<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>Hamburg witnessed a night that will be remembered for years to come. OKTAGON 85 crowned the youngest male champion in the promotion's history, celebrated the triumphant return of a local legend, and delivered several heart-stopping battles that had to be settled by the judges' scorecards. Here is the tournament overview from the officials' perspective.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/91f10da1-b545-45b8-81d0-5c1e8bce3d55/cs.1773070979617.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/e9d89505-0826-44cb-9174-013946b964d3/cs.1773070984487.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>IGOR SEVERINO vs. KHURSHED KAKHOROV</h2><p>The bantamweight division has a new king, and the judges were not required to intervene. Igor Severino delivered one of the most dominant title performances in history. From the opening seconds, he systematically dismantled Kakhorov. While "Killer" miraculously survived the first round after being rocked by a massive right hook, the Brazilian "Hannibal" increased the intensity in the second. In less than two minutes, he forced the referee to wave off the fight. A TKO in Round 2 and an absolute world-class performance by the young champion.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1319" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>CHRISTIAN ECKERLIN vs. MATOUŠ KOHOUT</h2><p>The King of Germany is back, but he had to earn it in a grueling, bloody war. Eckerlin relied on his wrestling, which proved to be the key to victory. He took the fight to the canvas, punishing Kohout with heavy strikes and relentless control. While the Czech "Mighty Rooster" did everything possible to escape the traps and remained a threat on the feet, Eckerlin’s dominance on the ground was undeniable. After three rounds, the home hero celebrated a unanimous decision victory.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1368" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>RAUL LEMBERANSKIJ vs. ALI GÜNDÜZ</h2><p>This clash of two undefeated talents for the contender spot delivered a fantastic tactical battle. While the opening of the fight belonged to Gündüz, Lemberanskij took over the reins in the later stages thanks to superior conditioning and pressure. The judges had a difficult task, resulting in the only split decision of the night. In the end, Raul Lemberanskij narrowly won on points, firmly catching the attention of the new champion, Severino.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1366" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>DENIZ ILBAY vs. ADRIAN HAMERSKI</h2><p>Quite possibly the Fight of the Night, this war kept the fans in the Barclays Arena on their feet. Ilbay was caught early by a flying knee that opened a cut over his eyebrow, but the blood only seemed to fuel him. What followed was a fifteen-minute war on the feet and on the ground, where both fighters pushed themselves to their absolute limits. Ultimately, the scorecards favored Deniz Ilbay, who secured a vital decision victory at home in Hamburg.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1385" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>NICOLAJ WAGNER vs. OLUTOBI KALEJAIYE</h2><p>No scorecards were needed here. Wagner accepted the challenge just hours before the fight and looked dangerous with every strike in the first round. The second round offered an incredible spectacle, with both heavyweights on the verge of exhaustion but still throwing "grenades." The tide turned with precise body shots that finally broke Wagner. A second-round TKO for the Dutch "Mad Dog," who confirmed his reputation as a finisher.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1404" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>MAREK BARTL vs. TYRONE PFEIFER</h2><p>The experienced veteran Bartl was centimeters away from a sensation in the first round when he caught Pfeifer in a kimura. However, the German managed to scramble out, and from that moment on, he began to dominate the cage. He gradually took control, and by the third round, the difference in strength was apparent. Pfeifer took the fight down, secured a dominant position, and finished Bartl with heavy ground-and-pound. A great premiere and a TKO victory in the 3rd round.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1378" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><p><strong>PRELIMS</strong></p><h2>MOHAMMED WALID vs. ABDULLAH SULTANI</h2><p>The bad blood from the press conferences spilled over into the cage. Sultani pushed hard for the wrestling, while Walid tried to keep the duel standing. Particularly in the second and third rounds, Sultani managed to stabilize his opponent on the ground, draining his oxygen and his will to fight. After fifteen minutes, there was no doubt—a well-deserved decision victory for Sultani, who sent a clear message to the entire flyweight division.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1383" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>DENIS FRIMPONG vs. TOMÁŠ CIGÁNIK</h2><p>Cigánik, stepping in as a short-notice replacement, put on a heroic performance, but it wasn't enough for the Irish demon. The Slovak fighter tried to clinch Frimpong against the fence, but Denis defended excellently and remained the more precise and active fighter on the feet. A decision victory for Denis Frimpong.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1376" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>VERONIKA SMOLKOVÁ vs. STEPHANIE EGGER</h2><p>Veronika Smolková delivered the best performance of her career. Facing a UFC veteran, she left nothing to chance and dictated the pace from the first second. As soon as she got within range, she unleashed a barrage of strikes that the Swiss fighter had no answer for. A first-round TKO, and Veronika is officially a global threat.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1389" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>SHAWN MARCOS DA SILVA vs. MATHEUS SEVERINO</h2><p>This world-class flyweight battle went the distance. Most of the duel took place in attractive striking exchanges on the feet. Da Silva threatened with hard knees, but Matheus Severino was slightly more precise and managed to seize the initiative in key moments. After fifteen minutes, the older of the Severino brothers celebrated a win on points.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1367" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><p><strong>FREE PRELIMS</strong></p><h2>MICHAEL OBODOZIE vs. SEBASTIAN HORVATH</h2><p>The German tank Obodozie did not disappoint in his pro debut. While Horvath showed he has plenty to offer and had his own bright moments, Obodozie proved he has a chin of granite and heavy fists. One brutal straight right sent the Slovak to the canvas, and it was over. A first-round KO, and Obodozie once again confirmed he is a beast in the cage.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1375" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><p></p><p><strong>OKTAGON 85 in Hamburg offered everything—from lightning-fast KOs to fifteen-minute wars decided by the fighters' hearts. Next stop? Poland! OKTAGON 86 in Szczecin on April 11th will bring another serving of legends and high-stakes battles. Tickets are disappearing fast, so don’t hesitate and secure your spot today!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="127"></okteventcomponent>

Hamburg witnessed a night that will be remembered for years to come. OKTAGON 85 crowned the youngest male champion in the promotion's history, celebrated the triumphant return of a local legend, and delivered several heart-stopping battles that had to be settled by the judges' scorecards.

