Igor Severino vs. Jack Cartwright vacant bantamweight title showdown rescheduled for OKTAGON 74

One of the most exciting bouts that can be made on the roster now has a new date!

Igor Severino (9-1) and Jack Cartwright (12-2) were originally scheduled to meet back in April for vacant bantamweight gold, but the contest was postponed due to an injury suffered by the Englishman. However, Cartwright has recovered and the entertaining pair will now square off on a bigger stage than before – the beautiful open-air venue, Štvanice, in Prague for OKTAGON 74. The loaded card, which goes down on Saturday, August 9, is set to be one of the best European MMA events of the year, hosting a plethora of elite-level talent.

Severino drew global attention last year after being released from the UFC for biting his opponent during a match. The 21-year-old, who later embraced the nickname ‘Hannibal Lecter,’ was given a fresh start by OKTAGON and matched up against former bantamweight champion Jonas Mågård, for his debut in the promotion. Severino showcased his impressive skills by defeating ‘Shark’ via decision in a thrilling contest. The Brazilian demanded a title shot in his post-fight interview, declaring he would crush anyone who stood in his path. This summer, he’ll have the opportunity to back up that bold claim and show he’s the top athlete in the division.

Former Cage Warriors champion Cartwright made a strong impression in his OKTAGON debut in November 2023, submitting Júnior Assis just over two minutes into their matchup. That dominant performance earned the 31-year-old a main event spot in Newcastle against Jonas Mågård, though he ultimately came up short in a decision loss. Cartwright bounced back in style this past September, securing a win over Mate Sanikidze — once considered a top rising star. With rare chances to capture gold on Europe’s premier stage, Cartwright is fully prepared to seize the moment by any means necessary.

The spectacular lineup in Štvanice also features a women’s bantamweight title battle as Cecilie Bolander looks to defend her championship for the first time against undefeated finisher Lucia Szabová. All four quarterfinal bouts in the €1 million Tipsport Gamechanger middleweight tournament take place, including Kerim Engizek vs. Mick Stanton and Vlasto Čepo vs. Krzysztof Jotko. This is a card not to be missed!