Už za chvíli ho čeká obrovská výzva – Praha, O2 arena a domácí legenda Karlos Vémola, který přijal jeho nebezpečnou výzvu. Jak se v tuhle chvíli cítí? Na vše jsme se bouřliváka Willa Fleuryho zeptali.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/0483ad59-24cc-4628-86b0-d3cc5cb1bb26/cs.1734626505274.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/8bc22dfe-aed9-4400-b81f-e3087a742903/cs.1734626510951.png"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent> Co pro tebe znamená zápas s Vémolou? Obrovský soupeř i hala, velká událost celého roku… Změnilo by mi to život. Když jsem podepsal smlouvu s OKTAGONEM, měl jsem jasnou představu – porazit pár top borců v divizi a dojít k zápasu s Karlosem. A teď se mi to povedlo.Jak se mentálně připravuješ na zápas takového formátu? Má na tebe vliv rozměr akce nebo publikum?Popravdě mě to vůbec netrápí. Jestli mě lidi berou jako padoucha, skvělý. Jestli jako hrdinu, no a co. Chci hlavně přijít do klece a předvést něco, po čem si řeknou: ‚Wow, tenhle týpek fakt něco umí.‘ Ať už mě pak milují, nebo nenávidí, jedno jim bude jasné – ‚Sakra, on je fakt dobrej.‘“Co očekáváš od českých fanoušků? Upřímně, co jsem viděl na Slovensku, Karlos tam není moc oblíbený. Hodně lidí ke mně chodilo a říkalo, že doufají, že mu pořádně naložím. A to platilo i pro Čechy.Karlos je známý tím, že si hraje se soupeřovou psychikou. Jak zvládáš jeho pokusy dostat ti do hlavy?Každý zápas je i o hlavě, ale pokud máš dobrou techniku, je snadné být si jistý. Pro mě je mentální příprava spojená s tou fyzickou. Když vím, co soupeř udělá, a dokážu to předvídat, můžu ho zasáhnout, zatímco on mě ne. To ti dodá obrovskou sebedůvěru. S Karlosem chci vytvořit přesně tuhle situaci. Proto, když na sebe začneme trashtalkovat, můžu se mu dívat do očí, usmát se a klidně říct: ‚Já tě zničím.‘<oktfightcomponent fightid="1076"></oktfightcomponent>Tvůj styl boje je hodně přímočarý a tvrdý. Jak moc se držíš předem připravené strategie a jak spoléháš na improvizaci?Nastudovat si soupeře je klíčové. Hodně si ho projíždím na videích, abych pochopil, jak se pohybuje, a připravil si reakce. Když mu nabídnu určitou situaci, co udělá? Jasně, může reagovat jinak, než čekám, ale já si vždy připravím možnosti. Tohle je podle mě základ profesionality – udělat si ten „domácí úkol” a být připravený.Snažíš se někdy neanalyzovat soupeře až moc, abys zůstal ve zápase flexibilní?Jo, občas schválně sparuju s někým, koho vůbec neznám, abych si zvykl na improvizaci. Ve fightu se lidi občas chovají nepředvídatelně. Ale i chaos se dá často odhadnout. Co tě přivedlo k MMA? Líbilo se mi, že v tomhle sportu dostaneš přesnou odměnu za to, co do něj vložíš. Jasně, je to psychicky náročné, jít do zápasu, ale vždycky jsem si říkal, že to zvládnu. Když se připravím, můžu porazit kohokoli. Tuhle víru ve mně vypěstovali rodiče – vždycky říkali, že když na něčem tvrdě makáš, můžeš to dokázat.Pral ses jako dítě?Jo, mí starší bráchové mě doma často mlátili, takže jsem si říkal, že když ustojím je, zvládnu kohokoli. Byli větší a starší, ale já se nikdy nevzdal. To mě naučilo, že na každou výzvu se dá připravit a motivovalo jít do MMA naplno.Pamatuješ si na svůj úplně první trénink? Jaký byl a co tě přesvědčilo pokračovat?Jo! Už je to dávno, ale bylo to tak, že jsme se já a jeden Alžířan navzájem mlátili jako blázni. Strašně mě to bavilo. Předtím jsem byl dost nervózní. Nebylo to žádné tvrdé sparrování, jen wrestling, ale oba jsme do toho šli emotivně, protože jsme chtěli vyhrát. On byl tvrdý týpek, a já zase hráč rugby, takže jsem byl velký a silný.A jak to dopadlo?Co se týče techniky, byla to katastrofa. Ale z hlediska soutěživosti to bylo jasné – chtěl jsem být ten nejlepší, a on to měl úplně