We’re introducing another top-tier fighter stepping into the OKTAGON cage as a participant in the elite Tipsport Gamechanger tournament. This time, it’s a competitor whose name resonates not only in South Africa’s fight circles but far beyond its borders.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/25cf49e6-d114-4b3e-a392-58e3e3726945/cs.1737661602914.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/16ae2177-6eec-419c-919c-5dc22c3443bf/cs.1737661608570.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>THE CHAMPION FROM SOUTH AFRICA</h2>Mark Hulme is no newcomer to MMA. He joins OKTAGON from South Africa, where he has already secured several championship titles in EFC, the largest organization in Southern Africa. In addition to his titles, he boasts two dominant victories in the middleweight division—both fights ended in the first round via Rear Naked Choke, making it clear that we can expect dangerous submissions. You might also recognize him from the American reality show The Ultimate Fighter, where he competed last year.<h2>GRUELING TRAINING AND MENTAL TOUGHNESS</h2>The gym where Mark trains is known for its intense training regimens, which push fighters to their limits. His team has even implemented a method called "Double Distance", where fighters go through twice the number of rounds planned for their upcoming fights—each round with a fresh sparring partner. Once, Hulme completed 24 rounds under this grueling format, proving his endurance under the toughest conditions.However, it’s not just about physical effort. Hulme places a strong emphasis on mental preparation, incorporating daily meditation, mantras, and a focus on achieving the flow state that brings out his best performances.DID YOU KNOW? A great friend and training partner of Hulme is Dricus du Plessis, a fellow South African and the current UFC middleweight champion.<h2>A JOURNEY TO FIND LIFE'S MEANING</h2>Hulme is not just an athlete—there’s much more to him. One of the most significant moments of his life was a pilgrimage he undertook during the pandemic. Feeling lost, and as a deeply religious person, he wanted to reconnect with God. So, he embarked on a 1,500 km trek from Victoria to Cape Town, armed with nothing more than a borrowed tent and a pair of sneakers.During his 50-day journey, he encountered many people who offered him help and hope. Each kilometer, each meeting, and each challenge taught him valuable life lessons. He even extended his journey to conquer 13 mountain peaks, where he prayed for a specific person or cause at each summit. In the end, he found the sense of purpose he had been searching for, which gave him the strength to move forward.FUN FACT: Hulme has a kind heart. During a training camp in Dagestan, he grew fond of a stray cat. Although he couldn’t take her home, he made sure she found a loving adoptive family and a safe place to stay.<h2>A TOUGH OPPONENT AWAITS</h2><oktfightcomponent fightid="1120"></oktfightcomponent>Hulme will make his debut in Třinec, facing a seasoned opponent—Andreas Michailidis, a fighter well-versed in the Tipsport Gamechanger tournament. In the first welterweight series, Michailidis made it all the way to the final, delivering an impressive performance. Will Hulme rise to the challenge?TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER kicks off on February 1st! Follow your favorites closely.<okteventcomponent eventid="103"></okteventcomponent>

Mark Hulme is traveling all the way from South Africa to compete in the million-dollar pyramid. What's his story?

MEET HULME: THE CHAMPION FROM SOUTH AFRICA WITH A BIG HEART

Forget everything you thought you knew about MMA reality shows. OKTAGON is once again pushing the boundaries of sports entertainment, introducing a game-changing element that has never been seen before. The new project, Tipsport Cage Game, bridges the world of professional fighters with the raw energy of digital creators, putting the power to decide directly into the hands of the fans. You are no longer just a spectator watching the action unfold—now, you determine the direction, influence the rules, and decide the final result.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/2136ecd1-b67b-4d97-97df-d8137a787058/cs.1777981992607.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/908f5701-9ba0-45b6-88cf-a81d53f5cd08/cs.1777981996934.png" link="" croppedcorners="false" cropcornertr="true" cropcornerbl="true" enablecornersmobile="false" smallercorners="false"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>MIKÝŘ VS. EXPL0ITED: A CLASH OF DIGITAL GIANTS</h2>Leading the new show are two personalities who need no introduction. The Czech team will be led by the master of irony and unexpected moves, Mikýř, while the Slovak squad of five is taken under the wing of the creative predator, Expl0ited. It’s a classic battle of nations—five against five, Czechia vs. Slovakia.The entire docu-reality series will map the formation of the teams, their brutal preparation, and the personal stories of talented fighters at the very beginning of their journey. We will follow their every step, every drop of sweat, and the strategic decisions of the captains that could mean everything in the final reckoning.<h2>PROFESSIONAL OVERSIGHT: KALAŠNIK AND PUKAČ AS COACHES</h2>To ensure the sporting quality remains at the highest level, the streamers have been paired with the best in the business. The Czech five will be drilled by Brno’s own "Vagabund," Andrej Kalašnik, while the Slovak prospects will be mentored by the "Prince of Bratislava" himself, Robo Pukač."We are looking for fighters who have the complete package—sporting quality and the ability to engage the fans," says promoter Ondřej Novotný.The stakes are higher than just a chance to shine. At least one fighter will earn a professional OKTAGON contract at the end of the show, and the teams will compete for an enticing financial bonus consisting of the remaining production budget surplus.<h2>THE FAN AS THE MAIN DRIVER OF THE ACTION</h2>What makes Tipsport Cage Game truly unique is the community integration. Through Instagram, TikTok, and Discord, fans will influence the project’s progress in real-time."Tipsport Cage Game shifts the role of the fan. It’s no longer just about watching; it’s about having real influence over how the fights turn out," explains the mind behind the concept, Pavol Neruda.During the final tournament, which will feature a modified format, viewers will have the opportunity to intervene in the action according to clearly defined rules. Through your social media activity, you can directly help your favorite fighter secure the win.<oktyoutubecomponent url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwV08uFhbTU&amp;t=18s"></oktyoutubecomponent><h2>WHEN AND WHERE TO WATCH?</h2>History is being written right now! The second episode of the Tipsport Cage Game docu-reality series drops on YouTube tomorrow, May 6, 2026, at 18:00. New episodes will then be released with iron-clad regularity every Wednesday.<ul><li>YouTube: Main episodes and documentary series.</li><li>Instagram &amp; TikTok: Key moments and interactions.</li><li>Discord: The community hub where fans discuss and actively engage.</li></ul>FINAL TOURNAMENT: June 24, 2026, live on YouTube and Kick.Do you want to influence who becomes the next OKTAGON star? Do you want to see how Mikýř and Explo handle the unforgiving world of MMA? Watch the first episode and get in the game.Tipsport Cage Game – The first show where YOU decide. Be there from the very beginning!<okteventcomponent eventid="137"></okteventcomponent>

Forget everything you thought you knew about MMA reality shows. OKTAGON is once again pushing the boundaries of sports entertainment, introducing a game-changing element that has never been seen before. The new project, Tipsport Cage Game, bridges the world of professional fighters with the raw energy of digital creators.

OKTAGON INTRODUCES TIPSPORT CAGE GAME: THE FIRST SHOW WHERE YOU DECIDE THE OUTCOME!

