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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Düsseldorf witnessed a historic event that delivered the climax of the Tipsport Gamechanger project, a series of lightning-fast finishes, and several extremely close battles. OKTAGON 82 was a night where stories were written—and the judges definitely did not stay on the sidelines. 

OKTAGON 82 SCORECARDS: PALOKAJ CONFIRMED HIS FORM, ZAWADA SURVIVED A WAR, AND ŠEBEK SHINED IN HIS DEBUT

<p>Krzysztof Jotko has become the winner of the third and final season of the million-euro Tipsport Gamechanger pyramid. In the final, he submitted Kerim Engizek in the very first round with a rear-naked choke. Along with the prestigious trophy, Jotko also took home a €300,000 cheque. The Turkish OKTAGON middleweight champion suffered his first defeat on home soil in Düsseldorf after nearly 11 years.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/1f25835b-f4ba-4557-a393-fff11d18a343/cs.1768690965423.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/748d7761-26e5-4c8b-a293-d82d02844057/cs.1768690973456.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>KERIM ENGIZEK vs. KRZYSZTOF JOTKO</h2><p>Krzysztof Jotko is the third winner of the million-euro Tipsport Gamechanger! The Polish veteran confirmed his experience and class by finishing the previously unbeaten Engizek in the opening round. The fight began cautiously on both sides, but once the opportunity appeared, Jotko did not hesitate. He took the champion to the ground, locked in a rear-naked choke, and forced Engizek to tap. The highly anticipated clash between two middleweights ranked inside the global top 50 ended decisively in favor of Krzysztof Jotko. Congratulations to the winner, and respect to all fighters who took part in the pyramid.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1295"></oktfightcomponent><h2>GJONI PALOKAJ vs. JAMES HENDIN</h2><p>The battle for a potential featherweight title contender went in favor of Gjoni Palokaj. The Albanian fighter extended his winning streak to an incredible eight consecutive victories. James Hendin attempted to slow the fight down and take it to the ground, but Palokaj was perfectly prepared and defended every attempt. He also landed several heavy shots and knocked Hendin down twice. The bout went the distance, with the judges awarding a unanimous decision to Palokaj, who now firmly enters the title conversation.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1320"></oktfightcomponent><h2>DENIZ ILBAY vs. KAROL RYŠAVÝ</h2><p>Karol Ryšavý secured victory in the very first round. The clash of styles favored the Slovak fighter. After early exchanges on the feet, Ilbay attempted to take the fight to the ground, but Ryšavý capitalized immediately and locked in a guillotine choke. Ilbay was forced to tap, and Ryšavý claimed a highly valuable scalp that launches him back into the featherweight top 10.</p><h2>TAMERLAN DULATOV vs. STEFAN KONČAR</h2><p>The highly anticipated showdown between two young prospects ended at the close of the first round. Tamerlan Dulatov stormed into the fight aggressively, immediately overwhelming Končar with strikes. Končar refused to go down easily and survived the early onslaught. Dulatov then switched tactics, relying on his elite grappling. Just seconds before the round ended, he locked in an armbar, forcing the young Serbian to submit. Who will Dulatov face next?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1362"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MARC DOUSSIS vs. YEVHENII ORLOV</h2><p>Unfortunately, due to an injury suffered by Doussis shortly before the fight, the heavyweight clash did not take place.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1321"></oktfightcomponent><h2>DAVID ZAWADA vs. DANIEL LIGOCKI</h2><p>The Tipsport Gamechanger reserve bout delivered an absolutely phenomenal war. Both fighters entered with the clear intent to finish, and both came close to victory. In the first round, Ligocki unleashed powerful combinations and repeatedly rocked Zawada. The German veteran survived the toughest moments through sheer willpower. Late in the round, Zawada dropped Ligocki, who also managed to survive a critical moment. The fight swung back and forth throughout, with the outcome uncertain until the very end. After three rounds of chaos, David “Zako” Zawada earned a split-decision victory.