OKTAGON 85 SCORECARDS: DOMINANCE BY THE NEW CHAMPION AND BATTLES TO THE FINAL SECONDS

<p>Igor Severino is the new bantamweight champion. In the main event, he dominated the more experienced Khurshed Kakhorov, finishing him in the second round via TKO. German MMA icon Christian Eckerlin emerged victorious in the co-main event against Czech challenger Matouš Kohout. What else did the action-packed OKTAGON 85 tournament bring?</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/86ffbdd6-2ddf-4b21-a6af-684837a8710b/cs.1772927828930.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/4434dc1d-a58a-43c0-a217-369d2ea1a5c6/cs.1772927866446.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>IGOR SEVERINO vs. KHURSHED KAKHOROV</h2><p>The bantamweight division has a new champion! Igor Severino delivered one of the most dominant title performances we have ever seen. From the opening seconds, he literally battered Khurshed Kakhorov. He came very close to a finish in the first round after landing a right hook, but Kakhorov miraculously weathered the storm and survived the round. In the second, Severino was even more devastating, winning via TKO in less than two minutes. A world-class performance by the young Brazilian.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1319"></oktfightcomponent><h2>CHRISTIAN ECKERLIN vs. MATOUŠ KOHOUT</h2><p>The King of Germany is back! Christian Eckerlin withstood perhaps the toughest moment of his career to defeat Matouš Kohout in a bloody battle. The German fighter relied on his wrestling, which proved to be the winning game plan. He took the fight to the ground and punished Kohout with heavy strikes. The Czech "Mighty Rooster" refused to go down without a fight and made the home hero work for it. However, it wasn't enough for the win, and the beloved Christian Eckerlin celebrated a decision victory. In the post-fight interview, he announced that fans can look forward to seeing him again at the Eintracht Frankfurt stadium. Who would you like to see Eckerlin face at home in Frankfurt?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1368"></oktfightcomponent><h2>RAUL LEMBERANSKIJ vs. ALI GÜNDÜZ</h2><p>Two undefeated fighters clashed for a potential title challenger spot, and it was a fantastic three-round war. While Ali Gündüz had the upper hand early on, Lemberanskij took control toward the end of the duel. After three thrilling rounds, we saw the first split decision of the night. The popular German talent Raul Lemberanskij won a narrow decision, firmly putting himself in the title conversation.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1366"></oktfightcomponent><h2>DENIZ ILBAY vs. ADRIAN HAMERSKI</h2><p>Deniz Ilbay and Adrian Hamerski delivered a potential Fight of the Night. This incredible battle lasted the full fifteen minutes and will certainly stick in the fans' memories. Ilbay was caught early by a flying knee that opened a cut over his eyebrow. That didn't stop him, though—on the contrary! It was as if he suddenly wanted to finish the fight even more. Both fighters engaged in heavy exchanges on the ground and standing, trying to break each other at all costs. Ultimately, the judges' scorecards favored the home hero Ilbay. The German fighter secured a crucial victory, finally redeeming his reputation in front of his home crowd.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1385"></oktfightcomponent><h2>NICOLAJ WAGNER vs. OLUTOBI KALEJAIYE</h2><p>Nicolaj Wagner accepted the fight just hours before the tournament! That alone shows what a warrior he truly is. In the match, neither heavyweight waited for anything, and a finish seemed like only a matter of time. Every shot had knockout power but also drained an immense amount of energy. The second round was absolutely unbelievable. Both fighters were on the verge of exhaustion yet remained constant threats with their power. Although it initially looked like Wagner might get the finish, body shots eventually decided the fight in favor of Kalejaiye, who won via TKO in the second round.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1404"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MAREK BARTL vs. TYRONE PFEIFER</h2><p>Tyrone Pfeifer won his debut and secured a major scalp on his path toward the welterweight top ten. Both fighters put on a great show. In the first round, Bartl wasn't far from a kimura finish, but Pfeifer scrambled in time and gradually took over in the following rounds. By the third round, he had a clear advantage, and after taking the fight to the ground, he secured a dominant position and finished Bartl with heavy ground-and-pound. A great premiere for the German fighter.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1378"></oktfightcomponent><p></p><p><strong>PRELIMS</strong></p><h2>MOHAMMED WALID vs. ABDULLAH SULTANI</h2><p>These two gave nothing away even before the fight, and in the cage, it was a total storm. Sultani went in with a clear plan—take the fight to the ground and dominate there. Walid, conversely, wanted to stay standing and denied his opponent's takedown attempts for a long time. In the second and third rounds, Sultani began to take control, and after fifteen minutes of fighting, he enjoyed a well-deserved decision win. A huge success for the young fighter's debut, sending a message to the entire division: there's a new beast in the flyweight ranks.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1383"></oktfightcomponent><h2>DENIS FRIMPONG vs. TOMÁŠ CIGÁNIK</h2><p>Tomáš Cigánik took the fight against the dangerous Frimpong on short notice and put on a great performance, but it wasn't enough for the win. The first two rounds were extremely close, with both fighters leaving everything in the cage. Cigánik tried to clinch against the fence and take the fight down, but Frimpong defended well and countered with strikes on the feet. After three rounds, the judges saw Denis Frimpong as the winner, primarily due to his work in the third round.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1376"></oktfightcomponent><h2>VERONIKA SMOLKOVÁ vs. STEPHANIE EGGER</h2><p>Veronika Smolková did it again! The young Slovak warrior put on a flawless performance and won the toughest test of her career so far! Egger tried to maintain distance, but as soon as Smolková got close, she unleashed combinations the experienced Swiss had no answer for. After a barrage of strikes from Smolková, her opponent went down, and the referee stopped the fight. Veronika won via TKO in the first round, securing the biggest win of her career. Will we see her next against the talented Alina Dalaslan?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1389"></oktfightcomponent><h2>SHAWN MARCOS DA SILVA vs. MATHEUS SEVERINO</h2><p>An evenly matched, world-class duel went to the judges' scorecards. Da Silva and Severino went hard at each other from the start. The fans got their money's worth—most of the duel took place on the feet, where both fighters showed great skill. Severino was slightly more precise and had the edge in each round; after fifteen minutes of an attractive spectacle, he celebrated a well-deserved decision victory.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1367"></oktfightcomponent><p></p><p><strong>FREE PRELIMS</strong></p><h2>MICHAEL OBODOZIE vs. SEBASTIAN HORVATH</h2><p>Michael Obodozie entered the professional ranks in style, winning via first-round KO. While the fight lasted slightly longer than his previous 19-second finish, it reached the same conclusion. Sebastian Horvath didn't have a bad start and was close to a finish himself. However, Obodozie weathered the crisis and then landed a brutal straight right that sent the young Slovak to the canvas.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1375"></oktfightcomponent><p></p><p><strong>OKTAGON 85 in Hamburg is in the books. The packed evening offered numerous finishes, thrilling battles, and unexpected turns. Next stop? The premiere in Szczecin with a stacked card full of legends. OKTAGON 86 takes place on April 11th, and the Enea Arena in Szczecin is starting to fill up—so don't hesitate and secure your spot today.</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="127"></okteventcomponent>

Igor Severino is the new bantamweight champion. In the main event, he dominated the more experienced Khurshed Kakhorov, finishing him in the second round via TKO. German MMA icon Christian Eckerlin emerged victorious in the co-main event against Czech challenger Matouš Kohout. What else did the action-packed OKTAGON 85 tournament bring?