One of the most anticipated title fights of the year is fast approaching. On Saturday, May 16, Hannover’s ZAG Arena will come alive with the spectacular OKTAGON 88 event, headlined by the battle for the featherweight king. On one side of the cage stands the reigning champion and feared finisher Mochamed "The Beast" Machaev. His challenger will be the relentless local fighter Gjoni Palokaj. Who will leave the cage with the belt over their shoulder?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/9769b065-5c1a-4aac-919b-1c5eb1fb2b48/cs.1777968946612.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/04fb4ad3-e5a5-455c-8285-f90c8eeb2e43/cs.1777968952764.png" link="" croppedcorners="false" cropcornertr="true" cropcornerbl="true" enablecornersmobile="false" smallercorners="false"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>MOCHAMED MACHAEV: THE REIGNING KING WITH DYNAMITE IN HIS HANDS</h2>The featherweight division's championship throne found its new ruler earlier this year at OKTAGON 83 in Stuttgart. The Austrian representative with Chechen roots, Mochamed Machaev, gave Niko Samsonidse no chance, securing the vacant belt with a brutal KO at 1:47 of the first round. Now, he faces his first title defense right on his challenger’s hot home turf.Twenty-six-year-old Mochamed Machaev boasts an elite record of 17 wins and only 2 losses. The Chechnya native, who grew up in Vienna from childhood, represents Soma Fight Club and his nickname "The Beast" defines him perfectly. Machaev is a phenomenon of modern MMA — a karateka with a background in K-1 who can shut off opponents with a single strike, yet he is equally dangerous on the ground.OKTAGON fans surely remember his phenomenal entry into the project Tipsport Gamechanger. At OKTAGON 54, he managed to deliver a devastating knockout to experienced Finnish veteran Makwan Amirkhani in the third round, putting the whole of Europe on notice. Upon returning to the featherweight division, he continued a streak that left nothing to chance. On his way to the top, he first outpointed James Hendin, confirming his position among the absolute elite. He then proved that German soil suits him perfectly right in Hannover’s ZAG Arena, when he dominated Wanderley Junior at OKTAGON 75, finishing him via TKO in the second round. He then sealed his flawless run by claiming the championship throne in Stuttgart. Now, he returns to Hannover as the reigning king, radiating confidence ahead of his first defense.<h2>GJONI PALOKAJ: THE LOCAL STAR WANTS TO CONQUER THE THRONE</h2>Facing the unstoppable champion on the other side of the cage is a man who is at home in Hannover. Undefeated in OKTAGON so far, Gjoni Palokaj carries a 13-3 record into his dream title battle, riding a fantastic eight-fight win streak on the European scene. He made history by being the only man to defeat the dreaded Islam Dulatov in professional MMA.He too has the best memories of the Hannover arena. At OKTAGON 75, in the main event of the evening, he defeated the talented Jakub Batfalský with a dominant performance, definitively demanding the attention of the division's elite. He then sealed his path to the title fight with a convincing decision victory over James Hendin in Düsseldorf, the very same opponent defeated by champion Machaev before him.Throughout his entire career, he has never been knocked out. Palokaj's strength stems from his steel cardio and unbreakable mindset, which he sharpens at his home gym, Fightschool Hannover under the guidance of his uncle David Palokaj. A massive motivation for him will be the fact that his close friend and teammate, the undefeated Max Holzer, is fighting on the same card, facing a heated clash with the experienced Khalid Taha in the co-main event. On May 16, Hannover will feel the power of a local team that refuses to give up a single inch of the cage for free.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DX6ekl6DHyS/?hl=cs&amp;img_index=1"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>ZAG ARENA AWAITS THE CHAMPIONSHIP CORONATION</h2>Hannover’s time has come. When the lights turn on in the packed ZAG Arena on May 16, fans will witness a battle for the throne between two men who have previously celebrated success in this very arena. This time, however, much more is at stake than just another victory for the records. It is about the championship belt and the position at the absolute pinnacle of the featherweight division. On Saturday night, Hannover will decide whose star will shine the brightest and who will conquer the entire division. Will the arena celebrate a new local king, or will Mochamed Machaev back up his words and defend the featherweight throne?The yellow-and-black colossus is about to storm Germany once again! OKTAGON 88 kicks off on May 16 in Hannover’s ZAG Arena, delivering a title battle that will be remembered for a long time. The arena is filling up fast, so do not hesitate for a second. Get your tickets at the link below.<okteventcomponent eventid="133"></okteventcomponent>

One of the most anticipated title fights of the year is fast approaching. On Saturday, May 16, Hannover’s ZAG Arena will come alive with the spectacular OKTAGON 88 event, headlined by the battle for the featherweight king.

