Michal Pavel je jméno, které je s OKTAGON MMA neodmyslitelně spjaté. Jako event director má na starosti průběh každého turnaje i všech okolních událostí. Zeptali jsme se ho proto, jak prožívá přípravy na největší tuzemskou MMA událost, která se už za pár dní odehraje v pražském Edenu.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/6b9afb9f-fedd-464a-ba1b-d955c1c8d740/cs.1717516660644.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/16a2081a-3682-45ca-8463-600203d8b0e3/cs.1717516663999.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent>Fight week začal. Jak ho prožíváš před tak obrovským turnajem? Převládá stres nebo těšení?Je to jeden z nejdůležitějších fight weeků, které jsme kdy měli, tak to vnímám i já. Střídají se nálady, je to hodně nahoru a dolů, občas i uprostřed. Děláme maximum, snažíme se a není to jednoduché, nicméně víme, že to dobře dopadne.Co se teď, necelý týden před turnajem, v Edenu děje?Přes víkend začali sundávat trávník tak, abychom dnes mohli najet s podlahou, kterou začínáme pokládat. Trochu nám to zkomplikoval víkendový déšť, ale termíny mluví jasně. V pondělí podlaha, v úterý budeme navazovat stavbou ground supportu, takže přípravy se začaly rozbíhat už od sobotního odpoledne.Co je pro tebe v Edenu největší výzvou?Je to open air, který je podstatně větší než ty, na které jsme byli zvyklí, například v porovnání se Štvanicí, která tomu byla asi nejbližší. Všechno je čtyřikrát až pětkrát větší, což znamená, že máme o tolik více židlí a všech příprav. Opět spoleháme na počasí, připravujeme střechu pro klec nebo vybíráme materiál na plachtu na klec, aby byla odolná třeba proti poryvům větru.Je něco, co musíš na tomto turnaji řešit úplně poprvé?Poprvé řešíme vstup tolika návštěvníků do prostoru nebo přípravu dosud největší fanzóny. Spolupracujeme s firmami a lidmi, kteří Eden znají a necháváme se inspirovat. Víme například, že slávistická fanzona funguje od tří hodin, v šest hodin, kdy už začíná fotbal, je většina fanoušků uvnitř a fanzóny zůstávají otevřené, jen se ohradí plotem a zůstávají jako takový zvětšený, rozšířený stadion. I tohle děláme poprvé a věřím, že to bude fungovat.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/C7o4stct4jU/?img_index=1"></oktinstagramcomponent>Co by diváci, kromě zápasů, neměli propásnout?Určitě právě skvělou fanzónu. Domluvili jsme se s Honzou Punčochářem, který nám speciálně pro ni připravuje výjimečné dobroty. Dále páteční vážení u stadionu – rozhovory, ukázky technik, staredowny, jiskření, energie a napětí mezi zápasníky. A potom další shows, které následují v den eventu, ať už je to opening ceremony nebo halftime show, případně další věci, které ještě nechci prozrazovat.Uvidíš vůbec nějaký zápas?Já doufám, že ano. Držím takovou tradici: nepřevlékám se z pracovního oblečení do obleku dokud není všechno v pořádku. V sobotu to ale asi udělám trochu jinak. Vezmu si dva obleky, jeden bude pracovní a volnější a druhý společenský. Jakmile se převléknu, tak věřím, že už kousek nějakého zápasu uvidím.Kdy je chvíle, kdy si s týmem po turnaji můžete říct, hotovo, dobrá práce?Tohle už člověk pozná v průběhu turnaje – jak to klape, jak jsou lidi spokojení, jak se usmívají, jaká je atmosféra a nálada. To už budu vědět, jak jsme na tom. Potom samozřejmě docházíme k nějakému zúčtování, kde zjistíme i ekonomickou stránku věci, ale hlavně si uděláme zpětnou vazbu – ta je pro nás moc důležitá, protože nás brzy čeká dvojnásobně velký turnaj. Proto po všech chci, aby si dělali detailní poznámky. Je to taková šablona, mustr pro případné další turnaje. To je pro mě hodně důležité. Chybu můžeš udělat, ale jen jednou, když se opakuje, tak je něco špatně. Já bych chtěl, abychom se i v Edenu poučili a věci, které případně nešly úplně snadno, neopakovali potom v Eintrachtu.PŘÍPRAVY VRCHOLÍ! BUĎ V SOBOTU U NEJVĚTŠÍ ČESKOSLOVENSKÉ MMA UDÁLOSTI V HISTORII. ZBÝVÁ POSLEDNÍCH PÁR LÍSTKŮ.<okteventcomponent eventid="86"></okteventcomponent>

Co se teď děje v Edenu a na jaké speciality se návštěvníci mohou těšit? Jaké výzvy s sebou fotbalový stadion přináší? Zeptali jsme se event directora OKTAGONU MMA Michala Pavla! 