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1364"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT: OKTAGON 85 TO BE BROADCAST ON RTL IN FREE TV</h2><p>During the event, a major announcement was also made regarding the upcoming OKTAGON 85 tournament in Hamburg. German television channel RTL will broadcast the event from 11:00 PM on the free-to-air RTL channel. OKTAGON will thus once again make its way into the living rooms of the general public. </p><oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DToDCHODCUf/?hl=cs"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>PRELIMS</h2><h2>SAMUEL BARK vs. ZAFAR MOHSEN</h2><p>Zafar Mohsen entered his OKTAGON debut with a clear plan—to take Bark to the ground and draw him into deep grappling waters. The Swedish fighter was well prepared and consistently escaped dangerous positions. As the fight progressed, Bark began to seize momentum and threaten with submissions of his own. Ultimately, however, it was not enough, and after three close rounds, Mohsen earned a decision victory. The featherweight division has gained another dangerous contender.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1357"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MAREK BARTL vs. KAMIL ONISZCZUK</h2><p>Marek Bartl continues to entertain. In the first round, he once again attempted spinning elbows and added several kicks, but without success. Kamil Oniszczuk made good use of his height advantage and kept his distance. In the second round, he took Bartl down, secured an armbar, and Bartl was unable to escape. Oniszczuk claimed a crucial second-round submission victory.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1344"></oktfightcomponent><h2>TOMÁŠ CIGÁNIK vs. MAURICE ADORF</h2><p>Maurice Adorf entered OKTAGON with high ambitions and big expectations, but was greeted by Slovak warrior Tomáš Cigánik. It was a brutal welcome—Cigánik secured a rear-naked choke submission in the first round. The Slovak fighter continues to show major progress, which he confirmed in Düsseldorf. A very unfortunate debut for Adorf.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1335"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ALTIN ZENUNI vs. MURAT TÜYSÜZ</h2><p>The clash between young talent Zenuni and debutant Tüysüz delivered a grappling-heavy battle dominated by Zenuni. Like Šebek earlier, the Albanian prospect relied on his ground game—and it paid off. In the second round, he unleashed heavy ground-and-pound, forcing the referee to stop the fight. Zenuni remains undefeated and ready for the next challenge.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1342"></oktfightcomponent><h2>EMIR-CAN AL vs. PATRIK ŠEBEK</h2><p>An excellent debut from the young Slovak fighter. Šebek knew his best chance was on the ground and came close to finishing via rear-naked choke in all three rounds. The thrilling contest went to the judges, who unanimously awarded the victory to Šebek after a mature and composed performance.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1318"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ARIAN SADIKOVIĆ vs. JIXIE MOLAPO</h2><p>Arian “Game Over” Sadiković lived up to his nickname, securing a TKO victory in the second round. The fight started cautiously, with both fighters testing each other and avoiding mistakes. As time passed, Sadiković began to take control and eventually earned the stoppage in round two.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1354"></oktfightcomponent><p></p><p><strong>OKTAGON 82 delivered a stacked card full of unexpected twists and surprises. The winner of the European Champions League in the middleweight division, Tipsport Gamechanger, is the experienced Polish veteran Krzysztof Jotko. What’s next? OKTAGON 83 in Stuttgart, featuring a featherweight title fight and local stars. The final tickets are still available—don’t miss your chance to experience OKTAGON live!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="122"></okteventcomponent>

