OKTAGON Rankings Shake-Up: What Changed This Week

A Kingdom with Two Kings: The Middleweight Division in Chaos

The OKTAGON MMA Middleweight division, as of March 2026, exists in a state of unprecedented and compelling chaos. It is a kingdom ruled not by one undisputed sovereign, but by a triumvirate of claimants, each with a legitimate, yet conflicting, hold on championship gold. This complex situation, involving Kerim Engizek, Makhmud Muradov, and Krzysztof Jotko, has created a logjam at the top of Europe's most talent-rich 185-pound division, setting the stage for an inevitable and high-stakes resolution.

The Genesis of a Three-Headed Problem

The current predicament is the direct result of ambitious tournament matchmaking intersecting with traditional championship lineage.

The Undisputed Champion: The story begins with Kerim Engizek, who captured the undisputed OKTAGON Middleweight Championship by defeating the formidable Patrik Kincl at OKTAGON 62 in October 2024. His reign, however, was immediately put on hold.
The Gamechanger Tournament: OKTAGON launched the €1 million Tipsport Gamechanger, an elimination-style tournament featuring 16 of Europe's elite middleweights. Engizek, as the reigning champion, entered the tournament, effectively freezing the normal title-defense cycle.
The Interim King: To maintain divisional activity, an interim title was created. Makhmud Muradov seized this opportunity, defeating Patrik Kincl at OKTAGON 72 on June 14, 2025, to become the interim champion. The promotion's mandate was clear: the interim champion would be next in line for Engizek once the Gamechanger concluded.
The Tournament Victor: The tournament reached its climax at OKTAGON 82 on January 17, 2026. In a stunning turn of events, former UFC veteran Krzysztof Jotko submitted the undisputed champion, Kerim Engizek, via first-round rear-naked choke. Jotko was crowned the "2026 OKTAGON Tipsport Gamechanger Tournament Champion," but crucially, not explicitly the new undisputed OKTAGON Middleweight Champion.

This sequence of events has left the division with three champions: Engizek (undisputed, but coming off a loss), Muradov (interim), and Jotko (Gamechanger winner who beat the undisputed champ).

The Contenders' Positions and the Path Forward

The ambiguity has forced the fighters themselves to publicly campaign for clarity.

Makhmud Muradov has been the most vocal, publicly expressing his frustration. He argues that Engizek's title should be stripped, citing both his loss to Jotko and over a year of inactivity in defending the undisputed belt. Muradov views his interim title as a placeholder for a fight that no longer makes sense, believing Jotko is the rightful top dog. He has directly appealed to OKTAGON management, calling for a title fight against Jotko to unify the division and crown a true champion.

Kerim Engizek's situation is complicated by a significant injury. He entered the Gamechanger final against Jotko with a broken hand sustained in his semi-final bout, which required surgery and the insertion of a titanium plate. This injury visibly hampered his performance. While his official stance on his title status remains unreported, his path is clouded by recovery and the legitimacy of his claim post-defeat.

Krzysztof Jotko, for his part, has acted with a victor's magnanimity. Acknowledging Engizek's injury, he publicly offered a rematch in a stadium setting, a testament to the potential drawing power of a fully-fit encounter. This offer, however, further complicates the title picture—is it for the undisputed belt, or simply a high-profile non-title bout?

Inevitable Collision: Potential Resolutions

Drawing from historical MMA precedents, where interim titles are resolved via unification bouts, OKTAGON management has several paths forward, each with its own strategic implications.

Scenario A: Strip Engizek, Book Jotko vs. Muradov. This is the path Muradov advocates for and arguably the cleanest solution. It respects Jotko's victory over the champion and Muradov's status as the interim titleholder. A unification bout between Jotko and Muradov would produce a single, undisputed champion and leverages the existing fighter-driven narrative.
Scenario B: Mandatory Unification - Engizek vs. Muradov. If OKTAGON honors Engizek's status as the undisputed champion, a mandatory unification bout against interim champion Muradov is the traditional route. The winner would then logically face Jotko. This path respects the original lineage but delays the resolution and potentially devalues Jotko's tournament win.
Scenario C: A Tournament of Champions. A bold, promotionally-rich option would be a three-man mini-tournament. This could involve a round-robin or an elimination bracket to definitively crown one king. While logistically complex, it would create a marquee event and resolve all claims inside the cage.

