Fan-favorite Miloš Petrášek is preparing for the final fight of his professional career. OKTAGON 81 will be the symbolic closing chapter to all the moments, highs, and lows that “Meloun” experienced in the organization. Let’s look back at the career of one of the most beloved Czech fighters.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/471211fc-e4f5-4fe4-83ae-33e5bf7b0b66/cs.1764947483949.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/a2dd3480-3cc9-4b74-bdd1-c119a148789f/cs.1764947489380.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>THE PRODIGY AND GREAT HOPE OF CZECH MMA</h2>At the start of Petrášek’s career, many predicted a bright future for him—and when you look at how he began, it’s easy to understand why.An interesting fact: Petrášek never had a single amateur MMA fight. He went straight into the professional ranks. This was partly because he had been training combat sports since the age of 12 and had already earned success in grappling. Transitioning into MMA therefore wasn’t too difficult. He also had the benefit of training alongside his older brother, Ondřej Petrášek, whom fans may remember from early OKTAGON events.His professional debut didn’t go well. But what followed was a streak of seven straight victories—four of them before the final bell, including two Kimuras and two TKOs. At just 23 years old, his career trajectory looked excellent. Then came a rough stretch—two consecutive losses and a one-year break.<h2>THE KIMBALL CHAPTER AND THE ROAD BACK</h2>When Petrášek returned in 2017, he was unstoppable. In just ten months, he collected four wins, all inside the distance. Two of those fights took place in OKTAGON—at OKTAGON 5 and OKTAGON 7. Miloš’s star rose again, fans embraced him, and with popularity came pressure.That’s when he encountered his “kryptonite” and long-time nemesis—American powerhouse Jeremy “The Grizzly” Kimball. Kimball had just finished his UFC run, where he fought four times, and came to Europe to test himself. At first glance, he doesn't even look like a typical top-level athlete—Petrášek jokingly once said that Kimball embodies the saying, “if you’ve got a belly, you’ve got a punch.” And the first fight proved it: Kimball finished it by first-round KO.Unwilling to accept such a crushing defeat, Petrášek insisted on a rematch, determined to prove that he belonged at the top of OKTAGON. But the result didn’t change—this time the fight went to a decision, but Kimball again had his hand raised. After two heavy losses, Petrášek needed a rebound. At the legendary OKTAGON 15 event—the night of the “Fight of the Century” and the promotion’s first sold-out O2 Arena—he faced Danish veteran Christensen. But again, things didn’t go his way, and he suffered another decision loss.<h2>THE PEOPLE’S FIGHTER WHO WILL ALWAYS BE LOVED</h2>Despite all the ups and downs—from thrilling victories to crushing defeats—Miloš Petrášek remained one of the most beloved fighters in OKTAGON. Always smiling, authentic, and open, he became an integral part of the promotion. Whether as a fighter, commentator, fan, or analyst, supporters admired his humanity.Now, Miloš is approaching the final chapter of his career. His last professional fight. The end of a story that may not have broken international barriers, but nonetheless left a powerful legacy. In the O2 Arena, he will say goodbye to his career and to the fans who have stood by him through everything. He helped build Czech MMA, inspired countless young fighters, and earned loyal supporters who will be with him until the end. And it is with them that he hopes to celebrate one last victory—to close his career with a win in front of the home crowd and step into the next stage of life without regrets.Will you be there to support him one last time?OKTAGON 81 is fast approaching! Only three weeks remain, and the seats in the O2 Arena are filling quickly. If you want to experience Petrášek’s farewell, don’t wait—secure your place today. The final event of 2025 takes place on December 28th, and it will be a spectacular ride!<okteventcomponent eventid="118"></okteventcomponent>

Fan-favorite Miloš Petrášek is preparing for the final fight of his professional career. OKTAGON 81 will be the symbolic closing chapter to all the moments, highs, and lows that “Meloun” experienced in the organization. Let’s look back at the career of one of the most beloved Czech fighters.

THE FINAL FIGHT OF MILOŠ PETRÁŠEK: A BELOVED FIGHTER SAYS GOODBYE IN THE O2 ARENA

The ZAG Arena in Hannover became the stage for thrilling battles on May 16th. The OKTAGON 88 tournament delivered ten ruthless fights, eight of which ended before the final bell, leaving the judges to decide only two clashes. The heated cage offered lightning-fast KOs, crushing TKOs, and one textbook submission. What did this spectacular night look like from the judges' perspective?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/d1ed777a-4f25-4957-a4a3-7d1966f27d7d/cs.1779195408391.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/da6bcaa5-3a3a-4aca-98a4-84972e366d7e/cs.1779195422294.png" link="" croppedcorners="false" cropcornertr="true" cropcornerbl="true" enablecornersmobile="false" smallercorners="false"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>MAX HOLZER VS. KHALID TAHA</h2>The climax of the Hannover night didn't give the judges much to do. Local star Max Holzer took the initiative from the first seconds and left Khalid Taha with absolutely no chance through a one-sided offensive. All three judges watching this featherweight bout had their eyes on one thing: the clock. Referee Marc Goddard stopped the fight at 3:14 of the first round after a devastating TKO. The ZAG Arena exploded, and the Hannover hero remains undefeated.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1417" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>HUGO VACH VS. TEO SMITH</h2>The German Tarzan fulfilled his pre-fight promise to the letter. Vach carefully watched the Swiss striker Smith right from the start of this featherweight clash, waiting for his moment. When the time came, he landed an absolutely clean KO while retreating. The scorecards remained blank, and referee Gerd Richter ended the duel at 2:50 of the opening round.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1379" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>SIMON BIYONG VS. YEVHENII ORLOV</h2>A lightning-fast TKO in the heavyweight division didn't even let the judges catch their breath. Biyong hit Orlov with a devastating cross in the opening seconds, immediately increased the pressure, and showered his shaken opponent with more strikes. Referee Kamil Zuziak stopped the war at 3:45 of the first round.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1428" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>ALTIN ZENUNI VS. DAWID JAROWIENKO</h2>The clash of two undefeated athletes in the 74kg catchweight was the shortest one on the Hannover card. Zenuni flew into the cage with immense energy, hitting Jarowienko hard in the very first minute. The fight was interrupted due to the Polish fighter's medical complications. The officials had to investigate the situation thoroughly, but the verdict was ultimately clear. TKO at 0:54, and Zenuni's perfect record remains spotless.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1414" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>HACI AKSEKER VS. RAPHAEL FEDERICO</h2>The only split decision victory of the entire Hannover night and a highly balanced battle in the featherweight division. The first round wasn't unanimous; two out of three judges gave it to Federico, while the third favored Akseker. In the second act, the local talent dominated with precise strikes and leveled the score. The final five minutes began under immense tension. Federico managed to regain control from a dominant position on the ground and convinced two out of three judges. The final score of 29-28, 29-28, and 28-29 secured him a tight victory.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1402" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>DANIEL MAKIN VS. CHRISTIAN DRAXLER</h2>This three-round welterweight duel was a one-sided affair from the very first second. Draxler dictated his grappling rhythm in the cage throughout every round, collecting takedowns and controlling the fight on the ground. All three judges noted his superiority consistently across all three rounds, and the 30-27 unanimous decision rightfully belongs to Christian Draxler.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1426" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>DANIELLE MISTELI VS. IVANA PETROVIĆ</h2>The women's bantamweight bout didn't give the judges much work. Petrović delivered an early takedown, transitioned to her opponent's back, and unleashed a one-way offensive. Referee Gerd Richter stopped the duel at 3:42 of the first round. A dominant TKO for Ivana Petrović.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1412" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>JUSTIN DETZEL VS. MATE KOLA</h2>A thrilling clash of undefeated middleweights reached its resolution in the final five minutes. The balanced first round was awarded to Detzel by all three judges. The second round went to Kola on two scorecards, while the third judge saw it for Detzel again. Thus, they entered the final round with mixed scores across the board. The decisive moment came after Kola missed a spinning elbow. Detzel reacted in a flash, took his opponent to the ground, and sealed the fight with a textbook Suloev stretch submission at 2:03. The scorecards remained unfinished in the last round.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1436" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>IMRAN DAURBEKOV VS. BEDIRHAN KABAK</h2>The battle between two undefeated welterweight talents brought one of the biggest shocks of the Hannover night. The favored Daurbekov ran into the Turkish tank's left hook right at the start. Even though he persistently tried to take the fight to the ground, Kabak defended the takedowns brilliantly. The second round brought Daurbekov some points for takedowns, but the overall score still pointed to Kabak. The favorite entered the third round physically exhausted, and Kabak punished his collapse with a one-way barrage of strikes. The referee stepped in, the TKO was sealed, and the Turkish prospect celebrates a flawless debut.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1437" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>JAN HOLZER VS. PAUL KULZE</h2>The Hannover evening opened with an amateur middleweight duel, and the younger of the Holzer brothers didn't keep the fans waiting long. Jan Holzer dictated the pace in the cage from the very first second and gave his opponent no chance to get into the fight. Referee Josef Louč stopped the clash at 1:54 of the first round after a brutal TKO. Hannover celebrated, and Holzer's ride continues.<oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1390" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent>Hannover wrote another chapter in the history of OKTAGON. But the story continues on June 6th as Bratislava steps into action. The Tipos Arena will turn into the epicenter of European MMA, and you cannot miss it. Get your tickets for OKTAGON 89 at the link below.<okteventcomponent eventid="131"></okteventcomponent>

The ZAG Arena in Hannover became the stage for thrilling battles on May 16th. The OKTAGON 88 tournament delivered ten ruthless fights, eight of which ended before the final bell, leaving the judges to decide only two clashes.

HANNOVER THROUGH THE JUDGES' EYES: ONLY TWO DUELS WENT TO THE CARDS!

