UK MMA legend, Brad Pickett, and rising talent, Akonne Wanliss, will oversee coaching duties for Team England while Irish MMA pioneer, Paddy Holohan, and Next Generation MMA star, Shem Rock, head up Team Ireland. The eight athletes who will be competing on OKTAGON Challenge: England vs. Ireland are as follows: Team England (coached by Brad Pickett & Akonne Wanliss) - George Staines (16-1 Amateur) from Hull
- Jake McHugh (5-0 Amateur) from Liverpool
- Hascan Gelezi (4-1, 1NC) from London
- Beau Gavin (0-1) from Liverpool
Team Ireland (coached by Paddy Holohan & Shem Rock) - Matthew Elliott (2-1) from Belfast
- Denis Frimpong (1-1) from Dublin
- Aaron McDonald (8-3 Amateur) from Lisburn
- Armand Herczeg (7-8 Amateur) from Dundalk
The field will be whittled down over eight episodes until only two fighters remain. Both men will then face each other in the series finale at OKTAGON 48 inside AO Arena, Manchester on November 4 – the inaugural OKTAGON MMA event in England – for ultimate glory and bragging rights. Final broadcast details will be confirmed over the coming weeks. |