ŠÉF PRODUKCE MICHAL PAVEL: PŘIPRAVUJEME NEJVĚTŠÍ FANZÓNU V HISTORII OKTAGONU 

OKTAGON 72 in Eden will not just be about the Vémola vs Végh trilogy. The entire card, from start to finish, is packed with fights that will get the fans off their seats. One of the most exciting matchups will undoubtedly be the fight between Serbian “Prometheus” Bojan Veličković and Slovak talent Ronald “Rony” Paradeiser. Who will win this extremely important welterweight clash?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/2931804a-a727-4117-8e8e-a1df0f78f10e/cs.1748430188586.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/14cf495c-b768-4529-b7e1-66827564379b/cs.1748430195825.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>BOJAN VELIČKOVIĆ: SERBIAN STEEL THAT CONQUERED EUROPE</h2>Bojan Veličković began his professional MMA career 15 years ago. At a time when the sport wasn’t nearly as popular, the young “Prometheus” fought his way into Europe’s top ranks. He moved through numerous European organizations, finding great success along the way – including scalps like Czech samurai Jiří Procházka. After six years, the UFC came calling, and Bojan got the chance to compete against the world’s best, including names like Darren Till and Jake Matthews. However, he couldn’t quite get past the very top level, so after a few bouts in the UFC and PFL, he returned to Europe.In 2021, a pivotal moment came – his move to OKTAGON. Veličković didn’t hesitate. He secured two quick first-round finishes and earned a title shot against David Kozma, though it didn’t go his way. However, the peak of his career was yet to come. The Tipsport Gamechanger. The million-euro pyramid attracted welterweight sharks from around the world, but only one could emerge victorious with the prize of 300,000€. In his opening match, Bojan defeated the current champion Ion Surdu, and in the quarterfinals, he faced Germany’s “Celt” Jungwirth. The semifinals saw him face a rematch with David Kozma, which he dominated in the first round. The final match, the culmination of the entire project, took place at the sold-out O2 Arena in late 2023. A battle of two Balkan fighters against Andreas Michailidis. Bojan had a clear plan and executed it flawlessly. He won in the third round via Rear-Naked Choke, becoming the first-ever European MMA Champions League Tipsport Gamechanger winner. The biggest success of his career and proof of the undeniable talent and toughness of the Serbian fighter.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGiytTZsBQa/?hl=cs"></oktinstagramcomponent>Since then, we haven’t seen Bojan in the cage. After the tough pyramid, he took a break. In May of last year, he married his longtime partner and took time off from the difficulties of a fighter’s life. Now he’s back and wants to prove in Eden that his hunger for victory hasn’t gone anywhere. But facing the young Rony will be no easy task.<h2>RONALD PARADEISER: THE BEST OF THE YOUNG GENERATION OF SLOVAK FIGHTERS</h2>Ronald “Rony” Paradeiser, at 27 years old, is one of the most successful fighters in OKTAGON. Although he is still a young fighter, he has already accumulated 15 wins in the organization! With a total record of 21-9, he may seem like a veteran, but Rony is one of the top prospects of the home scene. In the lightweight division, he has faced almost everyone, and in last year’s Tipsport Gamechanger season, he fought all the way to the final. Now it’s time for a change: the welterweight division and new challenges for the Slovak native from Gbely.Rony has always been drawn to sports. When football didn’t work out for him as a child, he switched to karate and stayed with combat sports. He started MMA when he entered high school, and after a few months, he had his first amateur fight. In 2014, at 17 years old, he had his first professional fight, but he started regularly competing only two years later. His height (187 cm) and aggressive fighting style make him a tough opponent for anyone. Over time, he has also become proficient on the ground. While he still prefers striking, where he excels with precise punches and fast kicks, he is now a well-rounded fighter, dangerous in every aspect of the fight.He made his debut in OKTAGON at OKTAGON 3 against Jan Široký, whom he defeated by TKO in the second round. During his time in the organization, he has faced names like Mateusz Legierski, Karol Ryšavý, Attila Korkmaz, and many others. He worked his way up to a title shot in a rematch against Slovak legend Ivan Buchinger. This was followed by the Tipsport Gamechanger pyramid, where he defeated all of his opponents, and in the final, he got a second shot against a red-hot Keita. However, it didn’t go his way again, and Rony decided it was time for a change.A move to the welterweight division was expected given his height. His training partner and good friend is the current champion Ion Surdu, so Rony has a great opportunity to prepare for tougher opponents. With each fight, he improves, and the bout against the extremely experienced and tough Veličković will be another life-defining challenge. Will he manage to handle it?Want to be part of it? Don’t wait any longer and grab your ticket directly to the stadium! The end of an era, the Tipsport Gamechanger fights, Muradov vs Kincl – it’s simply the best card in OKTAGON history. You don’t want to miss it! Secure your spot now and be there when history is made!<okteventcomponent eventid="109"></okteventcomponent>

OKTAGON 72 in Eden will not just be about the Vémola vs Végh trilogy. The entire card, from start to finish, is packed with fights that will get the fans off their seats. One of the most exciting matchups will undoubtedly be the fight between Serbian “Prometheus” Bojan Veličković and Slovak talent Ronald “Rony” Paradeiser.

STORY OF THE FIGHT: RONY PARADEISER CHANGES WEIGHT CLASS, FACES A TOUGH TEST AGAINST VELIČKOVIĆ

OKTAGON 71 delivered an incredibly packed spectacle. Out of 11 bouts, 8 ended with finishes, 6 of them in the first round—this card did not disappoint! It was a night full of surprises, twists, and most importantly, great entertainment for all MMA fans. Let’s revisit the best moments of the evening.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/e0bae9be-8fa7-4682-9d22-e8c934fbf2b3/cs.1748266651279.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/7acdca0d-0df7-4888-88d9-6c3f325b6747/cs.1748266654741.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>ANOTHER MASSACRE! AFTER KARLOVY VARY, MUNICH EXPERIENCED 8 FINISHES BEFORE THE LIMIT</h2>The milestone event OKTAGON 70 in Karlovy Vary set a very high bar with 8 finishes before the limit. Many thought such a number would be an exception, but the gala in Munich’s BMW Park Arena delivered another 8 finishes! It seems like we’ve got a trend going, and we can certainly expect more of the same in Eden! It almost seemed like the fighters were competing with each other to see who could finish the fight the fastest. In Munich, Wanderley Junior would definitely have won with his 19-second KO. Not only did he secure the fastest KO in OKTAGON's featherweight division, but he also claimed 5th place for the quickest finishes in OKTAGON history! The second-fastest finish of the night came from the giant Patrick Vespaziani. His fight with the much smaller Serbian Zeljkovic lasted only 41 seconds. The third “fast finisher” was "Ironside" Poppeck, who needed just 1 minute and 15 seconds to knock Langer out cold. He handled the pressure of the moment, the weight of the home crowd, and the crucial rematch with ease. He even took home the Tipsport Bonus for Performance of the Night.Two events, 21 fights, 16 finishes, 12 of them in the first round. And the best is yet to come—OKTAGON 72 in Eden!<h2>FRIMPONG AND ROCK LIKE WE'VE NEVER SEEN THEM BEFORE: IN TEARS AND WITH RESPECT</h2>The controversial Irish duo of Denis Frimpong and Shem Rock aren't the most popular among Czech fans. However, their performances attract attention, and in Munich, they showed a different side of themselves—one that’s not just brash and provocative. In his post-fight interview, Rock thanked his opponent and gave him respect for taking the fight on short notice and for his performance in the cage. However, Rock couldn’t resist making a few comments, calling Vémola a “boring Versace guy” and suggesting that he should fight for the title against Keita next. But the double champ had some words for him in the cage, pointing out that after such a performance and such a tight victory, Rock was in no position to challenge the champion. Nevertheless, Rock showed that when he wants to, he can be respectful. Who would you like to see him fight next?Denis Frimpong surprised many experts. After the first two rounds, it looked like Topallaj was going to win, but the Albanian lost his stamina, and by the third round, he was essentially “done for.” Frimpong seized the opportunity and claimed the win via TKO. After the fight, he couldn’t hold back his tears! He praised Topallaj and even encouraged fans to applaud his opponent! We’ve never seen Frimpong this emotional. He then thanked his pregnant wife, who is 9 months along, and Frimpong had to risk missing the birth of their son to fight. Luckily, that didn’t happen, and Frimpong gets to look forward to two blessings. Did the Irish wildmen redeem themselves with you, or was it still not enough?<h2>OKTAGON HAS RAISED THE BAR AGAIN AND ENTERED THE TOP 3 IN THE WORLD!</h2>It’s true—OKTAGON MMA has once again closed the gap with giants like UFC. After the Munich event, the updated rankings from the respected Fight Matrix website revealed that OKTAGON has moved into 3rd place among MMA organizations based on the number of fighters ranked (among the top 1000 in their weight class) and their average ranking. The Czech-Slovak organization has surpassed some competitors who have been in the market for much longer. A huge achievement for the Czech and Slovak organization! A big thank you to all the fans for their constant support and, most importantly, to all the fighters for the hard work they put into MMA. Together, we will continue to grow, and as the saying goes: "The sky’s the limit!"And what about you? Have you got your ticket for Eden yet? If not, don’t wait a second longer—tickets are disappearing faster than Wanderley’s KO—at lightning speed! OKTAGON 72: Judgment Day is in just three weeks on June 14th in Prague. Be there when history is made!<okteventcomponent eventid="109"></okteventcomponent>