SEVERINO BECOMES THE YOUNGEST MALE CHAMPION IN OKTAGON HISTORY; ECKERLIN CELEBRATES VICTORIOUS RETURN

<p>Only hours separate us from OKTAGON 85. Hamburg, Germany, once again welcomes Europe’s largest MMA organization. The legendary Barclays Arena becomes the stage for a night that will rewrite the record books and bring resolution to storylines fans have anticipated for months. From the coronation of a new champion and the return of a German icon to the professional debuts of two top talents—walk through the complete fight card bout by bout and get ready for the storm.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/87cfb4ec-fbdf-44c8-a6d1-7961985eeaab/cs.1772871907210.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/6e0bc764-48e7-4f99-aeaf-227f8f84a6f8/cs.1772871912105.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>IGOR SEVERINO vs. KHURSHED KAKHOROV</h2><p>The main event and a battle for the vacant bantamweight throne. Two years without a king, a twice-rescheduled duel, but now there is nowhere left to hide. Twenty-two-year-old Brazilian "Hannibal" Severino (9-1) stormed into OKTAGON by demolishing Mågård, proving he is a predator who gives no one room to breathe. Standing across from him is "Killer" Kakhorov (13-1)—a former PFL Europe champion and former world top-50 fighter who boasts an unprecedented nine KOs in the bantamweight division. This won't go to the judges—this is where history is written.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1319"></oktfightcomponent><h2>CHRISTIAN ECKERLIN vs. MATOUŠ KOHOUT</h2><p>The return of the King of Germany. Christian Eckerlin is more than a fighter; he is an icon who helped build the German scene. With 17 career wins, he returns home to silence the doubters. However, standing in his way is the "Mighty Rooster" Matouš Kohout—a Czech striking ace who has transformed into a well-rounded MMA machine. Kohout recently neutralized Nafuka and now faces the opportunity of a lifetime. Can he succeed against the fan favorite on Eckerlin’s home turf?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1368"></oktfightcomponent><h2>RAUL LEMBERANSKIJ vs. ALI GÜNDÜZ</h2><p>A clash of two undefeated prospects. Lemberanskij holds a flawless record (8-0) and already occupies the fifth spot in the rankings. Attempting to stop his perfect run is Ali Gündüz, a two-time amateur world champion and GMC titleholder. One of them will taste defeat for the first time in their career.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1366"></oktfightcomponent><h2>DENIZ ILBAY vs. ADRIAN HAMERSKI</h2><p>Expect sparks to fly! Former boxing world champion Deniz Ilbay needs a restart after an unlucky streak. "El Pistolero" has been grinding like never before to show his true face at home in Hamburg. But Polish raider Adrian Hamerski will give him nothing for free. With five of his six wins coming via KO, he enters the cage with a clear plan: take down the home star in the very first round.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1385"></oktfightcomponent><h2>RUBEN WOLF vs. OLUTOBI KALEJAIYE</h2><p>A battle of the heavyweights. German "Viking" Ruben Wolf is a rarity—all 12 of his MMA wins came via stoppage, and he also holds a boxing title. After a hiatus, he will be tested by "The Mad Dog" Kalejaiye, a former kickboxer who never takes a step back and has delivered eight of his nine wins by KO. The entire Barclays Arena will shake for this one!</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1363"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MAREK BARTL vs. TYRONE PFEIFER</h2><p>Experience versus hungry youth. Marek Bartl, the "slayer of German fighters" and a man who has clocked over two hours of cage time in OKTAGON, returns to welterweight. German organization champion Tyrone Pfeifer intends to make Bartl's 17th promotional start a difficult one. Pfeifer recently shocked everyone with a submission victory over Wittner and is now hunting for the scalp of a legendary OKTAGON veteran</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1378"></oktfightcomponent><p></p><p><strong>PRELIMS</strong></p><h2>MOHAMMED WALID vs. ABDULLAH SULTANI</h2><p>A heated flyweight clash. Division #4 Walid has seven finishes out of eight wins and recently pushed David Dvořák to his limits. Now he looks to confirm his status as the favorite. Making his debut against him is Abdullah Sultani, a wrestling champion and protégé of Wahed Nazhand. If Sultani upsets Walid in front of his home crowd, he will immediately catapult himself to the top of the division.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1383"></oktfightcomponent><h2>DENIS FRIMPONG vs. TOMÁŠ CIGÁNIK</h2><p>A clash of styles and personalities. Irish provocateur "The Menace" Frimpong has turned his status as a misunderstood rebel into being a fan-favorite fighter who literally exhausts his opponents. Facing him is Slovak prospect Tomáš Cigánik, who secured a vital victory over the dangerous Adorf in Düsseldorf and now wants to showcase his skills in another German metropolis.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1376"></oktfightcomponent><h2>VERONIKA SMOLKOVÁ vs. STEPHANIE EGGER</h2><p>A Slovak gem at the gates of a title shot. Veronika Smolková is riding a six-fight winning streak and proved in the O2 Arena that she is ready for anything. But now comes the trial by fire: former world #11 and UFC veteran Stephanie Egger. If Veronika stops this Swiss machine, a title shot will be within her grasp.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1389"></oktfightcomponent><h2>SHAWN MARCOS DA SILVA vs. MATHEUS SEVERINO</h2><p>The Severino clan attacks! While Igor fights for the title, his brother Matheus arrives to conquer the flyweight division. Standing in his way is local "hard knees" specialist Shawn Marcos Da Silva from the prestigious Planet Eater gym. A fight set to stir the waters of the 56kg division.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1367"></oktfightcomponent><p></p><p><strong>FREE PRELIMS</strong></p><h2>MICHAEL OBODOZIE vs. SEBASTIAN HORVATH</h2><p>Obodozie shocked the world when he knocked out Negru in 19 seconds as an amateur in Cologne. Now comes his professional debut. Stepping in on short notice is Slovak fighter Sebastian Horvath, who has the chance to secure an extremely valuable win right at the start of his professional career.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1375"></oktfightcomponent><p></p><p><strong>OKTAGON 85 in Hamburg promises a night of emotion and world-class performances. Do you want to be there when legends walk out and new champions are born? Click the link below and secure your PPV on </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://OKTAGON.TV"><strong>OKTAGON.TV</strong></a><strong> so you don’t miss a thing!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="128"></okteventcomponent>