The OKTAGON 88 tournament in Hannover delivered a wild night full of brutal finishes, featuring an unprecedented 8 stoppages out of 10 fights! The ZAG Arena exploded with excitement as hometown hero Max Holzer demolished Khalid Taha in the very first five minutes, keeping his perfect record intact. Hugo Vach kept his word to the letter, delivering a clean KO that was a true masterpiece. Read the complete summary of results from this stacked German card.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/a8315af8-aac4-4797-ba44-c62d492b7888/cs.1778966376216.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/de376470-fc75-4fce-a269-4fc246f95b11/cs.1778966390792.png" link="" croppedcorners="false" cropcornertr="true" cropcornerbl="true" enablecornersmobile="false" smallercorners="false"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>MAX HOLZER VS. KHALID TAHA</h2>The heated dream battle and the absolute climax of the Hannover night has crowned its king! This extremely personal duel, preceded by sharp trash talk and dramatic staredowns, offered a thrilling spectacle from the very first seconds. Experienced UFC veteran Khalid Taha threatened with his feared heavy strikes and managed to land, but hometown talent Max Holzer showed his absolute world-class level in the cage. The 24-year-old pride of Hannover clearly took the initiative, dealing heavy blows and hitting his target with perfect vision. At 3:14 of the first round, Holzer unleashed a perfect storm. He demolished his experienced opponent with a crushing offensive and delivered a spectacular TKO. The ZAG Arena exploded with joy, as their local hero remains undefeated even after this extremely personal clash!<oktfightcomponent fightid="1417"></oktfightcomponent><h2>HUGO VACH VS. TEO SMITH</h2>The local "German Tarzan" confirmed his role as the clear favorite and delivered exactly what he promised! Before the duel, Vach declared he would turn the cage into a blank canvas to paint a masterpiece. He kept his word to the letter. He controlled the dangerous Swiss striker with absolute ease from the opening seconds, read the game perfectly, and at the right moment landed a beautiful, picture-perfect KO while retreating. A gripping spectacle that immediately brought the entire Hannover arena to its feet!<oktfightcomponent fightid="1379"></oktfightcomponent><h2>SIMON BIYONG VS. YEVHENII ORLOV</h2>The heavyweight earthquake had a lightning-fast winner! The Italian-Cameroonian gladiator Simon Biyong gave his opponent absolutely no chance in the cage. Right in the opening seconds, he caught Orlov with a devastating cross, and the end was suddenly in the air. The Ukrainian giant found himself in deep trouble while Biyong relentlessly increased the pressure. He eventually showered his rocked opponent with heavy blows, delivering a dominant TKO victory before the end of the first round.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1428"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ALTIN ZENUNI VS. DAWID JAROWIENKO</h2>The clash of two undefeated predators brought a lightning-fast finish full of tension! Altin Zenuni stormed into the cage with immense energy, catching his Polish opponent with heavy strikes in the very first minute. The duel had to be paused due to Jarowienko's medical complications, causing momentary confusion in the arena. The referees had to review whether an illegal strike was landed. The verdict, however, was clear – everything was clean. Zenuni takes the win at just 0:54 and keeps his perfect shield intact!<oktfightcomponent fightid="1414"></oktfightcomponent><h2>HACI AKSEKER VS. RAPHAEL FEDERICO</h2>Federico entered the cage with a clear game plan to take the fight to the ground. Akseker defended brilliantly in the first round and landed accurate strikes. Nevertheless, the Italian brawler snatched the first round through sheer pressure. The second round, however, was clearly dominated by the local talent, who landed precise shots and hunted for a finish after a brutal body shot. Yet, Federico survived the critical moment. Thus, they entered the deciding third round evenly matched. The experienced Italian quickly secured a back mount, confidently controlled the entire five minutes from this dominant position, and managed to turn the fight around for a decision victory.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1402"></oktfightcomponent><h2>DANIEL MAKIN VS. CHRISTIAN DRAXLER</h2>The battle of two experienced warriors turned into a pure dominance display by the Austrian grappler. Christian Draxler dictated the pace from the very first second and secured two takedowns in the opening round, backing them up with accurate strikes. The same scenario repeated throughout the rest of the clash. Makin found absolutely no answer to his opponent's pressure and failed to threaten the Austrian athlete in any way during the entire fight. Draxler confidently collected more takedowns in every five-minute period, completely ruled the ground game, and celebrated a clear decision win after fifteen minutes of sheer superiority.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1426"></oktfightcomponent><h2>DANIELLE MISTELI VS. IVANA PETROVIĆ</h2>Huge favorite Ivana Petrović allowed no surprises and clearly confirmed her role in the cage. After the opening minute, she delivered a successful takedown, dragging the tough Misteli to the ground. There, the Croatian striker fully showcased her elite skills and quickly got to her opponent's back. She capitalized on the dominant position, launched a devastating offensive, and showered the 49-year-old Swiss athlete with a barrage of hard strikes. At 3:42, Petrović claims a dominant TKO victory.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1412"></oktfightcomponent><h2>JUSTIN DETZEL VS. MATE KOLA</h2>This clash of undefeated predators offered a thrilling battle! From a closely contested first round, Detzel managed to secure two takedowns. In the second round, Mate Kola pushed the pace on the feet, while the hometown talent landed strikes while backing up. The resolution came in the third round when Kola missed a risky spinning elbow. Detzel instantly punished his mistake, took control on the ground, and at 2:03 delivered a textbook submission using the Suloev stretch. The star of the Hannover gym and David Palokaj’s protégé successfully maintained his undefeated streak in front of his home crowd!<oktfightcomponent fightid="1436"></oktfightcomponent><h2>IMRAN DAURBEKOV VS. BEDIRHAN KABAK</h2>A collision of undefeated talents! The heavily favored Daurbekov ran straight into a precise left hook by the "Turkish Tank" early on. Although the elite grappler persistently tried to take the fight to the ground, Kabak defended the takedowns flawlessly. Daurbekov did manage to score two takedowns in the second round, but couldn't capitalize on the advantage, falling further behind on the scorecards. Completely exhausted, the favorite faded physically in the third round, and the fierce Kabak mercilessly showered him with a one-sided barrage of hard strikes on their knees. The Turkish prospect takes the TKO victory and registers a perfect debut!<oktfightcomponent fightid="1437"></oktfightcomponent><h2>JAN HOLZER VS. PAUL KULZE</h2>The first duel in Hannover delivered a grand-style performance. Hometown fighter Jan Holzer dictated the pace from the first second, giving his opponent no chance. Although Kulze posed a threat and landed a few strikes, the brother of the star Max was striking with surgical precision. The young talent handled the immense pressure of the packed ZAG Arena and the weight of his famous name perfectly. At exactly 1:54, he rained down crushing blows on his opponent, delivered a brutal TKO, and celebrated the second amateur victory of his career in front of his home crowd.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1390"></oktfightcomponent>The yellow-and-black ride continues! Hannover is behind us, but OKTAGON 89 awaits in Bratislava on June 6th. Experience the electrifying atmosphere right in the center of the action! Click the link below and secure your seat at the Tipos Arena today.<okteventcomponent eventid="131"></okteventcomponent>

