<p>Candles, roses, and a romantic dinner? Maybe somewhere. But when two combat sports enthusiasts meet on Valentine’s Day, it’s more about getting home earlier than usual rather than arriving late after training. Instead of heart-shaped cakes, they focus on weight cuts, and the sweetest words they exchange are often valuable grappling tips.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/f2312644-61cc-4427-a852-d596042d04f4/cs.1739542827616.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/0b7b5301-2bef-4569-9988-1f3e21edd153/cs.1739542833323.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><p></p><p>Let’s take a look at the most beloved fighting couples in OKTAGON:</p><h2>💘 SZABOVÁ &amp; ŠIMKULIČ 💘 ENDLESS SUPPORT</h2><p>Lucie Szabová shines in the OKTAGON cage, and although illness temporarily postponed her title shot, no one doubts it’s just a matter of time. At home, she has great support—her partner Andrej Šimkulič is not only an experienced fighter in the yellow-and-black cage but also a natural in combat sports, whether it's Muay Thai or winning WKU championship titles. He supports Lucka at tournaments and is always the first to celebrate her victory when her hand is raised. Sweet, right?</p><oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFVv-fAN7qC/?hl=cs"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>💘 SMOLKOVÁ &amp; STANČÍK 💘 A DATE AT A TOURNAMENT</h2><p>Lucie Szabová’s friend and flyweight division’s top-ranked fighter, Veronika Smolková, agrees—having a fighter at home is simply awesome. She is in a relationship with Muay Thai fighter Peter Stančík, whose life also revolves around training, dieting, and fights. And when they both have a free day? Naturally, they head to another tournament!</p><oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFVC_RmNvuM/?hl=cs"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>💘 ČEPO &amp; KRAJČOVIČ 💘 CHAMPIONS OF THE LOVE DIVISION</h2><p>A legendary fighting couple? That would be Vlasto Čepo and Lucia Krajčovič. These two never fail to surprise us—remember when Lucia secretly took a fight on Štvanice after maternity leave without telling her partner? He was completely shocked when he saw the mysterious name appear on the fight card. Their love language? Unwavering support and understanding for the endless hours of training and sacrifices!</p><oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/C1aPIkZKlJ_/?hl=cs&amp;img_index=1"></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>💘 CHOCHLÍKOVÁ &amp; TADLÁNEK 💘 LOVE FLOURISHES IN THE GYM!</h2><p>The perfect date? A sparring session together! Monika Chochlíková and her partner, trainer, and fighter Tomáš Tadlánek, fell in love years ago at the gym. Their love from the cage has lasted to this day, and they even joke that sometimes, it feels like they are in a never-ending fight camp! 👇</p><oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cu3xqgux7XP/?hl=cs"></oktinstagramcomponent>

Which OKTAGON couples share a love for combat sports?

VALENTINE’S DAY IN OKTAGON:  LOVE IS IN THE GYM! 

<p>An unforgettable night in Bratislava delivered thrilling battles, brutal finishes, and raw emotions. The finalists of the million-euro Tipsport Gamechanger tournament are Kerim Engizek and Krzysztof Jotko. Čepo unleashed another storm, and Buchinger reaffirmed his status as the #1 lightweight. Here’s a full recap of all the OKTAGON 77 results.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/4b1edc6b-e9ab-4ee7-bca9-7382dc6f92f1/cs.1759618597098.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/46c74ef2-c617-46a4-8300-3882b0f49d56/cs.1759618602307.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><p></p><h2>KERIM ENGIZEK vs. DOMINIK HUMBURGER</h2><p>A war that will go down in OKTAGON history. The main event in Bratislava brought an incredible battle between the reigning champion and the rising star. The fight was fought at a furious pace, with both warriors trading heavy blows and combinations. Humburger first put the champion in trouble during the opening round. Engizek took control in the second, and the third frame brought a dramatic finale. Thanks to his final surge, the Turkish champion edged the last round and claimed a decision victory after three intense rounds. Humburger, however, gave him the toughest test of his career. The final of the third Tipsport Gamechanger season will now feature Kerim Engizek vs. Krzysztof Jotko.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1253"></oktfightcomponent><h2>VLASTO ČEPO vs. DANIEL SCHWINDT</h2><p>The king of chaos delivered again. Čepo unleashed a storm that even the durable Schwindt couldn’t withstand. “El Chapo” opened the fight at full throttle, launching ferocious combinations that the German managed to survive. Both fighters briefly recovered in the clinch, but near the end of the round Čepo exploded once more — a vicious right hand dropped Schwindt, and the referee immediately stopped the fight. Another first-round knockout for the Slovak hurricane.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1250"></oktfightcomponent><h2>KRZYSZTOF JOTKO vs. HOJAT KHAJEVAND</h2><p>Hojat Khajevand came close to a huge upset, but the third round decided it — Krzysztof Jotko is the first finalist of this year’s Tipsport Gamechanger. The Polish veteran had a rough start, as Khajevand managed to trouble him early. But Jotko adjusted in the second round and calmly controlled the action in the final frame. Will Jotko now go all the way and claim the million-euro crown?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1254"></oktfightcomponent><h2>IVAN BUCHINGER vs. RICHIE SMULLEN</h2><p>Few expected such a start. The confident Irishman surprised everyone — including Buchinger himself — when he took the Slovak legend down early and found success on the mat. In the second round, however, Buchinger began to take over, and by the third, Smullen had nothing left to give. The Slovak veteran earned his 27th career submission victory and reaffirmed his position as the undisputed #1 lightweight in OKTAGON.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1209"></oktfightcomponent><h2>SAMUEL KRIŠTOFIČ vs. JAIME CORDERO</h2><p>Heartbreak for the home hero “Pirát.” Early in the first round, he braced his arm against a takedown and dislocated his elbow. Both fighters showed true sportsmanship — Cordero rallied the crowd to cheer for his injured opponent, while Krištofič, carried out on a stretcher, sang his walkout song as fans gave him a standing ovation. Cordero earned the win and extended his streak to five straight victories.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1193"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MARCO NOVÁK vs. DANIJEL SOLAJA</h2><p>Danijel Solaja wasted no time, charging straight at Novák and engaging in wild exchanges. The German kept up a furious pace through the first two rounds, but Novák entered the third knowing he had to finish — and he did exactly that! A thunderous rear hand landed flush through Solaja’s guard, sending him to the canvas. A few follow-up strikes sealed it — a huge comeback win and the first finish of the night for the Slovak crowd favorite.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1196"></oktfightcomponent><h2>TOMÁŠ CIGÁNIK vs. KONRAD DYRSCHKA</h2><p>Konrad Dyrschka returned in spectacular fashion. After a two-year layoff — and many doubters — the German veteran proved he still belongs among Europe’s elite. Against the dangerous Cigánik, he relied on his experience and surgical wrestling. For two rounds, he smothered the Slovak fighter, allowing little offense. Cigánik came alive in the third, but Dyrschka survived the late push and earned a unanimous decision victory on the judges’ scorecards.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1263"></oktfightcomponent><h2>VERONIKA SMOLKOVÁ vs. ANA ARAUJO</h2><p>Wow! Both women started aggressively and traded heavy shots. Smolková connected cleanly several times, while Araujo kept pushing forward. The Slovak fighter showed outstanding conditioning, increasing her pace in round two and landing precise combinations that the Brazilian couldn’t answer. The same story continued in the third, as “Sweetheart” dominated en route to a clear decision win. A beautiful fight from both athletes.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1198"></oktfightcomponent><h2>KAROL RYŠAVÝ vs. AYTON DE PAEPE</h2><p>Ryšavý and De Paepe delivered an action-packed, crowd-pleasing battle full of wild exchanges and lightning-fast combinations. The Slovak fighter found success with his jab early, while the Belgian began tying him up along the cage in the second to wear him down. After two close rounds, the third was decisive — De Paepe had more left in the tank and took a split-decision victory.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1274"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MONIKA CHOCHLÍKOVÁ vs. ATENEA FLORES</h2><p>Monika “Volcano” Chochlíková made a successful return to OKTAGON. Although not entirely satisfied with her performance, she prevailed in a tough stand-up battle. Atenea Flores had the upper hand early, landing well in the first round, but as the fight went on, “Volcano” found her range and took control, earning a well-deserved decision victory.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1257"></oktfightcomponent><h2>JORICK MONTAGNAC vs. MATEUSZ DUCZMAL</h2><p>A calculated and cautious performance from Jorick Montagnac, who secured a decision win after three rounds. Knowing Duczmal’s dangerous striking pedigree, the French fighter avoided risky exchanges and smartly used every opportunity to take the fight to the ground — a plan that worked perfectly. An important victory that could spark a new run for Montagnac.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1260"></oktfightcomponent><p></p><p><strong>The OKTAGON 77 tournament is now in the books, but the MMA action doesn’t stop. In just two weeks, fans can look forward to another electric night — OKTAGON 78 in Cologne, featuring the return of star Christian Eckerlin, another bout for the “princess of German MMA” Alina Dalaslan, and the incredible Vosgröne. Tickets are on sale now – don’t miss your chance to witness it live, October 18 at the Lanxess Arena in Cologne!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="117"></okteventcomponent>