stejně. Šli jsme do toho asi 15 minut a šíleně jsme se rvali. Nakonec se unavil, a já vyhrál.Než ses dostal k MMA, hrál jsi dlouho rugby. Přinesla ti tahle zkušenost něco, co dnes využíváš v kleci? Hodně věcí. Třeba double-leg takedown je dost podobný rugbyovému skládání. Z rugby jsem měl přirozený cit pro timing a fyzický střet. Tam lidé běhají proti tobě, takže se nebojíš tvrdých zásahů. To mi hodně pomohlo.A co z mentálního hlediska?Rugby mě naučilo soutěžit a vyrovnat se s neúspěchem. Zkoušíš, selžeš, poučíš se. V rugby je selhání spíš týmová věc, ale v MMA to jde všechno na tebe. Je to těžší, ale zároveň máš pocit, že máš věci pod kontrolou.Jaké byly nejtěžší momenty tvé kariéry?Zažil jsem hodně těžkých chvil. Hned na začátku, po mém profesionálním debutu, došlo v Irsku k tragédii – zemřel portugalský bojovník, a MMA bylo prakticky zakázané. Bylo strašně těžké sehnat druhý zápas. Měl jsem domluvené soupeře, ale odříkali to, nebo se celé akce rušily kvůli problémům s pojištěním. Bylo to náročné období, navíc jsem si skoro nic nevydělal. Hodně jsem přemýšlel, jestli má smysl pokračovat. Stojí to za ten čas a energii? Ale nepřestal jsem. Jako amatér i profík jsem byl tehdy neporažený, a když jsem pak podepsal smlouvu s Bellatorem, byl to pro mě zlomový moment.Co tě naučila tvoje první profesionální porážka?Při první prohře jsem svého soupeře podcenil. Měl bilanci 6-0 a všechny zápasy vyhrál knockoutem, ale byl to náhradník na poslední chvíli, tak jsem si řekl, že ho snadno přejedu. Ta arogance se mi vymstila. Dostal jsem KO v prvním kole. Byla to obrovská lekce pokory a přípravy. Ta porážka, stejně jako ty další, mě naučila respektovat každého soupeře.Jak se s porážkou vyrovnáváš, co tě motivuje jít dál?Porážky tě postaví nohama na zem. Když se moc chráníš před selháním, přestáváš růst. Jasně, pořád mě to štve, když si na ty chvíle vzpomenu, ale právě ta bolest mě žene vpřed. Jsem za ty výzvy rád, protože mě formovaly – jako bojovníka i jako člověka.Co se ti honí hlavou v posledních chvílích před nástupem do klece?V tu chvíli jsem docela klidný. Všechno je takové vyrovnané a prázdné, protože veškerá práce už byla odvedena. Je čas to pustit z hlavy a užít si ten moment.A co pak, když už jdeš do klece? Nástupy miluju. Ta energie z davu, to napětí – je to úžasný. Při rozcvičce se dostávám do varu a cítím tu nervózní energii, ale jakmile vyrazím k oktagonu, najdu si svůj klid. Už jsem si to všechno mnohokrát přehrál v hlavě. V tu chvíli to skoro působí, jako bych se na sebe díval zvenčí. Prostě vypneš mozek, necháš ho vzadu, a jdeš do toho jako instinktivní, primitivní verze sebe sama. Will f*ucking Fleury teď půjde a udělá svou práci. Je to zvláštní pocit, ale tyhle intenzivní momenty si neskutečně užívám.Máš nějaké vzory, ať už ve sportu, nebo mimo něj, které tě inspirují v životě a při boji?Když jsem byl mladší, obdivoval jsem irské ragbisty jako Paula O’Connella nebo Ronana O’Garu. Byli klidní, vyrovnaní a přijímali výzvy. Jak jsem ale dospěl, začal jsem se víc zaměřovat na to, abych byl svým vlastním vzorem. Snažím se být člověkem, kterého můžu sám respektovat. Co by na tebe řekl mladý Will, kdyby tě teď potkal? A jakou radu bys mu dal?Myslím, že by na mě byl celkově hrdý, i když by asi s některými rozhodnutími nesouhlasil. Kdybych mu mohl něco poradit, řekl bych mu, ať se nebojí neúspěchu. Přijímej výzvy, riskuj, protože právě tak rosteš.A nakonec – co bys řekl někomu, kdo tě nikdy neviděl bojovat? Proč by měl koukat na Willa Fleuryho v kleci?Protože do toho dávám všechno, co mám. Bojuju s obrovskou intenzitou a srdcem, vždycky jdu pro ukončení. Ať už mě budeš milovat, nebo nenávidět, rozhodně na mě nezapomeneš.<okteventcomponent eventid="98"></okteventcomponent>

