In the past five years, OKTAGON MMA has emerged as one of the most exciting and rapidly growing fight promotions in the world. Based in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, this organization has captured the attention of European combat sports fans—and increasingly, international audiences too. With a flair for storytelling, top-tier production, and a roster of breakout fighters, OKTAGON is no longer just a local curiosity—it’s a global player in the making.
How Did OKTAGON MMA Start?
Founded in 2016 by Ondřej Novotný and Pavol Neruda, OKTAGON MMA began as a regional promotion focused on the Czech and Slovak markets. Its early days were heavily influenced by reality TV, particularly the show OKTAGON Challenge, which gave amateur fighters a shot at professional debuts. The format worked—fans connected with the fighters’ stories before they ever stepped into the cage.
The promotion’s first events featured modest production but high-energy local matchups. That grassroots energy helped build a loyal fanbase across Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Soon after, the promotion began expanding both its budget and its ambitions.
What Makes OKTAGON Different?
OKTAGON’s success isn't accidental. The promotion has carved out a unique identity by leaning into spectacle, storytelling, and cross-border expansion.
- Reality Show Roots: With OKTAGON Challenge still running, the org continues to develop fighters in front of the camera before they even go pro.
- Production Quality: The walkouts, lighting, and promo packages are among the best in Europe—rivaling even UFC and Bellator in presentation.
- Tipsport Gamechanger: A €1 million European tournament, featuring top welterweights across the continent. It's not just a gimmick—it's produced breakout talent and wild matchups.
- Pan-European Expansion: OKTAGON now stages events in Germany, England, France, and Austria—bringing localized stars and regional rivalries into the mix.
The result? A brand that blends fight-night adrenaline with emotional storytelling, drawing fans in and keeping them hooked.
Who Are OKTAGON’s Top Fighters?
One of OKTAGON’s biggest exports is Losene Keita, a Guinean-Belgian striker who tore through the lightweight division and became a fan favorite. His charisma, knockout power, and cross-cultural appeal have made him one of the promotion’s most marketable stars.
Veterans like Karlos Vémola, the first Czech fighter to ever sign with the UFC, bring legacy credibility. His trilogy with Attila Végh culminated at OKTAGON 72, drawing over 19,000 fans to Prague’s O2 Arena. It was one of the biggest moments in European MMA history.
Other major names include:
- Matěj Peňáz – a decorated striker and former Glory competitor.
- Ivan Buchinger – a longtime veteran who continues to win in vintage fashion. His resurgence has been one of the promotion’s feel-good stories.
- Igor Severino and Jack Cartwright – headlining OKTAGON 74 with a UFC-level title fight.
The women’s divisions have seen stars rise too—fighters like Lucie Pudilová (who went to the UFC) and Katharina Dalisda represent the strength of European WMMA.
From OKTAGON 1 to 71: The Road to Greatness
OKTAGON’s story is best told through its progression. The first event, OKTAGON 1, was held in 2016 and featured mostly local amateurs. But it planted the seed for what was to come.
By OKTAGON 15, Karlos Vémola had become the face of the brand. OKTAGON 20 introduced serious production value, while OKTAGON 25 marked the rise of international signings.
Veterans returned at OKTAGON 30, including Ivan Buchinger, and by OKTAGON 36, the org had announced its groundbreaking €1M Tipsport Gamechanger tournament.
As they entered Germany with events like OKTAGON 43 and OKTAGON 51, the crowds got bigger and the buzz spread. Fighters like Matěj Peňáz headlined cards across borders, leading up to OKTAGON 72, a 19,000-seat sellout that marked their arrival on the European stage.
OKTAGON vs UFC: Competition or Stepping Stone?
OKTAGON is often compared to the UFC, but the better comparison might be to what PRIDE or Strikeforce once were—a proving ground with flair. The promotion isn’t trying to directly compete with the UFC, but it’s not far behind in terms of live experience and fan investment.
Multiple OKTAGON fighters have been signed by the UFC, including recent additions like Keita and Jonas Mågård. This trend boosts the org’s reputation while also positioning it as Europe’s elite incubator for world-level talent.
Want to see how deep the connection goes? Check out our full breakdown of 7 OKTAGON Fighters Who Made It to the UFC, featuring top names like Keita, Pudilová, and Cartwright. It’s clear OKTAGON isn’t just building stars—it’s exporting them to the global stage.
Where Can You Watch OKTAGON MMA?
Fans can tune in via OKTAGON.tv, the promotion’s streaming platform. Broadcasts are available in multiple languages, and fans from Germany, the UK, and beyond can access regional commentary.
YouTube also plays a major role—highlight reels, behind-the-scenes shows like Unlocked, and full-fight replays (like Vémola vs Végh III) are heavily promoted, bringing in casual viewers who often convert into subscribers.
Why You Should Start Watching OKTAGON
If you're not already watching OKTAGON, now's the time. The promotion offers everything fans want: devastating knockouts, real rivalries, cinematic storytelling, and breakout stars on the rise.
Whether it’s Eckerlin vs Pukač in Germany, Buchinger’s latest comeback, or Frimpong and Gabal clashing in Frankfurt, there’s always something worth watching.
As the European MMA scene continues to grow, OKTAGON MMA is no longer just the Czech Republic’s best-kept secret. It’s a full-blown player on the global stage.
