OKTAGON 77 takes place in Bratislava, Slovakia on October 4th with 11 total bouts. The Tipsport Gamechanger tournament rolls on, with Kerim Engizek taking on Dominik Humburger in the main event with a place in the finals on the line. Hojat Khajevand will face off with UFC veteran Krzysztof Jotko for the second spot in the tournament finals. The card is filled with action and the top talent in Europe, and you can find all the live results here as they occur, and the event can be streamed live at OKTAGON.tv
Prelims
1. #9 Jorick Montagnac (6-3) vs Mateusz Duczmal (3-2) - Light Heavyweight bout
Jorick Montagnac (7-3) Defeats Mateusz Duczmal (3-3 by Unanimous Decision (30-27x3)
Following his viral loss to Fredric Vosgrone, Jorick Montagnac made a successful return to the cage, facing Polish striker Mateusz Duczmal. Montagnac landed 7 takedowns en route to a dominant decision victory, utilizing strength and control to win the bout.
2. Monika Chochlikova (102-12) vs Atenea Flores (45-10-1) - 4oz Glove Muay Thai - 121 lb Catchweight
Monika Chochlikova (103-12) defeats Atenea Flores (45-11-1) by Unanimous Decision (30-27x2, 29-28)
In an exciting and close stand up war, Monika Chochlikova won the first two rounds with volume and a good kicking game, and secured the decision despite a strong third round from Flores. Flores landed a tremendous sweep and several good punching exchanges, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the first two rounds despite out striking Chochlikova 75-74.
3. Karol Rysavy (14-9) vs Ayton De Paepe (13-6) - Featherweight Bout
Ayton De Paepe (14-6) defeats Karol Rysavy (14-10) by Split Decision (29-28x2, 28-29)
Fighting for the second time in just 14 days, Ayton De Paepe put an absolute pace on Karol Rysavy. He dropped the first round, but kept his pace and pressure in both the striking and wrestling, securing the last two rounds on all three judges scorecards to win his second fight in OKTAGON, shortly after his first loss at OKTAGON 76 to James Hendin.
4. #1 Veronika Smolkova (6-3) vs Ana Carolina Araujo (3-2) - Women’s Flyweight Bout
Veronika Smolkova (7-3) defeats Ana Carolina Araujo by Unanimous Decision (30-27x3)
In one of the most action packed fights of the year, Veronika Smolkova displayed all the tools in her arsenal en route to a dominant victory over the OKTAGON debutant Araujo. Smolkova landed over 200 strikes, hurting Araujo on many occasions. Despite the loss, Araujo displayed incredibly toughness and heart, and at just 19 years old will most definitely be back and improved.
5. Tomas Ciganik (6-2) vs Konrad Dyrschka (16-2) - 159 lb Catchweight
Konrad Dyrschka (17-2) defeats Tomas Ciganik (6-3) by Split Decision (29-28x2, 28-29)
In a grueling fight through two rounds, Tomas Ciganik absolutely emptied the tank and did everything he could to finish the fight and get the victory. Dyrschka showed incredible toughness and survived the onslaught, winning the fight by the skin of his teeth. This was Konrad’s first fight since December 2023.
Main Card
6. Marco Novak (6-2) vs Daniel Solaja (3-2) - Featherweight Bout
Marco Novak (7-2) defeats Daniel Solaja (3-3) by TKO :30 seconds into round 3
Daniel Solaja dominated the early going of this fight, showcasing his explosive and quick striking. Novak utilized the clinch to stay safe and add up damage, but was down 2 rounds on the scorecards entering the third. Novak proceeded to knockdown Solaja and finished the fight with ground strikes, securing the first finish of the event.
7. #4 Samuel Kristofic (17-7) vs #8 Jaime Cordero (9-2) - Middleweight Gamechanger Tournament Reserve Bout
Jaime Cordero (10-2) defeats Samuel Kristofic (17-8) by TKO (injury) 2:49 into the first round
In what was shaping up to be an action packed bout, Cordero vs Kristofic ended early in a very unfortunate manner. On a takedown by Cordero, Kristofic went to post with his arm and dislocated his elbow, resulting in a doctor’s stoppage.
8. #1 Ivan Buchinger (45-10) vs #5 Richie Smullen (15-3-1) - Featherweight Bout
Ivan Buchinger (46-10) defeats Richie Smullen (15-4-1) by Submission (Mounted Ninja Choke) 1:40 into the third round
The timeless legend Ivan Buchinger continues to find ways to win. Buchinger struggled early with the grappling pressure of the Irishman Smullen and losing a point via cage grab in the second round. Buchinger turned the tides in round three, dealing damaging ground and pound strikes, and eventually locking up the modified D’arce choke to tap out Smullen. Buchinger secure his 39th finish of his career, and the title shot as well. He also revealed in the post fight interview he entered this fight with a major shoulder injury.
9. Krzystof Jotko* (27-6) vs #10 Hojat Khajevand (10-4) - Middleweight Gamechanger Tournament Semi-final
*Jotko missed weight by 1 lb
Krzysztof Jotko (28-6) defeats Hojat Khajevand (10-5) by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28x3)
UFC veteran Krzystof Jotko remained with his winning ways, as he used a tactical gameplan to outstrike and outwrestle Hojat Khajavand over three rounds. He will face the winner of Humburger vs Engizek for the finals of the TipSport Gamechanger tournament.
Co-Main Event
10. #5 Vlasto Cepo (13-3) vs Daniel Schwindt (8-3) - Middleweight Gamechanger Tournament Reserve Bout
Vlasto Cepo (14-3) defeats Daniel Schwindt (8-4) by KO (hook) at 3:38 of round one
Vlasto Cepo, one of the most violent fighters in OKTAGON, maintained his reputation with a devastating knockout of fellow finisher Daniel Schwindt. Cepo withstood the early storm and delivered the explosive right hook, ending the German fighters night early and sending the Slovak crowd into a roar.
Main Event
11. (C) Kerim Engizek** (23-4) vs Dominik Humburger (11-2) - Middleweight Gamechanger Tournament Semi-final
Kerim Engizek (24-4) defeats Dominik Humburger (11-3) by Unanimous Decision (29x28x3)
In possibly one of the greatest fights we have ever seen in the OKTAGON cage, Kerim Engizek defeated Dominik Humburger in an absolute war. Both men did immense damage, with Humburger breaking Engizek’s nose in the first round. Despite the adversity, the champion rallied back and dropped Humburger on multiple occasions, despite being outstruck for the fight. Engizek moves on to face Jotko in December for a chance at €300,000 euros and the TipSport Gamechanger championship.
**Kerim Engizek is the current OKTAGON middleweight champion, but the belt is not on the line during the TipSport Gamechanger Tournament.
OKTAGON will be back on October 18th in Köln, Germany with OKTAGON 77: Jungwirth vs Trušček.