An unforgettable night in Bratislava delivered thrilling battles, brutal finishes, and raw emotions. The finalists of the million-euro Tipsport Gamechanger tournament are Kerim Engizek and Krzysztof Jotko. Čepo unleashed another storm, and Buchinger reaffirmed his status as the #1 lightweight.

OKTAGON 77 RESULTS: WHO ADVANCED TO THE TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER FINAL?

<p>On October 4, the TIPOS Arena will become the stage for a unique show that will go down in Slovak MMA history. OKTAGON 77 will deliver the best card Bratislava has ever seen – two semifinals of the million-euro Tipsport Gamechanger, the return of homegrown legends, and thrilling clashes of Europe’s elite.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/eff74601-21fe-4a08-a39d-ee3a1611cd75/cs.1759572354772.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/6bc2c811-c1d8-44aa-a06f-7e492c9224a2/cs.1759572361844.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><p></p><h2>KERIM ENGIZEK vs. DOMINIK HUMBURGER</h2><p>The main event of the evening and the battle for a place in the Tipsport Gamechanger final. Kerim Engizek has been unbeaten for more than 10 years, riding a streak of 16 victories. In OKTAGON, he last demolished Mick Stanton in the first round. Across from him will stand the last Czech representative in the tournament, Dominik “Hambáč” Humburger – a warrior who earned the Performance of the Night bonus in both of his first two OKTAGON appearances. Can the Czech soldier stop the champion, or will Engizek once again prove his dominance?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1253"></oktfightcomponent><h2>VLASTO ČEPO vs. DANIEL SCHWINDT</h2><p>The king of chaos is back! Vlasto “El Chapo” Čepo is one of the biggest fan favorites in Slovakia, and his fights are always pure adrenaline – all of his victories have come inside the distance, most of them in the first round. This time he faces the German powerhouse Daniel Schwindt, who also holds a 100% finish rate and has already claimed two wins over Slovak fighters. Can Čepo avenge his countrymen in front of the home crowd, or will Schwindt take yet another Slovak scalp?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1250"></oktfightcomponent><h2>KRZYSZTOF JOTKO vs. HOJAT KHAJEVAND</h2><p>The second semifinal of the million-euro tournament offers a clash of experience and determination. Polish legend and former UFC fighter Krzysztof Jotko has never lost on European soil and has already showcased his dominance in OKTAGON against Surdu and Mazúch. His opponent is the German-Iranian fighter with a story like a movie – Hojat Khajevand. A relentless worker who fought his way into the German national wrestling team, he has climbed from the position of reserve fighter all the way to the semifinals. Who will secure their spot in the grand final for €300,000?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1254"></oktfightcomponent><h2>IVAN BUCHINGER vs. RICHIE SMULLEN</h2><p>The legend of Slovak MMA returns in front of his home fans. Ivan “Buki” Buchinger, OKTAGON’s first-ever double champion, has 55 professional bouts to his name and is a feared presence in the division. This time he meets the tough Irishman Richie Smullen, a former UFC fighter who rides a five-fight win streak. Can Buki avenge his countryman Barborík, whom Smullen defeated last time, or will the Irish warrior silence the Slovak crowd?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1209"></oktfightcomponent><h2>SAMUEL KRIŠTOFIČ vs. JAIME CORDERO</h2><p>The king of Bratislava is back! Samuel “Pirát” Krištofič returns to action in a reserve bout after being eliminated from the Gamechanger. Fans voted him back into the tournament, giving him another chance. Standing across from him is the dangerous German Jaime Cordero, who holds a four-fight win streak and has finished most of his opponents in the first round. Can Pirát restart his career in front of his home fans, or will Cordero make his mark on Slovak soil?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1193"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MARCO NOVÁK vs. DANIJEL SOLAJA</h2><p>Slovak fighter Marco Novák entered the organization through the OKTAGON Underground project and brings rich experience from striking disciplines. Over time, he has developed into a well-rounded MMA fighter and now has the chance to showcase his skills on home turf. He will face the unpredictable Danijel Solaja in Bratislava. A clash of two hard-hitting strikers promises a real shootout.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1196"></oktfightcomponent><h2>TOMÁŠ CIGÁNIK vs. KONRAD DYRSCHKA</h2><p>Another homegrown talent, Tomáš Cigánik, rides a two-fight win streak and wants to confirm his upward trajectory. But standing in his way is German veteran Konrad Dyrschka, with a record of 16–2, making his return after a two-year layoff. Will it be a grand comeback for Dyrschka, or will Cigánik deliver a home-crowd upset?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1263"></oktfightcomponent><h2>VERONIKA SMOLKOVÁ vs. ANA ARAUJO</h2><p>“Sweetheart” Veronika Smolková proves that a fighter can be both gentle and ruthless. After three consecutive wins, she now faces the tough Brazilian Ana Araujo. Can the Slovak fighter confirm her form and take another step toward the top?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1198"></oktfightcomponent><h2>KAROL RYŠAVÝ vs. AYTON DE PAEPE</h2><p>Karol “Bomby” Ryšavý is one of OKTAGON’s most consistent fighters, with 20 bouts already in the yellow-black cage. This time, he meets talented Belgian champion Ayton De Paepe, who is eager to make his mark on the European stage. Two seasoned warriors collide in this exciting matchup to decide who will get the chance to re-enter the featherweight top 10.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1274"></oktfightcomponent><h2>CHOCHLÍKOVÁ vs. ATENEA FLORES</h2><p>Slovakia’s best striker, Monika “Volcano” Chochlíková, will once again compete under OKTAGON Underground rules. A multiple world champion in Muay Thai and kickboxing, she will face the Spanish fighter Atenea Flores. Will “Volcano” return to Bratislava in full force and deliver another dominant performance?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1257"></oktfightcomponent><h2>JORICK MONTAGNAC vs. MATEUSZ DUCZMAL</h2><p>French powerhouse Jorick Montagnac returns to action against Polish brawler Mateusz Duczmal. Both are known for their ferocity and eagerness to finish fights as quickly as possible. Fans can expect an explosive battle that could end with a single decisive strike.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1260"></oktfightcomponent><p></p><p><strong>On October 4, Bratislava’s TIPOS Arena will transform into the epicenter of European MMA. OKTAGON 77 will bring the semifinals of the million-euro tournament, the return of legends, and thrilling battles of home heroes. This is a night you don’t want to miss – get your PPV and watch the entire event from the comfort of your home!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="113"></okteventcomponent>

