This weekend, on February 1st, the Czech based promotion OKTAGON MMA hosts the first event of the year, in Dusseldorf, Germany with OKTAGON 66 at the PSD Bank Dome. This also marks the start of the yearly OKTAGON TipSport Gamechanger Tournament, a grand prix that pits 16 of Europe’s best fighters against each other to compete for €1 Million. This years edition features the Middleweight division, with the pyramid featuring several top names such as Ion Surdu, Matej Penaz, Kerim Engizek, and many more. Not only will the first set of tournament matchups take place this Saturday, a number of other exciting bouts line the card. Here are five must watch matchups for OKTAGON 66:
5. Tamerlan “Most Wanted” Dulatov (1-0) vs Ghith Igzawi (0-0)
Tamerlan “Most Wanted” Dulatov is the younger brother of now UFC Welterweight Islam Dulatov, and is set to make his OKTAGON debut after he was forced to pull out last july due to an injury. Dulatov is a former amatuer boxer, with 15 fights under his belt, and showcased elite wrestling and ground and pound in his MMA debut. The Dulatov brothers have a massive following, with their YouTube Channel having over 110k subscribers. Standing across from him will be debuting fighter Ghith Igzawi, representing Kuwait. Dulatov is a star on the rise, and look for big matchups for him in 2025.
Prediction: Dulatov by R1 GnP KO
4. Deniz “El Pistolero” Ilbay (7-1) vs Vladimir “Vlado” Lengal (7-4)
A pivotal matchup in the featherweight division occurs when German star Deniz “El Pistolero” Ilbay takes on fellow former pro boxer and Czech standout Vladimir Lengal. Ilbay is a powerful puncher, notching knockout finishes in front of the two largest crowds OKTAGON has ever seen. He is on a hot streak, winning four of his last five fights by finish. He sports a 22-3 professional boxing record on top of his 7-1 score in MMA. Lengal himself is undefeated as boxer, but has faced some adversity in his OKTAGON career. He scored a massive comeback victory vs Corey Fry last time out, proving he belongs in the featherweight rankings. He will defend that number 7 next to his name in a strikers delight vs Ilbay. This fight is guaranteed fireworks, and expect one of these two men to walk away with the finish.
Prediction: Deniz Ilbay by R3 KO
3. Matej “Money” Penaz (9-1) vs David “Sagat” Zawada (19-10)
TipSport Gamechanger Bout
One of OKTAGON’s biggest stars, Matej Penaz took most of 2024 of due to unknown reasons after a title fight with Patrik Kincl fell through. The primary training partner of Jiri Prochazka has once again returned to action, entering into the 2024 TipSport Gamechanger tournament. At 6 ‘4 with an 83 inch reach, Penaz is one of the most dangerous strikers in all of Europe, and for many is a favorite to win this year’s bracket. Across from Penaz is UFC and PFL veteran David Zawada, who has had a bit of a rough patch in his career as of late. He is 2-4 in his last 6, with his last loss coming in July by 1st round KO to fellow tournament challenger Marek Mazuch. Despite his losses, expect Zawada to come out swinging and give his home country fans a show.
Prediction: Penaz via R1 KO
2. Kerim Engizek (21-4, MW Champ) vs Anthony Salamone (8-2)
TipSport Gamechanger Bout
Newly crowned OKTAGON Middleweight Champion Kerim Engizek has put plans to defend his belt on hold for 2025, as he has entered into the TipSport Gamechanger Tournament to chase the €1 Million. Engizek is a world class kickboxer, and a former four time GMC champion in his adopted home country of Germany. He took the belt off long time champion Patrik Kincl at OKTAGON 62, and has everything to prove in this tournament. His opponent in the first round is PFL Europe veteran and French standout Anthony Salamone. He has fought names such as Jakub Nedoh, Will Fluery, and has finished five of his eight wins. If he hopes to win this matchup, the wrestling and grappling will be key.
Prediction: Engizek by Unanimous Decision
1. Lom Ali Eskiev (22-7) vs Damian “The Walking Dead” Lapilus (18-18-2)
In the co-main event, fans have the absolute treat of watching two of Europe’s best lightweights clash on the continents largest MMA stage. Lom Ali Eskiev is a true pioneer of the German MMA scene, influencing and training most of the top German stars you see today, including the Dulatov brothers, Engizek and Deniz Ilbay. Eskiev is coming off two consecutive finishes in MMA, with his most recent being a KO over fellow legend Ivan Buchinger. With an extremely well rounded game and power in his fists, Eskiev hopes to score a career defining victory over his French opponent. Lapilus on the other side, has one of the most deceiving records in all of MMA. Due to French commission rules, after Lapilus was caught for PEDs most of his wins were overturned to losses, which changed his record from 23-12-1, to 18-18-2. Despite this, he remains one of the most skilled fighters in all of Europe. The older brother of UFC fighter Taylor Lapilus, Damian employs a similar but more brutal style. Lapilus was able to secure the first round TKO via body kick last time out, but he faces one of the toughest opponents of his career in Eskiev. This fight will be both a war and a chess match, and is one of the best fights of the weekend.
Prediction: Eskiev by Unanimous Decision
While these are just five of the outstanding matches to occur on OKTAGON 66, there is an entire card of action in front of the sold out PSD Dome in Dusseldorf, Germany. You can watch this event on RTL+, DAZN, or OKTAGON.tv.
In Gogi We Trust