Krzysztof Jotko has become the winner of the third and final season of the million-euro Tipsport Gamechanger pyramid. In the final, he submitted Kerim Engizek in the very first round with a rear-naked choke.

OKTAGON 82 RESULTS: JOTKO CROWNED TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER CHAMPION 

<p>The PSD Bank Dome in Düsseldorf will host a spectacular finale. OKTAGON 82 will deliver the climax of the third and final season of the Tipsport Gamechanger project, key ranking matchups, and clashes of talents we will be hearing a lot about in the future. The million-euro pyramid is missing its final piece—and the night promises emotion, drama, and fights that could rewrite the organization’s history. Here is the complete fight-by-fight overview.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/213cad28-1cd7-4a1b-b39c-aa2e6d185a07/cs.1768651180603.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/43a3eb3a-f1aa-42c5-a24d-59c96568f020/cs.1768651189917.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>KERIM ENGIZEK vs. KRZYSZTOF JOTKO</h2><p>The European MMA Champions League has its final. The unbeaten middleweight champion Kerim Engizek stands one step away from immortality and a €300,000 payday. He has not tasted defeat for almost 11 years and has marched through the tournament with the authority of a true king—handling a last-minute opponent change, surgically dismantling Stanton, and surviving a memorable semifinal war with Humburger.</p><p> Across from him stands a man who cannot be underestimated. Krzysztof Jotko, a UFC veteran and American Top Team representative, embodies strategy and composure. He reached the final by overcoming Surdu, Mazúch, and Khajevand—finding the right key every time. Now he will try to solve the riddle no one has answered for nearly eleven years. A final worthy of the Tipsport Gamechanger project.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1295"></oktfightcomponent><h2>GJONI PALOKAJ vs. JAMES HENDIN</h2><p>Hometown favorite Gjoni Palokaj remains perfect in OKTAGON. Five fights, five wins, and a #5 ranking. Fight after fight, he proves he belongs among Europe’s absolute elite and now stands on the doorstep of a title shot. The only thing missing so far is a finish—and that’s exactly what he wants to change.</p><p>Standing in his way is the British “Honey Badger” James Hendin, a ground-fighting specialist and former Cage Warriors title challenger. Four submissions, ten wins, and a clear ambition: to become the first man to defeat Palokaj in OKTAGON.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1320"></oktfightcomponent><h2>DENIZ ILBAY vs. KAROL RYŠAVÝ</h2><p>Deniz Ilbay enters every fight with a single goal—knockout. Six of his eight wins came by KO, and whenever he finds space, a finish is in the air. He is steadily pushing toward the top of the division, and another scalp could catapult him into the elite. Karol Ryšavý, the winner of the third season of OKTAGON Challenge, knows the recipe for dealing with heavy hands. His guillotine has already surprised more than one big name, and submissions may be the key to victory here.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1332"></oktfightcomponent><h2>TAMERLAN DULATOV vs. STEFAN KONČAR</h2><p>Two hungry young guns with no reverse gear. Fan favorite Tamerlan Dulatov and Stefan Končar will deliver a dynamic duel full of pace, aggression, and a desire to shine. Exactly the kind of fight where a new star can be born. Neither has tasted defeat, and both have finished all of their wins inside the distance. Whose streak will end?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1362"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MARC DOUSSIS vs. YEVHENII ORLOV</h2><p>Marc Doussis guarantees excitement—nine wins, nine finishes. Now comes a serious stress test in the form of Yevhenii Orlov. The Olympic wrestler rides an eight-fight winning streak with a 100% finish rate. Orlov has fallen only once—against Martin Buday. Everyone else he has bulldozed. Can Doussis find the answer, or will another heavyweight steamroller get rolling?