OKTAGON 71 delivered an incredibly packed spectacle. Out of 11 bouts, 8 ended with finishes, 6 of them in the first round—this card did not disappoint! 

RECAP OF OKTAGON 71: A NAIL-BITING NIGHT AND ANOTHER SUCCESS FOR OKTAGON IN GERMANY

The biggest Czech arena, the biggest show, the biggest emotions, and of course, the biggest fights. OKTAGON MMA returns on June 14th to the Eden Stadium, bringing with it a gala event that will rewrite the history of European MMA.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/504f5d0c-cc1b-4aca-b4d6-24ade8bca1e4/cs.1747830794556.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/3bd29123-a3b1-4471-8dc9-608340bc9a25/cs.1747830799849.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>FOR THE THIRD AND LAST TIME. VÉMOLA AND VÉGH GO FOR THE FINAL BATTLE</h2>One win on each side. One rivalry that has divided fans for years. And one question that we will finally get the answer to: Who is the greatest legend of Czech-Slovak MMA?In 2019, Végh defeated Vémola in the first round. Vémola waited five years for a rematch, and in 2024, he finally got it – choking Végh in front of a record 27,000 fans at Eden. And now, exactly one year later, we go into the deciding round. Vémola vs Végh III. Judgment Day. The final professional fight of both icons' careers. The ultimate battle for the Infinity Belt and the eternal legacy of the winner.This will not just be a sporting confrontation. It will be the culmination of the life story of two fighters who forever changed the face of the domestic fighting scene. No matter who wins, June 14th in Eden will go down in history.<h2>MURADOV vs. KINCL: A RIVALRY THAT AGES LIKE WINE</h2>When Makhmud Muradov and Patrik Kincl meet in the cage, it's more than just a fight for an interim belt. Both are at the top of their game in the middleweight division, both are at the peak of their careers, and both know that this might be THE night that propels them into immortality.Muradov, a former UFC fighter, has returned to OKTAGON and is aiming for the top after two fights. Kincl, a former champion and the analytical brain of a gladiator, is not used to backing down. The battle for the interim middleweight title promises to be a pinnacle of technique, tactics, and hard exchanges. This could very well be the fight of the night.<h2>TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER QUARTERFINALS: PEŇÁZ AND ENGIZEK IN ACTION</h2>Fan-favorite, feared by opponents, and still unbeaten in OKTAGON – Matěj “Money” Peňáz returns to action! But now he faces his toughest test yet – the hard-hitting Polish brawler and former interim champion Piotr Wawrzyniak. This battle could be decided by a single punch. Who will remain standing and advance to the next round, closer to a fairy-tale victory?<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJOkiSosiJO/?hl=cs&amp;img_index=1"></oktinstagramcomponent>Kerim Engizek, the current middleweight champion, will face Mick Stanton, a veteran of the British scene and two-time Cage Warriors champion. Technical prowess and Turkish aggression versus the good old English school. This fight is going to hurt.&nbsp;<h2>RETURNS, DEBUTS, LEGENDS</h2>At OKTAGON 72, you can expect to see legends not only from the domestic scene.Ivan Buchinger, the first-ever two-time OKTAGON champion and one of the most respected fighters, will face Vlado Lengál. Experience vs. hunger for success. Lengál knows that a fight against Buchinger is his ticket to the elite – and he intends to seize it to the fullest.Bojan Veličković, the 2023 Tipsport Gamechanger champion, will face the best Slovak prospect Rony Paradeiser. Paradeiser is moving up from lightweight to a new challenge in the welterweight division. The clash of the experienced veteran and the rising talent. The fight will be extremely important for both, but only one can emerge victorious.Frederic “Neanderthal” Vosgröne, an elite grappler who stunned the MMA world in just one evening, will make his debut in the Czech Republic. Vosgröne is a phenomenon! After his fight in Dortmund, his social media exploded – his Instagram followers shot up from 10 to 367 thousand, and he’s beginning to appear alongside other internet stars. In Eden, he will face South American champion Carlos “La Cobra” Alsina – a hard-hitting striker who’s also fought Karlos Vémola. Chokes vs. bombs. Who will come out on top?<h2>THE FUTURE IN MOTION</h2>If you think OKTAGON 72 will start slowly, you are mistaken! The evening will kick off with extremely exciting bouts from some of the most interesting names of the upcoming generation of fighters, as well as experienced veterans.<ul><li>&nbsp;Radek Roušal is the "bad boy" of OKTAGON and loves a good fight in the cage. He entertains fans both in and outside of the cage. And his entrances? Always a shot! In Eden, he will face a tough challenge in the form of Polish striker Adrian Hamerski. Who will dominate this striking battle?</li><li>&nbsp;A generational clash between the 22-year-old talent Jakub Batfalský and Karol Ryšavý, who will enter his 19th fight in OKTAGON!</li><li>&nbsp;The princess of German MMA, Alina Dalaslan, returns to the cage after a successful debut against Šimková. This time, she will face the dangerous Polish fighter Róźa Gumienna.</li></ul><h2>A UNIQUE SHOW</h2><ul><li>What makes OKTAGON 72 an extraordinary event? It's not just the card full of big names. It's the football stadium under the open sky. The atmosphere that you can’t experience anywhere else. And also the stories – of comebacks, departures, revenge, and dreams that either come true or shatter on the floor of the octagon.</li></ul>On June 14th, the biggest MMA show in Europe will return to Eden. Whether you’re a fan from the beginning or you’ve just been hooked recently – you won’t want to miss this.<okteventcomponent eventid="109"></okteventcomponent>

The biggest Czech arena, the biggest show, the biggest emotions, and of course, the biggest fights. OKTAGON MMA returns on June 14th to the Eden Stadium, bringing with it a gala event that will rewrite the history of European MMA.

THE LINEUP FOR EDEN IS COMPLETE. OKTAGON 72 WILL OFFER THE BEST CARD IN HISTORY!

OKTAGON returned to Munich for OKTAGON 71, and it was a ride! Lightning-fast finishes, career-defining moments, and another incredible show not just for the German fans. Who came out on top in Munich, and who left deeply disappointed? Check out the results from all the fights on the stacked OKTAGON 71 card.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/4ce61098-900d-46dc-aee4-6f21682e7fce/cs.1747518164175.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/c0718900-63ee-41a6-ba69-c8e092e2f5f2/cs.1747518169682.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>PAVOL LANGER vs ALEXANDER POPPECK</h2>An explosion in the arena and a huge win for the home Viking! Aleksander Poppeck opened the fight with low kicks and precise hooks. Langer fought back for a while, but after a solid right hand, he was severely rocked, and German "Ironside" didn't let the win slip away. Another hard combination and the Slovak executioner was down.The sixth first-round finish and a perfect conclusion to the entire evening, from which Alexander earned the Tipsport Bonus for Performance&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;Night. Who should the on-fire Poppeck face next?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1130"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ARIJAN TOPALLAJ vs DENIS FRIMPONG</h2>Topallaj showed great progress from his last fight with Nafuka. He controlled Frimpong on the ground for the entire first round—something few would have predicted. Both fighters spent a lot of energy in the first round, but neither waited around in the second. Topallaj went straight into an intense brawl where both landed hard shots. Both fighters maintained a high tempo, but Arijan burned through all his energy in the second round. By the third, he had nothing left, and Frimpong seized the opportunity to claim another big win on German soil. A fantastic night for the Irish duo.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1165"></oktfightcomponent><h2>SHEM ROCK vs ATTILA KORKMAZ</h2>Attila Korkmaz showed right from the first round that this wouldn’t be another easy fight for the rampaging Irishman. Tough striking and excellent takedown defense kept Rock from getting into a flow. However, Rock won the first round, being slightly more active. It was clear from the start that this was a high-stakes battle between two skilled and well-rounded fighters. In the second, Rock found the perfect distance, and Attila struggled to get close. It was the third decision by the judges of the night. Rock dominated all rounds, claiming the most valuable win of his career. After the fight, he faced the champion Keita in the cage, though Keita wasn't impressed by Rock's performance. Who will we see Rock fight next?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1146"></oktfightcomponent><h2>PATRICK VESPAZIANI vs JOVAN ZELJKOVIC</h2>This card did not disappoint! Another lightning-fast finish—Vespaziani wins via TKO after 40 seconds of the fight. A strong right hand, followed by a full mount and brutal elbows. A dominant performance in style that moves the German fighter one step closer to a title shot—a fight with Todev. The heavyweight division is heating up, and we definitely have something to look forward to!<oktfightcomponent fightid="1184"></oktfightcomponent><h2>GÖKHAN AKSU vs ONGJEN DIMIĆ</h2>A one-sided affair from the precise Aksu. The Turkish fighter didn’t give his opponent a chance, winning via TKO in the first round. Dimić didn’t get into the fight at all. Gökhan landed heavy shots and after nearly 3 minutes, sent the Croatian brawler to the ground with a knee. A few more strikes and it was over. Aksu called out Irish showman Shem Rock after the fight—will we see that clash?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1131"></oktfightcomponent><h2>TOMÁŠ MUDROCH vs OZEN ASLANER</h2>“The Ostrava Express” keeps rolling! Tomáš Mudroch scored another fast first-round finish! Ozan Aslaner did land a hard right hand above Mudroch's eye, but Mudroch rushed in after a failed takedown and ended the fight with a single shot. It wasn’t without problems, but the rampaging Ostrava fighter showed that he’s someone to reckon with. A rocket start to the main card of OKTAGON 71.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1164"></oktfightcomponent><h2>HAFENI NAFUKA vs GEORGE STAINES</h2>A clash of two big talents delivered a high level of MMA. Both fighters showed their skills on the feet and on the ground. In the first round, Staines was more precise, tormenting his opponent with sharp elbows. In the second, Nafuka didn’t waste a second and went for the takedown. However, George defended the attempts well and outstruck Nafuka. By the third round, Nafuka was visibly exhausted, and Staines took full advantage. The still undefeated English talent extended his win streak to 6 in a row and solidified his place among the best in the lightweight division.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1173"></oktfightcomponent><h2>JAKUB DOHNAL vs WANDERLEY JUNIOR</h2>One word—wow! Wanderley showed why he was the favorite in this fight. He needed only 4 strikes to win via KO in 19 seconds! A new OKTAGON featherweight record and the third fastest finish among active fighters in the entire organization. A very sad ending for the Czech “Handsome,” while the talented Brazilian deserves his joy. A clear message to the whole division—Junior is here to dominate.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1151"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ZDENĚK POLÍVKA vs HARUN UZUN</h2>And we continue with the fast-paced action. Uzun and Polívka must have drawn inspiration from the previous fight. The first round saw both fighters engage in tough exchanges, with Polívka being slightly more precise. Uzun tried to bring the fight to the ground several times but with little success. In the second and third rounds, both fighters began to show signs of exhaustion. Polívka managed to control Uzun and gradually took over the fight. After three rounds, we had our first judges’ decision—Polívka triumphed in all three rounds and made a successful return to the cage.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1163"></oktfightcomponent><h2>PETER GABAL vs ELIAS JAKOBI</h2>An insane battle between Gabal and Jakobi that got the fans on their feet! Both fighters were ready to throw down on the feet, and after a cautious start, they dove into hard exchanges. Gabal overcame significant trouble in the first round, where Jakobi came close to finishing him with a landed high kick. However, Peter survived the barrage of strikes and won in the second round with a quick combination to TKO. The Czech fighter showed a steel chin and great fighter’s heart. A great fight full of twists, where Gabal proved his words and presented a new, dangerous version of Gabal 2.0. Who will we see him fight next?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1161"></oktfightcomponent><h2>JAN MALACH vs ENDRIT BRAJSHORI</h2>Brajshori gave his opponent no chance. He perfectly utilized his longer reach and dismantled Malach with strikes from his lead hand. The fight didn’t even make it past the second minute when Endrit landed a perfect right hand, and Malach went down. Brajshori achieved his goal—winning in an exciting style. A big win for the home fans and a great start to the night in the BMW Park Arena.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1162"></oktfightcomponent>A night packed with action and the best advertisement for MMA. After this tournament, you’ll know that you can’t miss being in Eden! Tickets are still on sale, so don’t miss your chance to witness the rewriting of OKTAGON history. On June 14th, the final chapter of the Vémola vs Végh story will unfold in Eden.<okteventcomponent eventid="109"></okteventcomponent>

OKTAGON returned to Munich for OKTAGON 71, and it was a ride! Lightning-fast finishes, career-defining moments, and another incredible show not just for the German fans. Who came out on top in Munich, and who left deeply disappointed? Check out the results from all the fights on the stacked OKTAGON 71 card.

OKTAGON 71 RESULTS: THE FASTEST FINISH IN THE DIVISION, CAREER-DEFINING WINS, AND A BRUTAL DOSE OF EMOTION!

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!<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/6e499f5b-911b-4fda-bbbd-450543898254/cs.1747421445953.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/33e931b0-bfb9-4264-b1cd-1d78d4ecec13/cs.1747421453580.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>PAVOL LANGER vs ALEXANDER POPPECK</h2>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?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1130"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ARIJAN TOPALLAJ vs DENIS FRIMPONG</h2>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?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1165"></oktfightcomponent><h2>SHEM ROCK vs ATTILA KORKMAZ</h2>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.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1146"></oktfightcomponent><h2>PATRICK VESPAZIANI vs JOVAN ZELJKOVIC</h2>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?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1184"></oktfightcomponent><h2>GÖKHAN AKSU vs ONGJEN DIMIĆ</h2>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.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1131"></oktfightcomponent><h2>TOMÁŠ MUDROCH vs OZEN ASLANER</h2>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!<oktfightcomponent fightid="1164"></oktfightcomponent><h2>HAFENI NAFUKA vs GEORGE STAINES</h2>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?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1173"></oktfightcomponent><h2>JAKUB DOHNAL vs WANDERLEY JUNIOR</h2>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.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1151"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ZDENĚK POLÍVKA vs HARUN UZUN</h2>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?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1163"></oktfightcomponent><h2>PETER GABAL vs ELIAS JAKOBI</h2>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?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1161"></oktfightcomponent><h2>JAN MALACH vs ENDRIT BRAJSHORI</h2>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?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1162"></oktfightcomponent>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?<okteventcomponent eventid="110"></okteventcomponent>

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!

OKTAGON 71 FIGHT-BY-FIGHT: THE TENSION IN MUNICH IS PALPABLE. NOW IT’S GOING DOWN!

Only two days left until the next tournament! The Munich card is packed with interesting stories, but also with statistics that will make you look like a pro. Whether you’re cheering live in the arena, at home on the couch, or in one of the OKTAGON bars, this overview will make you look cool.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/54820e01-8746-4c2c-872a-45fdb0ba2260/cs.1747334380798.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/c2832933-1b74-4b2a-aaac-20db9b5005df/cs.1747334386251.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>WINNING STREAKS AND THEIR HUNTERS</h2>Some fighters manage to rack up an impressive winning streak. And then there are fighters who have the talent to end those streaks, like Hafeni Nafuka and Patrick Vespaziani. Both have experience in ending long streaks – for example, Vespaziani ended a 6-year-long winning streak of Sebastian Herzberg in his last fight at OKTAGON 64! It was only his sixth professional fight, and he pulled off such a major win. Now, he faces Croatian challenger Jovan Zeljkovic, who lost only his first pro fight – to his current coach. Since then, he’s won 5 straight, and Vespaziani could be next. Hafeni Nafuka himself once had a very solid streak, which was broken by Serbian fighter Predrag Bogdanovic. As a small revenge, Nafuka ended Arijan Topallaj's undefeated streak in the very next fight, Topallaj having 7 wins in a row up until then. Undefeated streaks are fragile things. One small mistake, and it's gone. In Munich, English MMA hope George Staines will try to keep his undefeated streak going against Nafuka. Will "The Namibian Nightmare" add another streak to his list, or will Staines succeed again?We can’t forget the controversial trash talker Denis Frimpong either. He was the first to beat Robin Frank, ending his 5-fight winning streak. Another shooter who isn’t intimidated by his opponent’s record or winning streak. On the contrary, he enters the fight with extra motivation to prove that no one is unbeatable.<h2>DON’T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER!</h2>OKTAGON 71 will definitely be packed with adrenaline! But some fighters might surprise you by how they look off the cage. For instance, Attila Korkmaz is one of the toughest guys in OKTAGON – he hasn’t lost by KO in 24 fights in a row. That’s what you call a steel chin! Yet, Korkmaz works as an IT specialist, and perhaps that’s where he developed his ability to analyze his opponents and find weaknesses in their tactics. The same goes for Pavol Langer. The IT guy from Košice is currently ranked #2 in OKTAGON's light heavyweight division. Pavol is all about solving problems, whether in the cage or in a command line.George Staines, the promising English talent, has the soul of a true geek and loves LEGO and Star Wars. But when it comes down to business, his precise fighting technique shows that games are over and it’s time for serious business. Lastly, don't be fooled by Tomáš Mudroch. “Ostrava Express” doesn’t mess around and demolishes his opponents like an assembly line. Recently, he even scored a knockdown with a kick-up as the very first OKTAGON fighter. But even he enjoys building LEGO in his free time, when he’s not managing construction sites as a site manager.<h2>FAST AND SUBMISSIONS! RECORD HOLDERS IN THE SPEED OF GROUND FINISHES</h2>We saw plenty of fast KOs at the last tournament. This time, we might witness a different kind of speed – submission finishes. Several fighters on the Munich card have records to boast in this department.Arijan Topallaj achieved an extremely fast submission victory in his OKTAGON debut, catching Roman Paulus in an Anaconda Choke in under two minutes. That’s what you call a debut!Hafeni Nafuka holds the 4th fastest armbar in the organization, which he landed on Adrian Kep in the OKTAGON 44 tournament. Nafuka is a ground specialist – of his 4 wins in the organization, 3 have been submissions, and two of them in the first round. But this time, he faces an opponent who loves the ground game just as much as he does. However, instead of choking, Staines prefers hard ground &amp; pound – in his last 3 fights, George Staines delivered over 700 strikes on the ground!Jakub Dohnal should also be cautious – his opponent, Wanderley Junior, has 8 submission wins using 5 different techniques. You really don’t want to take him to the ground, and Dohnal should try to keep the fight standing, where he should have the upper hand. On the ground, it could be a quick end for him.Also worth mentioning are the fighters who don’t spend much time in the cage…Tomáš Mudroch spends on average just 1 minute and 9 seconds in the cage per fight! Additionally, 3 of his victories were finished in under 30 seconds, so better not blink during his fights!Jovan Zeljkovic has an average fight length of 2 minutes and 47 seconds, most of which he finishes by TKO through extremely intense exchanges. Classic Balkan style, which we all love.Harun Uzun, the newcomer to the organization and opponent of the returning Zdeněk Polívka, spends an average of 1 minute and 15 seconds in the cage! Most of his fights have been finished by submission, so Polívka will need to be extremely cautious and ready to defend against takedown attempts.And that’s not all! OKTAGON 71 has a card full of stories, returns, and great fighters ready to put on the best show! And if you don’t want to miss out, click the link below and grab your PPV now. OKTAGON 71 in Munich kicks off this Saturday at 18:00. Will you be watching with us?<okteventcomponent eventid="110"></okteventcomponent>