The OKTAGON 88 tournament in Hannover delivered a wild night full of brutal finishes, featuring an unprecedented 8 stoppages out of 10 fights! The ZAG Arena exploded with excitement as hometown hero Max Holzer demolished Khalid Taha.

OKTAGON 88 RESULTS: MAX HOLZER DEMOLISHES TAHA AND REMAINS UNDEFEATED

On May 16th, the doors of Hannover's ZAG Arena will close, and another gripping chapter of Europe's finest MMA will unfold inside. The OKTAGON 88 card is packed with stunning storylines, dangerous veterans, and hungry debutants. We are in for a night of hard-hitting clashes culminating in an exceptionally personal war. Here is a complete look at what awaits us in the cage.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/77d5a1af-4370-4263-854e-95956f05ad14/cs.1778860968031.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/0bea251c-c0aa-4483-9138-e3f38dd33640/cs.1778860972718.png" link="" croppedcorners="false" cropcornertr="true" cropcornerbl="true" enablecornersmobile="false" smallercorners="false"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>MAX HOLZER VS. KHALID TAHA</h2>A dream matchup and the absolute culmination of the evening. Undefeated 24-year-old phenom Max "Stifler" Holzer (11-0) enters the biggest fight of his life in front of his home crowd. Facing him is a veteran with six UFC starts and a two-time champion of a German promotion, Khalid Taha (16-5). This clash is extremely personal and heated, with the pair having engaged in several verbal exchanges and dramatic staredowns. Taha possesses devastating power in his hands and longs to silence the boldly confident Holzer inside the cage. For the local hero, it is a historic milestone to confirm his star status and maintain his perfect record.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1417"></oktfightcomponent><h2>HUGO VACH VS. TEO SMITH</h2>This duel is guaranteed to bring the Hannover arena to its feet. Local favorite "German Tarzan" Hugo Vach (7-1) boasts an impressive record and massive crowd support. He brings immense confidence and a tenacity that has seen him fall only once in his professional career. However, walking into the cage against him is Swiss sharpshooter Teo "Sangre" Smith (5-1), who delivered all five of his victories before the distance, most recently with a brutal finish of Deiga-Scheck. Vach will rely on the fans, but Smith is more than capable of pulling off an upset as the underdog.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1379"></oktfightcomponent><h2>SIMON BIYONG VS. YEVHENII ORLOV</h2>An earthquake on German soil is set to be triggered by this heavyweight clash. Ukrainian giant Yevhenii Orlov (9-1), a former Olympic Greco-Roman wrestler, announces a grand return to the yellow-and-black cage after seven long years. This elite grappler promises crushing pressure. Standing in his way is the Italian-Cameroonian gladiator Simon Biyong (11-6), who holds titles from Italian promotions and brings wealth of experience from Bellator, PFL, and Rizin. Two titans, raw power, and a fight that is unlikely to end in the hands of the judges.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1428"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ALTIN ZENUNI VS. DAWID JAROWIENKO</h2>A collision of two undefeated predators where only one can leave with a clean slate. Altin Zenuni (4-0) heads before the Hannover public with a clear goal—to defend his perfect record and loudly claim his spot among the elite. But this explosive fighter will come face-to-face with a massive threat. Dawid Jarowienko (3-0) represents the renowned Polish toughness and arrives in Germany fully prepared to ruthlessly silence the home arena. This will be a war from the first second to see who will taste the bitterness of defeat for the first time in their professional career.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1414"></oktfightcomponent><h2>HACI AKSEKER VS. RAPHAEL FEDERICO</h2>The featherweight division offers a tough baptism by fire for another undefeated prospect. Haci Akseker (3-0) enters the cage with a clean sheet and a massive hunger for another triumph. However, in Hannover, the extremely dangerous Italian striker Raphael Federico (5-2) plans to take him down. The experienced finisher carries a terrifying reputation as a marksman, and his sole goal is to rob his predatory opponent of his perfect record. Expect a fierce battle from the opening bell.