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1321"></oktfightcomponent><h2>DAVID ZAWADA vs. DANIEL LIGOCKI</h2><p>Experienced veteran David Zawada returns to the cage to test Czech fighter Daniel Ligocki. A clash where years of experience meet hungry ambition, and where the winner will be the one who imposes his style. Both want to get back on the winning track. Zawada will enjoy the home-crowd advantage, while Ligocki senses an opportunity to send a famous veteran into retirement.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1364"></oktfightcomponent><p></p><h2>PRELIMS</h2><h2>SAMUEL BARK vs. ZAFAR MOHSEN</h2><p>Samuel Bark is a remarkable phenomenon. A former successful Muay Thai fighter, he is now climbing toward the absolute elite in MMA as well. He is currently on a five-fight winning streak and showed against Sanikidze that he is ready to measure himself against the best. The Swede has cracked the global top 100 and is knocking firmly on the door of the OKTAGON featherweight TOP 5. Across from him, however, stands a man who punishes every mistake. Zafar Mohsen is a proven name on the German scene, known for winning the GCP title and for battles with elite names such as Niko Samsoidze and Max Coga.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1357"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MAREK BARTL vs. KAMIL ONISZCZUK</h2><p>The slayer of German fighters is back. After a viral spinning elbow and three straight wins, Marek Bartl faces dangerous Pole Kamil Oniszczuk. A victory could bring him closer to the middleweight TOP 10. Oniszczuk, however, will be anything but easy. In the past, he surprised even champion Engizek, losing only by a close decision. Will Bartl pass this tough test?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1344"></oktfightcomponent><h2>TOMÁŠ CIGÁNIK vs. MAURICE ADORF</h2><p>Tomáš Cigánik welcomes an OKTAGON debutant. He has already recorded a successful campaign on German soil and now looks to build on his win over Halimsson against Maurice Adorf. A major prospect of the German scene, Adorf has six wins, including two brutal knockouts. He enters OKTAGON with a clear goal—to shine on the prestigious stage and defend his reputation as a major European hope.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1335"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ALTIN ZENUNI vs. MURAT TÜYSÜZ</h2><p>Altin Zenuni is among the biggest talents on the German scene. The Albanian fighter has already beaten Balász and Máša in OKTAGON and now faces the biggest challenge of his career. His opponent Murat Tüysüz enters OKTAGON undefeated at 5–0 with big ambitions. The Turkish striker draws from K–1 experience and is especially dangerous on the feet. Zenuni, however, represents the new generation of well-rounded MMA fighters and may drag Tüysüz into deep grappling waters.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1342"></oktfightcomponent><h2>EMIR-CAN AL vs. PATRIK ŠEBEK</h2><p>The “Turkish Bull” Emir-Can Al, known as a slayer of Slovak talents, faces debuting Patrik Šebek. Al has scalps of names like Tomáš Otava and Viktor Kováč. Šebek may have fewer professional fights, but his amateur run was rich with experience. The Slovak holds a 2–0 pro record and now wants to add the most valuable win of his career in the yellow-and-black cage.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1318"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ARIAN SADIKOVIĆ vs. JIXIE MOLAPO</h2><p>Arian “Game Over” Sadiković is among the hardest hitters ever to step into the OKTAGON cage. The former kickboxer carries grenades in his hands and finished his MMA debut in the first round. But will that be enough against Czech multisport athlete Jixie Molapo? Molapo comes from a rugby background, reflected in his explosiveness. Even as an amateur, he was finishing opponents early and handled his OKTAGON debut excellently. This time, however, he faces a more experienced and harder-hitting opponent.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1354"></oktfightcomponent><p></p><p><strong>The final fight of the million-euro Tipsport Gamechanger project is here. And the finale could not be bigger: a champion unbeaten for nearly 11 years against the most experienced fighter the organization has ever had. Engizek vs. Jotko. The winner will be decided this Saturday, January 17. Get our PPV and watch two titans collide in the decisive battle!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="121"></okteventcomponent>