On October 4, the TIPOS Arena will become the stage for a unique show that will go down in Slovak MMA history. OKTAGON 77 will deliver the best card Bratislava has ever seen – two semifinals of the million-euro Tipsport Gamechanger

THE BEST BRATISLAVA CARD EVER: OKTAGON 77 WILL BE STACKED FROM START TO FINISH

<p>Bratislava is gearing up for one of the biggest MMA nights in history. OKTAGON 77 will bring the semifinals of the €1 million Tipsport Gamechanger, the return of legends, homegrown icons, and stories that have touched fans all across Europe. Check out the records, stats, and fun facts proving that this card is unlike anything Slovak fans have ever seen.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/0dda737f-d5b5-4639-a77e-6095ba1a2589/cs.1759411203086.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/9c8fd987-1060-4fdd-965b-d3fc0f9bb9ff/cs.1759411208397.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><p></p><h2>FOUR FIGHTERS, FOUR STORIES, ONLY TWO SPOTS IN THE FINAL</h2><p>The <strong>Tipsport Gamechanger semifinals at OKTAGON 77</strong> promise a spectacle fans have never witnessed before. All four semifinalists are <strong>currently ranked inside the world’s Top 100 middleweights</strong> – <strong>Kerim Engizek (#50), Dominik Humburger (#81), Krzysztof Jotko (#39)</strong>, and <strong>Hojat Khajevand (#84)</strong>. And that’s no coincidence.</p><p>Engizek, who last lost back in September 2014, rides an <strong>11-year unbeaten streak</strong> and boasts a unique stat in OKTAGON – he throws a kick every <strong>14 seconds on average!</strong> His opponent Humburger has <strong>never been finished</strong> – neither by submission nor TKO – and his only two losses came on points. He’s also the only fighter in OKTAGON history to win a <strong>Tipsport Performance Bonus in his first two fights.</strong></p><p>On the other side of the bracket stands Polish legend <strong>Krzysztof Jotko</strong>, who has never lost on European soil and collected over <strong>70 amateur fights</strong> before entering the UFC. Across from him is the German-Iranian underdog story, <strong>Hojat Khajevand</strong>. Having arrived in Germany as a refugee, he worked his way into the national wrestling team. Today, his teammates jokingly call him <strong>“Helmut”</strong> – a nod to the fact that his discipline and work ethic outshine even the Germans. And he’s made history as the <strong>first reserve fighter ever to reach a Tipsport Gamechanger semifinal.</strong></p><p>OKTAGON 77 will thus deliver a clash between an unbeaten champion, a Czech rising star, a Polish legend, and the dark horse storming his way to the top.</p><h2>JUDGES CAN SIT BACK AND RELAX</h2><p>OKTAGON 77 is set to unleash a <strong>wave of finishes</strong> like Slovakia hasn’t seen in years! <strong>Vlasto “El Chapo” Čepo</strong> and <strong>Daniel Schwindt</strong> are pure killers – both have a <strong>100% finish rate</strong>. Čepo has finished 12 of his 13 opponents in the first round, while Schwindt has 8 finishes, 5 of them also in the opening frame. This one simply isn’t going the distance. Czech semifinalist <strong>Dominik Humburger</strong> is also built for highlight reels – he’s finished 9 of his 11 wins inside the distance, with a knack for breaking opponents in the second round.</p><p>Returning legend <strong>Ivan Buchinger</strong> boasts an <strong>84% finish rate</strong> and last time submitted Lengál in Prague’s Eden stadium. His opponent <strong>Richie Smullen</strong> rides a 5-fight win streak, owns 12 finishes from 15 wins, and holds a career-best 29-second victory. Blink and you’ll miss it. And keep your eyes on <strong>Jaime Cordero!</strong> The German striker has 4 wins in a row, 5 of 8 first-round finishes, and he’ll be dangerous from the very first second against Pirát.</p><p>Bratislava is about to experience a night of adrenaline, chaos, and brutal finishes!</p><h2>SUCCESS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE CAGE</h2><p>OKTAGON 77 will also showcase stories that prove success isn’t built in the cage alone.</p><p><strong>Kerim Engizek</strong>, the 7th most-followed OKTAGON fighter on Instagram, has 358,000 followers – built largely on his sporting performances and related content. <strong>Dominik Humburger</strong>, the last Czech in the pyramid, wins fans over with his calm nature, humility, and the courage of a professional soldier – making him one of the most beloved new-generation fighters.</p><p>Long-time staples <strong>Karol Ryšavý </strong>and <strong>Samuel Krištofič</strong> have each fought 20 times inside the yellow-black cage, cementing themselves as OKTAGON’s most loyal faces, alongside Rony Paradeiser. Rising star <strong>Veronika Smolková “Sweetheart”</strong> proves fighters don’t have to fit stereotypes. On social media, she mixes daily fighter life with lifestyle content like make-up tutorials, but once the cage door closes, she transforms into a relentless warrior. And don’t forget <strong>Konrad Dyrschka</strong> – returning after two years away, the German lightweight talent is ready to show fans he can shake up the division once again.</p><p><strong>OKTAGON 77 is more than just another event – it’s a historic night that will decide the finalists of the €1 million pyramid and etch itself into the history books of European MMA. Be there live in Bratislava’s TIPOS Arena, or secure your PPV access and witness a show people will be talking about for years to come.</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="113"></okteventcomponent>

Bratislava is gearing up for one of the biggest MMA nights in history. OKTAGON 77 will bring the semifinals of the €1 million Tipsport Gamechanger, the return of legends, homegrown icons, and stories that have touched fans all across Europe.

