OKTAGON MMA Rule Out Darren Till And Anderson Silva As Promoters Outline UK And Ireland Strategy

Europe’s biggest MMA promotion OKTAGON MMA is expanding into the UK and Ireland with its November 4th debut. OKTAGON MMA’s promise to fight fans is a long-term investment in young and hungry talent, rather than buying “instant fame” with UFC legends like Till and Silva.

OKTAGON MMA regularly sell-out shows in mainland Europe have been recognized at The World MMA Awards with nominations including ‘Best Promotion’ as well as co-Founder Ondrej Novonty being shortlisted for the ‘Leading Man’ alongside UFC’s Dana White.

Co-Founder, Pavol Neruda, commented:

“It’s a must now to find and recognize the best young talent in the UK and Ireland and sign them. There’s so much talent right now here right now, the scene is so much different than four years back. We will make them famous in the UK first, but also in Germany, Czech Republic, and Slovakia thanks to our broadcast partners. Most other promotions are buying big-name fighters, but they just come, fight, and leave. This is not our strategy, we want to showcase local stars like Shem Rock and Akonne Wanliss, so fans can stay with them and watch them progress towards the title. We said no to big-name-attractive options and instead, we are taking the maybe harder route. But it’s better for fans, fighters, and our brand, and there’s a good reason for it. 

“Let’s say you bring in a Darren Till or Anderson Silva – they’re big names and we all like these fighters – but you know they’re not chasing titles. We want hungry fighters  – so you really feel it when they say they’re going after the title – you believe in them. That’s when it’s interesting. It’s more believable than just buying instant fame. It’s like buying followers on Instagram. It’s empty. We want the stories and the hungry fighters following their dreams, and as fans we will witness their run towards titles. The fans will have a deeper connection this way with us and the fighters.”

Since its establishment in 2016, OKTAGON MMA has been making big moves in the industry, with its fresh and innovative approach to production, investment in young fighters, and creative story-telling putting the personality of the fighters at the heart of everything they do. As result, OKTAGON have been nominated  in the following categories:

• ‘Best Promotion’
• ‘Leading Man’ – Ondrej Novotny
• ‘Best Submission’ – Louis Glismann vs Melvin van Suijdam (Inverted omoplata – OKTAGON 43)
• ‘Comeback of the year’ – John Hathaway

Co-Founder, Ondrej Novotny, commented:

“We have been nominated for four awards by Fighters Only. It was very special news because until now in Eastern Europe, only KSW has been nominated and maybe ACA. It gives us that recognition that we’re there and that people are watching and it shows to other people in Europe that we are really coming on strong and it was pure joy to see it. 

“I think we can win at least one category with Louis Glismann’s unbelievable submission. But I want to believe that our fans are that crazy that we can even win the promotion of the year. It’s nice that I’ve been nominated personally, but it’s a nomination for me and Pavol. This is something for us, we are 50-50 in this business. After 25 years in the business, it shows you’re doing something right.”
OKTAGON MMA makes its first UK appearance on November 4th, at Manchester’s iconic AO Arena for OKTAGON 48. Fans can secure their tickets here: https://oktagonmma.com/en/events/73/

Roberto Villa

Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer.