial motivation to start training was not the pursuit of titles, but the desire to change his life.From that paradox, a champion was born. Buday developed into one of the most dangerous heavyweights in Europe, despite being more of a quiet “computer geek” in his youth, capable of sitting in front of games for up to twenty hours straight. To this day, gaming serves as his mental reset – a contrast to the brutal and exhausting nature of elite training.As one of the few heavyweights, Buday actually has to cut weight to make the 120 kg limit, and on one occasion he even missed weight simply because he thought the limit was 125 kg. Even that detail underlines his natural physical size.Buday enjoyed a successful run in the UFC, compiling a 7–1 record and defeating names such as Chris Barnett and legendary Andrei Arlovski. Despite this, he was not offered a new contract. He therefore decided to return to where he once ruled – OKTAGON. Today, he is ranked #43 in the world at heavyweight and belongs among the top five heavyweights outside the UFC. He is not coming to Prague as an outsider. He is coming as a man determined to reclaim his throne.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DSHodnFDOnM/?hl=cs&amp;img_index=1"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>A BATTLE FOR THE RULE OF THE HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION</h2>On one side stands Fleury – a two-division champion, P4P number one, and a fighter in the form of his life. On the other side is Buday – a monstrous Slovak phenomenon with global experience, overwhelming physical presence, and more hunger for victory than ever before. This is not just a title fight. This is a collision of two worlds that will define the future of the OKTAGON heavyweight division.A grand finale of the year at the O2 arenaOKTAGON 81 will offer far more than just one fight – but Fleury vs. Buday is the bout that will make history. Two giants. One belt. One answer. December 28, 2025. O2 Arena. Prague. Secure your tickets and be there when it is decided who the true ruler of the OKTAGON heavyweight division really is.<okteventcomponent eventid="118"></okteventcomponent>

The main event of OKTAGON 81 will deliver the very best that European MMA currently has to offer. Two men whose stories, physiques, and performances go far beyond the ordinary will step into the cage..