Only two days left until the next tournament! The Munich card is packed with interesting stories, but also with statistics that will make you look like a pro. Whether you’re cheering live in the arena, at home on the couch, or in one of the OKTAGON bars, this overview will make you look cool.

WINNING STREAKS, NERDS IN THE CAGE, AND AVERAGE FIGHT TIMES: HERE ARE YOUR FUN FACTS FOR OKTAGON 71

The new generation of MMA fighters. Youth, drive, and high ambitions. The fight between Nafuka and Staines is not just about who will break into the top 10 in the OKTAGON lightweight division. It’s a clash of two different schools, two countries, and most importantly, two big dreams of young fighters with their futures at their feet. Who will want victory more? And who will impose their style? Let’s take a look at the story of the Nafuka vs Staines fight.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/f365323a-a344-42c6-8b70-538d67a816ec/cs.1747226673955.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/001bc57f-36f3-4e0d-915b-40e5491d61cd/cs.1747226679836.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>YOUTH AHEAD, BUT IT WON’T BE EASY</h2>Hafeni Nafuka knows all about this. His journey in OKTAGON started off brilliantly. He finished his first two fights in the first and second rounds. A great start! Then came the great opportunity to face the best in Europe – the second season of the Tipsport Gamechanger pyramid. In his first fight, the 22-year-old Nafuka faced Serbian killer Predrag Bogdanovic, who expertly controlled the fight. The previously undefeated Hafeni suffered his first loss. A minor stumble, but still an impressive performance against a potential title challenger. "The Namibian Nightmare" returned to the gym more motivated than ever and began working on his weaknesses. He showcased his progress in his next fight against Topallaj, handing his opponent his first loss. Nafuka was back on track and now faced an enormous challenge – the main event in Bratislava against OKTAGON legend Ivan Buchinger. Nafuka had to prove he belonged among the best in the organization. But that didn’t happen. "Buki" controlled Hafeni’s BJJ and finished him with a TKO in the second round. A nightmare and a huge lesson for the young Nafuka. Will he learn from it and deliver a performance worthy of the lightweight division’s top in Munich?<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DII9_CsoW98/"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>GEORGE STAINES: THE PRECISION KILLER WITH THE SOUL OF A TRUE GEEK</h2>Appearances can be deceiving, and George "Saint" Staines is living proof of that. The smiling young guy who looks like a computer science student is, in fact, an undefeated champion of OKTAGON Challenge: England vs Ireland. And that’s where it all started! In his following fights, he first defeated Tomáš Cigánik, then took down local talent Jakub Tichota, giving him almost no chance and delivering a perfect performance. The 24-year-old George can control his opponents like few others. His fighting style resembles that of an experienced veteran rather than an immature youngster. Calm, measured, precise – all three words perfectly describe Staines’ performances in OKTAGON. But he showed his talent from a young age. He started combat sports at the age of seven, specifically kickboxing. Over time, he gained experience and transitioned to MMA. In amateurs, it was hard to find opponents, and as a professional, he came with a 16-1 record. When he dominated the feared Frimpong in the final of OKTAGON Challenge, it was clear that “Saint” had the potential to become a true star. Stars and space are also linked to his favorite film series. That’s right, George is a geek through and through. Besides being a Star Wars lover, he also enjoys building LEGO and has a massive collection at home. Like many from Generation Z, he is quite superstitious and has strict pre-fight rituals. For instance, he always watches the movie Brothers in Arms the day before a fight and wears the same, favorite hoodie on fight day.<h2>WHO CAN WITHSTAND THE PRESSURE OF THE MOMENT?</h2>The fight between Nafuka and Staines is sure to be a great spectacle. Both are likely to want to take the fight to the ground. On the feet, Staines should have the advantage, but Nafuka can still pose a threat there as well. On the ground, it will be a battle of two different styles and approaches – while George will focus on strong ground &amp; pound, Nafuka will try to find the ideal position and attempt a submission. Who will impose their will? We’ll find out this Saturday.<h2>WHO CAN WITHSTAND THE PRESSURE OF THE MOMENT?</h2>The fight between Nafuka and Staines is sure to be a great spectacle. Both are likely to want to take the fight to the ground. On the feet, Staines should have the advantage, but Nafuka can still pose a threat there as well. On the ground, it will be a battle of two different styles and approaches – while George will focus on strong ground &amp; pound, Nafuka will try to find the ideal position and attempt a submission. Who will impose their will? We’ll find out this Saturday.The OKTAGON 71 card is packed and ready for a serious showdown. The BMW Park Arena in Munich will shake, and you can watch it all from the comfort of your home! Don’t hesitate and get our PPV to ensure you don’t miss this tournament. We start on Saturday, May 17th, at 18:00.<okteventcomponent eventid="110"></okteventcomponent>

The new generation of MMA fighters. Youth, drive, and high ambitions. The fight between Nafuka and Staines is not just about who will break into the top 10 in the OKTAGON lightweight division.

