OKTAGON 71 is knocking on the door! Tomorrow we’ll find out the outcome of the grand rematch between Langer vs Poppeck, but we’ll also witness a number of great fights promising an unforgettable show. Check out the fight-by-fight preview, pick your favorites, and when it kicks off tomorrow, you’ll be ready to cheer them on!

PAVOL LANGER vs ALEXANDER POPPECK

The rematch between Pavol Langer and Alexander Poppeck promises to be a thrilling battle full of emotion. In 2023, Langer became the interim light heavyweight champion after defeating Poppeck, which was a huge surprise to most of the public. Poppeck is known for his hard-hitting Viking style and now wants to show everyone that his previous mistake won’t be repeated. Langer, on the other hand, is determined to confirm his place among the best. Poppeck is considered one of the most dangerous fighters in this division, but he’ll still have to prove his title shot. Who will become the next challenger for Will Fleury?

ARIJAN TOPALLAJ vs DENIS FRIMPONG

In the fight between Arijan Topallaj and Denis Frimpong, we will see two charismatic fighters who want to show the world what they’ve got. “The Albanian Eagle” Topallaj boasts a professional record of 7-1-1, with all of his victories coming by finish, mostly in the first round. His only loss came at the hands of Hafeni Nafuka in his last fight. Denis “The Menace” Frimpong last fought in March against Robin Frank, where he ended Frank’s winning streak and triumphed by decision. Frimpong is not only known for his sharp strikes but also his trash talk, which gets under his opponents' skin. Will Topallaj keep his cool, or will we see more of the Irish showman’s antics?

SHEM ROCK vs ATTILA KORKMAZ

In Munich, we will also see Shem Rock, Frimpong's partner and coach from OKTAGON Challenge: England vs Ireland, known for his controversial behavior. Some love him, others can't stand him – but Rock always attracts attention, and in Munich, he faces possibly the toughest challenge of his career. Attila Korkmaz didn’t earn the nickname “The Fearless” for nothing. He accepted this fight at the last minute, showing immense courage and confidence. His steel chin has never tasted KO or TKO, so Rock will face a very tough challenge.

PATRICK VESPAZIANI vs JOVAN ZELJKOVIC

At OKTAGON 71, we will also see a heavyweight showdown between Patrick Vespaziani and Jovan Zeljkovic. Vespaziani, known as “Il Gladiatore,” is 200 cm tall, with a professional record of 4 wins and 2 losses, all wins coming by finish. In his last fight, he defeated local fighter Sebastian Herzberg, finishing him in the second round and ending Herzberg’s 5-year unbeaten streak. His opponent will be Serbian fighter Jovan Zeljkovic, who will make his OKTAGON debut. Zeljkovic holds a record of 5 wins and 1 loss. Like any true Balkan fighter, he loves hard exchanges and finishes his opponents standing. Will he be able to defeat the bigger Vespaziani?

GÖKHAN AKSU vs ONGJEN DIMIĆ

A fascinating clash between two rising talents and relatively new faces in the organization – Gökhan “Abinator” Aksu and Ognjen Dimić. Aksu made his OKTAGON debut in December 2024, earning a victory over Jan Malach with a first-round Rear Naked Choke. A great debut against the experienced Malach! Aksu confirmed his reputation as a dangerous fighter and has 12 finishes in total. Now, with a current 4-fight win streak, he faces Dimić, who returns to OKTAGON after a loss to Agy Sadarri late last year. This fight promises an exciting clash between the experienced Aksu and the ambitious Dimić, who will try to get back on the winning track.

TOMÁŠ MUDROCH vs OZEN ASLANER

Keep your eyes peeled for this one, as it could end in a matter of seconds. Both fighters are walking magnets for quick finishes. Mudroch has ended 3 out of his 6 wins in under 30 seconds! Aslaner has a series of finishes to his name – his infamous power was felt in his last fight against Jakub Tichota, who withstood the strikes, but Aslaner claimed a clear victory by decision. Mudroch is dangerous both standing and on the ground, and he is ready to do anything to finish the fight. Better grab your popcorn ahead of time, because you don’t want to miss this!

HAFENI NAFUKA vs GEORGE STAINES

One of the most anticipated fights of the entire event. The battle between Hafeni Nafuka and George Staines represents a clash of two young talents aiming to make their mark in OKTAGON’s lightweight division. Nafuka, known as “The Namibian Nightmare,” has a record of 10-2, with six wins by submission. After his loss to Ivan Buchinger, he returns to the cage aiming to show his full potential. On the other hand, Staines is undefeated with a 5-0 professional record, excelling in precise technique and strong grappling. Both are young, hungry, and extremely determined to show their best – but will it be enough?

JAKUB DOHNAL vs WANDERLEY JUNIOR

A fascinating battle between two experienced fighters who are hovering just outside the top 10 of the lightweight division. Dohnal may be known as “The Handsome,” but don’t be fooled – he’s incredibly dangerous! With a record of 13 wins and 5 losses, he’s an experienced fighter with plenty to prove. Wanderley Junior is a champion of five different Brazilian organizations. His last performance in OKTAGON against Eskiev didn’t go as expected, but he’ll be looking to make a big statement this time. We can expect a dynamic battle that will determine the future direction for both fighters.

ZDENĚK POLÍVKA vs HARUN UZUN

The fight between Zdeněk Polívka and Harun Uzun will bring a clash of two different fighting styles. Polívka returns to the cage after more than a year’s break, this time fighting in the light heavyweight division. He will face Uzun, known as “The Turkish Airline,” who is known for his uncompromising ground game. Uzun has a record of 5-1, and will he add another valuable scalp, or will Polívka make a successful return and end this fight with “GAMEOVER” for the German opponent?

PETER GABAL vs ELIAS JAKOBI

Elias Jakobi, the German MMA talent with a 4-0 record, is set to debut in OKTAGON against Peter Gabal. Jakobi is a dangerous striker – he’s finished every fight by KO! On the other hand, Gabal feels a new wave of energy and says he’s a different fighter than before. He will have the chance to prove this against Jakobi in the cage, showing him that he’s not yet ready for this level. Will he withstand Jakobi’s pressure and prove his words?

JAN MALACH vs ENDRIT BRAJSHORI

The entire tournament will kick off with a clash of youth and experience. Czech veteran and “King of the North” Jan Malach will make his 10th appearance in OKTAGON. He has earned the respect of fans for his toughness and memorable battles against opponents like Brož and Pukač. Brajshori, with a record of 4 wins and 2 losses, brings an aggressive striking style. He has previously shone with fast first-round KOs, but he can’t rely on that against Malach. It will be a battle between the veteran and the young talent. The question remains – who will want it more?

There’s no doubt about it – OKTAGON 71 promises an exciting show, and we can’t wait to see it all unfold! Don’t miss the action – check the map for OKTAGON bars or grab your PPV and watch the whole night from the comfort of your couch. Starting tomorrow, 17.5., from 18:00. Will you be watching with us?

IVICA TRUŠČEK: THE ABSOLUTE OKTAGON RECORD HOLDER!

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