Only hours separate us from OKTAGON 85. Hamburg, Germany, once again welcomes Europe’s largest MMA organization. The legendary Barclays Arena becomes the stage for a night that will rewrite the record books.

HAMBURG FIGHT CARD BOUT BY BOUT: OKTAGON 85 CROWNS A NEW BANTAMWEIGHT KING

<p>Only a few days separate us from the fourth tournament of the year. OKTAGON returns across the border to Germany's second-largest city, Hamburg. OKTAGON 85 offers a stacked card full of local heroes and debutants eager to prove themselves on Europe’s most prestigious stage. Check out the stats and facts and pick your favorites for OKTAGON Fantasy. The draft is already open.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/5a2fed5a-a681-446d-85b2-6c9b135c3cb9/cs.1772656302149.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/a61beca9-a2ea-4f38-a243-d37dae6cdf9e/cs.1772656318839.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><p></p><h2>A CHANCE TO SECURE THE 200TH SUBMISSION IN PROMOTION HISTORY</h2><p>OKTAGON is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. In Hamburg, however, fighters will have the chance to reach a different unique milestone. The next submission in the yellow-and-black cage will be exactly the <strong>200th in the organization's history</strong>. Not just anyone can boast such a record. Who will claim it?</p><p>There are several favorites:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Matheus Severino</strong>, who already has five submission wins to his name.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Stephanie Egger</strong>, who relies on her high-level grappling; Veronika Smolková will certainly have her hands full.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Mohammed Walid</strong>, with five of his eight wins coming via submission. Now facing a striker, he will be even more motivated to utilize his ground skills.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Marek Bartl</strong>, who always finds a way to surprise. He is the only fighter in the promotion to secure a win via reverse triangle choke.</p></li></ul><h2>CLASH OF UNDEFEATED TALENTS</h2><p>The OKTAGON bantamweight division will witness a "clash of the new generation" as two undefeated talents face off. Homegrown star<strong> Raul Lemberanskij (8–0)</strong>, the 23-year-old representative of Frankfurt's MMA Spirit with Azerbaijani roots, burst into professional MMA only three years ago and hasn't faltered since. At OKTAGON 76, he handled the experienced Jose Zarauz. He currently sits at #5 in the divisional rankings, and another victory would officially catapult him into the title conversation.</p><p>However, standing in his way is a challenger one year his junior. 22-year-old <strong>Ali Gündüz (6–0)</strong> is a reigning champion of a German organization and proves his danger with a statistic of five finishes before the distance. For Lemberanskij, this is stylistically the biggest test of his career, while for Gündüz, the Barclays Arena debut is the ideal opportunity to immediately shake up the top of the bantamweight rankings.</p><h2>OKTAGON ADDS ANOTHER BROTHER DUO TO THE ROSTER</h2><p><strong>Igor Severino</strong> heads to Hamburg alongside his older brother, <strong>Matheus Severino</strong>. Historically, they are the fourth pair of brothers to appear in OKTAGON. However, Matheus and Igor are poised to become<strong> the most successful tandem yet</strong>. While Igor fights for the bantamweight title in Hamburg, Matheus faces the tough Shawn Marcos Da Silva, who enters OKTAGON with a 7–1 record and the highest ambitions. Matheus, however, holds<strong> titles from three different Brazilian organizations</strong>, and with an overall professional record of <strong>14–5</strong>, he wants to make it clear that a new predator is entering the flyweight division. Can he succeed in his debut and begin his march toward a title?</p><h2>A TOURNAMENT OF NEW FACES AND SEASONED VETERANS</h2><p>OKTAGON continues to grow, attracting more and more new fighters eager to make a name for themselves. OKTAGON 85 in Hamburg will feature eight new fighters. However, these are no beginners; they are often experienced warriors looking to shine in the spotlight of Europe's most prestigious MMA stage.</p><p><strong>New Faces:</strong></p><p><strong>Khurshed Kakhorov</strong> – PFL European pyramid champion with a phenomenal 13–1 record.</p><ul><li><p><strong>Ali Gündüz</strong> – Champion of a German organization with an undefeated 6–0 record.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Tyrone Pfeifer</strong> – Champion of a German organization with a 6–1 record.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Abdullah Sultani </strong>– A fierce German fighter on a three-fight win streak who has previously faced the likes of Joel Batoba.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Stephanie Egger</strong> – UFC veteran, former world #11, with experience in major global organizations and a pro record of 8–5.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Matheus Severino</strong> – Igor’s older brother, champion of three different Brazilian organizations, LFA title challenger, and currently ranked #129 in the world flyweight rankings.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Shawn Marcos Da Silva</strong> – Cage Warriors veteran who has defeated opponents like Mohammed Walid; pro record 7–1.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Sebastian Horvath</strong> – A young Slovak fighter making his professional debut.</p></li></ul><p>The tournament also features several organizational mainstays.<strong> Marek Bartl</strong> has been with OKTAGON since the very first OKTAGON Výzva (reality show). He has competed in 16 fights within the yellow-and-black cage and is one of the biggest fixtures of the local scene.</p><p><strong>Christian Eckerlin</strong> made his professional debut 17 years ago. Since then, he has amassed 25 fights, nine of which took place in OKTAGON. Notably, he has featured in the main or co-main event seven times, proving what a true icon of German MMA Eckerlin is.</p><p><strong>That is the overview of interesting facts ahead of OKTAGON 85. The OKTAGON Fantasy draft is already live, so go ahead and pick your favorites for this tournament. Hamburg has an unmistakable atmosphere, and the packed Barclays Arena is set to shake to its foundations once again. If you want to be there, this is your last chance. Only a few tickets remain. Secure your spot in the arena and experience the unique OKTAGON show for yourself.</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="128"></okteventcomponent>

Only a few days separate us from the fourth tournament of the year. OKTAGON returns across the border to Germany's second-largest city, Hamburg. OKTAGON 85 offers a stacked card full of local heroes.