THE BATTLE FOR THE FEATHERWEIGHT THRONE: MACHAEV DEFENDS HIS TITLE IN HANNOVER AGAINST PALOKAJ

We have another tournament behind us that indelibly entered history. On Saturday, April 25th, the Home Credit Arena in Liberec experienced a gala evening full of hard finishes, emotions, and one huge sports milestone. Eight fights ended before the limit, and the packed stands saw the birth of the first double champion of OKTAGON. Let's take a look together at the best of what the loaded OKTAGON 87 offered.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/09f9a294-4a77-41c8-8c60-65a6d66b249b/cs.1777548995444.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/2f992c53-3b5e-4d42-9da7-0e085957721e/cs.1777549000922.png" link="" croppedcorners="false" cropcornertr="true" cropcornerbl="true" enablecornersmobile="false" smallercorners="false"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>SZABOVÁ TOOK TWO THRONES</h2>The main event of the evening delivered exactly what is expected from a title fight at this level. Lucia Szabová had an absolutely clear goal ahead of her – to win a second belt and dominate two weight categories. Against the dangerous Brazilian Leidiane Fernandes, however, it was not an easy job at all from the beginning. Both fighters jumped into the match at a huge pace. The opening round, full of sharp exchanges, was eventually taken by Fernandes.But the Slovak fighter showed again why she belongs among the biggest stars of the organization. From the second round, she began to clearly dominate. She hit accurately in the stand-up and took the reins of the whole fight. The definitive turning point came in the third round. Szabová sent her opponent to the ground, where she unleashed hard ground and pound and forced the referee to step in. She thus celebrates a historic success and becomes the very first female fighter to sit on two OKTAGON thrones. This triumph will undoubtedly be written in gold letters in the chronicles of the best European MMA organization.<h2>"CAPTAIN CZECHIA" DEFENDED HOME TURF</h2>The Liberec crowd pushed their captain forward from the first second. Dominik Humburger faced a huge challenge in the form of the highly experienced Zebaztian Kadestam. The former champion of the prestigious Asian organization ONE threatened with every strike, but the Czech representative entered the cage fantastically prepared and left nothing to chance.In the second round, the whole hall was on its feet when Humburger sent his Swedish opponent to the ground and showered him with a series of hard punches. Although the experienced Kadestam managed to survive this critical situation, he found no recipe against the complex local fighter. The final five minutes were fully under Humburger's control. With a cool head, he controlled the course of the fight and safely secured a dominant points victory. Dominik thus confirmed to his home fans that he belongs to the absolute top of the middleweight division and his journey to the top is far from over.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXkfRNIDEQm/?hl=cs&amp;img_index=1"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>A SHOCKING KO AND A BRUTAL PREMIERE</h2>Radek Roušal provided one of the biggest shocks of the evening. He entered the cage against the Swedish favorite Bark, who was ranked more than 250 places above the Czech fighter in the world rankings. In addition, there was very bad blood between the two fighters, and the fight was preceded by sharp verbal exchanges and tense staredowns. The fight itself started at an absolutely crazy pace. The confident Bark immediately rushed forward and started attacking hard. However, the Brno "bad boy" landed a hard right hook perfectly at the ideal moment and sent his Swedish opponent to the ground, thus ending the whole battle in a flash. This brutal KO in just 75 seconds earned him an incredible leap in the featherweight rankings – from 446th place he shot steeply upwards and now holds a fantastic 188th position in the world. Radek clearly showed that he is growing into a world-class star.The fan-favorite Josef Hála delivered a premiere in grand style. The reigning bare-knuckle boxing champion (BKFC) confirmed his reputation as an elite striker to the letter. In a brutal shootout with the talented Tomáš Mudroch, he unleashed a real war. From the opening seconds, terrifying blows flew through the air, but Hála was ultimately more accurate. He fully unpacked his mastery at the start of the second round. He sent Mudroch to the ground twice in quick succession and hit another devastating combination after about a minute. The third knockdown meant the definitive end of the fight and a KO finish. Hála thus introduced himself to OKTAGON fans in the best possible light, and it is already absolutely clear that we have a lot more to look forward to from this elite heavy hitter in the future.<h2>RNC HATTRICK AND AN INCREDIBLE COMEBACK</h2>The Liberec tournament was characterized by finishes and attractive performances that didn't let fans catch their breath. A total of eight battles found their winner before the limit. Moreover, the very beginning of the card provided a unique record, when the first three duels of the evening ended absolutely identically. Alex Hutyra, Liam Pitts, and Mileide Simplicio showed their extra class and all finished their fights via rear-naked choke (RNC).In the case of the Brazilian fighter, it was a thrilling turnaround. Everything indicated that the dangerous Josefine Knutsson was confidently striding towards a clear victory and had the duel fully under control. But in a critical moment, Simplicio got to her opponent's back in a flash and turned the fight to her side within a few seconds.Already on May 16th, we are moving across the borders to German soil. The OKTAGON 88 tournament in Hannover will light up the local ZAG Arena and offer another packed card full of stars and thrilling battles that will definitely get you out of your seat. Be there with us and experience the true atmosphere firsthand! You can buy tickets at the link below.<okteventcomponent eventid="133"></okteventcomponent>

We have another tournament behind us that indelibly entered history. On Saturday, April 25th, the Home Credit Arena in Liberec experienced a gala evening full of hard finishes, emotions, and one huge sports milestone.

LIBEREC RECAP: A FESTIVAL OF FINISHES, A BRUTAL KO, AND A HISTORIC TRIUMPH

The ZAG Arena in Hannover will become the stage for a story on May 16th that European MMA will not easily forget. At the OKTAGON 88 tournament, brothers Max and Jan Holzer will step into the same cage, right in front of their hometown, for the first time in history. One is going to settle an exceptionally personal score with a UFC veteran. The other is entering the world of professionals. Can they withstand the crushing pressure in front of a ten-thousand-strong crowd and turn this evening into their own family show?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/7c90ed6a-c162-416b-bd44-adc242fb34b4/cs.1777547818811.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/0e9eb10c-3540-4734-b206-079a24dc8743/cs.1777547824699.png" link="" croppedcorners="false" cropcornertr="true" cropcornerbl="true" enablecornersmobile="false" smallercorners="false"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>FROM THE DARKNESS OF THE STREETS TO THE SPOTLIGHT</h2>The story of the Holzer brothers is a raw narrative of family redemption. A shared childhood marked by a criminal environment and domestic violence taught them both constant vigilance. It was the older Max (11-0) who first managed to forge this darkness into a driving engine and found an escape route from the streets thanks to the strict discipline at the Fightschool Hannover gym under the guidance of David Palokaj. Today, he is an elite, undefeated featherweight fighter who entertains fans with extravagant entrances in Batman or Buzz Lightyear costumes. He got the nickname "Stifler" from his coach for his then-wild nature and visual resemblance to the cult character from the movie American Pie. But as soon as the cage closes, the predator steps in. Out of eleven wins, he finished nine before the limit and forced the opponent to tap out seven times.<h2>HEATED EMOTIONS AND A WAR WITH A VETERAN</h2>With growing fame came enormous pressure. It fully exploded at the OKTAGON 69 tournament in Dortmund. After weeks of a toxic atmosphere, when the camp of his opponent Deniz Ilbay verbally attacked Max's family, Holzer choked out his opponent in the fourth round. The accumulated emotions and a subsequent provocative celebratory gesture sparked a massive post-fight brawl.But now an even more personal reckoning awaits him. In Hannover, he will face Khalid "The Warrior" Taha, a seasoned UFC and RIZIN veteran who finished 14 of his 16 wins before the limit. This fight was supposed to take place last autumn, but health complications prevented it then. The bad blood has only thickened since. Both fighters have had a series of intense staredowns where the tension between them was palpable. Max makes no secret of the fact that he despises his opponent. He questions his experience and, in trash talk, mockingly calls him a roast chicken or compares him to Lord Farquaad from the animated movie Shrek. Taha makes no secret of the fact that the prospect of a fight with Holzer was one of the main reasons why he anchored precisely in OKTAGON. He arrives with a single goal: to get Holzer's scalp and end his invincibility. This is no longer just a sports rivalry. It is a personal war.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWgU6rrDOhl/"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>STEPPING INTO THE FIRE&nbsp; AND THE WEIGHT OF A FAMOUS NAME</h2>While Max is used to the pressure of the crowd, his younger brother Jan is standing on the threshold of a lifetime test. He enters OKTAGON 88 with a clean 0-0 record, straight in front of a ten-thousand-strong Hannover crowd. He ended his amateur career with a dominant win after one fight, and soon after went through a radical physical transformation and a tough weight cut for the middleweight division, where he intends to write his own story.His opponent will be the German fighter Paul Kulze (0-0). He comes to the ZAG Arena with a clear mission to defeat the debutant with a famous name, ruin the Holzers' family night, and catapult himself into the consciousness of all of Europe. Jan thus does not have an easy task ahead of him. Under the huge pressure of the home fans, he must prove that he deserves his place on the main card alongside his brother.<h2>TWO FACES OF THE BROTHERLY BOND</h2>Max and Jan are not just brothers. They are the closest mates and the toughest sparring partners rolled into one. Outside the gym, they spend their free time together and share their daily lives. But once they enter the gym, all the idyll goes aside. They go through very intense sparring sessions where they do not spare each other at all. They follow the motto that the tougher the preparation, the better they will handle the fight itself.However, sharing a single tournament card also brings a specific psychological burden. As both fighters honestly revealed in the club podcast, the evening will be mentally demanding for them on two levels. While Jan will fight in the cage for a successful start to his career, Max faces tough moments in the locker room full of nervousness for his younger brother. At the same time, however, he will have to concentrate one hundred percent on his own highly watched battle with Taha. The moment the cage door definitively closes, they will experience it together in Hannover. However, the goal for the ZAG Arena is absolutely clear: to dominate their fights and pull the whole show to the side of the Holzer family.Do not miss this brotherly ride! Do you want to experience it firsthand? Tickets for the OKTAGON 88 tournament in Hannover are disappearing fast. Click the link below and secure your seats in the ZAG Arena today.<okteventcomponent eventid="133"></okteventcomponent>

The ZAG Arena in Hannover will become the stage for a story on May 16th that European MMA will not easily forget. At the OKTAGON 88 tournament, brothers Max and Jan Holzer will step into the same cage, right in front of their hometown, for the first time in history. 