The most critical immediate step is an official, unambiguous statement from OKTAGON co-founders Ondřej Novotný and Pavol Neruda. Their decision will not only shape the future of their most stacked division but will also be a major test of their ability to manage complex championship scenarios as they continue their rapid expansion across Europe.

The Reign of "The Champ-Champ": Will Fleury's Iron Grip on Two Divisions

While the Middleweight division is defined by its chaos, the two divisions above it are defined by the singular dominance of one man: Will Fleury. The Irish phenom holds the rare distinction of being a concurrent two-division champion, reigning over both the Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight classes, and sits firmly atop the promotion's Pound-for-Pound rankings. His reign is a masterclass in skill, strategy, and intelligent career management.

A Tale of Two Titles

Fleury's ascent to double-champion status was methodical and impressive.

He first captured the Light Heavyweight Championship by defeating the legendary Karlos Vémola via unanimous decision at OKTAGON 65 on December 29, 2024.
He then moved up to claim the vacant Heavyweight Championship, securing another unanimous decision win, this time against Lazar Todev at OKTAGON 68 on March 8, 2025.
He solidified his heavyweight reign with a dominant first-round TKO defense against former UFC fighter Martin Buday at OKTAGON 81 on December 28, 2025.

With a professional record of 16-3-1, Fleury has demonstrated a versatile finishing ability with 4 KOs, 4 submissions, and 8 decision victories.

The Strategic Advantage of a True Heavyweight

Fleury's success is not merely a product of being a large light heavyweight. It is rooted in a skill-centric philosophy and the significant physiological benefits of competing at his more natural weight.

Physiological Freedom: Fleury has revealed that he weighs only around 2 kg more at Heavyweight (107 kg) than at Light Heavyweight (105 kg). This minimal difference allows him to completely avoid the debilitating process of weight cutting. The benefits are immense: superior nutrition, higher energy levels during training camp, and vastly improved recovery. This allows him to focus purely on skill acquisition and strategy.
Skill Over Size: Fleury's style is predicated on technique, elite grappling, and resilience, not brute force. This was evident in his title-winning performance against Vémola, where he executed five takedowns, and his defense against the much larger Martin Buday (nearly 30 kg heavier). Fleury's camp for the Buday fight explicitly chose not to bulk up, reinforcing their confidence in his technical superiority. His nuanced assessment that Lazar Todev was a more skilled opponent than the larger Buday further illustrates his focus on technique over raw physicality.
Coaching and Evolution: Under the tutelage of SBG Ireland's John Kavanagh, Fleury has continuously refined his game. Kavanagh highlights a breakthrough in Fleury's striking, where he has mastered range and distance to deliver "surgical strikes." This evolution, combined with his self-driven motivation, has turned him into a complex puzzle for any opponent.

Challenges of a Dual-Division King

Fleury's dominance presents a unique set of challenges. The primary issue is a stagnation in the Light Heavyweight division. Having already defeated three of the top five contenders, and with others contemplating moves to middleweight, Fleury has openly voiced frustration at the lack of viable challengers at 205 pounds. This scarcity of opponents was a key motivator for his move to heavyweight and has even led him to consider a drop to middleweight to stay active.

The most credible threats to his reign now exist primarily at heavyweight. While he has dispatched a former UFC talent in Buday, the division is home to other powerful contenders who will look to test his chin and grappling defense. Defending two belts requires a demanding schedule and a constant shifting of focus between different types of opponents, a challenge that will define the next chapter of his already storied career.

