OKTAGON MMA has quickly become one of Europe’s premier proving grounds, and the UFC is watching closely. From the Czech Republic to Germany and beyond, OKTAGON has built stars that didn’t just dominate locally—they broke through to the sport’s biggest stage.
These seven fighters are proof that OKTAGON isn’t just a regional promotion. It’s a springboard to the UFC.
1. Losene Keita
Losene Keita might be the best pound-for-pound fighter to come out of OKTAGON in recent years. The Guinean-born Belgian striker stormed through the lightweight division, collecting brutal knockouts and showing elite athleticism with every fight.
His charisma and composure in the cage made him a marketing dream, and it didn’t take long for the UFC to come calling. Keita signed in 2024, making waves immediately as a must-watch prospect. Many believe he could be a ranked contender within his first few fights.
For more on his rise, read our feature on Keita and Europe’s new wave.
2. Lucie Pudilová
Lucie Pudilová was the first Czech woman to fight in the UFC, but it was her return through OKTAGON that redefined her career. After her initial UFC stint ended in 2020, she rebuilt herself back home in OKTAGON, showing improved grappling and more composure under fire.
Her second run with OKTAGON led to another UFC contract—proof that the promotion is capable of rebuilding careers, not just launching new ones.
3. Jonas Mågård
Jonas Mågård, the Danish bantamweight known as “Shark,” became OKTAGON’s 135-pound champ in 2022 and was one of the most technical fighters on the roster. His jab, movement, and fight IQ made him a standout, and he consistently handled tough competition in the deepest division.
While his UFC contract came via short-notice opportunity, Mågård had long been considered “UFC ready.” His time in OKTAGON served as the perfect warmup for the big leagues.
4. Jack Cartwright
Jack Cartwright first made his name in Cage Warriors, but his move to OKTAGON raised eyebrows. Facing stiffer competition and broader exposure in Central Europe, Cartwright sharpened his skills and stayed active before getting a UFC call-up.
His UFC run has been mixed so far, but his slick grappling and aggressive style are undeniably shaped by his time in OKTAGON. He was most recently featured in a rebooked title bout at OKTAGON 74.
5. Mateusz Legierski
Mateusz “Dynamit” Legierski was one of OKTAGON’s earliest lightweight champions and a fan favorite in both Poland and the Czech Republic. With a relentless pressure style and a solid chin, Legierski’s performances made him impossible to ignore.
Though his UFC stint was brief and perhaps premature, it marked a major milestone in OKTAGON’s legitimacy—proving even its early champions were UFC-caliber athletes.
6. Katharina Dalisda
Katharina Dalisda is part of the new wave of women’s MMA in Europe. A strawweight contender with a crisp kickboxing game, she impressed fans and promoters alike with her poise under pressure in OKTAGON.
Her signing to the UFC was seen as a validation of OKTAGON’s growing women’s division, and she continues to represent the promotion well on the international stage.
7. David Dvořák
Though he spent less time in OKTAGON than others on this list, David Dvořák still deserves mention. The Czech flyweight fought early in his career under the OKTAGON banner before going on a dominant regional run.
Once signed to the UFC, he quickly entered the flyweight rankings and picked up wins against quality opposition. His story is a reminder that OKTAGON has been producing UFC-ready talent since its early days—even if fans didn’t realize it yet.
OKTAGON’s UFC Connection is Just Getting Started
As OKTAGON MMA expands into Germany, the UK, and France, its roster continues to attract elite prospects and veterans. With events like the Tipsport Gamechanger final bringing Europe’s best together in one cage, it’s only a matter of time before more UFC call-ups follow.
Promotions like OKTAGON don’t just prepare fighters physically—they build stars. From cinematic walkouts to full-length fighter documentaries, the marketing machine behind these athletes makes them fan favorites before they ever step onto a UFC canvas.
If you're watching OKTAGON now, you're watching the future of the UFC take shape in real time.
For more on the organization’s rise, read our complete guide to OKTAGON MMA.