RECORDS & FACTS OF THE BRATISLAVA CARD: WHAT YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU NEEDED TO KNOW

<p>OKTAGON is rewriting the rules of the game once again – this time outside the cage. The first official MMA Fantasy League in Europe is here: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://oktagonmma.com/fantasy/"><strong>OKTAGON FANTASY</strong></a>! A project fans have been asking for years has finally arrived, bringing an entirely new dimension of entertainment.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/d426f4ea-e9c1-452a-992d-051536604484/cs.1759171002914.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/0112fda7-2f88-4041-a78d-e3f04f2e7b19/cs.1759171007210.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><oktbuttonsgroupcomponent buttons="[{&amp;#x22;label&amp;#x22;:&amp;#x22;Join OKTAGON Fantasy&amp;#x22;,&amp;#x22;link&amp;#x22;:&amp;#x22;/fantasy/&amp;#x22;,&amp;#x22;styleType&amp;#x22;:&amp;#x22;web-fill&amp;#x22;,&amp;#x22;size&amp;#x22;:&amp;#x22;large&amp;#x22;,&amp;#x22;target&amp;#x22;:&amp;#x22;_blank&amp;#x22;,&amp;#x22;id&amp;#x22;:&amp;#x22;&amp;#x22;,&amp;#x22;preventDefault&amp;#x22;:&amp;#x22;false&amp;#x22;}]"></oktbuttonsgroupcomponent><h2>HOW DOES IT WORK?</h2><p>Each week before a tournament, you get to choose <strong>three fighters</strong> and predict how <strong>one selected fight</strong> will end. If your picks are correct, you earn points and climb the ranking ladder – from <strong>Novice all the way up to Champion</strong>.</p><p>The smarter your picks, the higher the level and prestige you’ll achieve. The overall league standings will be evaluated at the end of the year.</p><h2>WHAT CAN YOU WIN?</h2><p>The best players can look forward to truly exclusive prizes:</p><ul><li><p>Signed fight gear</p></li><li><p>VIP tickets to events</p></li><li><p>Digital rewards connected to OKTAGON</p></li><li><p>Unforgettable experiences with fighters</p></li></ul><h2>WHEN DOES IT START?</h2><ul><li><p><strong>Launch: </strong>Wednesday, October 1st at 13:00</p></li><li><p><strong>Deadline for picks: </strong>Friday, October 3rd at 13:00 (before OKTAGON 77 in Bratislava)</p></li><li><p><strong>Results published: </strong>Sunday, October 5th at 14:00</p></li></ul><p>The same schedule applies to all upcoming tournaments – draft from Wednesday to Friday, results on Sunday.</p><h2>DISCORD COMMUNITY</h2><p>An official <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://discord.com/invite/ewfg3aCYt9"><strong>OKTAGON Discord community</strong></a> will be part of the project, open to all registered players. Your current fantasy rank will automatically appear on your profile, giving you access to special chat rooms according to your level – from Novice to Champion. The Discord group won’t just be a chat – it will become an active part of the game, a living space where the competition comes alive.</p><h2>FREE ENTRY</h2><p>Registration and the game itself are completely free. Just head to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://oktagonmma.com/fantasy">oktagonmma.com/fantasy</a>, sign up, and join the league.</p><p><strong>Once again, OKTAGON proves to be the innovator of the European MMA scene, pushing the fan experience to the next level. Now it’s not just about watching fights – you can be part of them, compete with other fans, and become the first ever OKTAGON FANTASY Champion!</strong></p><p></p><p></p>

OKTAGON is rewriting the rules of the game once again – this time outside the cage. The first official MMA Fantasy League in Europe is here: OKTAGON FANTASY! A project fans have been asking for years has finally arrived, bringing an entirely new dimension of entertainment.

OKTAGON FANTASY IS HERE! JOIN THE FIRST OFFICIAL MMA FANTASY LEAGUE IN EUROPE

<p>Bratislava has already witnessed iconic moments – Vémola vs. Langer, the legendary clash of Buchinger vs. Barborík, and the rising star Tichota facing the unstoppable Keita. But what’s coming <strong>this Saturday, October 4th</strong>, will surpass them all. <strong>OKTAGON 77 </strong>will deliver the most stacked card Slovakia’s capital has ever seen.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/0ec6506a-7328-4a25-9897-e85f0e52ff9d/cs.1759239620633.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/fdc60127-b5eb-4c3f-9fd9-11964285a5ad/cs.1759239623772.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><p>According to global rankings, the elite will step into TIPOS Arena. All four semifinalists of the million-euro <strong>Tipsport Gamechanger</strong> belong to the world’s middleweight Top 100. Close behind them are Krištofič and Cordero, while the legendary Ivan Buchinger and his opponent Smullen are ranked inside the Top 200 of their division. Bratislava is set for a historic night – electrifying battles, powerful human stories, and the kind of atmosphere only Slovak fans can create.</p><h2>TIPSORT GAMECHANGER SEMIFINALS</h2><h3>ENGIZEK vs. HUMBURGER</h3><p>More than 10 years unbeaten – <strong>Kerim Engizek</strong> is a phenomenon no one in the middleweight division has managed to stop. Riding a streak of 16 straight victories, he already defeated Patrik Kincl in OKTAGON and most recently demolished Mick Stanton in the first round. Now he has the chance to reach the final, claim another title, and fight for the life-changing €300,000 prize.</p><p>Standing in his way is Czech hero <strong>Dominik Humburger</strong>. “Hambáč” is the first fighter in OKTAGON history to earn a Performance of the Night bonus in both of his debut fights. He finished the heavily favored Matthew Hulme and now enters his second main event in just three fights. In Karlovy Vary, he faced Krištofič – this time, the king of the division awaits him.</p><h3>JOTKO vs. KHAJEVAND</h3><p>Polish veteran <strong>Krzysztof Jotko</strong> brings with him UFC experience and has never lost on European soil. In his OKTAGON debut, he eliminated welterweight champion Ion Surdu and then outclassed Slovak fighter Mazúch. A strategist who thrives on size, intelligence, and elite wrestling.</p><p>But facing him is <strong>Hojat Khajevand</strong> – a fighter writing his own Cinderella story. The first in Gamechanger history to climb from a reserve fight all the way to the semifinals. A wrestler since the age of 10, yet two of his last three wins have come by knockout. Can he shake the Polish legend and add another chapter to his incredible journey?</p><oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DPEEY4ojJJn/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA=="></oktinstagramcomponent><h2>BRATISLAVA STARS: BUCHINGER, KRIŠTOFIČ &amp; ČEPO</h2><p><strong>Ivan “Buki” Buchinger</strong> is a true legend of European MMA. Former Cage Warriors champion, double OKTAGON champion, and M-1 champion. With 55 fights, 45 wins, and 26 submissions – and never once submitted himself – he’s a fortress on the ground. Standing across from him is Richie Smullen, an Irishman riding a 5-fight win streak, with UFC and Bellator experience, determined to silence the Slovak legend in his own backyard.</p><p><strong>Vlasto “El Chapo” Čepo</strong> – the chaos king is back after the injury that forced him out of Gamechanger. With a 100% finish rate, two Performance of the Night bonuses, an OKTAGON Underground title, and the fastest win in just 44 seconds, he’s pure violence. His opponent: German “executioner of Slovaks” Daniel Schwindt, who already defeated Úškrť and Bartl. Both are finishers, both move forward – get ready for war!</p><p>Slovakia’s biggest current MMA star, the charismatic <strong>Samuel “Pirát” Krištofič</strong>, has 20 OKTAGON fights and over 3 hours and 30 minutes inside the yellow-black cage. After his Gamechanger loss, he returns as a fan-voted substitute. In Bratislava, he’ll prove whether he still belongs among the elite – or whether Jamie Cordero, the young and hungry German riding a 4-fight win streak, will steal his dream of climbing back to the top.</p><p><strong>OKTAGON 77 will bring to Bratislava the greatest card Slovakia has ever seen. Semifinals of the million-euro tournament, the return of local legends, and wars that will decide the future of the European scene.October 4th – TIPOS Arena, Bratislava. Tickets are still available – secure your seat for this historic night today!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="113"></okteventcomponent>

