Oktagon has become one of the premier MMA promotions in the world, recently surpassing KSW as Europe’s largest. Known for putting on some of the best shows in the business, Oktagon has achieved a tremendous feat over the past 12 months, hosting three stadium events during that time. Their most recent success at the Fortuna Arena in Prague showcased the promotion’s growing popularity, drawing 27,000 raucous fans for an unforgettable night of fights. One star, in particular, has helped cultivate this growing fanbase — Ireland’s Will Fleury, who has transformed himself from a fighter on the brink of retirement into the face of Europe’s biggest promotion.
Before Oktagon
Will Fleury has always possessed the tools needed for greatness: superb grappling, an elite gas tank, and the heart of a lion. However, despite his physical gifts, Fleury remained overlooked for much of his career in major promotions. Despite earning a 4–2 record in Bellator and a 1–0 record in PFL, many saw Fleury as a solid fighter but not a potential star.
His career took a major hit in 2023 when he was suspended for nine months following a positive drug test during an attempt to bulk up for the light-heavyweight division. For many fighters, this might have signalled the end. But not for Will Fleury — quitting has never been an option for this warrior.
An Extraordinary Rise
As a free agent, Fleury needed a new home, and he found the perfect one in Oktagon. Making his promotional debut in April 2024, he accomplished more in 12 months than most could dream of in an entire career.
With victories over Daniel Škvor and Pavol Langer, the Irishman earned a title shot against European MMA legend Karlos Vémola for the light-heavyweight crown. The fight was the toughest of Fleury’s career, with both men leaving everything inside the cage. After 25 gruelling minutes, Fleury emerged victorious. More than just a title win, it was the culmination of years of perseverance, overcoming adversity and personal setbacks.
Yet Fleury wasn’t done.
Just three months later, he moved up to heavyweight to face Lazar Todev for the vacant belt. What followed was another 25-minute war — a battle that could have come straight from a movie script. Both men were hurt multiple times, but neither gave an inch. Fleury once again demonstrated unmatched heart and grit, leaving it all in the cage. He walked away a two-division champion, capping off one of the most incredible 12-month runs in MMA history.
A Chance at History?
Becoming a double champion is considered the pinnacle of the sport — a feat only a select few ever achieve. But Fleury isn’t content with that. He’s chasing history, hoping to become the first triple champion since the adoption of modern weight classes.
It’s a goal that seems almost impossible. Almost. But if anyone has the mental toughness and fire to achieve it, it’s Will Fleury.
Bringing Oktagon Back Home?
Irish media has largely turned its back on MMA in recent years, with Conor McGregor’s controversies contributing to the sport’s decline in mainstream attention. Even Paul Hughes’ recent heroics in Belfast were largely ignored by national outlets.
This needs to change, and Will Fleury may be the man to make it happen.
While hosting an Oktagon event in Ireland presents logistical and business challenges, the potential payoff is enormous. The promotion has already found success in countries like Germany and the Czech Republic. Taking a risk on an Irish card, with Fleury headlining — potentially even for the middleweight title — could be the key to reigniting Irish interest in MMA.
Fleury has the potential to galvanise a nation and bring MMA in Ireland back to its rightful place in the spotlight. The mainstream media may have turned away, but if this warrior becomes a triple champion, they will have no choice but to look again.
Whatever happens next, the achievements of both Will Fleury and Oktagon deserve recognition across the global MMA community.
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