OKTAGON 85 RECORDS AND FACTS: WHAT YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT THE HAMBURG CARD

<p>Two undefeated talents meet in Hamburg. Raul Lemberanskij (8–0) welcomes dangerous finisher Ali Gündüz (6–0) to the organization. Raul is currently ranked fifth in the bantamweight division, and another victory would put him among the potential title challengers. What does he expect from the duel in Hamburg? And what are his future ambitions? Find out in our interview.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/a1f8686b-b833-41f4-9dc9-bc0dc3d20838/cs.1772571567778.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/fdc17054-e797-4707-b49b-563e111ee7b3/cs.1772571570423.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><p></p><p><strong>Raul, the Hamburg tournament is just around the corner. How are you feeling just a few days before the fight?</strong></p><p>I feel great and I’m really looking forward to the fight on Saturday.</p><p><strong>How motivating is it for you to fight in a sold-out Barclays Arena?</strong></p><p>I don’t need extra motivation because I simply love to fight. Still, I’m excited to entertain as many people as possible and I’m really looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere.</p><p><strong>Your rise in the bantamweight division has been rapid. How much has your life changed since turning professional three years ago, now that you’re just one step away from a potential title shot at OKTAGON?</strong></p><p>Time flies incredibly fast. I started martial arts as a little boy, and now I’m a professional MMA fighter. Right now, I’m fully focused on Saturday, but of course, I always keep my eyes on the belt in every organization I fight for. I will definitely watch the main event very closely.</p><p><strong>Your opponent, Ali Gündüz, is also undefeated and known as a “finisher.” Where do you see his biggest strengths – and possible weaknesses?</strong></p><p>Ali prefers to move forward. On Saturday, however, the fans can look forward to seeing him move backward. I will play to my strengths and apply constant pressure.</p><p><strong>Many are calling this a “clash of the new generation.” Do you feel extra pressure because two undefeated fighters are facing each other?</strong></p><p>I’m fully focused on myself. I defend my zero in every fight, so nothing changes in terms of pressure.</p><p><strong>You train at MMA Spirit in Frankfurt, one of Germany’s most renowned gyms. How does this environment influence your development – and who pushed you the hardest during this camp?</strong></p><p>MMA Spirit is my home. I grew up there and became a man there. We push each other, we sweat and bleed together. My coaching team gives everything to make fight night as easy as possible for me. In this camp, I had especially tough rounds with Max Heine and Luis Döring – much love to them.</p><p><strong>Fans appreciate your humor and your videos with Fedor Durić. Is your relaxed presence on social media a balance to the intensity in the gym?</strong></p><p>I wouldn’t call it a “balance” – that’s simply who I am. And especially with Fedor, it’s always fun. But at the same time, we constantly push each other to reach new levels.</p><p><strong>You’re currently ranked #5 in the bantamweight division. Is a title fight after a win in Hamburg your clear goal – or do you already have a specific opponent in mind?</strong></p><p>Step by step. First, let me fully enjoy my fight on Saturday. It’s very important to me to embrace every moment and not look too far ahead. But as I said before, the belt is always the goal.</p><p><strong>What would you like to say to the fans supporting you in the Barclays Arena? Can we expect a special walkout?</strong></p><p>A huge thank you to every supporter in the arena and watching on TV. Because of you, I can do what I love most and what I was born to do. That’s why I’ve brought a very special track with me – get ready for a spectacle.</p><p><strong>If you win, can we expect a special celebration inside the cage?</strong></p><p>The fight itself will be the celebration 😉</p><p><strong>How will this clash of young talents end? You'll find out this Saturday! Don't miss your chance to be right in the arena and watch your favorites in action. Christian Eckerlin, Khurshed Kakhorov, and Deniz Ilbay will also step into action. The last tickets are literally disappearing, so don't wait and secure your spot right now!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="128"></okteventcomponent>

Two undefeated talents meet in Hamburg. Raul Lemberanskij (8–0) welcomes dangerous finisher Ali Gündüz (6–0) to the organization. Raul is currently ranked fifth in the bantamweight division.

