The Octagon MMA helped German MMA surge to the next level. At the venue they can put shows in and the opportunities they offer fighters are no wonder German MMA is in the best place ever.
German Octagon
Octagon MMA recognizes that Germany has one of the largest markets. So they created a lot of prospects on the brink of being a star. The cusp of potential title shots, including Niko Samsonidse, Deniz Ilbay, and Max Holzer, allowed us to see the new stars born on Saturday night.
German MMA Superstar
Germany has fan favorites such as Christian Eckerlin, Christian Johngworth and David Zawada. But none of them could make a point to the Octagon title or any other major promotions they fought. Kerim Engizek, who won the middleweight title in October, is the only German champion in Octagonma. Engizek is recognized as a German superstar and has the title next to his name, but who will be next?
Who will be next?
In this weekend’s main event, the two top German featherweights will head straight to their heads in a fierce matchup. Dennis Ilbay and Max Holzer are finally ready to sink their beef into their octagon cages. Also on the Saturday night card is Khalid Taha. The former UFC fighter is about to break into the loaded featherweight division in a statement on his Oktagon MMA debut.
At a press conference on Friday, Khalid Taha made it very clear that both fighters would like to face Holzer if they win Saturday night. Holzer ranks fourth in a 10-0 record. His victory over #7 ranked Dennis Ilbay could see him in the title fight or in the #1 candidate matchup with Khalid Taha.
Nico Samson is often not fully spoken as one of the top prospects for German MMA. After losing their first attempt for the Octagon MMA featherweight title against losene keita, the Samsonids won their final two fights. He is ranked number one in the featherweight division and is back in the title fight and working.
Alexander Popek is a victory away from a potential title fight. On May 17th, he revenges his defeat against Pavol Langer and aims to book his own matchup against Will Fleury. He is currently ranked 2nd in the lightweight category. He has a big supporter behind him via Bayern.
The last name that requires mention is Lazar Todev. After starting his career 2-5, “Punisher” won seven games before his first title shot. Todd F has proven multiple times that he is the number one heavyweight candidate, but he still can’t claim the Octagon MMA heavyweight title he desperately seeks. He lost a painfully close title fight against Hatef Moiel and Will Fleury. Todd F is a very athletic heavyweight and finds himself very well in the third attempt of a title in the near future.