O svých začátcích i cestě bojovníka v otevřeném rozhovoru s Willem Fleurym. 

VELKÝ ROZHOVOR S FLEURYM: KARLOSE STUDUJU JAKO DOMÁCÍ ÚKOL! 

&nbsp;OKTAGON 72 brought an incredible climax to long-standing rivalries on the domestic MMA scene. The outdoor stadium in Eden hosted several historic moments that will be remembered for a long time, and some of them will likely never be forgotten. Let’s go through the tournament results and revisit the thrilling action of each fight.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/7c695ed6-cd57-4a35-9021-cd176574a41c/cs.1750001244791.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/3458b0fd-92f7-448c-8eea-e8d1d86cbe94/cs.1750001285094.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>KARLOS VÉMOLA vs ATTILA VÉGH</h2>In one word – LEGENDARY! The last dance between two icons of Czech and Slovak MMA was everything we hoped for. We witnessed all five rounds of an incredible fight that was back and forth, and until the very end, it wasn’t clear who would take the victory. Vémola absorbed several hard punches and started to wobble, but with sheer willpower, he stayed on his feet and managed to push Attila back to the cage, where he thrives. Végh showed significant improvement in defending against Karlos’s attacks. This epic final led to several nail-biting moments for fans of both camps. In the end, it was Karlos Vémola's hunger and desire for victory that proved to be greater. He became the eternal winner of the Infinity Belt and the ultimate legend of domestic MMA.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1127"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MAKHMUD MURADOV vs PATRIK KINCL</h2>Muradov and Kincl delivered the world-class MMA performance we’ve all been waiting for. A strategic and technical five-round battle that sometimes felt like a chess match, with both fighters carefully reading each other's moves and preparing for their offensive. The Uzbek fighter was clearly superior in this game, and after the five-round war, he walked away not only with a valuable scalp of one of the best Czech fighters but also the interim middleweight title. Muradov once again showed great form, and we can look forward to seeing him next.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1153"></oktfightcomponent><h2>IVAN BUCHINGER vs VLADO LENGÁL</h2>A true clash of styles. One wanted to dominate on the feet, the other on the ground, and it turned into a thrilling fight that had the entire stadium on its feet. Lengál surprised many fans and experts with how much he improved his takedown defense, but it wasn’t enough against the legendary Buchinger. In the second round, Ivan stuck to Lengál’s back, gradually wore him down, and eventually secured a Rear-Naked Choke to claim another victory via submission. A fantastic fight that set the stage for the final bouts of the tournament.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1186"></oktfightcomponent><h2>BOJAN VELIČKOVIĆ vs RONALD PARADEISER</h2>A highly anticipated fight, but unfortunately, it ended prematurely due to injury. After only 90 seconds of the fight, Veličković tapped out, likely suffering a muscle tear in his leg. But even in those 90 seconds, Rony showed his progress, and despite the premature end, it was clear he was on his way to victory. The gracious Veličković put his gloves in the center of the cage and announced his retirement from professional MMA. Thank you for all your fights and we wish you the best, champion! Rony’s important victory shot him to the top of the welterweight rankings, where a host of hungry challengers await. We can’t wait to see who Rony faces next.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1158"></oktfightcomponent><h2>DANIEL ŠKVOR vs LUCAS ALSINA</h2>Škvor may have spent the last month on the rocks, but it didn’t change his style. His relentless strikes in the stand-up game were too much for Alsina. Škvor relied heavily on teep kicks in the beginning, which kept him at the perfect distance and wore down his Argentine opponent. However, “La Cobra” showed heart and a solid chin. But it wasn’t enough. The beloved "DeeDee" finished the fight via TKO at the end of the second round.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1200"></oktfightcomponent><h2>JAMIE CORDERO vs DAVID HOŠEK</h2>Jamie Cordero confirmed his role as the favorite and showcased his quality once again. In the first round, there was a controversial (non) tap from Czech "Sparťan" Hošek, which temporarily threw off the German fighter, but in the second round, he wasn’t willing to leave anything to chance. A quick takedown and hard elbows in dominant position opened Hošek up, and the fight was stopped. A fourth win in a row for Jamie Cordero – who will he face next?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1191"></oktfightcomponent><h2>KAROL RYŠAVÝ vs JAKUB BATFALSKÝ</h2>What a fight! Jakub Batfalský and Karol Ryšavý delivered exactly what fans hoped for – a thrilling battle full of hard exchanges, twists, and ground techniques. Batfalský used his height advantage to great effect and landed several quick jabs early in the fight. "Bomby" Ryšavý wasn’t ready to give up without a fight, engaging in exchanges, trying to bring the fight to the ground, and making life difficult for the young Ostrava fighter. But it wasn’t enough. After three rounds of fantastic action, Jakub Batfalský won by decision.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1188"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ALINA DALASLAN vs ROŹA GUMIENNA</h2>The young German beauty Alina Dalaslan showed her skills in only her second professional fight. Against the more experienced Roźa Gumienna, Alina displayed excellent preparation and toughness on the feet. The German was dominant throughout the fight, and in the third round, Roźa couldn’t resist anymore. Alina Dalaslan maintained her undefeated record, stopping her opponent via TKO.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1181"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ROMAN PAULUS vs AYTON PAEPE</h2>Ayton Paepe made a big impact in his debut. In the first round, he landed a hard knee that shook Paulus badly. In the second and third rounds, the Belgian "Hitman" was in control, and Roman couldn’t find a way to challenge him. Paepe defended well against takedown attempts and was more dangerous on the feet. A well-deserved victory by decision for the newcomer Ayton Paepe.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1201"></oktfightcomponent><h2>JAN STANOVSKÝ vs DANIJEL SOLAJA</h2>The spectacular OKTAGON 72 started in great style. The fight between Stanovský and Solaja delivered the expected clash of two styles. Solaja was more successful in the first round, landing precise strikes. But Stanovský knew exactly what he wanted to do – bring the fight to the ground, find the best position, and attempt a submission. The very close fight ended in the final moments of the third round, when the Czech fighter managed to lock in an armbar, forcing Solaja to tap out. In a bloody battle, Jan Stanovský came out on top.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1195"></oktfightcomponent>The biggest tournament of 2025 is officially in the books, and what a night it was! The history of Czech and Slovak MMA was forever changed in Eden, and the stories from this event will be talked about for years to come. Don't miss out on the next chapter of OKTAGON MMA!<okteventcomponent eventid="119"></okteventcomponent>

OKTAGON 72 brought an incredible climax to long-standing rivalries on the domestic MMA scene. The outdoor stadium in Eden hosted several historic moments that will be remembered for a long time, and some of them will likely never be forgotten.