FLEURY vs. BUDAY: A TITANIC TITLE CLASH OF TWO GIANTS AT THE TOP OF OKTAGON

On Štvanice, he took his first major step toward the European elite. Now he stands before another life-changing challenge. Vojtěch Khol is one of the biggest Czech talents, and in the O2 Arena he will test himself against German prospect Hugo Vach. In our interview, he talks about how he views his opponent, reflects on Štvanice, and reveals what his first post-fight meal will be.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/d761d9fd-1489-412d-a892-8a227aceace8/cs.1765897057984.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/721efde9-2b44-44c5-aa80-ca0d095b29ae/cs.1765897062219.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent>Hi Vojta, how are you feeling a few weeks before the fight, and what phase of preparation are you currently in?I feel great. I’m at the stage where everything is being finalized, sharpened, and fine-tuned. Preparation is, of course, long and demanding, but this final phase is even more important—maintaining maximum focus in training while also being more careful to avoid injuries. Overall, I feel amazing and I’m really looking forward to the fight.Your opponent will be Hugo Vach. How do you see him as a fighter?Honestly, I didn’t know him before, but of course my team and I have studied him now. He’s a well-rounded and very solid fighter. I’m approaching this responsibly and definitely not underestimating him. He’s another opponent who will test my abilities, and I’m looking forward to delivering a great fight together.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1313"></oktfightcomponent>When you think back to your OKTAGON debut, what comes to mind first?Above all, the unbelievable atmosphere at Štvanice. That moment when I walked out. The fans are so incredibly close that it completely absorbs you. When I’m lying on my “deathbed” one day, this will definitely be one of the memories running through my head. It was absolute madness.Štvanice is considered one of OKTAGON’s iconic events. What was it like fighting in such a unique setting?It was an invaluable experience. A beautiful summer event, outdoors. The stadium is built in such a way that even when I was standing in the cage, it felt like the very last row was right next to me. It was a huge experience both personally, because of the atmosphere, and professionally. I accepted the fight on short notice against a very high-quality opponent and was also viewed as the underdog.The fight with Federico was very close and was decided by a guillotine in the third round. How do you evaluate your performance in hindsight? What did the fight give you?It really was close. Federico won the first round, I won the second, and the guillotine decided it in the third. Looking back, there were obviously a lot of mistakes, but you have to judge it in context. I accepted the fight at the last minute, and in six days you can’t really train anything very specific. We focused on a game plan with my coaches, but miracles can’t happen in such a short time.Considering everything, I’m happy with the performance. It gave me confidence and confirmed that when you have your mindset right, anything is possible. It was an honor to fight Federico. Beating such a high-level opponent at an iconic event and submitting a black belt—that’s a fighter’s dream.You’ll be fighting in the O2 Arena for the first time. Is it a dream come true, or are you trying to treat it like any other fight?I try to treat it like any other fight. Of course, I’m aware that Štvanice and the O2 Arena are iconic OKTAGON venues and that every fighter who signs with the organization wants to fight there. It happened for me within a year, which I truly appreciate and am very grateful for.That’s why I’m now trying to be as prepared as possible to deliver my best performance. I’ll enjoy the fact that I’m fighting in the O2 Arena after the fight—when I’m sitting at home with potato salad. Right now, it’s simply another step on my journey.There will be roughly twice as many people in attendance compared to Štvanice. Do you notice the crowd during the fight, or do you get tunnel vision?There may be twice as many people, but it’s dark, dim, and the cage is heavily lit, so you don’t really notice the crowd that much. At Štvanice it was daylight, and it felt like the fans were literally pressed against the cage. I always enjoy the walkout and take in the atmosphere until the cage door closes. After that, it’s tunnel vision—I focus only on my performance, my opponent, and my coaches in the corner.You train under Patrik Kincl and David Dvořák, who will also be fighting on the same card. Will they be in your corner, or will the roles be divided differently?Honestly, we haven’t discussed it yet. I think it will be better to divide the roles. At All Sport Academy, we have a really strong team—Václav Štěpán, Lukáš Chotěnovský, my brother, and other guys who are with me at every training session. For me, it’s important that Patrik and David can fully focus on their own fights. I’ll definitely get advice from them at the hotel and in the locker room, but in the cage itself, the guys from the team will corner me.What is it like when all three of you are in peak fight camp at the same time? Are the sessions harder, or do you take more care due to injury risk?It’s great. We help each other, push each other, motivate one another. You can feel it in training—the atmosphere is excellent, and everyone is fully focused. It’s an honor for me to be on such a stacked card alongside my coaches. I’m enjoying every single moment of this preparation.What does your ideal training day look like? Do you have any rituals you can’t start without?An ideal training day starts with good sleep. Sleep and recovery are the foundation, so that’s my priority. If I sleep well, I feel great. I don’t really have a strict ritual, but I do enjoy a good coffee during the day—ideally a filter coffee.Many people see you as one of the biggest talents of the next generation. What do you think is the most important thing to succeed in MMA today?Sure, people may see me as a talent, but I don’t really play into that. I think this sport is mainly about a fighter’s approach and mindset.I want to be seen more as a regular guy who worked hard for everything. When you have your head straight, know what you want, know what you’re chasing and why you’re doing it, then I think you’re unstoppable. Discipline and mental work are the most important things.How do you think modern MMA differs from MMA 10–15 years ago?In absolutely everything. The level of performances, the quality of fighters, gyms, and coaches. Back then, it was a big deal if 500 or 1,000 people showed up to an event. Today, the biggest arenas across Europe are sold out. MMA has moved forward incredibly. For me, MMA today and MMA 10–15 years ago are almost two completely different sports.A fight at the end of December means dieting over Christmas. How painful is that? And what will be your first meal after the fight?It doesn’t bother me at all. I’m happy that I have another fight. That it falls on the holidays—well, whatever. There are always events during the year: Christmas, Easter, summer holidays. I focus on the fact that I get to fight and that it’s at a beautiful event. And that I’ll eat good food a few days after Christmas? I really don’t care. My first meal will definitely be potato salad with schnitzel. And maybe some Christmas cookies if my mom sends some.What do you do in your free time when you switch off from MMA for a bit? Do you have something that helps you recharge?I like spending time with my family and closest friends. I enjoy being active—going for walks, skating, hiking in the mountains, or going to the sauna. I try to spend time with myself, ideally somewhere in nature, and also give time back to the people closest to me. During fight camp there isn’t much space for that, which makes those moments even more special afterward.One last question about our new essence “Face Your Fear”—what does “facing your fear” mean to you personally?For me, it’s important not to fight fear, but to face it head-on. Fear is something our mind creates—fear of losing, fear of a bad performance, or fear of failing. When I face it directly and have my mindset right, I know that anything is possible. The key is simply not to freak out.And what message would you like to send to the fans who will support you in the O2 Arena?I truly appreciate their support more than they can imagine. Cheer, support me, and I promise I’ll do everything I can to deliver the best possible performance and be the best version of myself. A win would be the cherry on top. We’ll all enjoy the whole evening together. Thank you so much, and see you in the O2 Arena!Not only Vojtěch Khol, but many domestic fighters are now in the final phase of their preparation ahead of OKTAGON 81. Less than two weeks remain until the spectacular conclusion of 2025. Last tickets are still available. If you don’t want to miss this stacked card, click the link below and secure your seat today!<okteventcomponent eventid="118"></okteventcomponent>