A Queen Among Kings: Lucia Szabova Shatters the P4P Ceiling

In a groundbreaking and powerful statement on the quality of its female athletes, OKTAGON MMA's official Pound-for-Pound list features Women's Bantamweight Champion Lucia "Silent Killer" Szabova at an incredible #3 overall ranking. This placement, ahead of numerous male champions and contenders, is a testament to her unblemished record and devastating finishing abilities, and it sets the stage for one of the most anticipated female fights in European MMA history.

The Undefeated Champion and Her Record

Szabova's official professional record stands at a perfect 10-0. While some databases note a loss in a 2020 "Oktagon: Underground" event, this was a special tournament format with modified rules, and it is not recognized on her official professional MMA record by the promotion or major record-keepers.

Her strength of schedule has progressively intensified, silencing any early-career critics. Her resume includes:

A submission victory over Rizlen Zouak, a former Olympian.
A decision win over Cornelia Holm, who was ranked #41 globally at the time.
A submission victory over UFC veteran Kalindra Faria.
A title-winning TKO victory over the reigning OKTAGON Bantamweight Champion Cecilie Bolander at OKTAGON 74 in August 2025.

While her #3 P4P ranking is specific to OKTAGON, her global standing is also rising, with FightMatrix.com ranking her as the #17 Women's Bantamweight in the world as of January 2026. This trajectory indicates a fighter who is rapidly moving from a regional star to a globally recognized talent.

The Collision Course: Szabova vs. Dalaslan

The narrative of Szabova's reign is inextricably linked to the rise of another undefeated phenom: Germany's Alina "Iron Fist" Dalaslan (5-0). A future clash between these two is not a matter of if, but when, and it promises to be a monumental event.

Alina Dalaslan is a pure, devastating striker. A former 2024 IMMAF World Champion, she has a strong amateur pedigree that has translated seamlessly to the professional ranks.

Stylistic Breakdown: Dalaslan is a kickboxer with lethal power in her punches, kicks, and elbows. She has finished four of her five professional opponents via KO/TKO. Her finishes are often spectacular, including a highlight-reel spinning back elbow TKO of Clara Ricignuolo and a knee-induced stoppage of Kamila Šimková.
Proven Resilience: In her bout with Ricignuolo, Dalaslan faced her first real professional adversity, getting stunned by strikes in the first round. She not only recovered but came back to score a vicious finish in the second, proving she has the composure and chin to match her offensive firepower.
Potential Weaknesses: The primary question surrounding Dalaslan is her grappling. She has not yet faced a high-level submission artist, and some defensive tendencies, like dropping her hands after low kicks, have been noted.

A fight between Szabova and Dalaslan presents a classic and compelling stylistic matchup. It pits Szabova's proven, well-rounded game and submission prowess (with a 70% finish rate) against Dalaslan's explosive, one-punch knockout power. It is a battle of two undefeated fighters at the peak of their powers, a true "undefeated vs. undefeated" clash that will determine the undisputed queen of OKTAGON.

The Unbeaten Wave: A New Generation of Killers is Coming

Beneath the established champions, a new generation of undefeated talent is surging through the ranks of OKTAGON MMA. This wave of prospects, primarily hailing from Germany, represents the next major threat to the old guard. They are not just winning; they are dominating, bringing specialized skill sets and immense ambition that promise to reshape their respective divisions.

Featherweight: Max Holzer (11-0)

Germany's Max Holzer is a grappling prodigy with a perfect 11-0 record. Starting his pro career at just 18, the 25-year-old from Fightschool Hannover has established himself as a premier submission threat.

Finishing Prowess: Holzer has finished 9 of his 11 opponents, with 7 of those wins coming by submission. His OKTAGON debut was a textbook display of his style: he secured a takedown within 40 seconds and immediately transitioned to back control to hunt for the choke.
Mental Fortitude: Holzer possesses a composure that belies his years, stating he feels no pressure in front of large crowds—a trait he's had since his amateur days. This mental toughness was further proven when he overcame a severe staph infection that forced a fight cancellation, returning to training with renewed focus. With his sights set on a title shot, Holzer is a patient predator on the verge of contention.