OKTAGON 72 RESULTS: THE BIGGEST TOURNAMENT IN THE HISTORY OF THE HOME SCENE

The historic OKTAGON 72 is just hours away. The weight is done, and nothing is stopping the tournament from taking place in Eden that will forever change Czech and Slovak MMA. Two icons, one last dance. Who will leave Fortuna Arena as the eternal winner? But it won't just be about the main event. We have an action-packed evening ahead from start to finish. Go through the card fight by fight and get ready to cheer for your favorites.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/a66f0aaa-3ac5-420a-828a-7358d5b77f41/cs.1749904522923.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/a8db8b95-cfb0-4353-9fdb-a9964aa6159e/cs.1749904553456.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>KARLOS VÉMOLA vs ATTILA VÉGH</h2>Enough talk – tomorrow it will all be decided! Two legends, two nations, and the final fight for everything. Both Karlos and Attila are facing the most important fight of their careers, and it will also be their last. In 2019, Végh won the "Fight of the Century," and in 2024, Vémola won the "Rematch of the Century." But only one will become eternal. Will Attila repeat his lightning-fast KO, or will we see a dominant performance from Karlos? The Infinity belt awaits. Everything will be decided this Saturday in the cage.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1127"></oktfightcomponent><h2>MAKHMUD MURADOV vs PATRIK KINCL</h2>We’ve been waiting for this fight for six years. Their rivalry has turned personal, and they want to settle it in the cage. Muradov made his OKTAGON return after UFC with victories over Scott Askham and Yasubei Enomoto. He is currently the highest-ranked male fighter in OKTAGON in the world rankings. Patrik Kincl was the longest-reigning P4P king and middleweight champion. Both fighters are happy with their preparations, so get ready for an intense showdown!<oktfightcomponent fightid="1153"></oktfightcomponent><h2>IVAN BUCHINGER vs VLADO LENGÁL</h2>Buchinger, a European MMA legend, faces ambitious Lengál. Ivan is a former Cage Warriors champion and the first-ever two-time OKTAGON champion. His experience is unquestionable, and he loves to dominate his opponents on the ground. Lengál, known for his resilience and strong striking, will want to prove he belongs among the best. He wanted a fight with the legend, and now he has a chance to show he is a true MMA fighter. Will "Buki" exploit any gaps in Lengál’s style?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1186"></oktfightcomponent><h2>BOJAN VELIČKOVIĆ vs RONALD PARADEISER</h2>Bojan Veličković returns after a year-and-a-half break. The winner of the first season of Tipsport Gamechanger, who has fought names like Jiří Procházka and Darren Till, will face young Slovak talent Ronald Paradeiser, a former lightweight champion. Veličković is technically precise and knows how to adapt to his opponent’s style. Paradeiser, who is moving up to welterweight, will rely on his height advantage and increased dynamism. Both respect each other, but they know how crucial and tough this fight will be.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1158"></oktfightcomponent><h2>DANIEL ŠKVOR vs LUCAS ALSINA</h2>Daniel Škvor is truly unique. Barely off the rocks (literally, Dan spent the last weeks rock climbing!), he accepted the fight on short notice against dangerous Lucas Alsina at the biggest tournament of 2025. Yet, he is the big favorite! Škvor has several dominant victories, often finishing opponents in the first round. “DeeDee” is a KO machine and is heading for a rematch with champion Will Fleury. Alsina managed to challenge Vémola and even gave him trouble on the ground, which doesn’t happen every day. The Argentine striker wants to show that he has much more to offer and that he hasn’t said his final word in the light-heavyweight division.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1200"></oktfightcomponent><h2>JAMIE CORDERO vs DAVID HOŠEK</h2>A fight that likely won’t go to the judges’ decision. Two fighters, two different styles, and a number of fast finishes on their records. Cordero has 4 first-round finishes in OKTAGON alone. “Sparťan” Hošek is known for his explosive strikes and is a tough opponent regardless of the outcome. Both fighters plan to finish the fight as soon as possible, so fans can expect a dynamic and fast-paced battle between two different styles. Who will impose their will?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1191"></oktfightcomponent><h2>KAROL RYŠAVÝ vs JAKUB BATFALSKÝ</h2>One of the most anticipated prelim fights. A Czech-Slovak battle between the rising talent from Ostrava and OKTAGON veteran and winner of OKTAGON Challenge, Karol Ryšavý. Jakub Batfalský has excellent momentum and is brimming with confidence. Karol Ryšavý enters as the favorite and aims to shut down the 22-year-old Jakub. This is an extremely important fight for both, and their desire to impress in front of a packed Eden stadium will only add to the intensity. Aggressive youth vs experienced power – who will succeed?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1188"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ALINA DALASLAN vs ROŹA GUMIENNA</h2>The princess of German MMA arrives in Prague with a clear goal – to show that she is the new beast in the division. Confident Alina Dalaslan has only one professional fight, but she is a world amateur champion who has never lost, even in K1, where she holds a perfect 11-0 record. Her opponent will be the seasoned Polish fighter Roźa Gumienna, who knows that her experience and abilities will help her give the young German her first loss.<oktfightcomponent fightid="1181"></oktfightcomponent><h2>ROMAN PAULUS vs AYTON PAEPE</h2>Roman Paulus and Ayton Paepe accepted the fight on short notice, and they both deserve great respect. For the Belgian fighter, this will be his debut in the organization, and he has the chance to make a name for himself at the largest Czech stadium. Roman Paulus will want to redeem himself after his most recent loss. His goal is always clear – to take the fight to the ground and secure a submission. Will he manage to do so against the experienced Ayton?<oktfightcomponent fightid="1201"></oktfightcomponent><h2>JAN STANOVSKÝ vs DANIJEL SOLAJA</h2>Stanovský, the 26-year-old rising star from Brno, has proven multiple times that he has the heart of a fighter. Once again, he accepted a fight on short notice against a dangerous opponent. Danijel Solaja is a three-time world champion in K1 and a member of the elite UFD Gym, where he trains with stars like Kerim Engizek and Deniz Ilbay. The tension between the two was palpable at the press conference, and we’re in for a treat tomorrow. You can also watch the fight as part of the free prelims on our YouTube channel, so don’t miss it!<oktfightcomponent fightid="1195"></oktfightcomponent>Just a few hours left before the biggest tournament of 2025 begins – outdoors at Eden stadium, with the biggest fights. The end of a great era and the last dance of two legends who helped shape MMA in Czechia and Slovakia. Will you be there? If not, make sure to buy the PPV because this is an event that will be talked about for a long time!<okteventcomponent eventid="109"></okteventcomponent>

The historic OKTAGON 72 is just hours away. The weight is done, and nothing is stopping the tournament from taking place in Eden that will forever change Czech and Slovak MMA. Two icons, one last dance.

OKTAGON 72 FIGHT-BY-FIGHT: A NIGHT OF LEGENDS, LONGTIME RIVALRIES AND WORLD-CLASS MMA

OKTAGON 72 at Eden will be a celebration for all MMA fans. A unique outdoor tournament, with an unforgettable show and an action-packed side program, but most importantly, with the biggest fights in the domestic scene! The finale of the great rivalry between Vémola and Végh, and the intense middleweight showdown between Muradov and Kincl. Check out the most interesting statistics and get ready for the historic event, whether you'll be in the stadium or watching from the comfort of your home.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/10210494-fa41-4a62-aa60-2c802f7fcc0d/cs.1749809097155.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/4a959a16-3168-4105-8e14-98e9f4548b77/cs.1749809105452.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>VETERANS WHO WERE THERE AT THE START OF THE MMA BOOM</h2>When we look at the careers of OKTAGON veterans, it's no surprise that the biggest names are Karlos Vémola, Attila Végh, and Ivan Buchinger. All three fighters began their professional careers in 2008. However, what may surprise you is that the most experienced in professional MMA is Patrik Kincl, who had his first fight in 2007. At that time, the sport was still in its infancy, and very few people knew about it. Today, MMA is the fastest-growing sport in the world.For context, in 2008, movies like the first Iron Man, which kicked off the superhero movie era, and The Dark Knight, where Heath Ledger memorably portrayed the Joker, were playing in theaters. The iPhone 3G, which was many people's first smartphone, also hit the market. While our veterans started fighting and shaping Czech and Slovak MMA, the world around them was experiencing a technological revolution.<h2>THE BEST OF OKTAGON</h2>Eden will also feature the best of the best who are fighting in OKTAGON. Just take a look at the positions of fighters in the respected global rankings of FightMatrix, and it's clear that this card will showcase a truly world-class level.<ul><li>Makhmud Muradov is ranked 39th in the middleweight division.</li><li>Patrik Kincl is ranked 60th in the middleweight division.</li><li>Karlos Vémola is ranked 68th in the light heavyweight division.</li><li>Attila Végh is ranked 187th in the light heavyweight division.</li><li>Bojan Veličković is ranked 55th in the welterweight division.</li><li>Ronald Paradeiser is ranked 124th in the welterweight division.</li></ul>It's worth mentioning that Attila Végh once reached as high as 17th in the world rankings, a truly impressive achievement! Similarly, Karlos Vémola was among the top 50 in the world. Who will rise again after OKTAGON 72?<h2>THE UNDEFEATED BEAUTY ALINA DALASLAN</h2>The only participant in the tournament with an undefeated record. Although she has only one professional fight, Alina has never lost, even as an amateur or in her K1 matches, where she holds a perfect 11-0 record. In an interview with OKTAGON, she stated that she considers herself the best fighter in her weight class at OKTAGON, and she will have the chance to prove her words at Eden. She faces the dangerous opponent Roźa Gumienna, who has already fought the top of the division and plans to stop the young German's flawless streak.<h2>IS FATE FAVORABLE TO IVAN BUCHINGER?</h2>Ivan Buchinger enters the fight with Brno's Vlado Lengál as a clear favorite. And it's not just the bookmakers who favor him — since 2019, he has alternated between 2 wins and 1 loss, without a single exception! Knowledgeable fans know that "Buki" scored a fantastic win in his last fight against the dangerous Hafeni Nafuka. The statistics are in his favor, but statistics alone don't win fights. Vlado Lengál is strong in striking and will want to showcase his skills on the biggest domestic stage. Will he break Buchinger's streak?<h2>FORGET ABOUT LONG FIGHTS AND JUDGES' DECISIONS</h2>Recent OKTAGON events have clearly shown how fast MMA fights can be. And in front of a packed Fortuna Arena, all the fighters will want to show their best. The card also features several experts in fast finishes. The fastest finish in OKTAGON is held by Karlos Vémola, who won in an incredible 5 seconds. Daniel Škvor won in 26 seconds in a way that few expected – by submission! Rony Paradeiser has three fights under 38 seconds, the fastest being a 21-second victory. A scalp like that against Veličković would be a huge success. Jamie Cordero also finishes fights incredibly fast – against Török, it only took two punches and a KO in 22 seconds. Against Hošek's bombs, it will be an intense battle. Will we see another lightning-fast KO?Eden. The place where it all happens. A packed Fortuna Arena, an unforgettable show, and fights that will be remembered. And you still have the chance to be part of it! Don't miss your chance to see firsthand how the history of Czech and Slovak MMA is being written. The last tickets are available now.<okteventcomponent eventid="109"></okteventcomponent>