NAFUKA vs STAINES: A CLASH OF TWO YOUNG TALENTS ON THE ROAD TO THEIR DREAM

A title shot rematch. Langer and Poppeck will meet once again at the upcoming OKTAGON 71 in Munich. In their last fight, Slovakian executioner Pavol Langer defeated all expectations. He claimed the interim title and earned the chance to challenge the reigning light heavyweight champion, Karlos Vémola. Who will fight for the opportunity to challenge the two-time champion, Will Fleury?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/abcb5fd5-e02f-45bc-9799-8119dde831df/cs.1746645079261.png" mobileurl=""></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>PAVOL LANGER: THE HUMBLE FIGHTER WHO STILL SHOCKS</h2>Don’t be fooled by the calm demeanor and moderate expression of the Košice native. In the cage, a storm awakens, knocking even the toughest and most experienced opponents down. Langer is currently ranked #97 in the world’s light heavyweight rankings and is the best Slovakian fighter in this weight class.Despite having 11 losses on his record, no one should doubt his quality. Pavol never backs down from a challenge, which makes him one of the most dangerous fighters in the division. He is known for his determination and excellent technique. He has faced major names and secured several key victories that have led him to his interim title. Even though he may come across as humble and unassuming, he has the heart of a warrior and is always ready to give it his all, no matter what the bookies say.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJWRBQot5GN/"></oktinstagramcomponent>Looking back at his fight against Rafael Xavier, where he took control and eventually claimed the win, or his brilliant performance against Marc Doussis, where he surprised the home crowd and took the victory, it’s surprising that he is still underestimated and enters the rematch with Poppeck again as the underdog. But nothing will throw Pavol off track. Will he silence the entire arena filled with German fans and prove his capabilities once and for all? OKTAGON 71 in Munich is another big opportunity for him. Who knows? Maybe this will be the moment when he finally reaches the coveted light heavyweight throne.<h2>ALEXANDER POPPECK: THE BRAWLER LOOKING TO REDEEM HIS PREVIOUS MISTAKE</h2>When you think of Alexander Poppeck, every MMA fan imagines a tough fighter with an uncompromising approach and incredible physical strength. Over the course of his career, he has defeated many quality opponents. But his record also contains one major blemish – a loss to Langer on home turf in Oberhausen.Poppeck is known for his striking, combined with solid wrestling skills. He started with Muay Thai, gradually transitioned to Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and developed his grappling skills. His aggressive fighting style, combined with a high level of technique, quickly catapulted him to the stars of European MMA.In 2017, he became the AFSO international middleweight champion and three years later, he claimed the USC light heavyweight title. Across various organizations in Europe, he demolished one opponent after another, which is reflected in his impressive 17-5 record.In the fight against Pavol Langer, Poppeck was expected to have the upper hand. But the reality was different. For Alexander, it was a lesson in humility, not only in physical strength but also in his mental game. That loss was a very bitter pill for the German Viking. However, he redeemed himself with a victory over Jeremy Kimball, finishing the American “bear” in the first round.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1130"></oktfightcomponent>Now, he will face Langer once again at OKTAGON 71 in Munich. The German “Ironside,” once again entering the fight as the favorite, is fully focused on one goal – to avenge his previous loss. However, Langer is an unpredictable opponent. Poppeck knows that he must do more than just fight hard – he has to show his endurance and his ability to cope with pressure.The match between Poppeck and Langer will not only be a huge challenge for both fighters, but also a decisive moment to determine who will continue their journey towards the title. Will Poppeck return to his winning ways, or will Langer shock again and prove that his unexpected victory wasn’t a fluke? We’ll find out soon! Get your PPV now and enjoy the incredible card of OKTAGON 71 from the comfort of your home.<okteventcomponent eventid="110"></okteventcomponent>

A title shot rematch. Langer and Poppeck will meet once again at the upcoming OKTAGON 71 in Munich. In their last fight, Slovakian executioner Pavol Langer defeated all expectations.

LANGER vs POPPECK: A STORY OF REVENGE. WHO WILL CHALLENGE FLEURY?