TWO BROTHERS, ONE CAGE: THE HOLZERS AIM TO CONQUER OKTAGON 88

The Home Credit Arena in Liberec was the venue for a tournament that left an indelible mark on history. OKTAGON 87 brought a historic milestone in the form of the first female two-division champion, a striking battle under special rules, and results that had to be decided by the final tallies. Check out the tournament overview from the perspective of the scoring judges.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/74b89e2b-8b57-4030-974e-6ed7899c4393/cs.1777293798861.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/002b5a86-3789-49a2-9fb4-2b27e0e557ce/cs.1777293804627.png" link="" croppedcorners="false" cropcornertr="true" cropcornerbl="true" enablecornersmobile="false" smallercorners="false"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>LUCIA SZABOVÁ vs. LEIDIANE FERNANDES</h2>The title bout didn't start ideally for the Slovak star, as she unanimously lost the opening frame after a foul on the ground. However, Szabová clearly dominated the stand-up in the second round and leveled the score. Everything was decided in the third round, where the "Silent Killer" delivered a devastating TKO and rewrote history.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1384" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>DOMINIK HUMBURGER vs. ZEBAZTIAN KADESTAM</h2>Captain Czechia gave the judges no room for doubt. After winning the first round, Humburger delivered a hard knockdown in the second frame, earning a clear 10-8 from the entire panel for his sheer dominance. He comfortably secured his lead in the third round, celebrating a unanimous decision victory.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1365" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>RADEK ROUŠAL vs. SAMUEL BARK</h2>The scorecards stayed completely blank here. The tough guy from Brno stormed into the fight like a hurricane and destroyed the highly experienced Swedish favorite with a devastating KO in just a minute and fifteen seconds.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1359" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>TOMÁŠ MUDROCH vs. JOSEF HÁLA</h2>The special Stand &amp; Bang rules delivered a fierce brawl. The first round clearly went to Josef Hála on all the judges' cards. In the second frame, Hála stepped on the gas even more, delivered three knockdowns, and uncompromisingly ended the fight with a dominant KO.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1430" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>VLADIMÍR LENGÁL vs. OZAN ASLANER</h2>A first-class striking war and an incredibly tight battle, yet the judges agreed down to the last detail. The opening belonged to Aslaner, but in the second round, Lengál unleashed absolute demolition and leveled the score across the board. The grueling third round was ultimately claimed by the Turkish fighter, who took home a hard-fought unanimous decision victory.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1358" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>JAN MALACH vs. STEFAN KONČAR</h2>The "King of the North" dictated the pace on home soil from the very first second. All judges scored the first two rounds exactly the same in his favor. Malach then sealed his dominance in the third round with a spectacular TKO finish.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1408" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>MATEUSZ STRZELCZYK vs. VOJTĚCH GARBA</h2>The judges didn't even get a chance to jot down the first points. In his debut, Vojtěch Garba fully capitalized on his physical strength, escaped a dangerous submission, and finished the Polish veteran via TKO at 3:48 of the first round.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1407" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>VÁCLAV ŠTĚPÁN vs. FIRAS DAUD</h2>The only Split Decision of the night and an immensely close battle on paper as well. The momentum swung back and forth, and after two rounds full of twists, nothing was certain. The fate of both fighters was decided in the final five minutes, where Štěpán managed to convince two of the three judges and grind out a narrow victory.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1411" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>JOSEFINE KNUTSSON vs. MILEIDE SIMPLICIO</h2>A massive shock where the judges only watched the clock. The favored Knutsson clearly dominated the stand-up, but just before the end of the opening round, Simplicio took her to the ground and shockingly choked her out (RNC) five seconds before the bell.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1415" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>LIAM PITTS vs. KACPER MATYSZEWSKI</h2>The Swedish talent gave the judges no opportunity to intervene. Pitts took his opponent to the ground right at the start, displayed total dominance, and swiftly delivered a ruthless choke (RNC) at the 3:52 mark.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1413" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>ALEX HUTYRA vs. UMUT BIRDAL</h2>The opening bout of the tournament offered a fantastic comeback. Thanks to his ground pressure, Birdal unanimously took the first round across the panel. But Hutyra refused to break, fantastically reversed the position in the second frame, and forced his opponent to tap out to an RNC.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1409" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent>The scorecards from Liberec are tallied, but we keep going! The judges won't be taking a break in May either. The yellow-and-black avalanche moves to Hannover, Germany on May 16th, where the local ZAG Arena will be rocked by OKTAGON 88. Elite fighters, led by the heated Machaev vs. Palokaj matchup, will provide more thrilling fights and plenty of work for the scoring judges. Don't leave it just on paper and experience the hard finishes firsthand! Secure your seat in the arena at the link below.<okteventcomponent eventid="133"></okteventcomponent>

The Home Credit Arena in Liberec was the venue for a tournament that left an indelible mark on history. OKTAGON 87 brought a historic milestone in the form of the first female two-division champion, a striking battle under special rules, and results that had to be decided by the final tallies.