Welterweight: Felix Klinkhammer (10-0)

Felix Klinkhammer entered the upper echelon of the welterweight division with a flawless 10-0 record. Having competed in OKTAGON as early as 2021, he honed his skills in the French promotion Ares FC, amassing four victories before making his triumphant return.

Grappling Dominance: His re-emergence at OKTAGON 80 in November 2025 was a statement, as he submitted the highly-respected veteran Máté Kertész in the first round. This victory immediately announced him as a legitimate threat to anyone in the top five.
Note on Record: While widely reported as 10-0, a single FightMatrix entry notes a 2019 loss. Though likely an error or a case of mistaken identity, it is a point of data that warrants clarification as he moves toward a title. Regardless, his current run is undeniably that of an elite, undefeated contender.

Light Heavyweight: The Planet Eater Duo

The Light Heavyweight division, ruled by Will Fleury, is about to be tested by two undefeated German prospects from the renowned Planet Eater gym.

Emilio Quissua (8-0): A dangerous and powerful striker, Emilio Quissua brings a dynamic and explosive style. A former UAE Warriors champion, he has proven he can win gold on the regional circuit. His power was on full display in his 34-second knockout of William Knight, where a straight left followed by a "nasty uppercut" ended the fight instantly. With a 62.5% finish rate and the backing of coach Peter Sobotta, who sees UFC potential in him, Quissua is being strategically guided toward the top.
Frederic "Neanderthal" Vosgröne (4-0): Perhaps the most distinctive prospect, Frederic Vosgröne is a pure submission specialist. His 4-0 record is perfect in every sense: all four victories have come by submission. A master of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, his grappling-first approach is relentless. In his OKTAGON debut, he immediately attacked his opponent's legs, maintained control, and secured a second-round submission. Vosgröne's ambition matches his skill; he actively calls for the "hardest fights," including champion Will Fleury, and his unique "Neanderthal" persona has made him a viral sensation and a fan favorite.

Together, this quartet of undefeated fighters represents the future of OKTAGON. Their impending clashes with the established elite will be the defining narrative of the coming year.

Bantamweight's Bizarre Puzzle: Unpacking the Division's Anomalies

OKTAGON's Bantamweight division is a fascinating case study in perplexing rankings and questionable matchmaking. Lacking a publicly disclosed ranking algorithm, the division's hierarchy appears to diverge significantly from a pure merit-based system, creating a bizarre puzzle for analysts and fans alike. The vacant championship, the exclusion of the #2 contender from the title fight, and the inexplicable ranking of underperforming fighters all point to a system in need of transparency.

The Wanderley Junior Anomaly

The most glaring inconsistency is the ranking of Wanderley Junior. As of February 18, 2026, he is ranked #6 in the division. However, his recent performance paints a starkly different picture.

Junior's record in his last four OKTAGON fights is a dismal 1 win and 3 losses.
His losses include two TKOs and a unanimous decision loss to Dastan Amangeldy on January 31, 2026.

His high ranking is indefensible when compared to other fighters in the division:

Raul Lemberanskij (#5): Ranked just one spot above Junior, Lemberanskij is an undefeated prospect with a perfect 8-0 record.
Harun Kurt (Unranked): Another undefeated fighter with a 6-0 record, Kurt is not even in the top 8.
Dastan Amangeldy (#4): The man who just defeated Junior is ranked only two spots above him.

That an undefeated fighter like Lemberanskij is only one spot above a fighter on a 1-3 skid, and another undefeated talent like Kurt is unranked entirely, strongly suggests that recent performance and win streaks are not being appropriately weighted.

The Vacant Title Fiasco

The championship picture is equally confounding. The Bantamweight title has been vacant for two years. A title fight is finally scheduled for OKTAGON 85 on March 7, 2026, but the matchup itself raises serious questions.

The fight is between #1 Igor Severino and #3 Khurshed Kakhorov.
Completely bypassed is the #2 ranked Jonas Mågård.