Kerim Engizek and Matěj Peňáz will step into the cage at Eden. OKTAGON 72 is slowly approaching, and the last spots on the card are being filled. The main events don’t need any introduction. But we will also see two quarterfinals in the European MMA Champions League – the Tipsport Gamechanger pyramid. In these, Peňáz will face Wawrzyniak, and Engizek will meet Stanton. Who will advance to the semifinals and get closer to the fairytale victory?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/6ecf6b80-ef58-4e28-8e06-7f92257c2858/cs.1746547107439.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/ee2a034c-6d55-4b17-8165-dfa2a27bf3bc/cs.1746547110344.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>THE STAND-UP SNIPER MATĚJ “MONEY” PEŇÁZ</h2>Matěj Peňáz is one of the most well-known fighters in the Czech Republic. His incredibly long arms (211 cm!), excellent stand-up technique, and a string of fast finishes have made him a star and one of the most sought-after prospects on the scene. With a current record of 10-1, he’s at the top of the middleweight division and now aims to confirm his position with a win in the third season of Tipsport Gamechanger.Born in Vysočina, and trained in Brno for a long time, he now lives in Sweden, training at the prestigious Allstars Gym alongside stars like Khamzat Chimaev, Alexander Gustafsson, and others. From a professional striker, fighting in Glory, he has gradually become a full-fledged MMA fighter. While Matěj still primarily relies on his striking, he also boasts the highest takedown defense success rate in OKTAGON. Few fighters are willing to trade punches with him because his physical attributes make him a walking sniper – his strikes come fast, accurate, and from a frightening range. He also has a 76% success rate for significant strikes.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1179"></oktfightcomponent>Now he faces a fighter who has already shown in OKTAGON that he has a chin and fists of steel. Piotr Wawrzyniak, the often underrated Polish fighter, has scalps like Vlasto Čepo, Andreas Michailidis, and Marek Mazúch on his record. He was the first fighter to finish Čepo via TKO and knocked out brawler Mazúch in the first round in Karlovy Vary. Matěj is in for a tough test. Wawrzyniak is a well-rounded fighter who might try to take the fight to the ground and test how much Peňáz has improved in wrestling and BJJ.Will Matěj claim another “easy money” win and show his absolute dominance in the stand-up? Or will he run into the Polish wall in Wawrzyniak for the first time in OKTAGON?<h2>KERIM ENGIZEK: 9 YEARS OF DOMINANCE</h2>Kerim Engizek hasn’t lost in 9 years. To put that into perspective, that’s as long as the history of OKTAGON MMA itself. The best middleweight in Germany and currently the OKTAGON middleweight champion, Engizek has confirmed his reputation from the moment he entered the organization. In his very first fight, he knocked out Matiase Juarez in 99 seconds! This was followed by another quick victory over Adam Horváth, and then a title fight against Patrik Kincl. He clearly won that bout by unanimous decision, taking all the will to fight away from Patrik, with the last two rounds being a one-sided affair. With this victory, he not only earned the championship belt but also the respect of OKTAGON fans who had to acknowledge his undeniable qualities.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJMdrYXsA2m/?hl=cs&amp;img_index=1"></oktinstagramcomponent>However, his entry into the Tipsport Gamechanger was not as smooth as many expected – in the first round, he faced the tough Polish fighter Kamil Oniszczuk. He managed to challenge the champion through all three rounds, and the decision wasn’t as clear-cut. But in the end, Engizek, fighting under the Turkish flag, secured the win and advanced to the next round of the pyramid.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1180"></oktfightcomponent>In the draw, he had a bit of bad luck, as he drew the first number and thus couldn’t choose his opponent. Instead, he’s facing Mick Stanton, who’s second in line. The experienced Englishman, considered one of the dark horses of the competition, completely wiped out Petrášek in the first round of Tipsport Gamechanger. He didn’t give the popular “Meloun” a chance and dominated him on the ground for all three rounds. Will his feared wrestling work against the experienced champion? Or will the 9-year streak continue?At Eden, everything will be at stake: the final legacy of two legends, the reputation of middleweight veterans, the women’s title, the queen of the Czech-Slovak MMA scene, and progress in the European MMA Champions League. You can still grab your group and enjoy Eden in person and be part of history.<okteventcomponent eventid="109"></okteventcomponent>

Kerim Engizek and Matěj Peňáz will step into the cage at Eden. OKTAGON 72 is slowly approaching, and the last spots on the card are being filled. The main events don’t need any introduction.

TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER QUARTERFINALS IN EDEN: PEŇÁZ AND ENGIZEK FACE TOUGH TESTS

OKTAGON 71 in Munich will welcome two of the most controversial and striking foreign fighters. Shem Rock and Denis Frimpong – two names that guarantee not only tough fights but also plenty of tension before stepping into the cage. Two fighters whose stories are intertwined with battles not just in the sport, but outside of it as well. And that’s what makes them so exceptional.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/f35b498c-bf23-4d82-be75-491cff5f772f/cs.1746458843937.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/200edcf5-f441-4fbc-a5d2-b757664d9a3f/cs.1746458847607.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>SHEM ROCK: CONTROVERSY THAT BOTH ENTERTAINS AND INFURIATES</h2>Shaqueme "Shem" Rock is a man whose life story could fill a novel. After being wrongfully accused of robbery and assault in 2014, he fled to Malaysia, where he began his MMA career. Following appearances on a reality show, he was arrested in Dublin, but in 2022, he was officially cleared during a brief court hearing. Since then, he’s fully focused on his career as a fighter, training at the prestigious Next Generation MMA team in Liverpool alongside Paddy Pimblett and Molly McCann.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1146"></oktfightcomponent>In OKTAGON, he has made a name for himself not only with his performances but also controversial moments, such as the incident with Petr Pokorný, where he physically attacked him during the weigh-in. When their fight finally took place at OKTAGON 58 in front of 27,000 fans at Eden, Rock defeated Pokorný dominantly with a submission in the first round.In Munich, Shem Rock will face the newcomer to the organization, Abdull Khodzhaev, who has never been submitted. The lightweight duel promises a clash between Rock’s dynamic aggression and the technical precision of "Prince of Persia." And it’s certain that Rock will aim to make headlines once again.<h2>DENIS FRIMPONG: THE IRISH "MENACE" IN AND OUT OF THE CAGE</h2>Denis "The Menace" Frimpong introduced himself to OKTAGON fans on the reality show OKTAGON Challenge: England vs Ireland, where he quickly became one of the standout personalities. Under the guidance of Paddy Holohan and close friend Shem Rock, he gained attention with his relentless trash talk and fearless nature.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1165"></oktfightcomponent>Frimpong grew up in a small Catholic town in Ireland, where, due to his mixed heritage, he often felt like an outsider. From a young age, he learned to settle conflicts physically. At 21, he discovered jiu-jitsu, which changed his life and set him on the path to combat sports. During OKTAGON Challenge, he brutally knocked out Hascen Gelezi with a head-kick, which Ondřej Novotný described as one of the best he’d ever seen. In the semifinals, he defeated Beau Gavins in a hard-fought battle that many considered the best fight of the entire series. It was only in the final that he lost to the still undefeated George Staines.In Munich, Frimpong will face Arijan Topallaj. Despite his impressive streak of wins, this time he faces a tough test of his skills against a dangerous opponent.<h2>ONE NIGHT, TWO "BAD GUYS"</h2>Shem Rock and Denis Frimpong – two troublemakers who aim to put on a show. Bold, untamed, and damn dangerous. Their appearances in Munich promise not only high-quality sports action but also a hefty dose of emotions. Get ready – May 17th at BMW Park Arena is going to be on fire.The last tickets are still on sale, but if you can’t make it to Munich, make sure to buy our PPV. Langer vs. Poppeck, the return of Polívka, two "bad guys," and plenty of other great fights you won’t want to miss. Next Saturday, May 17th, from 18:00!<okteventcomponent eventid="110"></okteventcomponent>