Oktagon 65 Preview; Fluery Title Fight, Rony v Keita 2

There are three certainties in life: death, taxes and Oktagon providing the best end of year party in the world. The O2 Arena in Prague will host Oktagon 65 on Sunday, a card that features ten bouts, including three title fights and the culmination of the Tipsport Gamechanger Lightweight tournament.

We are down to the final two competitors in the Tipsport Gamechanger Lightweight tournament, and as luck would have it, the OKMMA Lightweight Champion qualified and is putting his strap on the line for the first time. Ronald Paradeiser (21-8) is looking to avenge a unanimous decision loss to Sunday’s opponent. The 27-year-old has won his last eight, which includes winning the belt against Ivan Buchinger by doctor stoppage a year ago. “Rony” has beaten Attila Korkmaz, Daniel Torres and Acoidan Duque to clinch his spot in the finale. The Slovakian is a mean striker with savage power and the technique to utilise it. Twelve wins have come via knockout and he’s already notched up fourteen wins under the Oktagon banner. Losene Keita (15-1) is the jewel in the promotion’s crown and one of Europe’s best operators. The 26-year-old conquered Agy Sardari, Predrag Bogdanović and Mateusz Legierski on the road to Prague, and he’s also the OKMMA Featherweight champion. The Belgian based fighter is one of the best strikers in MMA and has nine knockout wins on his résumé. “The Black Panther” has footwork, timing, technique and power, enough to vanquish any foe. This is one of the highest level fights you’ll see on the continent.

In the co-main event, Karlos Vémola (37-8) puts his OKMMA Light Heavyweight Championship up for grabs for the third time. The Czech is a UFC veteran and an MMA trailblazer in his homeland. The 39-year-old loves to push his opponents up against the fence, use his strength to take them down and go for the submission. He’s won via submission an impressive twenty times. On the feet, he’s got some powerful boxing. Will Fleury (13-3) has made a name quickly since joining Oktagon, securing an arm triangle submission against Daniel Škvor and a knockout win against Pavol Langer. The Tipperary man is a Bellator and PFL veteran and is on a seven fight win streak. The 35-year-old is a physical fighter who outworks opponents, and has displayed some nice striking in recent times. He has a heavy top game in wrestling and his choke game is always a threat.

The OKMMA Women’s Bantamweight belt will find a new home on Sunday. Lucie Pudilová (15-10) competes in another rematch, a bout she won by split decision back in September. The Czech is a UFC veteran and a warrior of a fighter. Bravery is her biggest strength, and she’ll happily brawl with anyone. The 30-year-old is a high volume striker who aims to outwork you for the duration. Cecile Bolander (3-1) is a former IMMAF and Cage Warriors champion at amateur, and has come right into the top of the division since joining Oktagon. The Norwegian’s main weapon of choice is her armbar, with an impressive nine tap outs using the technique across her MMA career. She’ll be brave enough with her striking to hang in the pocket with her opponent, and wasn’t too far off winning the first fight.

Jonas Mågård (17-6) returns for his third fight of the year and is looking for a hat trick of wins. The Dane is one of the best practitioners of the Japanese Necktie in MMA competition, using his wrestling to get you into position. The 32-year-old compliments that with a very slick boxing game. Igor Severino (8-1) is new to the promotion and is a UFC veteran. The Brazilian’s sole defeat came as a result of biting his opponent. The 21-year-old is a hot prospect with a dangerous all round game. His biggest moment came on the Contender Series, where he earned his UFC contract with a knockout. On the mat, he’s got an eclectic BJJ repertoire.

Radovan Úškrt (8-5) is a man with a clear road to victory. The Slovakian is a heavy hitter, inflicting huge damage on opponents and when he smells blood, he goes in for the kill. He’s finished eight opponents due to strikes. Daniel Schwindt (5-2) is the latest to come in from the German regional scene. The GMC veteran is more accustomed to getting the fight to the mat, where he can use his devastating ground and pound, or go in for a choke. Like his opponent, all five wins have come within the distance.

Agy Sardari (18-5) is a former Cage Warriors champion and is coming off a decision win over Attila Korkmaz. The Dutchman has a lovely kickboxing game, filled with good movement and technique. The 31-year-old has a wicked triangle choke in his arsenal, and has twelve finishes on his record. Ognjen Dimić (8-2-1) took this on short notice after Mateusz Legierski pulled out during the week. The Sombor man was very successful in the Serbian Battle Championship, a good proving ground for Balkan talent. He’s a kickboxer with heavy hands, knocking out four opponents to date.

Jakub Tichota (5-3) is a bright prospect who’s taken incredibly tough matchups early in his career. The Czech is a former title challenger, and is looking to correct a three-fight skid. The 25-year-old is a modern martial artist and is a veteran of the IMMAF amateur scene. He’s got good wrestling, mixing up heavy ground and pound with some lovely chokes. In addition, his kickboxing is very effective. Ozan Aslaner (8-5-1) returns after two years on the shelf due to a knee injury. The German is mostly known for his striking, winning five of his bouts by knockout. The 27-year-old is as tough as an old boot and always looking to put on a show. He’s never been stopped barring that injury TKO.

Marco Novák (5-1) has been impressive for Oktagon to date, winning two MMA bouts, with another three victories under the exhibition ruleset. The Slovakian has a nice wrestling game with some dangerous chokes. He’s also been improving his striking of late. Eemil Kurhela (7-2) makes his sophomore promotional appearance. The Finn came in from CAGE in his homeland, and had most success with his grappling. He’s got a nice guillotine, an effective rear naked choke and some heavy ground and pound.

Peter Gabal (5-3) is an IMMAF veteran. The Czech is solid in each facet of MMA, with a heavy hitting boxing game. The 25-year-old has also shown submission acumen. Four of his wins have been finishes. Benny Bajrami (5-2) is a young prospect coming in from GMC. The German has most of his success in kickboxing exchanges with the power to end things instantly. The 23-year-old has four knockouts on his record.

Jakub Batfalský (5-1) is another promising youngster competing on Sunday. The Czech is solid everywhere and has a 50/50 split of finishes. The 22-year-old has competed in Muay Thai, which translates well into his MMA game where he can make the most of his power. Dominik Toporcer (4-2) comes in from RFA and is another one to keep an eye on. Like his opponent, the Slovakian has a good Muay Thai game with the power to keep you honest. The 21-year-old has a beautiful guillotine which helps dissuade takedowns.

Oktagon 65 is live from Prague on Sunday night from 17:00 Irish time on Oktagon.tv and DAZN.