RAUL LEMBERANSKIJ: „MY OPPONENT LIKES TO MOVE FORWARD, BUT ON SATURDAY YOU’LL SEE HIM BACKING UP“

<p>Hamburg’s Barclays Arena will witness a clash that could redraw the map of the women’s flyweight division. Veronika Smolková, one of the most prominent faces of the new generation of Slovak MMA, faces the challenge of a lifetime. Standing in her way is the battle-hardened Swiss machine, Stephanie Egger. Will the Slovak fighter confirm her impressive run, or will she hit the harsh reality of the world’s elite?</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/84a4c3dd-f77d-4abf-b282-0848f56acbe1/cs.1772538216023.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/e8d50c8d-cf29-4252-aa5d-ed96141e6904/cs.1772538220076.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>"SWEETHEART" IN THE BIGGEST TEST OF HER CAREER </h2><p>Veronika Smolková is experiencing the kind of period every fighter dreams of. She is currently riding an <strong>excellent five-fight winning streak</strong>, with three victories claimed in the past year alone. Most recently, she delivered a dominant performance in the electrifying atmosphere of a sold-out O2 Arena, proving that the pressure of major tournaments only gives her strength.</p><p>However, Smolková is not just a dangerous fighter. She is a <strong>phenomenon who entertains fans</strong> outside the cage as well. She gains popularity through her honesty and unique personality—unafraid to show the grind in the gym, luxury fashion pieces, or even moments of weakness. This authenticity makes her a crowd favorite, but <strong>do not be fooled by the smiles</strong>. In preparation for Hamburg, she has left nothing to chance, sharpening her form alongside the "Silent Killer," Lucia Szabová. Veronika senses an opportunity and knows that a victory over such an experienced fighter would <strong>skyrocket her in the world rankings</strong> and bring immense prestige.</p><h2>STEPHANIE EGGER: A WORLD-CLASS CHALLENGE </h2><p>If anyone can test the qualities of the Slovak prospect, it is <strong>Stephanie Egger</strong>. The Swiss veteran, who <strong>has passed through global organizations</strong> including the UFC, comes to OKTAGON with a single goal—to show she belongs at the European top. Egger is a well-rounded fighter who draws on years of experience at the highest level and gives nothing away for free in the cage. She is as<strong> precise as a Swiss watch</strong> and leaves nothing to chance. <strong>Seven of her eight victories have ended before the distance</strong>, and she intends to do the same in Hamburg.</p><p>For Smolková, this is the <strong>toughest test</strong> of her career so far. While Veronika wants to confirm her position as the division's number one, Egger arrives as an experienced predator planning to abruptly end the Slovak’s momentum.</p><h2>THE SITUATION AT THE TOP OF THE DIVISION </h2><p>The situation in the women’s 56.7 kg division is beginning to thicken. Lucia Szabová will fight for the flyweight title at the OKTAGON 87 tournament in Liberec. Given that they often train together, both Slovak fighters have ruled out facing each other in the past. Smolková wants to use another win to <strong>solidify her position</strong> in the division and improve her spot in the world rankings. Previously, she also expressed interest in a duel with the princess of German MMA, <strong>Alina Dalaslan</strong>, which would surely be a very attractive battle between two young hopes of women’s MMA. First, however, she must succeed in Hamburg, and that is exactly what the experienced Egger will want to prevent.</p><p><strong>OKTAGON 85 in Hamburg is knocking on the door! On March 7th, we will see if the young Slovak blood can overcome experience. In addition to the Smolková vs. Egger battle, you can look forward to the crowning of the bantamweight king and the returns of the biggest stars. It will be an evening everyone talks about! Secure your spot in front of the screen and buy your PPV at </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://OKTAGON.TV"><strong>OKTAGON.TV</strong></a><strong> today.</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="128"></okteventcomponent>

Hamburg’s Barclays Arena will witness a clash that could redraw the map of the women’s flyweight division. Veronika Smolková, one of the most prominent faces of the new generation of Slovak MMA, faces the challenge of a lifetime.

SMOLKOVÁ FACES A TRIAL BY FIRE IN HAMBURG. SHE WILL GO UP AGAINST A WORLD-CLASS VETERAN 

<p>Christian Eckerlin faces a career-defining fight in Hamburg. In the co-main event of OKTAGON 85, he will clash with Czech challenger Matouš Kohout. Eckerlin needs to return to the winning track and remind fans why he is a legend of German MMA. For Matouš Kohout, on the other hand, this is the chance for the biggest scalp of his career. The "King of Germany" vs. the "King of Underground." Who will conquer the Barclays Arena?</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/32041246-c0e9-436d-9084-df6a970aef9b/cs.1772203169101.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/1b6cab88-edc8-4814-b503-62edce24a57b/cs.1772203173010.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>CHRISTIAN ECKERLIN FACES A PIVOTAL MOMENT</h2><p>An icon of the German MMA scene and one of the most popular local fighters, <strong>Christian Eckerlin</strong> is standing on the edge. With two tough consecutive losses, some fans are beginning to doubt if the <strong>"King of Germany"</strong> can return to his former glory. This only makes Eckerlin more <strong>motivated</strong>. At the <strong>Barclays Arena in Hamburg</strong>, he intends to silence all doubters and snap his losing streak.</p><p><strong>Hamburg</strong>, however, doesn't hold the fondest memories for him lately. Last year, he lost here to Rob Pukač in the "King vs. Prince" battle. That was followed by a bitter defeat in Cologne, and now Eckerlin faces a<strong> must-win situation</strong>. A third consecutive loss would signal that his era might be coming to an end. But he isn't even considering that. He heads to Hamburg with <strong>one goal</strong>—a dominant victory.</p><p>Eckerlin has been active in professional MMA for an<strong> incredible 17 years</strong>. Interestingly, he was previously a professional footballer. Since his debut in 2009, he has amassed 25 fights with a <strong>record of 17–8</strong>. Fourteen of his wins came before the distance—seven via KO/TKO and eight via submission. In OKTAGON, he has appeared in nine bouts, <strong>five of which were main events</strong> and two co-main events—the highest number of high-profile slots for any international fighter in the organization. Eckerlin is a true legend of German MMA, and the numbers prove it. Now is the time to <strong>defend his legacy</strong> against another hungry opponent.</p><oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DToDCHODCUf/?utm_source=ig_embed"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>MATOUŠ KOHOUT: MORE THAN JUST A STRIKER</h2><p>Fans often categorize <strong>Matouš Kohout</strong> purely as a striker, but his recent performances have shown he is much more. The <strong>"Mighty Rooster" </strong>has evolved into a truly well-rounded MMA fighter. The former Muay Thai European Champion took a gradual path of transformation. He first entered the <strong>OKTAGON Underground</strong> project, where he dominated the entire pyramid to become the champion. He then transitioned to professional MMA. With every fight, he improved, moving from simply defending takedowns to mastering <strong>wrestling and grappling</strong>. Today, we view Matouš as a complete mixed martial artist.</p><p>In his last outing, he managed to handle the dangerous ground specialist Hafeni Nafuka, giving him zero room to work. Kohout has tested his skills against the elite of both the lightweight and welterweight divisions, facing names like Robo Pukač, Mateusz Legierski, Karol Ryšavý, and Jan Malach. He gradually moved from lightweight to welterweight, where he competed in his last four bouts. Notably, all four took place <strong>on German soil</strong> <strong>against local favorites</strong>. He faces a similar situation against Eckerlin, but the "King of Germany" enjoys a <strong>level of support unlike any other</strong>. It’s no coincidence people compare him to the Czech legend Karlos Vémola. Every Eckerlin walkout makes the entire arena shake, creating an unbelievable atmosphere and immense pressure. Facing him is extremely difficult for any fighter, and Hamburg will reveal if Kohout is ready for this challenge.</p><p><strong>The direction of Eckerlin’s career will be decided next Saturday. Only a few seats remain at the Barclays Arena, so seize the opportunity and secure your spot today. Besides the "King of Germany's" massive fight, you will witness the bantamweight title duel and a host of local heroes. Click the link below to ensure you experience it all first-hand!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="128"></okteventcomponent>

Christian Eckerlin faces a career-defining fight in Hamburg. In the co-main event of OKTAGON 85, he will clash with Czech challenger Matouš Kohout. Eckerlin needs to return to the winning track and remind fans why he is a legend of German MMA.