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1402"></oktfightcomponent><h2>DANIEL MAKIN VS. CHRISTIAN DRAXLER</h2>The welterweight division offers an immensely attractive battle between two highly experienced warriors who share a similar fighting style. Austrian grappler Christian Draxler (20-9) brings a lethal arsenal of submissions and years of experience from high-stakes duels. Facing him is German veteran Daniel Makin (10-16), the absolute embodiment of combat resilience. Since both elite ground specialists know exactly how to react to every situation, we are in for a high-level game of tactical chess.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1426"></oktfightcomponent><h2>DANIELLE MISTELI VS. IVANA PETROVIĆ</h2>A gripping story of resilience. 49-year-old Swiss star Danielle "The Housewife" Misteli (5-4) proves that passion for fighting knows no age. She began MMA at forty-six and now has four consecutive wins, three of which came via finish. In Hannover, however, she faces the toughest test of her career. Stepping into the cage is 31-year-old Croatian striker Ivana Petrović (7-4), a former Ares FC champion with UFC experience. Will we witness an incredible veteran triumph, or will the younger opponent confirm her status as the favorite?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1412"></oktfightcomponent><h2>JUSTIN DETZEL VS. MATE KOLA</h2>The middleweight division brings an explosive clash between two hungry fighters entering the cage with clean records and massive motivation. Representing local Fightschool Hannover, the talented Justin Detzel (2-0) will want to showcase his best in front of his home crowd. This dangerous finisher delivered both of his professional victories via first-round stoppage. However, the determined Mate Kola (1-0) awaits him in the ZAG Arena. He arrives in Hannover with one goal—to shock the arena, thwart the home favorite's plans, and steal all the glory for himself.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1436"></oktfightcomponent><h2>IMRAN DAURBEKOV VS. BEDIRHAN KABAK</h2>The welterweight division offers a hard-hitting clash of two undefeated talents. Imran Daurbekov (4-0) enters the cage with a perfect record and a reputation as an outstanding grappler, having finished two of his opponents via Arm-Triangle in the very first round. Coming to stop him, however, is 25-year-old striker Bedirhan Kabak (1-0), who finished his opponent in his professional debut via lightning-fast TKO in the first round. Which of these fighters will suffer their first professional loss?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1437"></oktfightcomponent><h2>JAN HOLZER VS. PAUL KULZE</h2>OKTAGON 88 will open with a special Free Prelims duel that will draw massive attention from the entire arena. The younger brother of star Max, young talent Jan Holzer (0-0), will experience the atmosphere of a massive gala for the first time in a match under amateur rules (three rounds of three minutes). Paul Kulze (0-0) arrives with a plan to spoil Jan's debut. Although both fighters compete without professional status, they enter the fray with an unequivocal desire to show the heart of a lion. Can Jan Holzer handle the immense pressure of his famous last name?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1390"></oktfightcomponent>Don’t miss another spectacular MMA show! The yellow-and-black juggernaut does not stop, and OKTAGON 88 will transform Hannover’s ZAG Arena into a ruthless battlefield on May 16th. Experience the electrifying atmosphere right at the heart of the action! Tickets are available at the link below.<okteventcomponent eventid="133"></okteventcomponent>

On May 16th, the doors of Hannover's ZAG Arena will close, and another gripping chapter of Europe's finest MMA will unfold inside. The OKTAGON 88 card is packed with stunning storylines, dangerous veterans, and hungry debutants.