LIBEREC THROUGH THE EYES OF THE JUDGES: NEW DOUBLE CHAMPION AND EIGHT FINISHES 

The Liberec OKTAGON 87 brought an unforgettable night full of emotions, hard finishes, and historical moments. The famous Lucia Szabová rewrote history after a devastating TKO and became the very first female double champion in OKTAGON history! Radek Roušal took care of another shock with a brutal knockout in just 75 seconds, and Humburger and Malach electrified the home arena, successfully defending the North Bohemian fortress. Read the complete summary of the results from the packed Liberec card.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/18f98f35-183b-4eaa-ac8a-9d0dc87019e9/cs.1777155322022.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/7c50740a-1670-471c-beee-28da578af00b/cs.1777155329673.png" link="" croppedcorners="false" cropcornertr="true" cropcornerbl="true" enablecornersmobile="false" smallercorners="false"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>LUCIA SZABOVÁ VS. LEIDIANE FERNANDES</h2>The main event of the evening brought a historic battle in which Lucia Szabová became the very first champion of two weight categories! Both fighters flew into the match at a huge pace. However, the first round did not start well for the Slovak star - after a foul in the form of a kick to the head on the ground, Fernandes took the opening five minutes. But Szabová did not let herself be unsettled and dominated the stand-up in the second round, where she hit accurate and hard combinations. The third act was thus entered with an equal score. In it, however, the "Silent Killer" left no one in doubt. Szabová hit her opponent hard, sent her to the ground, and delivered a devastating TKO with uncompromising pressure there. Lucia Szabová thus indelibly entered history as the first "double champ" of the OKTAGON MMA organization!<oktfightcomponent fightid="1384"></oktfightcomponent><h2>DOMINIK HUMBURGER VS. ZEBAZTIAN KADESTAM</h2>Captain Czechia did it again. Several sharp strikes fell in the first round, but the domestic Dominik Humburger soon took the initiative. In the second round, "Hambáč" delivered a hard knockdown and showered Kadestam with a series of blows. The experienced opponent withstood the pressure. The fight continued on the ground, from where the Czech soldier subsequently let his opponent stand up for another firefight in the stand-up. The Liberec patriot experiencedly guarded the third round and celebrates an extremely valuable points victory right on home territory after a convincing performance.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1365"></oktfightcomponent><h2>RADEK ROUŠAL VS. SAMUEL BARK</h2>So that was speed! In a heated fight, which was preceded by bad blood from the very beginning, neither of the fighters held back. The Swedish favorite Samuel Bark was initially close to a finish, but Radek Roušal withstood the enormous pressure and immediately delivered exactly what he promised. In this highly watched duel, he hit hard and won after just one minute and fifteen seconds by a devastating KO! The "Bad Boy" from Brno thus avenged his teammate Vlado Lengál, defeated the hugely experienced favorite, and indelibly wrote his name among the elite of European MMA.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1359"></oktfightcomponent><h2>TOMÁŠ MUDROCH VS. JOSEF HÁLA</h2>Elite striking according to special Stand &amp; Bang rules. From the first seconds, we could see incredibly hard strikes, and each of them could have meant a premature end. After a fast-paced first round, however, Josef Hála stepped on the gas even more. The first Czech champion of the BKFC organization confirmed his qualities and delivered his opponent three counts in one round. Mudroch failed to get up from the last one, and Hála thus wins by KO after a dominant performance.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1430"></oktfightcomponent><h2>VLADIMÍR LENGÁL VS. OZAN ASLANER</h2>This was a first-class stand-up war exactly as expected! The first round offered a lot of hard strikes on both sides. In the second half of the second round, Vlado Lengál unleashed absolute demolition. He showered his opponent with an avalanche of punches, kicks, and knees, and a premature finish literally hung in the air. Aslaner, however, showed an incredibly hard chin, withstood the crushing pressure, and we thus looked into the third round. In it, both fighters continued the incredible battle until the final gong. Ozan Aslaner finally rejoiced at a valuable and very close points victory after a fantastic performance.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1358"></oktfightcomponent><h2>JAN MALACH VS. STEFAN KONČAR</h2>The return of the "King of the North" under Ještěd brought exactly the fight the home fans were waiting for. From the first seconds, the fighters did not hold back at all and offered hard exchanges in the stand-up and on the fence. The home fighter won the first two rounds on points. In the second round, he had to survive Končar's dangerous rear-naked choke attempt, but he withstood the crisis situation, shook off his opponent, and returned to his feet. He left nothing to chance in the third round. He showered the Serbian fighter with a volley of hard strikes and went for a fantastic TKO finish on his home ground.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1408"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MATEUSZ STRZELCZYK VS. VOJTĚCH GARBA</h2>Vojtěch Garba could not have started his OKTAGON premiere better. Right at the beginning of the first round, the fight moved to the ground. The Polish veteran threatened with a dangerous armbar attempt, but Garba managed to slip out of it perfectly. Subsequently, he fully showed his famous physical strength and crushing pressure. He showered his opponent with a series of hard strikes and thus delivered the very first TKO finish of the Liberec evening in the first round. In front of a sold-out hall, he thus presented himself in the absolute best possible light on his debut.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1407"></oktfightcomponent><h2>VÁCLAV ŠTĚPÁN VS. FIRAS DAUD</h2>The anticipated clash of previously undefeated super talents offered a thrilling war from the first seconds. The German finisher Firas Daud hit hard right at the beginning, but Štěpán showed a huge heart and managed to withstand the brutal pressure. The initiative constantly spilled over in the cage, and after a balanced second round, we saw a third five-minute period in Liberec for the first time. Both fighters reached the absolute bottom in it. The Czech jewel Václav Štěpán finally rejoiced at a hard-fought points victory and maintaining the "magic zero" after an exhausting battle.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1411"></oktfightcomponent><h2>JOSEFINE KNUTSSON VS. MILEIDE SIMPLICIO</h2>The Brazilian fighter took care of a huge shock in the Liberec arena. Former world number sixteen Josefine Knutsson entered the cage as the absolute favorite and clearly confirmed this at the beginning. She hit hard combinations in the stand-up and confidently turned Simplicio's attempts to move to the ground to her advantage. However, a single hesitation was enough, and Simplicio shockingly turned the course of the match around. Just before the end of the first round, she managed to get into Knutsson's back, pull her to the ground, and tighten the third RNC of the evening there just 5 seconds before the end. The favorite had to tap out, and Simplicio thus celebrates a fantastic scalp.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1415"></oktfightcomponent><h2>LIAM PITTS VS. KACPER MATYSZEWSKI</h2>Swedish talent Liam Pitts fulfilled huge expectations and gave his opponent no chance. Right in the first round, he managed to get Matyszewski to the ground, where he showed absolute dominance. He quickly worked his way into his opponent's back and delivered the second choke of the evening in the form of an RNC. The invincibility of the Swedish television star thus confidently continues with a fourth win.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1413"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ALEX HUTYRA VS. UMUT BIRDAL</h2>Alex Hutyra started the Liberec card in grand style. The first round offered a battle on the ground, where Hutyra had to spend most of the time on his back. Birdal also entered the second round more actively, managing to deliver another takedown and bring the fight to the ground. However, Hutyra managed to fantastically reverse the position and took control. Subsequently, he lived up to his reputation and put a textbook choke on his opponent. His incredible streak thus continues: 4 professional fights, 4 wins, and 4 finishes by RNC!<oktfightcomponent fightid="1409"></oktfightcomponent>Don't miss the next spectacular MMA show! Liberec is behind us, but OKTAGON does not stop. Already on May 16, the yellow-black colossus is moving to Germany. OKTAGON 88 in Hannover will transform the ZAG Arena into the center of European MMA and offer a thrilling spectacle. Be there too and experience the electrifying atmosphere right in the center of the action! You can buy tickets at the link below.<okteventcomponent eventid="133"></okteventcomponent>

The Liberec OKTAGON 87 brought an unforgettable night full of emotions, hard finishes, and historical moments. The famous Lucia Szabová rewrote history after a devastating TKO and became the very first female double champion in OKTAGON history!