ECKERLIN ON THE ROAD TO REDEMPTION: AIMING FOR A COMEBACK IN HAMBURG

<p>The Enea Arena in Szczecin is gearing up for a historic premiere. OKTAGON is expanding onto Polish soil for the first time, bringing out the big guns for its debut. One of the greatest icons of Polish MMA, Tomasz Narkun, is entering the yellow-and-black cage. However, his welcome to the new organization will be no friendly affair—standing in his way is the German Viking, Alexander Poppeck. Who will dominate this light heavyweight battle of titans?</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/28cbfbd9-4760-445d-b12a-7b9556f9004f/cs.1772035031686.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/8d71f5cb-5de1-4a38-9a6c-815ddde97837/cs.1772035059353.png" croppedcorners="false"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>TOMASZ NARKUN: "THE GIRAFFE" IS HUNGRY FOR MORE GOLD</h2><p>Tomasz Narkun <strong>(21–6)</strong> isn't just another name in European MMA. He is a phenomenon. <strong>The long-time king of the Polish light heavyweight division</strong>, he has terrorized the weight class since 2009! Having held titles in three different Polish organizations, fans will never forget his two victories over the legendary Mamed Khalidov or his bold venture into the heavyweight division to face Phil De Fries.</p><p>Narkun, nicknamed <strong>"Żyrafa"</strong> (The Giraffe), is unpredictable in the cage, possessing a unique style and a personality that leaves no one indifferent. Furthermore, <strong>he enters OKTAGON in incredible form</strong>—his last three fights combined lasted only 136 seconds! He has literally steamrolled his opponents and now arrives to show that his mission has <strong>only one goal: the belt of Europe's most prestigious organization</strong>.</p><h2>ALEXANDER POPPECK: THE GERMAN "IRONSIDE" IN THE FORM OF HIS LIFE</h2><p>Facing the Polish hero is a man who has looked absolutely invincible over the past year. Alexander Poppeck <strong>(20–5)</strong> is the current <strong>German #1 in the light heavyweight division</strong>, and his nickname <strong>"Ironside"</strong> fits him perfectly. This German giant possesses "grenades" in his hands, which ruthlessly shut the lights out for names like Jeremy Kimball and Pavol Langer in the very first round.</p><p>Poppeck is riding a four-fight winning streak and heads to Szczecin with a clear plan: spoil the home favorite's debut and silence the entire arena. With his stone-cold expression and heavy hammers, Poppeck is the toughest possible test for Narkun. If the German prevails on Polish soil, he will become the clear frontrunner for a title shot.</p><h2>A STAR-STUDDED NIGHT IN SZCZECIN</h2><p>OKTAGON 86 promises a stacked card full of local stars and big OKTAGON names. In addition to Narkun vs. Poppeck, fans can look forward to:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Mateusz Legierski</strong> vs. <strong>Gökhan Aksu</strong> – In the main event, the homegrown Legierski defends his lightweight title against the Turkish invader.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Michał Materla</strong> vs. <strong>Christian Jungwirth</strong> – A clash of two indestructible warriors in the exciting OKTAGON Underground: STAND &amp; BANG format.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Piotr Wawrzyniak</strong> vs. <strong>Mateusz Janur</strong> – A fierce all-Polish derby in the middleweight division.</p></li></ul><p><strong>This historic tournament at the Enea Arena kicks off on Saturday, April 11th. Be there as European MMA history is rewritten! Tickets are selling fast, so don't hesitate. This will be a night to remember! Click the link below and secure your seat in the arena today.</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="127"></okteventcomponent>

The Enea Arena in Szczecin is gearing up for a historic premiere. OKTAGON is expanding onto Polish soil for the first time, bringing out the big guns for its debut. One of the greatest icons of Polish MMA, Tomasz Narkun, is entering the yellow-and-black cage.

ANOTHER POLISH LEGEND IN OKTAGON! TOMASZ NARKUN HEADS TO SZCZECIN

<p><strong>The Barclays Arena in Hamburg is set to witness the crowning of a new king</strong>. The bantamweight division has been without a ruler for two years, but that is about to change. In a high-stakes title battle, Brazilian talent <strong>Igor Severino</strong> will clash with German finishing machine <strong>Khurshed Kakhorov</strong>, who makes his highly anticipated OKTAGON debut. What are the stories behind these two warriors, and what can you expect from this duel?</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/87d61c5c-ae48-4427-9e23-3f0b8c5dd9dc/cs.1771930220195.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/13cffad2-9cf5-4b12-aede-9d3810ca1282/cs.1771930225624.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>IGOR SEVERINO: THE BRAZILIAN "HANNIBAL" ON A MISSION</h2><p>At just <strong>22 years old</strong>, Igor Severino has already proven he belongs among the world's elite. <strong>Currently ranked #79 in the world bantamweight rankings</strong>, he boasts a <strong>9–1 record</strong>. <strong>Eight of those victories came via stoppage—four by KO/TKO and four by submission</strong>. His only professional defeat came via disqualification during his UFC debut. Ever since that moment, he has been on a relentless quest for redemption.</p><p>Severino is a unique fighter who stops at nothing on his way to the top. In his OKTAGON debut, he shocked fans and experts alike by completely neutralizing the <strong>"Danish Shark" Jonas Magard</strong>, defeating him in a dominant three-round decision. At just 21 years old, he made it clear to the entire division exactly who they were dealing with. Dangerous, fast, and lethal—Severino is the prototype of a well-rounded fighter, elite both on the ground and on the feet, always hunting for the finish.</p><p>Now, he returns to the cage after a two-year hiatus, during which five scheduled bouts were cancelled, only to finally land this title shot in Hamburg. This time, he has extra motivation—his brother, <strong>Matheus Severino</strong>, will compete on the same card. However, his opponent is no pushover, and Severino is likely facing the toughest test of his career. To make matters more intense, he will be fighting on his opponent's home soil with the entire arena against him.</p><h2>MEET THE CHALLENGER: KHURSHED KAKHOROV</h2><p>German fighter with Tajik roots, Khurshed Kakhorov, arrives in OKTAGON with the reputation of an uncompromising finisher. <strong>Out of his 13 career wins, an incredible 9 have come via KO/TKO</strong>. He is the <strong>first-ever PFL tournament champion</strong> to compete in OKTAGON and a former champion of the Polish organization EFM. At one point, he reached an impressive <strong>world ranking of #53</strong>. Now, he comes to claim the title of Europe's most prestigious organization to complete his collection.</p><p>Kakhorov is 11 years older than his Brazilian counterpart, bringing significantly more experience and riding a five-fight winning streak. In the cage, he lives up to his <strong>"Killer"</strong> nickname, turning out his opponents' lights with ease. Flying knees, elbows, hooks—Kakhorov is a threat from any position. His only career defeat came in the closing moments of the third round against Brett Johns in Bellator four years ago.</p><oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DTfmuefjMuA/?utm_source=ig_embed"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>A TWICE-POSTPONED SHOWDOWN WILL FINALLY HAVE A WINNER</h2><p>This world-class match-up has been scheduled twice before, only to fall through. Now, it finally takes place in the legendary Barclays Arena, a venue where European MMA history is written. We are looking at a clash that is unlikely to see the judges' scorecards. After a long 2 years and seven months, the bantamweight division will finally have its king back.</p><p>Severino wants the belt and his honor back after the UFC disqualification. Kakhorov has the chance to showcase his skills on home turf in front of his German fans. It will be a collision of two styles, two surging fighters, and two unique legacies. But only one can leave as the new champion.</p><p><strong>OKTAGON 85 is fast approaching. On March 7th, the organization returns to Hamburg to crown the new bantamweight king. The card also features the "King of Germany" Christian Eckerlin, Matouš Kohout, Denis Frimpong, and Raul Lemberanskij—all set within the electric atmosphere of the Barclays Arena. Don’t miss out. Click the link below and get your PPV today!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="128"></okteventcomponent>