Bratislava has already witnessed iconic moments – Vémola vs. Langer, the legendary clash of Buchinger vs. Barborík, and the rising star Tichota facing the unstoppable Keita. But what’s coming this Saturday, October 4th, will surpass them all.

THE BEST CARD IN BRATISLAVA HISTORY! TIPSPORT GAMECHANGER SEMIFINALS & HOMEGROWN STARS

<p>Are you from Germany and want to attend <strong>OKTAGON 77 in Bratislava</strong>? In this article, you’ll find all the important information you’ll need: how to buy a ticket, how to get directly to the venue, and finally some tips on how to make the most of your free time in the Slovak capital.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/03c23eda-ed6d-4419-98a6-a4d1a4b64833/cs.1758643212861.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/788e3389-2a39-4c87-8b2f-900058b2007b/cs.1758643217461.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>STEP ONE: BUYING TICKETS</h2><p>Ticket sales for <strong>OKTAGON 77</strong> are available at this link:</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ticketportal.sk/event/OKTAGON-77-600044">OKTAGON 77 | TICKETPORTAL</a></p><p>The entire page is also <strong>available in German, and prices are listed in euros. Remember: in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, MMA is accessible to all age groups,</strong> so you can bring your kids or younger siblings along. Seats are filling up quickly, so if you want to see your favorites in action, don’t wait too long. This stacked card is attracting fans from all over Europe.</p><h2>STEP TWO: TRAVELING TO BRATISLAVA</h2><p>There are several ways to get to Bratislava from Germany – it always depends on which part of Germany you’re coming from. The three main options are:</p><h3>1) BY TRAIN</h3><p><strong>Munich → Bratislava: </strong>approx. 5 hours, comfortable connection with few transfers.</p><p><strong>Frankfurt (Main) → Bratislava</strong>: approx. 9–10 hours, often just one transfer.</p><p><strong>Vienna ↔ Bratislava</strong>: direct trains run almost every hour, journey takes about 1 hour. If you’re flying to Vienna, the train is a quick and easy continuation.</p><h3>2) BY BUS</h3><p>The cheapest yet very comfortable option. If you’re looking for a <strong>budget-friendly solution</strong>, the bus is the clear choice – prices start at just €25–30 for a one-way ticket, with several connections running daily. And if you don’t need to spend the night in a hotel, you can enjoy Bratislava’s vibrant nightlife after the tournament and catch an early morning bus back. <strong>The whole trip, including transport and a ticket to the event, could cost you as little as €100.</strong></p><p><strong>Munich → Bratislava</strong>: direct FlixBus connection, the trip takes around 6–7 hours, with one-way tickets starting at about €29.</p><p><strong>Berlin / Dresden → Bratislava</strong>: from Berlin the journey takes about 11–12 hours (from €35), from Dresden roughly 8 hours (from €30). The advantage is that these are often direct routes without the need to transfer.</p><p>If you don’t mind spending a few hours on the road, the bus is a great way to save money while arriving directly in the center of Bratislava.</p><h3>3) BY CAR</h3><p>Driving gives you freedom – no need to worry about departure times, transfers, or other logistics. Most hotels in central Bratislava offer parking, but always check in advance. Don’t forget about tolls if you plan to use Czech or Slovak highways – they’re not expensive.</p><p><strong>Munich → Bratislava</strong>: approx. 5 hours</p><p><strong>Dresden → Bratislava</strong>: approx. 5 hours</p><p><strong>Vienna → Bratislava</strong>: ~55 km, about 50–60 minutes via highway. If you land in Vienna, you can rent a car at the airport and drive straight to Bratislava.</p><h3>4) BY PLANE</h3><p><strong>Direct to Bratislava (BTS):</strong> M. R. Štefánik Airport (BTS) has some European direct connections (mainly Ryanair). The network is limited, though, so most fans from Germany choose Vienna and continue from there.</p><p><strong>To Vienna + short transfer to Bratislava</strong>: Many German cities offer direct flights to Vienna (e.g., <strong>Frankfurt–VIE ~1h25, Munich–VIE ~1h05;</strong> Austrian / Lufthansa / others). After landing, it’s only <strong>~45–60 minutes by bus or about 1 hour by train to Bratislava</strong>.</p><h2>STEP THREE: WHERE TO STAY</h2><p>If you’re not planning just a quick trip, you’ll also need a place to stay overnight. Bratislava offers a wide range of hotels where you can enjoy a pleasant stay. As OKTAGON, we can recommend some of the following options, which we ourselves occasionally use – whether for team members or to accommodate fighters.</p><p><strong>LOFT Hotel Bratislava (design &amp; comfort) –</strong> stylish choice with its own brewery, excellent breakfast, and close to downtown.</p><p><strong>Hotel Danube / Park Inn Danube or Hotel Devín</strong> – two well-known, modern hotels side by side, close to the Danube and historic center.</p><p><strong>DoubleTree Hotel –</strong> located near the ice hockey stadium, one of the most popular hotels for tourists in Bratislava.</p><h2>STEP FOUR: WHAT TO SEE IN BRATISLAVA</h2><p><strong>Bratislava Castle</strong> – majestic landmark overlooking the Danube and the historic center. Inside you’ll find museum exhibitions, and the courtyard is a great photo spot before the evening event.</p><p><strong>Old Town </strong>– maze of cobbled streets, cafés, palaces, and the iconic Michael’s Gate. Around the Main Square, you’ll often find music, markets, and a lively atmosphere to get you in the mood for fight night.</p><p><strong>SNP Bridge &amp; UFO</strong> – unique structure over the Danube with a restaurant and viewing deck.</p><p><strong>Presidential Palace and gardens</strong></p><p><strong>Slavín Memorial</strong> – war memorial with panoramic city views.</p><p><strong>St. Martin’s Cathedral </strong>– Gothic cathedral where Hungarian kings were once crowned.</p><p>For maximum comfort and hassle-free transport around the city, you can use the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://card.visitbratislava.com/de/kaufen/"><strong>Bratislava Card</strong></a>. The card includes unlimited use of all public transport in the city, as well as free entry to many historical landmarks and discounts at various venues throughout Bratislava.</p><p><strong>With this guide, planning your trip to Bratislava will be easy. Tickets are still on sale, but the best seats are going fast. If you want to see Engizek, Cordero, Khajevand and other big stars, don’t wait – secure your place in the Tipos Arena today. Only two weeks to go until the event – on October 4th, OKTAGON returns to Bratislava with the best card ever!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="113"></okteventcomponent>