The PSD Bank Dome in Düsseldorf will host a spectacular finale. OKTAGON 82 will deliver the climax of the third and final season of the Tipsport Gamechanger project, key ranking matchups, and clashes of talents we will be hearing a lot about in the future.

OKTAGON 82 FIGHT BY FIGHT: DÜSSELDORF WILL CROWN THE KING OF THE MILLION-EURO PYRAMID

<p>OKTAGON will kick off 2026 in grand style. The first event of the new year will take place this <strong>Saturday, January 17, in Düsseldorf</strong>. We will witness the conclusion of the million-euro <strong>Tipsport Gamechanger</strong> pyramid, fights at the very top of the featherweight division, and young talents in action on Europe’s most prestigious MMA stage. Read through selected facts about the Düsseldorf card and be in the know—whether you’re watching the event live in the arena or from the comfort of your couch at home.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/09e4d94b-6bd7-4dcf-be4b-2fd628c12984/cs.1768400967812.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/cbd73dff-9a37-4479-b518-4ee6f8176e98/cs.1768400971927.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>IMPRESSIVE WINNING STREAKS</h2><p>Several fighters competing in Düsseldorf boast outstanding winning streaks. The most dominant of them all is OKTAGON champion <strong>Kerim Engizek</strong>. He <strong>has not lost for nearly 11 years</strong> and is riding an incredible <strong>17-fight winning streak!</strong> In OKTAGON alone, he has already completed six bouts, and now the toughest challenge of his career awaits him. The Tipsport Gamechanger final against <strong>Krzysztof Jotko</strong> will be an elite clash of two fighters of the highest world-class caliber. <strong>Both rank among the TOP 50 middleweights in the world</strong> according to Fightmatrix. Now it will be decided who takes home the million-euro prize and confirms their legacy as the king of Europe.</p><p>Engizek is far from the only fighter who has not tasted defeat in a long time. <strong>Gjoni Palokaj</strong> is also on a very impressive run. The German fighter with Albanian roots is riding a seven-fight winning streak. <strong>He has not lost for a full 1,176 days</strong>—more than three years! In OKTAGON, he holds a <strong>perfect 5–0 record</strong> and is relentlessly climbing toward the very top of the division. The current <strong>#5 featherweight</strong>, however, is still waiting for his first finish in the organization. All of his wins in the yellow-and-black cage have gone to the judges. That is something he wants to change in Düsseldorf—but standing in his way will be British talent <strong>James Hendin</strong>.</p><p>Last but not least, we must mention the returning <strong>Yevhenii Orlov</strong>. The Ukrainian heavyweight is coming back to OKTAGON after a long six years, aiming to redeem his only career loss against Martin Buday. Orlov holds an <strong>overall record of 9–1</strong>, with as many as <strong>eight of his fights ending in the first round! </strong>He is currently on an eight-fight winning streak. However, his last bout took place in November 2023, so it remains a big question in what shape he will return. He will be tested by experienced German striker <strong>Marc Doussis</strong>, who will have the advantage of fighting in front of his home crowd.</p><oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DTfN3oZDO2v/?hl=cs&amp;img_index=1"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>YOUTH ON THE RISE!</h2><p>The Düsseldorf card also features several young prospects with the highest ambitions, now given the opportunity to showcase themselves on Europe’s most prestigious MMA stage.</p><p>The most well-known among them is <strong>Tamerlan Dulatov</strong>. A member of a famous fighting family, he decided after a successful introduction last year to accept the challenge of the Balkan butcher <strong>Stefan “The Butcher” Končar</strong>. Both fighters are undefeated in professional MMA. <strong>Both have finished all of their fights inside the distance</strong>, and both are more than determined to prove they are better than their opponent. For Končar, this will be a demanding debut on his opponent’s home soil; for Tamerlan, it is the <strong>toughest test of his career</strong>—one that could move him closer to the welterweight elite.</p><p><strong>Altin Zenuni</strong> is another major discovery of last year. The just <strong>20-year-old</strong> Albanian fighter turned professional last year—straight into OKTAGON. A <strong>multiple-time amateur champion </strong>and product of the prestigious UFD Gym, he recorded two dominant wins. First, he defeated Slovakia’s Tibor Balász, and then he overcame Czech fan favorite Marcel Máša. Now he faces a bout with the more experienced <strong>Murat Tüysüz</strong>, who enters OKTAGON with a <strong>5–0 record and a 100% finish rate!</strong> Will young Zenuni be able to handle this challenge?</p><p>Making his organizational debut will be Slovak talent <strong>Patrik Šebek</strong>. He turned professional in May of last year and has since earned two wins—both by rear-naked choke. Šebek has an extensive amateur background, with victories over names such as Eliáš and Otava. Now he feels ready to step into the OKTAGON spotlight. In Düsseldorf, he will face a tough test in the form of<strong> Emir-Can Al</strong>.</p><h2>CLASHES OF GENERATIONS AND STYLES</h2><p>OKTAGON 82 will feature several matchups that bring fascinating clashes of styles, generations, and experience. For example, <strong>David Zawada</strong> has four times as many fights on his record as his Czech opponent <strong>Daniel Ligocki</strong>. The bout between <strong>Deniz Ilbay</strong> and <strong>Karol Ryšavý</strong> will offer a stylistic contrast—on one side, a Slovak MMA veteran relying on his all-around skill set and experience; on the other, a successful striker who has been competing in professional MMA for just four years.</p><p><strong>Tomáš Cigánik</strong> has earned half of his wins by submission, but his opponent <strong>Maurice Adorf</strong> has never lost by submission. Will the Slovak manage to break this statistic?</p><p>Another battle at the top of the featherweight division will be delivered by <strong>Samuel Bark</strong> vs. <strong>Zafar Mohsen</strong>. The Swedish fighter last appeared in Brno, where he finished former champion Sanikidze by submission in the third round. Zafar Mohsen brings experience from organizations such as PFL and BRAVE and is extremely excited about his OKTAGON debut. However, Bark will certainly not be an easy first test.</p><p><strong>All this and much more awaits you this Saturday, January 17! OKTAGON 82 will launch the new OKTAGON season—and it will be a start worthy of the name. A stacked card, the Tipsport Gamechanger final, and emotions that will shake the entire city. And you have the chance to watch it all live! Get our PPV and make sure you don’t miss a thing. Until Friday, it’s available at a discounted price.</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="121"></okteventcomponent>

OKTAGON will kick off 2026 in grand style. The first event of the new year will take place this Saturday, January 17, in Düsseldorf. We will witness the conclusion of the million-euro Tipsport Gamechanger pyramid, fights at the very top of the featherweight division.

INTERESTING STATS OF OKTAGON 82: WHAT DID YOU NOT KNOW ABOUT THE FIRST EVENT OF 2026?