The Barclays Arena in Hamburg is set to witness the crowning of a new king. The bantamweight division has been without a ruler for two years, but that is about to change. In a high-stakes title battle, Brazilian talent Igor Severino will clash with German finishing machine Khurshed Kakhorov, who makes his highly anticipated OKTAGON debut.

BANTAMWEIGHT WILL CROWN ITS CHAMPION: SEVERINO FACES GERMAN CHALLENGER KAKHOROV

<p>OKTAGON 84 in Ostrava delivered the crowning of a familiar welterweight champion, the emotional return of David Kozma, and brutal finishes. At the same time, the card featured several closely contested fights that had to be decided by the judges. Where was it over within minutes, and where did it go all the way to the scorecards?</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/e32a911f-cb77-449a-9f93-364e3173db05/cs.1771336659677.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/66b7e924-ddd7-45c3-b9a9-192023ae221a/cs.1771336670306.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>RONALD PARADEISER vs. KAIK BRITO</h2><p>The judges weren’t needed here. The welterweight title was decided in a single moment. The opening two rounds delivered an even stand-up battle, but in the third round Kaik Brito landed a precise spinning backfist. Paradeiser went straight to the canvas and the referee stopped the fight. Third-round KO and Brito is champion again.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1345" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>DAVID KOZMA vs. JOZEF WITTNER</h2><p>Kozma returned with a clear plan – take the fight to the ground and control the tempo. In every round, he brought Wittner down, drained his energy, and piled up points. He avoided wild stand-up exchanges, and the patient approach paid off. After three rounds, a unanimous decision win for “The Pink Panther.”</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1297" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>TOMÁŠ MUDROCH vs. FEDOR DURIĆ</h2><p>This one didn’t go to the scorecards. From the opening seconds, Durić shut down Mudroch’s explosive striking and took the fight to the mat. In the second round, he unleashed heavy ground-and-pound, forcing the referee to step in. TKO for Durić and Mudroch’s first stoppage loss of his career.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1323" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>JAKUB BATFALSKÝ vs. EUGEN BLACK-DELL</h2><p>An entertaining striking battle. Batfalský was the more active fighter throughout, making good use of his height advantage and stiff jab. Although he weathered a dangerous storm of elbows from Black-Dell in the third round, the key moments belonged to him. After three rounds, Batfalský took the decision win.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1312" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>MATĚJ KUZNÍK vs. HAFENI NAFUKA</h2><p>No need for the judges here either. The clash of two grapplers quickly hit the mat, where Nafuka had the edge. With just six seconds left in the second round, he locked in a submission to finish the fight. A crucial win for the “Namibian Nightmare.”</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1336" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>JAN ŠIROKÝ vs. FRANTIŠEK FODOR</h2><p>A veterans’ war that went to the scorecards. Fodor had the upper hand in the early stages and came close to finishing the fight, but Široký survived the critical moments and even began to take over late in the bout. The opening rounds proved decisive, and the judges awarded the win to Fodor.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1341" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>VÁCLAV KLIMŠA vs. BRAJAN PRZYSIWEK</h2><p>Here too, the judges had the final say. Przysiwek was more active, faster, and more accurate throughout, mixing explosive entries with well-timed takedowns. Klimša couldn’t find his rhythm, and after three rounds the scorecards clearly favored the Polish fighter.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1382" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>PETR BARTONĚK vs. ENDRIT BRAJSHORI</h2><p>Brajshori exploded into the fight from the opening second, landing a heavy hook and then securing a first-round submission. A lightning-fast finish and a clear message to the division.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1339" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>LUKÁŠ ZÁVIČÁK vs. DANIEL SCHORDJE</h2><p>A razor-close fight in which the judges had their toughest task of the night. Závičák allowed himself to be pressured against the fence while relying on heavy boxing, while Schordje stayed constantly active and applied pressure. Three very close rounds ended in a split decision win for the Austrian fighter.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1387" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>ADAM HAVRAN vs. OSKAR STASZCZAK</h2><p>A fight that went the distance. Havran had a promising start and came close to a submission, but from the second round on Staszczak took control. He clearly won rounds two and three, earning a decision victory in his OKTAGON debut.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1372" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><p></p><p><strong>Kaik Brito reclaimed the welterweight throne, David Kozma celebrated a crucial return to the win column, and Ostrava witnessed a mix of brutal finishes and razor-thin battles decided by the smallest details. The next OKTAGON stop is just around the corner – OKTAGON 85 in Hamburg. Don’t miss the next big moments – secure your PPV and watch it live.</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="128"></okteventcomponent>