Are you from Germany and want to attend OKTAGON 77 in Bratislava? In this article, you’ll find all the important information you’ll need: how to buy a ticket, how to get directly to the venue, and finally some tips on how to make the most of your free time in the Slovak capital.

HOW TO GET TO THE TOURNAMENT IN BRATISLAVA? GUIDE FOR GERMAN FANS

<p>The fifth event in Frankfurt’s Festhalle delivered everything to the fans – submissions, brutal wars, and battles that went the full three rounds. How did the judges see it when fights didn’t end in a finish?</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/e9ca9bcd-65b9-4a3d-84cb-20c4eb673344/cs.1758622576299.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/ce3511d0-dcbc-487e-bddb-c1db18132872/cs.1758622581023.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>DANIEL WEICHEL vs. ABOU TOUNKARA</h2><p>The homecoming of the German legend went according to plan. Weichel started cautiously but from the second round gradually took control. He dropped his opponent twice and was the more active fighter overall. After three rounds, the judges were unanimous – Daniel “Drake” Weichel claimed his 58th career victory.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1238" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>FRÉDÉRIC VOSGRÖNE vs. FABIO MORAES</h2><p>No judges needed here. The “Neandertaler” repeated his winning formula – fast takedown and relentless ground pressure. Moraes resisted only briefly before Vosgröne took his back and finished with an RNC. Fifth submission in five fights!</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1233" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>ATTILA KORKMAZ vs. DAVID CROL</h2><p>An exciting duel between strikers went the distance. Korkmaz dictated the pace in every round and landed heavy shots. Frenchman Crol, who took the fight on short notice, showed incredible toughness, but it wasn’t enough. The judges scored it clearly 3:0 for Korkmaz.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1268" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>DENIS FRIMPONG vs. PETER GABAL</h2><p>The heated clash of lightweights ended in a TKO. Gabal started better, but Frimpong gradually took over and by the third round the Czech fighter had nothing left. The Irish “Menace” mounted Gabal and forced the referee to stop it.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1226" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>ALINA DALASLAN vs. CLARA RICIGNUOLO</h2><p>The princess of German MMA faced her toughest test yet. Clara landed several clean shots, but Dalaslan showed resilience and accuracy. Again, the scorecards weren’t needed – in the final seconds of the second round she landed a brutal spinning elbow that dropped her opponent. A stunning finish and Alina’s third straight victory.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1228" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>FEDOR DURIC vs. PETRU BUZDUGAN</h2><p>After a shaky start, Duric imposed his game. He stuffed takedowns, secured one of his own, and finished with elbows before locking in another rear-naked choke.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1243" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>HAFENI NAFUKA vs. KEVIN ENZ</h2><p>Another quick stoppage. Nafuka ate a big punch but immediately transitioned to wrestling. On the ground he secured dominant position and finished with an RNC in the first round.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1269" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>JAMES HENDIN vs. AYTON DE PAEPE</h2><p>A close fight with no clear dominance. Hendin managed to control his opponent more often and tie him up on the ground. Although the Belgian was stronger in the third round, it wasn’t enough to change the result. Hendin picked up an important decision win.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1227" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>RAUL LEMBERANSKIJ vs. JOSE ZARAUZA</h2><p>Lemberanskij’s debut ended in victory. He pressured from the start, defended takedowns well, and landed sharp strikes. The Peruvian veteran tried but couldn’t keep up. The judges awarded a narrow but deserved win to the young German.</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1235" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><h2>GEORG BILOGREVIC vs. DAVID HOŠEK</h2><p>A hard clash of two strikers and perhaps the closest fight of the night. Hošek knocked Bilogrevic down in the first round, but the German recovered. The fight went the full three rounds, with two of the judges awarding the win to the Czech “Spartan.”</p><oktscorecardfightcomponent fightid="1239" smallerversion="true"></oktscorecardfightcomponent><p><strong>Frankfurt witnessed spectacular finishes and battles that went the distance, the return of legend Daniel Weichel, and the unstoppable rise of Vosgröne. OKTAGON 76 proved once again why MMA is Europe’s fastest-growing sport. On October 4th, we meet again in Bratislava for OKTAGON 77 – the Tipsport Gamechanger semifinals and the best card Slovakia has ever seen!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="113"></okteventcomponent><p></p>

The fifth event in Frankfurt’s Festhalle delivered everything to the fans – submissions, brutal wars, and battles that went the full three rounds. How did the judges see it when fights didn’t end in a finish?

OKTAGON 76 THROUGH THE EYES OF THE POINT JUDGES: HOW CLOSE WERE THE POINT VICTORIES? 

<p>Frankfurt’s Festhalle will host another electrifying MMA evening on September 20. On the program is OKTAGON 76, which will deliver the return of a legend, the clash of a social media phenomenon, and a series of thrilling duels featuring Europe’s elite.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/9a83910e-897c-4a70-af2e-d1c53038b9a3/cs.1758361612149.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/22a60ce9-a6ab-418e-826d-d419594f57e5/cs.1758361616178.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>DANIEL WEICHEL vs. ABOU TOUNKARA</h2><p>The main event and a big comeback. Daniel Weichel, the most successful German MMA fighter in history, returns after a two-year break to perform in front of his home crowd in Frankfurt. He boasts an incredible 42 wins from 57 fights, including 22 submissions. Opposite him is French powerhouse Abou “Yondaime” Tounkara, who has finished three of his last four wins inside the distance. Will the returning legend withstand the pressure of a sold-out Festhalle, or will Tounkara silence the German fans?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1238"></oktfightcomponent><h2>FRÉDÉRIC VOSGRÖNE vs. FABIO MORAES</h2><p>Germany’s “Neanderthal” is conquering the world not only with his performances but also with his social media popularity. He is undefeated, with all four of his wins coming by submission. In Frankfurt, he faces a Brazilian test – Fabio Moraes, who has finished six of his seven wins inside the distance. Will Vosgröne confirm his status as an unstoppable phenomenon, or will Moraes hand him the first loss of his career?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1233"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ATTILA KORKMAZ vs. DAVID CROL</h2><p>A battle of two BJJ black belts. The favored Korkmaz looks to bounce back from his loss to Rock and prove his strength in front of his home fans. Frenchman David “Tona” Crol arrives with a finisher’s reputation – from 11 wins, 8 have been by submission, 5 of them rear-naked chokes. Will Korkmaz’s experience prevail, or will Crol deliver another ground finish?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1268"></oktfightcomponent><h2>DENIS FRIMPONG vs. PETER GABAL</h2><p>Irish showman Frimpong rides a four-fight winning streak and, as the #10 lightweight, has big ambitions. Across from him stands Czech fighter Peter Gabal, who after restarting his career is trying to break into the elite. Neither man will give an inch, and tensions have been running high from the start. In the roaring Festhalle, everything is on the line – can Gabal stop the Irish express?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1226"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ALINA DALASLAN vs. CLARA RICIGNUOLO</h2><p>The princess of German MMA, Alina Dalaslan, is becoming a fixture of the women’s division. After two dominant wins, she wants to prove her form again and edge closer to the bantamweight top. Frenchwoman Clara Ricignuolo returns to OKTAGON after six years. All of her wins so far have come in the first round. Will Dalaslan continue her winning streak, or will Ricignuolo stage a sensational comeback?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1228"></oktfightcomponent><h2>FEDOR DURIC vs. BUZDUGAN</h2><p>Home favorite Fedor Duric enters another tough test. After his last loss, he wants to show his true self. His opponent is Moldovan bulldozer Buzdugan, known for his toughness and relentless pressure. Will Duric lift the home crowd from their seats, or will Buzdugan take home a valuable scalp?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1243"></oktfightcomponent><h2>HAFENI NAFUKA vs. KEVIN ENZ</h2><p>A clash of young blood. Hafeni Nafuka has built a reputation as a dangerous grappler, forcing six opponents to tap. Kevin Enz is another German talent, relying on an all-round game and resilience. Which of these young fighters will take a step toward Europe’s elite?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1269"></oktfightcomponent><h2>TAMERLAN DULATOV vs. SEBASTIAN HIRTENLEHNER</h2><p>Frankfurt fan favorite Tamerlan Dulatov returns to the yellow-and-black cage. His opponent will be Austrian fighter Sebastian Hirtenlehner, entering only his second professional bout. Dulatov plans to follow in his brother’s footsteps – meaning he can’t afford any slip-ups. Will he succeed in front of an eager home crowd?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1215"></oktfightcomponent><h2>JAMES HENDIN vs. AYTON DE PAEPE</h2><p>James Hendin is eager to show he belongs among the best. But Belgian champion Ayton De Paepe won’t be easily overshadowed. Expect a clash of two fierce fighters who will go full throttle from the very first second.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1227"></oktfightcomponent><h2>RAUL LEMBERANSKIJ vs. JOSE ZARAUZA</h2><p>Undefeated Raul Lemberanskij makes his OKTAGON debut – and right away against a veteran. Peru’s Jose Zarauza brings a wealth of experience and has gone through dozens of tough battles. Will Lemberanskij confirm his reputation as an unbeaten powerhouse, or will South American experience prevail?</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1235"></oktfightcomponent><h2>GEORG BILOGREVIC vs. DAVID HOŠEK</h2><p>A duel of two strikers who don’t like leaving fights to the judges. Both Bilogrević and Hošek are known for their heavy exchanges and constant drive to finish quickly. A fiery shootout is in the making.</p><oktfightcomponent fightid="1239"></oktfightcomponent><p></p><p><strong>Frankfurt’s Festhalle will once again rumble under the roar of thousands of fans. OKTAGON 76 will bring the return of legend Daniel Weichel, the second fight of phenomenon Vosgröne, and a host of other exciting clashes. Don’t miss out – get your PPV today!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="112"></okteventcomponent>

 Frankfurt’s Festhalle will host another electrifying MMA evening on September 20. On the program is OKTAGON 76, which will deliver the return of a legend, the clash of a social media phenomenon, and a series of thrilling duels featuring Europe’s elite.

OKTAGON RETURNS TO ITS GERMAN HOME: WHAT DOES THE OKTAGON 76 CARD HAVE IN STORE?

