€1 million Tipsport Gamechanger semifinals feature at OKTAGON 61

One of the best European MMA cards of the year – OKTAGON 61 – takes place today, September 21, inside Winning Group Arena from Brno, Czech Republic. The lineup is one of the most stacked in the promotion’s history, highlighting elite-level competitors from across the continent. Both semifinal matchups in the €1 million Tipsport Gamechanger lightweight tournament go down with twelve different nations represented on the thrilling show.

In the main event, current OKTAGON MMA lightweight champion, Ronald Pardeiser (20-8), looks to display his strong boxing game opposite Spanish standout, Acoidan Duque (21-4, 1NC). ‘Rony’ has overcome Attila Korkmaz and Daniel Torres in the European MMA Champions League to reach the final four while Duque delivered a huge upset over Mago Machaev last time out to progress to this stage of the bracket. The Brno crowd will be firmly behind the Slovakian but can Duque shock everyone once again?

Two UFC veterans will clash in the co-headliner when Makhmud Muradov (26-8, 1NC) returns back home to the promotion after five years away to collide with the leader of ‘The Askham Army’, Scott Askham (20-6). Muradov is a huge star in the Czech Republic and the fans have been buzzing with excitement for his comeback ever since it was announced in Eden Stadium a few months ago. However, Askham will be looking to spoil the party and prove that he can still compete with the very best middleweights around.

One of the best prospects in the world, Losene Keita (14-1), will fly the flag for Belgium against the first ever OKTAGON MMA lightweight champion, Matuesz Legierski (12-1), in the other Tipsport Gamechanger tournament semifinal. ‘Black Panther’ and the Pole are amongst the most skilled athletes on the roster and both are supremely confident they will show they are the better man this Saturday night. Who will advance to the final and secure themselves a minimum of €130,000 prize money?

Another familiar face will return to the organisation when Lucie Pudilová (14-10) meets IMMAF champion, Cecilie Bolander (3-0), in a fight that will decide one of the contenders for the vacant bantamweight belt. Czech fan favourite, Andrej Kalašnik (11-5), takes on Greek warrior, Ioannis Palaiologos (20-13-1), at welterweight and Bellator veteran, Attila Korkmaz (15-8), squares off with former Cage Warriors king, Agy Sardari (17-5), in a European MMA Champions League reserve bout.

A host of English talent features on the rest of the card as lethal striker, Corey Fry (6-2), throws down with previous Czech boxing title holder, Vladimír Lengál (6-3), at a catchweight of 68kg/150lbs in a matchup with big ‘Fight of the Night’ potential. Dangerous finisher, Jack Cartwright (11-2), steps back into action against former featherweight champion, Mate Sanikidze (11-3), in an important bantamweight bout and OKTAGON Challenge: England vs. Ireland winner, George Staines (2-0), faces his toughest test yet against Jakub Tichota (5-2) at lightweight.

OKTAGON 61 will be broadcast live on OKTAGON.TV internationally as well as worldwide on the global platform, DAZN, in all markets except from CZ/SK. Fans in France can also tune in on RMC Sport. The action begins at 5pm BST/6pm CEST/12pm ET/9am CT.

OKTAGON 61 Fight Card

September 21st – Brno, Czech Republic

Main Card

Main Event

Tipsport Gamechanger Semifinal

Ronald Paradeiser (20-8) vs. Acoidan Duque (21-4, 1NC)

Co-Main Event

Middleweight

Makhmud Muradov (26-8, 1NC) vs. Scott Askham (20-6)

Tipsport Gamechanger Semifinal

Losene Keita (14-1) vs. Mateusz Legierski (12-1)

Bantamweight Title Contender