<p>The Tipsport Gamechanger project has reached its absolute finale. At OKTAGON 82 in Düsseldorf, two exceptional figures of European MMA will collide – middleweight champion Kerim Engizek and elite Polish veteran Krzysztof Jotko. At stake is not only €300,000, but also the prestige of the biggest MMA tournament in Europe.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/624e5d30-a21f-4c0b-8347-7030c73ce5ee/cs.1768302088717.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/93f70526-2644-41e3-87b7-67da019731d8/cs.1768302094798.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>KERIM ENGIZEK: AN UNDEFEATED CHAMPION FOR OVER 10 YEARS</h2><p><strong>Kerim Engizek</strong> is among the most dominant fighters OKTAGON has ever presented. He enters the Tipsport Gamechanger final as a man who has <strong>not lost for almost 11 years</strong>. His last defeat came in 2014, and since April 2015 he has been winning non-stop for <strong>3,927 days</strong>. With a record of 24–4 and a <strong>#43 ranking in the global Fightmatrix standings</strong>, he belongs to the absolute European elite.</p><p>Engizek is the OKTAGON middleweight champion and the first fighter in history to defeat Patrik Kincl. On his road to the throne he beat elite opponents, toppled champions, broke winning streaks and built a reputation as an impenetrable fortress. He <strong>has never been finished by KO or TKO</strong> – anyone who wants to beat him must outfight him technically and mentally for the entire duration.</p><p>And now comes another key factor: home soil. The Gamechanger final will take place in Düsseldorf – in front of a crowd that loves Engizek. With more than <strong>385,000 Instagram followers</strong>, he is one of the organization’s biggest stars, and the arena can be expected to erupt. For Kerim, this is not just a fight for money. It is the confirmation of his legacy.</p><h2>KRZYSZTOF JOTKO: AN ELITE VETERAN WHO DOES NOT LOSE IN EUROPE</h2><p>Standing across from him is a man who is not used to stumbling – <strong>Krzysztof Jotko</strong>. The Polish strategist with a professional record of <strong>28–6</strong> is <strong>one of the most experienced fighters</strong> ever to step into OKTAGON. <strong>In the Fightmatrix global rankings he sits at No. 39</strong>, making him the third-highest ranked fighter across the entire organization.</p><p>Jotko entered OKTAGON with one goal: to win the entire pyramid and<strong> become a millionaire</strong>. And so far, he has been flawless. He first defeated Ion Surdu, then Marek Mazúch, and in the semifinals he dealt with Hojat Khajevand. Jotko showed that <strong>his wrestling and strategy are on another level</strong>. Against Surdu in particular, he proved he can take down even a champion and control the fight where it matters most.</p><p>He brings with him years in the UFC, bouts with names such as Scott Askham, David Zawada, Bojan Veličković, and Will Fleury. He has earned a UFC Performance of the Night bonus and became a champion in Germany. And one statistic is especially frightening: he has never lost in Europe.</p><p>Jotko is calm, methodical, and extremely intelligent. He does not win through chaos, but through control. And that is exactly what he will look to use in Düsseldorf – to cool down the home arena and take away Engizek’s greatest weapon: his rhythm.</p><oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DTP-tpOjESz/?hl=cs&amp;img_index=1"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>THE FINAL CHAPTER OF THE TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER</h2><p>OKTAGON 82 will bring the conclusion of the third and final season of the million-euro Tipsport Gamechanger project. The final of the pyramid will fittingly take place where it all began – in Düsseldorf. It was here, at OKTAGON 66 in February 2025, that the first Round of 16 bouts were held. Now, the very last one will be fought here.</p><p>Engizek has the pace, the power, and the mental toughness. Jotko has the wrestling, the experience, and the ability to break an opponent’s game plan. One rules the OKTAGON cage. The other comes from the UFC to prove his level is even higher. In the end, only one will remain. The winner will take <strong>€300,000</strong> and the title of champion of the biggest MMA tournament in Europe.</p><p><strong>The Tipsport Gamechanger has written countless incredible stories. Now it ends with perhaps the biggest fight possible – a clash of two fighters who belong among the best in the world. You can watch their duel this Saturday, January 17. Get our PPV and watch the final fight of the Tipsport Gamechanger live from the comfort of your home!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="121"></okteventcomponent>

The Tipsport Gamechanger project has reached its absolute finale. At OKTAGON 82 in Düsseldorf, two exceptional figures of European MMA will collide – middleweight champion Kerim Engizek and elite Polish veteran Krzysztof Jotko.

INTRODUCING: ANTHONY SALAMONE, KEITA'S FAVORITE TO WIN

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