WHAT WILL OKTAGON 88 OFFER? THE HANNOVER CARD FIGHT BY FIGHT

On May 16, Hannover, Germany, will transform into the epicenter of European MMA. The ZAG Arena welcomes the OKTAGON 88 tournament, bringing a fight card packed with mind-blowing stories, historic milestones, and premieres. Although an injury derailed the original title fight, we are still in for a night loaded with the biggest talents and local heroes. Check out the best fun facts from Saturday's card and get ready for an unbelievable show!<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/386e3f82-55a2-40eb-954b-b80b4a02a7b3/cs.1778674231793.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/48b96cc4-b22b-4f0c-9429-5dee4a58bb15/cs.1778674237473.png" link="" croppedcorners="false" cropcornertr="true" cropcornerbl="true" enablecornersmobile="false" smallercorners="false"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>A COMEBACK AFTER SEVEN YEARS AND THE DANGEROUS HOUSEWIFE</h2>The story of the Ukrainian giant Yevhenii Orlov (9-1) resembles an action movie. This heavyweight ground fighter, former European sumo champion, and participant in the 2012 London Olympics in Greco-Roman wrestling, returns to the OKTAGON cage after an unbelievable 2,577 days! He last appeared under the banner of the organization at the OKTAGON PRIME 1 tournament, where he faced Martin Buday in a tough battle. He jumps back into action after a twenty-six-month break since his last fight. However, his path will be crossed by the Italian-Cameroonian gladiator Simon Biyong (11-6), who holds titles from Italian and South African organizations and brings experience from Bellator, PFL, and Rizin.The Swiss athlete Danielle "The Housewife" Misteli (5-4) clearly proves that true determination and passion for fighting know no boundaries. She jumped into professional MMA at the age of forty-six and arrives in Hannover as the oldest female fighter in OKTAGON history. A very tough test awaits her in the ZAG Arena. She will face the extremely dangerous Ivana Petrović (7-4), a former ARES champion with UFC experience, who has never been finished in her professional career.<h2>AN INVASION OF NEW FACES AND THE HOLZER CLAN</h2>Ten hungry newcomers will step across the threshold of the OKTAGON cage in Hannover for the very first time. We are in for an unprecedented lineup ranging from undefeated prospects with a clean sheet and amateur champions to seasoned world elites looking to conquer a new division. Which of the ten debutants will manage to shock Europe and secure their permanent spot among the best?A family bond that nothing can break. For the fourth time in OKTAGON history (following the Solaja, Zawada, and Severino brothers), we will witness a rare moment as a brotherly duo appears on a single fight card. The immensely talented Max Holzer (11-0) will defend his perfect undefeated record and an eleven-fight winning streak in a heated battle against the dangerous Taha (16-5). His younger brother Jan Holzer (0-0), on the other hand, will experience his baptism of fire in an amateur rules bout against Paul Kulze (0-0). This very duel will carry a special vibe – as the Free Prelims, it will open the entire Hannover card, and fans will be able to watch it completely for free. Will the German stands be able to push the sibling duo to a spectacular double victory?<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DYNCLr4DGWp/"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>UNBREAKABLE GERMAN AGAINST THE AUSTRIAN SUBMISSION MASTER</h2>A clash of styles in the welterweight division also demands huge attention. The Austrian Christian Draxler (20-9) brings a devastating arsenal for the ground fight. In his career so far, he has delivered an incredible 15 submission finishes (using five different techniques) and secured a staggering 95 percent of his wins before the limit. Facing him is the German matador Daniel Makin (10-16), who is the absolute embodiment of resilience. Although he ended the first thirteen fights of his career with a 1-12 score, he subsequently rose from the ashes and won the title of double champion in a German organization. Thanks to a successful winning streak, he currently stands higher in the world rankings than Draxler himself, despite his negative overall record.<h2>WILL THE JUBILEE KO FALL IN HANNOVER?</h2>The history of the yellow-black colossus eagerly awaits another massive milestone. Reaching the magic mark of four hundred knockouts in the organization's history is just four KO or TKO finishes away. Will this exceptional milestone be broken right here in Hannover? The card is packed with elite fighters and feared heavy hitters with dynamite in their hands who won't leave anything to chance. Will we witness a historic entry, or will we have to wait until the next tournament?The yellow-black organization announces its return to Germany! The thrilling OKTAGON 88 gala kicks off in Hannover on May 16, and you simply cannot miss it. The ZAG Arena will shake to its foundations under the onslaught of brutal battles. Tickets are disappearing at lightning speed, so don't wait for anything and secure your seat <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://today.Click">today.Click</a> the link below to get your tickets.<okteventcomponent eventid="133"></okteventcomponent>

On May 16, Hannover, Germany, will transform into the epicenter of European MMA. The ZAG Arena welcomes the OKTAGON 88 tournament, bringing a fight card packed with mind-blowing stories, historic milestones, and premieres.