OKTAGON 72 at Eden will be a celebration for all MMA fans. A unique outdoor tournament, with an unforgettable show and an action-packed side program, but most importantly, with the biggest fights in the domestic scene! 

OKTAGON 72 IN NUMBERS: RECORD HOLDERS, WORLD-CLASS TALENT, AND DEBUTANTS AND VETERANS

The princess of German MMA, Alina Dalaslan, is preparing for her fight at OKTAGON 72 in Eden. She handled her professional debut against Kamila Šimková excellently. On June 14th, however, she faces what could be the biggest challenge of her career in the form of Polish striker Róża Gumienna. How does she evaluate her opponent? And what was the transition from amateur to professional MMA like for her? Find out this and much more in our interview.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/ec969a19-5c9f-4252-bfbf-e395f21dfaf4/cs.1749216761054.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/fdb6f6c9-4259-4e6f-87eb-f4e90779e6cb/cs.1749216767529.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent>Hi Alina, how are you doing at the moment? Is your preparation going according to plan?The preparation is going perfectly, just as planned. I feel fitter than ever and am ready for 14.06.What does your training day look like right now?In fight week, training is already completed and the main focus is on mental strength and technique.How do you evaluate your performance in Stuttgart?I got familiar with fighting under pro rules on a big stage and proved to myself that I can handle the “pressure” — which wasn’t pressure for me, but pure passion and fun. I showed some skills but I always want a decisive victory. In my next fight, I will show even more skills and captivate people.What was the biggest challenge in transitioning from amateur to professional MMA?The biggest change was working with an even more professional team here in Balingen with Peter Sobotta, leading to more and tougher training sessions.You’ll be fighting in the Czech Republic for the first time – how do you feel about that?I’m very excited to fight in Prague; I saw the show last year, and it was a huge spectacle. The crowd was great, and I believe I can win their hearts because fans always support the best fighter.Let’s talk about your opponent, Róża Gumienna. What do you expect from her?I have great respect for her as an experienced fighter who has faced tough opponents. She’s strong in striking, being a kickboxer, but her weakness is on the ground.Do you consider her the biggest opponent of your career so far?She is the most experienced pro I’ve faced so far, but whether she’s the toughest will be decided on fight day. I’ve proven myself against strong opponents in my amateur career, even at world championships.Can you reveal something about your strategy for the fight?I see myself as an all-rounder; I train everything. I’ll do whatever feels right at the moment to finish the fight, as I always seek the finish.OKTAGON 72 is the biggest card in the organization’s history. What does it mean to you?I’m proud that my team and I made it to OKTAGON so quickly. I’m thankful to the organization for giving me the chance to show my skills at such a mega event.How do you feel about the growing interest in women’s MMA?I’ve been training and encouraging women in combat sports for years. I always try to spark interest and empower women in my interviews. I’m happy that women’s MMA is gaining more attention, allowing for more training partners and opponents.Since joining OKTAGON, you’ve become more visible. How does that feel?I totally enjoy it because it gives me the opportunity to meet interesting personalities, like boxing legend Regina Halmich. It’s an incredible honor and enrichment for me.Who do you currently consider the best fighter in your weight class in OKTAGON?I see myself as the best in my weight class, especially because I’ve only been doing MMA for two years and have acquired so many skills. I’m constantly working to improve and expand my repertoire.Róża is currently #5 in the division rankings. Do you have any other opponents in mind for the future?There was supposed to be an interim title fight in my weight class in Prague, but it got canceled due to injury. I’m ready to step in because I want to fight for the title as soon as possible and take on the best.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJJoTpwouQn/?hl=cs"></oktinstagramcomponent>What message would you like to send to the fans before your fight in Eden?I appreciate everyone who supports me in any way. I hope you’ll come to cheer for me or watch me live on oktagon.tv. Your support motivates me to push even harder.What was the moment in your career when you were really afraid – and how did you overcome it?Fear keeps you small and unfocused. Sure, there are often uncomfortable situations, but I always try to face them to become even stronger.Can Alina succeed in her second professional fight at the biggest Czech event? We will find out soon. One thing is clear: the young German fighter exudes tremendous motivation and a strong desire for success. Come see how she transforms this passion into victory. Get your ticket and be there live! June 14th, in Eden!<okteventcomponent eventid="109"></okteventcomponent>

The princess of German MMA, Alina Dalaslan, is preparing for her fight at OKTAGON 72 in Eden. She handled her professional debut against Kamila Šimková excellently. On June 14th, however, she faces what could be the biggest challenge of her career in the form of Polish striker Róża Gumienna. How does she evaluate her opponent?