OKTAGON 87 RESULTS: SZABOVÁ IS THE FIRST FEMALE DOUBLE CHAMPION AND ROUŠAL DELIVERED A HARD KO

OKTAGON returns to Northern Bohemia after three long years. On April 25th, the Home Credit Arena in Liberec will host OKTAGON 87, an event that offers everything from the coronation of a new champion and a fierce Scandinavian invasion to striking wars. Let's take a detailed look at what awaits us on this packed fight card.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/0cc2f7b9-e8a3-4cf1-a33e-d37167e1a68b/cs.1777035103297.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/fe24c2cc-202a-46d7-b0d7-408cc5b6cc23/cs.1777035107859.png" link="" croppedcorners="false" cropcornertr="true" cropcornerbl="true" enablecornersmobile="false" smallercorners="false"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>LUCIA SZABOVÁ VS. LEIDIANE FERNANDES</h2>The main event of the evening and a massive piece of history. Undefeated Slovak star and bantamweight champion Lucia "Silent Killer" Szabová is dropping down to flyweight to capture a second title and become OKTAGON's first-ever double champion. Standing in her way is the dangerous Brazilian champion Leidiane Fernandes. Furthermore, Szabová is chasing an absolute record—if she wins, she will secure her 11th consecutive victory, surpassing even David Kozma and Matěj Peňáz.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1384"></oktfightcomponent><h2>DOMINIK HUMBURGER VS. ZEBAZTIAN KADESTAM</h2>The co-main event promises a brutal collision between two finishers. Czech soldier and Liberec local hero Dominik Humburger returns home to defend his fortress against world-class elite. Zebaztian Kadestam is a former ONE Championship welterweight champion and one of only two people in the world to have knocked out Roberto Soldić. He also holds a record for a lightning-fast 11-second KO. Can Humburger withstand the biggest test of his career?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1365"></oktfightcomponent><h2>RADEK ROUŠAL VS. SAMUEL BARK</h2>A grudge match featuring two elite strikers with unfinished business. Brno’s "Bad Boy" Radek Roušal has finished his last three opponents and now faces the ultimate challenge. He goes up against dangerous Swedish Muay Thai champion Samuel Bark. Bark was the first to defeat Sanikidze in the featherweight division and has also beaten Roušal’s teammate Vlado Lengál. Will the Brno sharpshooter avenge his friend?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1359"></oktfightcomponent><h2>VLADIMÍR LENGÁL VS. OZAN ASLANER</h2>Vlado Lengál is a guarantee for a fantastic slugfest and KO finishes. The former elite boxer has built a reputation in OKTAGON as a fighter with an unbreakable heart who can turn any fight around with a single precise blow. He faces German champion Ozan Aslaner, who brings a very dangerous arsenal of surgical strikes. The clash of these two promises a pure striking war where a single heavy hand could end it all at any moment.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1358"></oktfightcomponent><h2>TOMÁŠ MUDROCH VS. JOSEF HÁLA</h2>A striking battle under special Stand &amp; Bang rules. Josef Hála is the first Czech champion of the BKFC organization, hardened by the streets. He faces Tomáš Mudroch, an uncompromising KO machine who boasts a 100% finish rate. Mudroch holds the historical record for the fastest average win time (1 minute and 49 seconds).<oktfightcomponent fightid="1430"></oktfightcomponent><h2>JAN MALACH VS. STEFAN KONČAR</h2>This will be one of the highlights of the night for the local fans. The "King of the North," Jan Malach, returns to the scene after three years to confirm his dominance in Liberec. The fan-favorite striker promises to bring his best-ever form. However, he faces the Serbian "Butcher" Stefan Končar, whose sole objective is to finish his opponents before the final bell. Can the home hero survive this Balkan storm?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1408"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MATEUSZ STRZELCZYK VS. VOJTĚCH GARBA</h2>Polish veteran Mateusz Strzelczyk also returns to Liberec with a clear goal: to show the local crowd his vast experience and unpredictable style. His opponent will be the heavy-hitting Vojtěch Garba. Representing the Czech school of fighting, Garba utilizes crushing pressure, immense physical strength, and violent exchanges. In this light heavyweight bout, every punch carries the power to end the fight instantly.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1407"></oktfightcomponent><h2>VÁCLAV ŠTĚPÁN VS. FIRAS DAUD</h2>A battle of undefeated talents where someone's "magic zero" must go. Firas Daud (5-0) is a war refugee from Syria and a massive German talent who has finished all five of his professional bouts. Czech gem Václav Štěpán (4-0) stands in his way as the most complex test of his career, ready to capitalize on any mistake.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1411"></oktfightcomponent><h2>JOSEFINE KNUTSSON VS. MILEIDE SIMPLICIO</h2>The Swedish invasion also brings a former world #16. Josefine Knutsson is a fighter with direct UFC experience coming to Liberec for a decisive victory. Her test will be Brazilian fighter Mileide Simplicio, who already tasted the OKTAGON atmosphere at OKTAGON 63.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1415"></oktfightcomponent><h2>LIAM PITTS VS. KACPER MATYSZEWSKI</h2>A massive talent and Swedish TV celebrity in one. Liam Pitts has huge hype and is the first fighter to secure an OKTAGON contract through the partner organization AFN. On Liberec soil, he will face Polish fighter Kacper Matyszewski in a catchweight (63.5 kg) bout.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1413"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ALEX HUTYRA VS. UMUT BIRDAL</h2>The entire gala will kick off with a sharp encounter between undefeated prospects. Since his debut in late September 2025, Alex Hutyra is heading into his fourth fight in just seven months. He has finished all his professional opponents via RNC. He faces Umut Birdal, a dangerous German prospect with a 3-0 record. With two KO/TKO wins and one submission, Birdal shows great power and constant pressure.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1409"></oktfightcomponent>Don't miss the best sporting experience Northern Bohemia has to offer this year. OKTAGON 87 kicks off on April 25th! Get your tickets and be there at the Home Credit Arena, or watch the entire event live on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://OKTAGON.TV">OKTAGON.TV</a>.<okteventcomponent eventid="129"></okteventcomponent>

OKTAGON returns to Northern Bohemia after three long years. On April 25th, the Home Credit Arena in Liberec will host OKTAGON 87, an event that offers everything from the coronation of a new champion and a fierce Scandinavian invasion to striking wars.