HANNOVER CARD FUN FACTS: RETURN TO ZAG ARENA AND AN INVASION OF NEW FACES

She is one of the most unusual personalities in European MMA. She started her professional career at the age of 46 and today, on the threshold of fifty, she is breaking all established stereotypes. This very fact makes her completely unique in the world and at the same time such a dangerous opponent. Misteli is returning to the cage on May 16 at the OKTAGON 88 tournament in the ZAG Arena in Hannover. Following her victorious comeback at the OKTAGON 66 tournament against Sarah Smajić, she spoke about trust, her own identity, and why she refuses to be just a stepping stone for the next generation of female fighters.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/e44b361b-979d-45ab-ab29-0d35750f4843/cs.1778502728706.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/8b728fc5-33ec-43f3-bda7-a19e112eb360/cs.1778502735682.png" link="" croppedcorners="false" cropcornertr="true" cropcornerbl="true" enablecornersmobile="false" smallercorners="false"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent>You managed to turn around your last fight at the OKTAGON 66 tournament against Sarah Smajić after a tough first round and bring it to a victorious end. What did you learn about yourself in that moment?I had a new coach by my side at OKTAGON and just before the fight we were discussing some new techniques. However, in the fight itself, I wasn't able to apply them according to the plan. So, during the break, I consciously went back to my strengths and told myself that I simply have to trust myself. That worked surprisingly well. Thanks to the experience of many fights in various combat sports, I know that anything is always possible. Since this fight, it's once again the absolutely clear focal point for me: I give my best performances when I trust myself.You are often referred to as the "Fighting Housewife". What does this term mean to you personally?"The Housewife" is my nickname because I have "Huusfrau" tattooed on my knuckles, which means housewife in Swiss German. I am immensely proud of my housekeeping skills, which are often underestimated nowadays. Since I was born in 1976, things like knitting, crocheting, cooking, baking, and cleaning have always been completely normal to me. Every day I enjoy good food and a clean home. The fact that this brings smiles in the world of combat sports seems great to me. It simply shows that one doesn't have to fit into just one box.You bring a wealth of life experience into the cage with you. What do you see as your greatest advantage over younger opponents?I wouldn't say that life experience or age is directly an advantage in the cage itself. That depends on skills, performance, strength, and fight IQ. My life experience helps me more in coping with wins and losses. But I have to honestly admit that I am absolutely terrible at losing. I am very ambitious and every defeat hits me hard. But maybe that's exactly where my advantage lies. It's very difficult to break me mentally.How did you perceive the fan reactions after your last fight? Did anything change for you because of it?My life takes place mostly offline. People around me like me or dislike me regardless of wins or losses. But I was really extremely happy about the online reactions from the fans. It's great to see how many people feel motivated to try something themselves or not to let age and limitations hold them back. I received several very touching messages from people who wrote to me that they now approach life with much more courage. That means an awful lot to me.On May 16, you will enter the cage again in Hannover. Many perceive you in these fights as an underdog or even as a test for the new generation. How do you deal with this role?I know that I very often go into these fights in the position of an underdog – as someone the younger fighters are supposed to measure themselves against. But I am definitely not here to pave the way for anyone. If someone wants to get past me, they have to earn it the hard way. And that is exactly what makes me such a dangerous opponent.Misteli sent a clear message. Now it's up to her opponent how she answers it. Will experience, an indomitable mentality, and resilience be the deciding factor? We will get the answer already on May 16 at the OKTAGON 88 tournament. Be there when the ZAG Arena in Hannover shakes to its foundations! Tickets are disappearing fast, so don't hesitate and secure your spot today.<okteventcomponent eventid="133"></okteventcomponent>

She is one of the most unusual personalities in European MMA. She started her professional career at the age of 46 and today, on the threshold of fifty, she is breaking all established stereotypes. This very fact makes her completely unique in the world.