Jonas Mågård, a former two-time OKTAGON champion, is a legitimate top contender. He previously lost a close split decision to Severino. In a December 2025 interview, Mågård revealed that Severino's management did not want a rematch, and he openly questioned the competitive landscape if top fighters were avoiding each other. The exclusion of the clear #2 contender from a vacant title fight, especially amidst reports that the #1 contender is actively avoiding him, is a significant blow to the sporting integrity of the division.

A Call for Transparency

These anomalies—Junior's ranking and Mågård's exclusion—are symptoms of an opaque system. Without a clear, merit-based methodology that prioritizes win streaks, quality of opposition, and recent performance, the rankings appear subjective. To bolster its credibility, OKTAGON should consider publishing its ranking criteria. A transparent system would not only justify its divisional hierarchies but also build trust with the fighters and the fanbase who invest in their competitive journeys.

Old Guard, New Wars: Veterans Plotting Their Return to the Top

While much of the focus is on rising stars and dominant champions, a powerful narrative is unfolding in the resurgence of seasoned veterans. Fighters who once reached the pinnacle of the sport are demonstrating remarkable longevity and evolution, mounting serious campaigns back towards title contention. The successful comebacks of former UFC stalwart Krzysztof Jotko and OKTAGON legend Ivan Buchinger prove that experience, when paired with renewed motivation and strategic adaptation, is a formidable weapon.

The Renaissance of Krzysztof Jotko

After a respectable but inconsistent tenure in the UFC, Krzysztof Jotko has been reborn in OKTAGON. The 36-year-old Polish middleweight is on a five-fight winning streak since leaving the UFC, culminating in his dominant victory in the Tipsport Gamechanger tournament.

Stylistic Evolution: The most significant change in Jotko is his newfound finishing instinct. In the UFC, 10 of his 11 wins were by decision, earning him a reputation as a skilled but cautious point-fighter. In OKTAGON, he has become a predator. He secured his first submission win since 2012 by choking out champion Kerim Engizek and earned a TKO from mount against Marek Mazuch. This shift from control to aggression marks a profound evolution.
High-Level Training: Jotko's success is forged in the elite environment of American Top Team (ATT) in Florida, where he trains daily with world-class wrestlers and strikers like Johnny Eblen and Bo Nickal. This "iron sharpens iron" philosophy has clearly elevated his game.
Renewed Mentality: Jotko fights with a palpable confidence, stating, "I know now who I am, I believe in myself." He attributes this to working with a mental coach who helped him embrace his own style rather than trying to emulate others. Now, as the Gamechanger champion who holds a recent win over the division's undisputed champion, he is in a prime position to claim the unified throne.

The Enduring Legend of Ivan Buchinger

At 40 years of age, Ivan Buchinger is defying time. The Slovak legend—a former champion in Cage Warriors, M-1, and OKTAGON—is not fading away; he is thriving. He currently sits as the #1 contender in the stacked Lightweight division.

Veteran Activity and Success: Since mid-2023, Buchinger has compiled a record of 6 wins and 2 losses, an impressive pace for any fighter, let alone a 40-year-old. His victories have come against credible opposition, including a submission win over Bellator veteran Richie Smullen and a TKO over rising prospect Hafeni Nafuka.
Fight IQ and Durability: Buchinger's recent fights are a showcase of veteran savvy. Against the younger, more explosive Nafuka, he weathered an early storm, absorbed damage, and capitalized when his opponent's cardio failed, securing a second-round finish. This ability to outlast and out-think younger opponents is his greatest asset.
Legitimate Contention: His comeback is no nostalgia tour. By taking on and defeating legitimate contenders, and only losing to top-tier fighters like Ronald Paradeiser and Lom-Ali Eskiev, Buchinger has earned his #1 ranking. He is now positioned for a legitimate title shot against reigning champion Mateusz Legierski, a remarkable feat that speaks to his enduring skill and competitive fire.

The resurgence of Jotko and Buchinger adds a critical layer of depth and intrigue to their divisions. They serve as the ultimate gatekeepers, challenging the new generation to prove their mettle while simultaneously demonstrating that the path to the top often requires conquering the legends of the past.