MOTIVATED ALINA DALASLAN: I CONSIDER MYSELF THE BEST FIGHTER IN MY DIVISION

Jakub Batfalský will fight against the experienced Karol Ryšavý at OKTAGON 72 in Eden. At just 22 years old, Jakub is one of the most exciting Czech talents on the scene. However, at this event, he faces the toughest test of his career. How does he evaluate his opponent, and who does he favor in the main event? Find out in our interview.<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/c820951b-98f8-4fd0-92ce-97d41ece4e2c/cs.1748867065179.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/1021cdc8-0551-4004-b5ae-d55982eac38b/cs.1748867080757.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent>Hi Jakub, in less than a month, you'll face an extremely important fight, so how do you feel right now? What’s your current form?Hi, I’m glad I’ve got the opportunity to fight at what is probably the sporting event of the year. Plus, against an opponent with such a big name. It’ll be a valuable scalp and a true test of my skills. I feel in the best shape of my life!You’ll be fighting at OKTAGON 72, the best card in the organization’s history. What does it feel like to be part of that?What can I say – I’ve always dreamed of this, and it’s still unbelievable to me how far OKTAGON has come! I’m happy to be part of it.In an interview, you mentioned coming from a football family – now, you've finally made it to a football stadium, but with MMA. What does that mean for you?I see it as an important milestone in both my life and my sports career. I hope there will be more such stadiums (laughs).You’ll face a big name in the organization, Karol Ryšavý. How do you evaluate your opponent? And what do you expect from him?Karol is an experienced fighter in my eyes, with big fights against people like Keita and Legierski. I respect him a lot, but as I’ve said before, he belongs to the older generation, and I want to show the fans what the new generation of fighters looks like.Both of you are strikers – will it be a fight purely on the feet? Or do you plan to surprise your opponent?I consider myself a well-rounded fighter, and I don’t mind which direction the fight goes. I’ll show better skills both in striking and on the ground. I will dictate the pace and the script of the fight.<oktinstagramcomponent url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DKSEv4gIciM/?utm_source=ig_embed"></oktinstagramcomponent>A win would be a big leap into the top fighters in the division. Where would you place yourself in the featherweight rankings?I’m not thinking about that right now. I want to slowly work my way up to a title shot, which is still quite a bit away. Being in the top 10 would definitely be one of the milestones that could bring me closer to the title, but I don’t have a specific number in mind.Karol usually fights in the lightweight division, but this time it will be in featherweight. Do you think that will play in your favor?It depends on the perspective – while he may have more trouble with the weight cut, in the fight, he could be one of the heavier and stronger opponents.There’s a lot of attention around Eden – fans, media, etc. Do you feel that? And how do you perceive it?I have a great team that helps me in many aspects of preparation, including dealing with the media and fans. Right now, I’m mainly focusing on the fight – we only have five weeks to prepare. I expect more pressure once I win the fight.I can’t not ask – it’s Judgment Day and the deciding fight in the big trilogy of Vémola vs Végh – who do you favor, and who would you wish victory for?I’ve been a fan of Karlos since I was a kid, and I hope he wins. I’m rooting for him!You’re from a completely new generation of fighters who have mostly been watching modern MMA. Who was your role model when you started with combat sports? And who is your role model now?At first, my big role models were Cain Velasquez and Junior Dos Santos. Over time, I shifted towards the local scene, and the one who inspired me the most was Karlos Vémola.You have two brothers – one is a soldier, and the other is a lawyer. Will they come to support you at Eden? And how do they perceive your desire to fight?My brothers never miss my fights. Both of them will be at Eden, and one of them will be in my corner because I train with him. We all support each other, and I’m glad I can share my successes with them.At 22, managing the pressure in front of so many fans won’t be easy. Is there something that helps you maintain mental and emotional well-being?As Mr. Novotný says – today’s MMA business is also show business, and I approach it that way. I must highlight my team again, who helps me handle the pressure and keeps me grounded.Are you planning anything special for your entrance, or will we see your usual routine?We took the fight almost at the last minute, so there wasn’t much time to plan something special, but maybe we’ll come up with something.What would you like people to say about Jakub Batfalský after the tournament?I’d like to be a good role model not only as a fighter but also as a person. However, I’m still young, and I still need to prove my worth.Will the young Batfalský stand his ground in the fight of his life? Or will he fall short against Ryšavý's aggressive style and extensive experience? We'll find out on June 14th at the most stacked fight card in OKTAGON history! A night that will go down in the history of European MMA, and you can be there to witness it! Get your ticket now and experience a unique atmosphere that will never be repeated!<okteventcomponent eventid="109"></okteventcomponent>

Jakub Batfalský will fight against the experienced Karol Ryšavý at OKTAGON 72 in Eden. At just 22 years old, Jakub is one of the most exciting Czech talents on the scene. However, at this event, he faces the toughest test of his career. 