<p>Frankfurt is gearing up for a spectacular MMA night! Legendary Daniel Weichel returns after a two-year break, while phenomenon Vosgröne steps into the OKTAGON for his second fight.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/1377f320-7f8a-4024-aa45-4b9936e60d96/cs.1758289799417.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/579cfccc-90dd-4335-87a9-30fbb1b0468b/cs.1758289804006.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>IN THE SPOTLIGHT: LEGENDARY WEICHEL AND PHENOMENON VOSGRÖNE</h2><p>Two fighters representing two very different worlds of MMA. One of them is among the most successful MMA fighters Germany has ever produced. He holds world-class titles and achievements with an impressive tally of <strong>57 professional fights across a career spanning more than 20 years</strong>. The other has <strong>4 wins – and more than 500,000 followers</strong> on Instagram. It’s hard to find a clearer comparison of the old and new MMA worlds. Now both will perform on the same card, in front of an eager home crowd in Frankfurt.</p><p>Daniel Weichel once held the incredible<strong> #8 spot in the global featherweight rankings</strong>. He is a former <strong>M-1 champion</strong> and also <strong>the winner of the Bellator featherweight tournament</strong>. Many German stars consider him their role model and inspiration – including names like Stephan Pütz, Max Coga, and Christian Eckerlin. Yet many fans still didn’t know about him until now. During the peak of his success, MMA was still in its infancy and nowhere near as popular as it is today. Weichel began his professional career in 2002 and ended it two years ago in 2023. During that time, <strong>he collected 42 victories, 28 of them finishes, with 22 by submission</strong>! The German “Drake” holds a black belt in BJJ and was a nightmare on the ground even for the very best fighters in the world.</p><p>While Weichel returns after a two-year retirement, Vosgröne only made his OKTAGON debut in April – and what a debut it was. As <strong>one of only three debutants in the history of the organization, he earned the Tipsport Performance of the Night bonus</strong>, and his fight with Montagnac went viral worldwide. The persistence with which he clung to his opponent’s leg until he finally dragged him down was replayed and parodied by fans all over the globe. Now he is a German internet and social media star. But that also means <strong>expectations are sky-high</strong>. Can he deliver another phenomenal performance against the dangerous Brazilian Moraes?</p><h2>RECORD NUMBER OF FRENCH FIGHTERS!</h2><p>Three French fighters will step into the cage in Frankfurt – the most in the organization’s history. In the main event, we’ll see <strong>Abou “Yondaime” Tounkara</strong>, whom some fans may remember from his fight with Slovak legend Ivan Buchinger. His OKTAGON debut didn’t go as planned, but now he’s even more motivated against another German legend – Daniel Weichel. How will this clash of veterans end?</p><p>Another French representative is <strong>David “Tona” Crol</strong>. The 28-year-old submission specialist makes his OKTAGON debut straight against the current #4 lightweight contender Attila Korkmaz. Crol boasts <strong>11 victories, 10 of them finishes, with 8 by submission – 5 via rear-naked choke</strong>. He’s already fought 21 professional bouts and now wants to test himself against Europe’s elite. Can he outsmart Korkmaz and add another submission to his resume?</p><p>And finally, <strong>Clara “Rici” Ricignuolo</strong> returns after six years. When the French fighter first entered the OKTAGON cage, she was only 19 years old and became the <strong>first foreign woman to ever score a victory in the organization – at OKTAGON 3 in 2017</strong>! Now she’s back, aiming to extend her 100% first-round finish rate. But standing in her way is the rising star of women’s MMA – Alina Dalaslan, who’s been cutting through the division like a hot knife through butter. Will Ricignuolo withstand the pressure of the German crowd, or will we see another dominant performance from the “princess of German MMA”?</p><h2>GROUND GAME ACES: BJJ BLACK BELT FIGHTERS</h2><p>Frankfurt will serve up action both on the feet and on the ground. While fighters like Hošek, Bilogrević, and Buzdugan prefer heavy stand-up exchanges, others excel on the mat. Festhalle will host a night full of world-class grappling aces. <strong>Weichel, Vosgröne, Crol, Korkmaz, Moraes, Nafuka </strong>– all of them hold black belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and are at their most dangerous on the ground. Weichel has an incredible 22 submissions, Vosgröne has finished all 4 of his fights via submission, Crol has 8 submissions from 11 wins, and Nafuka has forced 6 of his 10 opponents to tap out. Grappling fans are in for a treat.</p><p><strong>Frankfurt’s Festhalle will once again come alive with an MMA spectacle. Tomorrow at 18:00, OKTAGON 76 brings together local and international stars all aiming to shine on Europe’s biggest stage. The return of Frankfurt legend Daniel Weichel and the second fight of the sensational “Neanderthal.” Get your PPV today at a special price and don’t miss a second of tomorrow’s action!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="112"></okteventcomponent>

Frankfurt is gearing up for a spectacular MMA night! Legendary Daniel Weichel returns after a two-year break, while phenomenon Vosgröne steps into the OKTAGON for his second fight.

WEICHEL’S COMEBACK, VOSGRÖNE’S CHALLENGE AND A GRAPPLING STORM AT FESTHALLE

<p>Legendary German fighter Daniel Weichel, after more than two decades in professional MMA, is preparing for his big return. Throughout his career, he has competed in the world’s biggest organizations, faced the very best, and become a role model for an entire generation of fighters. But now comes a moment that is personally very special for him – on September 20th, he will step into the cage at <strong>OKTAGON 76 in Frankfurt</strong>, right in front of his home crowd.</p><oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/7ecc9178-f5f7-41f1-9955-a5a6420a8014/cs.1758029602775.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/a636c1f4-625a-4ce5-87ca-f65e8ce74f80/cs.1758029608283.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><p></p><p>We spoke with Daniel about his career, fear, and what it means to him to return in Frankfurt.</p><p><strong>Daniel, you’ve been active in MMA for more than 20 years – which moments do you consider the most defining in your career?</strong></p><p>Over the years, countless moments have shaped me – both the highs and the lows. But above all, it’s the people and friendships I’ve gained through this sport that have truly defined my life.</p><p><strong>You’ve competed in the biggest organizations against some of the best fighters in the world. Is there a moment that stands out the most for you?</strong></p><p>An absolute highlight for me was winning the M-1 belt in front of 21,000 fans in Moscow. But my time with Bellator in the U.S. is also unforgettable, especially winning the featherweight tournament.</p><p><strong>Which fight was the toughest for you personally – whether inside or outside the cage?</strong></p><p>One of my biggest challenges was definitely facing Patricio “Pitbull” Freire – one of the greatest featherweights of all time.</p><p><strong>Did you experience a real “Face your fear” moment in your career where you had to confront a big fear?</strong></p><p>Every single fight is a “Face your fear” moment for me. Time and again, you have to face your own fears and grow beyond yourself.</p><p><strong>Many young fighters see you as a role model. What key rules or principles for success do you share with them?</strong></p><p>If you’ve discovered your passion for this sport, live it to the fullest. And whenever you get the chance, always give something back.</p><oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DMvHkpuMeiN/"></oktinstagramcomponent><p><strong>How important was it for your comeback that you could fight in Frankfurt?</strong></p><p>Being able to celebrate my comeback in Frankfurt is a true gift for me. I’m enjoying every step of this journey.</p><p><strong>How do you assess your opponent in Frankfurt? What is his biggest strength?</strong></p><p>Abou Tounkara is an experienced and versatile fighter. But as throughout my entire career, my focus is not on my opponent but on my own strengths – and those are what I’ll bring into the cage on September 20th.</p><p><strong>How do you view the development of MMA in Germany – especially with organizations like OKTAGON?</strong></p><p>OKTAGON has taken MMA in Germany to the next level. It makes me happy to see how many people are now excited about this sport.</p><p><strong>If you could meet the young Daniel Weichel at the beginning of his career – what advice would you give him?</strong></p><p>Enjoy the journey to the fullest – and listen to your body.</p><p><strong>Daniel Weichel is an icon of German MMA, and on September 20th, fans will see him fight at home at OKTAGON 76 in Frankfurt. It will be a night that writes the next chapter of his incredible career. Don’t miss it! Get your PPV for OKTAGON 76 and witness the return of a living legend!</strong></p><okteventcomponent eventid="112"></okteventcomponent>

Legendary German fighter Daniel Weichel, after more than two decades in professional MMA, is preparing for his big return. Throughout his career, he has competed in the world’s biggest organizations, faced the very best, and become a role model for an entire generation of fighters.

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