Igor Severino faces Jack Cartwright for vacant bantamweight title at OKTAGON 70
A title fight that guarantees absolute chaos is heading to Karlovy Vary!
For the first time since June of last year, a bantamweight champion will be crowned at OKTAGON 70 as Europe’s leading promotion takes over a brand-new Czech city. Controversial former UFC athlete, Igor Severino (9-1), will throw down with exciting Englishman, Jack Cartwright (12-2), on Saturday, April 26, as part of what promises to be an absolutely stacked lineup.
Severino made headlines worldwide when he got released from the UFC for biting his opponent during a contest last year. The 21-year-old, who then adopted the nickname ‘Hannibal Lecter’, was given a second chance by OKTAGON MMA and was booked opposite former bantamweight champion, Jonas Mågård, in his promotional debut. Severino’s world-class talent was clear for everyone to see when he defeated ‘Shark’ by decision in an action-packed showdown. During his post-fight interview, the Brazilian called for a title shot saying he would smash anyone who got in his way. On April 26, he gets the chance to back up those words and prove he rules the division.
Former Cage Warriors belt holder, Cartwright, made an emphatic statement in his OKTAGON MMA debut back in November 2023 when he submitted Júnior Assis just over two minutes into their bout. That earned the 30-year-old a main event slot in Newcastle against Jonas Mågård but Cartwright was on the wrong end of a decision loss. However, he rebounded in impressive fashion last time out in September by getting his hand raised over Mate Sanikidze, who was once touted as one of the best prospects on the continent. Opportunities to claim gold on Europe’s biggest stage don’t come around very often so Cartwright is ready to clinch victory by any means necessary.
The card in Karlovy Vary also features the final fights in the €1 million Tipsport Gamechanger middleweight tournament opening round. Current welterweight champion, Ion Surdu, steps up a weight class to take on new signing, Krzysztof Jotko, and knockout artist, Vlasto Čepo, clashes with Austria’s Erhan Kartal as part of the 16-man field. ‘Pirát’ Krištofič returns to competition in the European MMA Champions League opposite a yet to be announced ‘wildcard’.
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