JAKUB BATFALSKÝ AHEAD OF THE CLASH WITH RYŠAVÝ: I WILL DICTATE THE PACE AND THE SCRIPT OF THE FIGHT

Probably every MMA fan has heard of Frederic Vosgröne's name. Or at least his nickname “Neanderthal.” His fight with Jorick Montagnac at OKTAGON 69 became a hit! Fans on the other side of the world even joked about imitating Vosgröne’s unique style. But that was his first fight against a tougher opponent. Now he faces another dangerous striker, and it’s happening at a football stadium on the best card in OKTAGON history. Will Vosgröne handle the pressure and confirm his qualities? Or will reality strike?<oktresponsiveimagecomponent url="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/791876aa-1167-4a40-a695-cadadcf519e2/cs.1748613755575.png" mobileurl="https://assets.oktagonmma.com/COMMON_IMAGE/e60d55bd-9c5f-4465-9b8c-50786ef21c61/cs.1748613761484.png" croppedcorners="true"></oktresponsiveimagecomponent><h2>ONE FIGHT AND A STAR WAS BORN</h2>For some fighters, it takes years and many fights at a high level to become stars. Some never make it. But it took Vosgröne just 4 professional MMA fights and one in OKTAGON to become one of the most followed fighters in the organization. Before his fight in Dortmund, he had just under 10,000 followers on Instagram. Today, he has exactly 400,000 and is still growing! With his unique style, appearance, and charisma, he has won fans not only in Europe but worldwide. Today, you can see posts on his profile with stars from German internet, crowds of fans who want to take a picture with the “Neanderthal,” and training sessions with fighters like Karlos Vémola and Max Holzer. Today, Frederic is a full-fledged star, but how did it all begin?<h2>WORLD-CLASS IN GRAPPLING AND BJJ</h2>Before Vosgröne embarked on his MMA journey, he was among the best grapplers in the world. He has a bronze medal from the IBJJF World No-Gi, won the prestigious Polaris Grand Prix, and defeated names like UFC fighter Reinder de Ridder and former UFC fighter Tom Breese. Both of them are considered some of the best grapplers in the world and each has more than 10 submissions in their MMA career.Now, Frederic is following similar footsteps. 4 fights and 4 submissions. His current record speaks clearly about the kind of fights fans can expect. In interviews, however, Vosgröne has said he would like to score a KO win as well. In his fight with Montagnac, though, it was clear that his striking skills are not yet at a level where he can afford to box with experienced strikers. We’ll see if that changes over time.<h2>CAN ONE-SIDEDNESS SUCCEED IN MODERN MMA?</h2>Vosgröne is a unique phenomenon in many ways. Besides his skyrocketing success on social media, he proved with his pure grappling skills that he could defeat the then #6 light heavyweight Jorick Montagnac, who is not considered an easy opponent in the division. But in the hands of the relentless “Neanderthal,” it looked relatively easy. Can this style work in future fights?Let’s break down how the whole fight went. Montagnac knew that he couldn’t let himself be pressed against the cage. For the first minute, he circled around his opponent, landing heavy strikes. Vosgröne definitely didn’t enjoy them, so he rushed to his legs and performed a grip that would later be seen all over the world. He held Jorick’s ankle, and Montagnac dragged him from one side of the cage to the other like a dangling ball. Even though he eventually escaped the grip, Vosgröne didn’t wait and immediately grabbed him again and again, until he finally wore out the Frenchman enough to get him on the ground. It looked like he was chasing a prey. And once the German grappler got to top position, escaping from it became nearly impossible. Montagnac’s whole effort cost him a tremendous amount of energy, which was evident in the second round. Vosgröne only needed ten seconds to press Jorick against the cage and take him down. What followed was textbook ground dominance, where “Neanderthal” didn’t let his opponent get anything off and, after two minutes, he managed to secure an Arm-Triangle, which choked his opponent out and led to another submission victory.Frederic Vosgröne showed that although he is a one-dimensional fighter, if you master one aspect as well as he does, you can succeed even against more well-rounded opponents. In 14 days at Eden, this German phenomenon will face another big challenge. Argentine striker Alsina was not finished even by Karlos Vémola. Will Vosgröne manage it, and thus move closer to a title shot against double champion Will Fleury?June 14th is just around the corner! Don’t miss this celebration for all MMA fans. Vosgröne, Engizek, Peňáz, the Muradov vs Kincl fight, and of course the final clash of two legends: Vémola vs Végh. You can see all this live! Get your ticket and experience an atmosphere that won’t be repeated!<okteventcomponent eventid="109"></okteventcomponent>

Probably every MMA fan has heard of Frederic Vosgröne's name. Or at least his nickname “Neanderthal.” His fight with Jorick Montagnac at OKTAGON 69 became a hit! Fans on the other side of the world even joked about imitating Vosgröne’s unique style.

THE PHENOMENON NAMED VOSGRÖNE: A BLOWN-UP BUBBLE OR AN UNSEEN TALENT?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VELKÝ ROZHOVOR S FLEURYM: KARLOSE STUDUJU JAKO DOMÁCÍ ÚKOL!

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