INTERVIEW WITH DANIELLE MISTELI: I AM NOT HERE TO PAVE THE WAY FOR ANYONE

Tipos Aréna will shake to its core on June 6. OKTAGON 89 brings the biggest stars of the domestic scene to Bratislava, promising a tournament that will be indelibly written into history. Who will defend Slovak pride in front of the electrifying crowd? Let's take a look at the elite warriors preparing to unleash hell in the cage.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/031c6197-ab73-45cb-8476-a083757b912f/cs.1778442304038.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/0ea786ec-9af1-416a-97aa-108d3be3ac69/cs.1778442319984.png" link="" croppedcorners="false" cropcornertr="true" cropcornerbl="true" enablecornersmobile="false" smallercorners="false"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>MARTIN BUDAY</h2>Former champion of the organization and current world #42 heavyweight Martin Buday (16-3) faces a crucial test. After collecting seven valuable victories in the UFC, his spectacular return to home soil last year did not go as planned, and in a battle with Will Fleury he had to swallow a bitter defeat. This makes the feared heavy hitter even more motivated to unleash hell in front of the Bratislava crowd and prove to everyone that he still belongs at the very top. However, standing in his way is the extremely dangerous two-time title challenger Lazar Todev (13-7). Will the home star return to the winning wave and stop Todev's run, or will the Bulgarian puncher take a valuable scalp and get closer to the throne himself?<h2>RONALD PARADEISER</h2>Former lightweight champion and feared standup fighter Ronald Paradeiser (23-10) announces his return to action with a clear goal: to pave his way back to a title shot. The darling of the Bratislava crowd, who grew into one of the brightest stars of the European scene in the yellow and black colors, faces an extreme obstacle. Stepping into the cage with him will be the British executioner Jack Grant (20-9), champion of four different organizations with an incredible nineteen finishes out of twenty wins.<h2>ROBERT PUKAČ</h2>"Prince of Bratislava" Robert Pukač (20-14) returns in front of his home crowd with a single goal – to jump back on the winning wave. After massive triumphs over David Kozma and Christian Eckerlin, in his last duel he ran into Patrik Kincl, a challenge he ultimately couldn't overcome. The crowd favorite is now sharpening his teeth in Bratislava against the undefeated Irish striker Brian Manning (6-0). Manning boasts a perfect record and has destroyed all his opponents before the limit. Can the experienced Slovak athlete use his knowledge to dismantle the relentless Irish tank, or will Manning add another bloody notch to his belt?<h2>JOZEF WITTNER</h2>Jozef Wittner (16-6) returns to the cage as an experienced and complex warrior who is no longer just a ground fighter, although his eight first-round submission finishes still command immense respect. Now he faces another test. He steps into Bratislava with a clear determination to break a heavy four-fight losing streak and confirm his place among the domestic elite. In this heated Czech-Slovak duel, he will face the feared heavy hitter Marek Bartl (16-16). Can Wittner withstand his deadly fire on the feet and celebrate a grand return in front of the home stands, or will the Czech shooter add another important victory to his record?<h2>VERONIKA SMOLKOVÁ</h2>Women's MMA will be represented at the tournament by rising star and huge talent Veronika Smolková (9-3). The Revúca native is riding a fantastic six-fight winning streak. Her hunger for success knows no bounds, which she showed the whole world last time out when she demolished experienced UFC veteran Stephanie Egger in the first round. Now she has another clear target in her sights, stepping into the Bratislava cage with massive confidence for another dominant triumph. Fans can look forward to her precise striking and fierce dedication, which ranks her among the absolute best on the current European scene.<h2>MICHAL "YAKSHA" NOVOTNÝ VS. RASTISLAV ZVARA</h2>A special highlight of the evening within the Celebrity Series project will be a highly anticipated clash between two well-known personalities who will give each other no quarter in the cage. Music producer and visionary Michal Novotný (0-0), known as Yaksha, has decided to put his skin in the game and test his limits after years of Thai boxing training. Against him stands Rastislav Zvara (0-0), whose face is well known to TV viewers from the hit reality show Ruža pre nevestu. Rastislav intensely trains in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, has a hockey background, and is currently polishing his boxing techniques. The battle will take place under the strict rules of Underground, purely in striking and in small gloves. Who will survive the trial by fire and deliver a victory?<h2>KAROL RYŠAVÝ</h2>True matador and heart of the organization Karol "Bomby" Ryšavý (15-10) has a respectable twenty battles under his belt in the yellow and black colors. After his recent dominant finish of Deniz Ilbay, he clearly proved to everyone that the fire of a warrior still burns brightly inside him. Now he will face the fierce Austrian prospect Daniel Schordje. The Austrian fighter with an overall score of 10-1 earned this huge duel with a successful OKTAGON premiere and is stepping into the cage for the most valuable scalp of his career.<h2>RADOVAN ÚŠKRT</h2>Another Slovak fighter on the Bratislava card is the legendary finalist of the OKTAGON Výzva 2 reality show, Radovan Úškrt (8-6). This elite heavy hitter has fists loaded with explosive power that has already put a long line of opponents to sleep. In Bratislava, he will face the tough Czech veteran Ondřej Raška (11-9) in a highly anticipated battle. The clash of these two experienced warriors promises an attractive spectacle.<h2>MARCO NOVÁK</h2>The Bratislava lineup is opened by standup fighter Marco Novák (7-2), WKU world champion, WMC European champion, and Underground project finalist, who steps up to defend Slovak honor. A trial by fire awaits him in the cage in the form of Ayton De Paepe (14-6). He has already shocked Slovakia once when he sensationally defeated Karol Ryšavý. Can Novák avenge his compatriot and teach the dangerous Belgian a hard lesson?Feel the chills down your spine and experience the electrifying atmosphere that only a packed Tipos Aréna can create! The yellow-and-black colossus returns to Bratislava and you must be in the center of the action when new chapters of domestic scene history begin to be written. Tickets are disappearing at lightning speed, so don't wait for anything and secure your seat. Click the link below for tickets.<okteventcomponent eventid="131"></okteventcomponent>

Tipos Aréna will shake to its core on June 6. OKTAGON 89 brings the biggest stars of the domestic scene to Bratislava, promising a tournament that will be indelibly written into history. Who will defend Slovak pride in front of the electrifying crowd?

SLOVAK ELITE HEADS TO BATTLE: BRATISLAVA BRACES FOR OKTAGON 89

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 steps onto the prestigious European stage in front of packed stands for the very first time. 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>