Reigning OKTAGON MMA champion Cecilie Bolander is set for her first title defense at the summer showcase OKTAGON 74 this Saturday—and she’s stepping into the spotlight with confidence. After a gritty victory over Lucie Pudilová, a former UFC fighter, Bolander now faces undefeated Slovak prospect Lucia Szabová in a high-stakes battle for the women’s flyweight crown.
For Bolander, pressure doesn’t come from media hype—it comes from within. “Nobody can push me harder than I already do,” she said. Her previous bout with Pudilová was a war, capped off by a hospital visit due to a staph infection. Now fully recovered, the Norwegian champion is locked in for another war. Her tough road to that win has only sharpened her resolve.
In Norway, MMA remains illegal, but Bolander is working to change that narrative. Proud to represent herself without adopting a fake persona, she’s focused on showing the heart of the sport. “We need people who just represent themselves. I don’t want to pretend to be a gangster. I want people to see the sport, not a character,” she told OKTAGON.
Her opponent, Szabová, brings a perfect record and finishing ability into the fight, but Bolander isn’t intimidated. “She’s tough, but I’m stronger and in better shape. I can’t wait to show that in the cage.” The title clash will take place inside Prague’s iconic open-air Štvanice arena—one of the most atmospheric venues in European MMA.
Beyond the cage, Bolander remains grounded in tradition. Her hand-stitched Norwegian bunad—a national costume—is a symbol of pride and authenticity. It's that same attitude that makes her a standout in the sport: she’s not just chasing belts; she’s leading a movement to legitimize MMA in Norway.
As the crowd gears up for Bolander vs. Szabová at OKTAGON 74, the champ has one promise for fans: “Whether you’re cheering for me or not, I’m going to make sure you leave entertained.”