LIBEREC FIGHT CARD BOUT BY BOUT: OKTAGON CROWNS A NEW CHAMPION

The Home Credit Arena in Liberec will once again witness elite MMA. The OKTAGON 87 fight card promises a first-class spectacle. A lineup of fierce debutants, a Swedish invasion, and the highlight of the evening: the crowning of a new champion. Here is a selection of the biggest fun facts you should know before Saturday's tournament.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/7f367d76-5b19-40e4-9ef0-c85b46f359ac/cs.1776857539038.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/e92e654c-e4ad-49f3-8cf4-bddc50c25630/cs.1776857544992.png" link="" croppedcorners="false" cropcornertr="true" cropcornerbl="true" enablecornersmobile="false" smallercorners="false"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>THE FIGHT FOR IMMORTALITY AND THE MAGIC ELEVEN</h2>The fifth women's main event in the organization's history could rewrite the history books. If Lucia "Silent Killer" Szabová defeats Brazilian champion Leidiane Fernandes, she will claim her 11th consecutive victory. This would break the absolute record for the longest uninterrupted winning streak in OKTAGON (currently shared with David Kozma and Matěj Peňáz, who have managed 10 consecutive wins within the organization). By the way, Szabová holds the fastest women's armbar in the organization (43 seconds) and is the only one in OKTAGON history to finish a fight with a rare Standing Americana.<h2>CLASH OF TITANS AND A STAND-UP WAR</h2>The co-main event offers a tough clash between two elite finishers. Zebaztian Kadestam is the former ruler of the Asian ONE organization and one of only two people on the planet who managed to put the Croatian predator Roberto Soldić to sleep. He delivered the fastest finish of his career in just 11 seconds! In his childhood, combat sports in a juvenile detention center saved him from prison. Standing in his way will be fan-favorite Dominik Humburger. The Czech soldier returns to his native Liberec as the only fighter in the organization who managed to snatch the Performance of the Night bonus in his very first two OKTAGON fights. Furthermore, the Liberec patriot has never lost before the limit in his professional career.The duel under Stand &amp; Bang rules (boxing in small gloves) promises a genuine shootout. On one side, Josef Hála, the first Czech BKFC champion, who took the title in Italy in front of Conor McGregor. On the other side, Tomáš Mudroch. He has a 100% finish rate and holds the record for the fastest average time to win in OKTAGON: an incredible 1 minute and 49 seconds. While he manages construction sites in his civilian life and trains his patience by building LEGO sets, in the cage he turns into a machine for finishing opponents. He holds the jubilee 300th TKO/KO in OKTAGON history and is the only one in the organization to deliver a knockdown via upkick.<h2>A BOXING PARADOX AND A BATTLE OF TALENTS</h2>Vlado Lengál is an elite boxer and a KO machine. Yet, he comes to Liberec with a huge MMA paradox – he holds the absolute OKTAGON record for the number of successful submission escapes (16) and statistically has the most delivered takedowns in history among all fighters on this card (14). His opponent Ozan Aslaner is the exact opposite in this discipline and in 17 professional fights has never won or lost by submission.Firas Daud went through a thorny path when he came to Germany as a war refugee from Syria at the age of fifteen. Today he is one of the biggest talents on the German scene and delivers pure demolition in the cage: 5 professional fights, 5 wins, 5 finishes. In a battle of the undefeated, he will be challenged by domestic gem Václav Štěpán (4-0), who brought a sovereign form to the professionals along with huge experience from a successful amateur career, where he collected a 14-1 record. Someone will leave their magic zero in the cage.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXWLvLODKxK/"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>SWEDISH INVASION BENEATH JEŠTĚD</h2>A Scandinavian storm is rolling into the Home Credit Arena with a total of four Swedish fighters. Former world #16 Josefine Knutsson brings UFC experience. Huge attention is also drawn to young phenomenon Liam Pitts, a Swedish TV star with a clean 6-0 amateur record, who became the very first fighter to earn a ticket to OKTAGON through the partner organization AFN. We must also not forget elite striker Samuel Bark, who has previously managed to choke out and become the first featherweight to defeat Mate Sanikidze. He is the winner of the historic 1000th fight in the OKTAGON organization.We are also in for the return of the "King of the North" Jan Malach in front of his home crowd, who will face the Serbian "Butcher" Štefan Končar, who confirms his reputation as an indestructible hard worker and will enter his sixth fight in just 13 months in Liberec. The entire gala evening will also be kicked off by the lightning-fast RNC machine Alex Hutyra. This young talent has known nothing but victory in the cage so far and has finished all his professional opponents by submission right in the first round. However, he will face the also undefeated Umut Birdal, and one of these two fighters will taste defeat for the first time.Will we witness Lucia Szabová's 11th win in a row? Will Dominik Humburger defend his home turf against the dangerous "Bandit" from Sweden? We will get the answers to these questions and much more this Saturday. Do not miss the return of OKTAGON beneath Ještěd and watch the entire tournament right in the Liberec Home Credit Arena. The last tickets are disappearing fast, so secure your spot and join us!<okteventcomponent eventid="129"></okteventcomponent>

The Home Credit Arena in Liberec will once again witness elite MMA. The OKTAGON 87 fight card promises a first-class spectacle. A lineup of fierce debutants, a Swedish invasion, and the highlight of the evening: the crowning of a new champion.

OKTAGON 87 FUN FACTS: OKTAGON RETURNS BENEATH JEŠTĚD AFTER THREE YEARS

The OKTAGON 87 tournament on April 25th is set to witness a debut like no other. Entering the yellow-and-black cage is a man who fought his way from a troubled childhood and grueling manual labor to the throne of the prestigious American organization BKFC. The feared Josef "Berserker" Hála now brings his lethal skill set to the OKTAGON cage under the special "Stand &amp; Bang" rules.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/3fab03b3-e959-46a1-9347-ae58cd494d80/cs.1776695113978.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/b1af409b-552c-4bcf-b7a5-0e251710cf2e/cs.1776695119278.png" link="" croppedcorners="false" cropcornertr="true" cropcornerbl="true" enablecornersmobile="false" smallercorners="false"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>FROM POLICE ESCORTS TO CHAMPIONSHIP DISCIPLINE</h2>Thirty-one-year-old Písek native and proud Strakonice representative Josef Hála was never the prototype of a "good kid." With his trademark stoic perspective, he admits to being a troublemaker from a young age, often brought home by the police. This street-bred ferocity fueled an aggression and hyperactivity that needed an outlet. He finally found the answer in combat sports. Through traditional boxing, where he racked up dozens of hard fights, and a brief stint in amateur MMA during the pandemic, he gradually discovered his greatest weapon. It wasn’t tactical point-fighting; it was pure, raw war and devastating pressure.The definitive turning point came when Hála agreed to compete in the underground organization King of the Streets. In a brutal clash on bare concrete with no rules, he didn’t walk away with the win, but he lost any remaining fear of injury. He realized that if he could function in absolute street chaos, he would be unstoppable in a regulated ring.<h2>BERSERKER’S RISE: FROM CONCRETE TO THE CROWN</h2>With newfound confidence, Hála stormed the emerging Czech bare-knuckle scene like a hurricane. In the domestic organization Valhalla Fighting, he quickly became a nightmare for opponents and an undisputed hegemon. He crowned his run by winning the title and securing a legendary victory in the "Battle for the King of Čimelice" against Martin Pavlíček in December 2024. This streak of brutal finishes in Czech tournaments eventually opened the doors to the world stage.His sheer dominance and awkward southpaw stance soon caught the eye of the world-renowned Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). Hála didn’t waste any time acclimatizing to the global scene, carrying his momentum straight into the elite ranks. He currently boasts a perfect bare-knuckle record of 5–0 (all by KO/TKO).Following a dominant BKFC debut in April 2025, the opportunity of a lifetime arrived. In Rome, he faced local favorite Francesco Ricchi for the European Middleweight Championship. Utilizing his long reach and relentless pressure, Hála systematically dismantled the Italian star. After four knockdowns, the fight ended in the third round via TKO. "It’s home, we’re bringing the belt to Czechia," he announced to the nation, becoming the first-ever Czech champion in the organization's history.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXMzTy_jP1g/?hl=cs"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>FROM ROME TO LIBEREC</h2>By winning the European title, Hála etched his name into the history of domestic combat sports. While he makes no secret of his desire to eventually head to the U.S. division to face global star Mike Perry, a collaboration like no other has emerged in the meantime. OKTAGON management reached a historic agreement with BKFC, securing an exclusive exception that allows Hála to compete in the yellow-and-black cage.As a result, his massive premiere awaits on Saturday, April 25th, at OKTAGON 87. Fans at the Home Credit Arena in Liberec can expect a total "slugfest." The bout will take place in the welterweight division (77 kg) under special Stand &amp; Bang rules—pure boxing in small 4oz gloves, 3x3 minute rounds, no elbows, and no grappling on the ground or the fence.Standing in his way, however, is the elite representative of Fighting Club Ostrava, Tomáš Mudroch. Known as the "Ostrava Express," Mudroch is a versatile MMA fighter hardened by brutal Polish training camps at Czerwony Smok. He currently holds a professional record of 8 wins and 2 losses, with a terrifying statistic: all eight of his victories were delivered in the very first round!The clash of these two offensive powerhouses represents one of the most anticipated duels on the entire card. Can the confident Mudroch derail the world champion, or will Josef Hála claim another victim? You can't afford to miss this. Click the link below to secure your seat at the Home Credit Arena in Liberec.<okteventcomponent eventid="129"></okteventcomponent>

