What Makes OKTAGON Special
OKTAGON has made a massive impact. Mixed Martial Arts has been a sport long associated with the UFC. Fighters have only been able to gain historic status through competing in the organisation. Even the elite athletes, such as Fedor Emelianenko, are often overlooked in “GOAT” conversations due to their lack of UFC fights. From Pride to Bellator to the PFL, many have attempted to cement themselves as the number 2 MMA organisation in the world, failing to maintain the title. However, Europe has seen a new force rise, putting on some of the most impressive shows the world has ever seen.
Founded in 2016 by Pavol Neruda and Ondrej Novotny, OKTAGON started as a reality show. Over the years, the company has evolved from a regional project into one of Europe’s fastest-growing MMA promotions. While many promotions prioritise branding and broadcast deals, OKTAGON has built much of its identity around live fan engagement. Growing crowds, increasingly ambitious shows, and huge name signings have culminated in one of the strongest live fan experiences in MMA. They have found that special something that makes audiences want to tune into their events. In truth, the company feels like the new innovators in Mixed Martial Arts.
Event Atmosphere
Even though sports are maintained by the fans, it has begun to feel as though MMA organisations have cared less and less about the audience experience over recent years. The promotion of fighters is less, shows are stagnant, and TV viewing has become over-saturated with advertisements. Nevertheless, OKTAGON continue to put their supporters first. I had the first-hand experience of what a show feels like at OKTAGON 74 in Stvanice, Prague, last summer. The event blew me away, with the Stvanice arena the perfect stage for such an occasion. Wars inside the cage were supported by a truly breathtaking atmosphere around it.
In speaking with other fighters who sign with the promotion, they all point towards this atmosphere as one of the catalysts for their decision. It is a huge draw, and one of the many reasons why more high-profile fighters are choosing to take their talents to the European powerhouse. OKTAGON even created history in October of 2024, setting a new record for the highest attended event in European MMA history. A record-setting 60,000 fans filled the Deutsche Bank Park, showing just how strong a force the promotion had become. Squid Games-inspired staging, half-time concerts, huge announcements, and a few MMA promotions currently offer a comparable live atmosphere.
Innovation
In looking at what else sets OKTAGON apart from its competition, its creativity and innovation stand out. They are constantly looking for new ways to entertain the masses with a new style and brand of MMA. This was seen once again in their first trip to Poland at OKTAGON 86. A new “Stand and Bang” bout was announced with Michal Materla and Christian Jungwirth going toe to toe in a 15-minute war. The Tipsport Gamechanger tournament is one of the best tournaments in Mixed Martial Arts, with a total prize pool of one million euros up for grabs. Such a reward has led to some of the greatest fights in European history, with Mark Hulme vs Dominik Humburger recently displaying exactly this. The OKTAGON face your fear challenge recently saw reality TV star Spicy Paja test himself within the sport. This journey culminated in a stoppage loss to the experienced Ondrej Raska, in just another example of how OKTAGON is looking to set new milestones in their history.
Statement Signings
For all the innovation and memorable atmospheres, no MMA organisation will go far without big-name fighters. OKTAGON is no different. Massive names like Martin Buday and Krzysztof Jotko have recently joined the promotion despite offers from elsewhere. Landing established names has helped legitimise their place in global MMA. OKTAGON has also become a pathway for fighters to take the step onto the world stage, with Losene Keita and Shem Rock both having been signed to the UFC in the past year after success with OKTAGON. The company has become a place where people can realise their dreams and take the next step in the sport. There is perhaps no greater example than Frederic Vosgrone. Before his fight with Jorick Montagnac in April 2025, Vosgrone had just under 10,000 Instagram followers. By the end of the next month, he was over 400,000. That rapid growth reflected OKTAGON’s ability to actively market and elevate its fighters.
In truth, MMA has needed something different as of late. In an era where many MMA promotions feel increasingly corporate and repetitive, OKTAGON has managed to create something that feels rare: anticipation. Whether through massive stadium events, experimental formats, or fan-focused presentation, the promotion has positioned itself as more than simply Europe’s leading MMA organisation. It has become one of the few companies in the sport actively redefining what a modern MMA event can look and feel like.