The OKTAGON 87 tournament on April 25th is set to witness a debut like no other. Entering the yellow-and-black cage is a man who fought his way from a troubled childhood and grueling manual labor to the throne of the prestigious American organization BKFC.

THE BERSERKER ARRIVES: FIRST CZECH BKFC CHAMPION HEADS TO THE OKTAGON CAGE

A clash of two undefeated fighters will take place at the OKTAGON 87 tournament in Liberec. The 21-year-old talent Alex Hutyra (3-0), who jumped into pro MMA with a stellar amateur record of 11-2, will face the dangerous Turkish striker Umut Birdal. Alex has had a rocket start to his professional career and gained huge experience from a sold-out O2 Arena. Why are all his professional finishes identical? How was he changed by his earlier amateur losses, and what car does the young talent, who currently lives only for MMA, dream of? You will find out in our interview.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/442e4ab7-fcea-4848-93b7-8eff311377a7/cs.1776624891811.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/140a5a70-c52e-4f70-b0ec-c9259e35a024/cs.1776624932436.png" link="" croppedcorners="false" cropcornertr="true" cropcornerbl="true" enablecornersmobile="false" smallercorners="false"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent>Alex, OKTAGON 87 in Liberec is just around the corner. How do you feel in your preparation a few days before the fight?I feel in the best shape I've ever been in. I've sparred dozens of rounds. I have a long and hard camp behind me. Before the fight was announced, I was training in Thailand. Now I'm just dealing with the weight cut and I am very much looking forward to the fight.Your opponent Umut Birdal is also undefeated. What do you see as his biggest strengths?He is a high-quality opponent. He is a striker who is undefeated so far, but that will change in Liberec. My team and I know how to handle him. More importantly, I know how, which is the main thing.You are entering the Liberec card in the lightweight division. Why did you decide to move down from welterweight, and how difficult is the weight cut for you?The fight is at lightweight. My last fight before OKTAGON was also at 70 kg. I think it's my strongest weight class to compete in. The weight cut and diet are manageable if you catch it early and do it smartly.At OKTAGON 81, you stepped in as a last-minute replacement. Jan Mašek dropped out, and suddenly you were standing in front of a packed O2 Arena. How do you look back on the fight with Kováč?I can only evaluate the fight with Kováč positively. I stepped in after two professional fights within two months. Suddenly, I got an offer to fight in front of twenty thousand people in a packed O2 Arena against an opponent who was a weight class heavier and had been preparing longer. I knew I would win. I took it, and that's exactly what happened. It was a super experience.All three of your professional wins have come via rear-naked choke. Is that intentional, or do you just take what your opponents give you?My three RNC wins are more about taking advantage of the situation. Instead of unnecessarily pounding the opponent or risking them turning it against me, I went for the sure thing.You've managed three professional fights in three months. That's a pace few can handle. How do you cope with it physically and mentally?I am constantly in training mode. I really train all the time. I only focus on MMA, and it is my life. I don't do anything else. I think I handle it very well physically. I do various conditioning and mental exercises. Fighting is 80% mental.You train at Octagon Team Cieszyn across the border in Poland and at the same time do BJJ at Draculino gym in Frýdek-Místek. What does your typical training week look like?I prepare for fights at Octagon Team Cieszyn under coach Michał Mankiewicz. I spend almost the whole week there. We mainly focus on sparring, grappling, wrestling, and ground drills. I also train in Sviadnov at the KO 23 gym under Peter Šlahor. There, we mainly work on striking, pads, strength, and also the mental side. My training week usually consists of sparring on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I usually do either striking or ground work, and in the mornings, either sprints or regular running. My weekends are for resting. I usually go to a wellness center or spend time in nature, mainly to clear my head.Your training partner Tomáš Mudroch will also fight on the Liberec card against Josef Hála. How do you see this matchup? Is Tomáš in good shape?I met Tomáš a few months ago. I can't say what shape he is in right now, but he has always been perfectly prepared for his fights. He has a very dangerous style, and we can look forward to a great fight.You have two losses from your amateur career. What did those losses give you, and do you still think about them today?A loss often gives a fighter much more than a win. The last defeat I suffered gave me a lot. I changed gyms and set a completely different training pace. Most importantly, I realized that MMA is what I truly want to do for a living and in the future. I know what I want to achieve in life. Thanks to that last loss, my performances went up a hundred percent.How has your life changed since you entered OKTAGON a few months ago?I've always lived for MMA. Right now, I would literally lay down my life for the sport. I really don't do anything else, and it's a dream come true. Competing at OKTAGON events feels like a movie to me, and I enjoy every moment of it.You are 21, undefeated as a pro, and part of the biggest European MMA organization. What is the next plan, where would you like to head?The next plan is to win in Liberec, and then we'll see. I want big fights and big challenges. In the future, I'd like to get into the rankings and keep moving up.What would you say to the fans coming to Liberec?I want to tell the fans that the whole card is totally stacked, and there will be great fights. Everyone should definitely come watch; it will be worth it. Above all, they should tune in for my fight, where I will defend the Czech walls against the Turkish invader—it's going to be a battle.Besides MMA, you also have a passion for cars. What will you arrive in at the tournament, and what is your dream car?I have a ride arranged with my coach for the fight. My other coach will arrive in Liberec in a Porsche 911, so I think our car game is top-notch. My dream car is a Porsche Panamera. But I can't focus on that right now. If I ever win the Tipsport Gamechanger in the future, I think I could afford it then.How will the clash of two undefeated talents turn out? Will Alex Hutyra celebrate for the fourth time, or will he run into tough Turkish resistance? We will get the answer on April 25 at OKTAGON 87! Be there when the Liberec arena shakes to its foundations, and watch your favorites in action from close range. There are only 1,000 tickets left on sale, so don't hesitate and secure your spot!<okteventcomponent eventid="129"></okteventcomponent>

A clash of two undefeated fighters will take place at the OKTAGON 87 tournament in Liberec. The 21-year-old talent Alex Hutyra (3-0), who jumped into pro MMA with a stellar amateur record of 11-2, will face the dangerous Turkish striker Umut Birdal.

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