Oktagon 49 Preview: Moeil v Todev

Oktagon returns to our screens this Saturday evening, and they’re chalking a new German city off the list in the process. Cologne is perhaps best known for its gothic cathedral, however the Lanxess Arena will look to make history of its own with one of the biggest German MMA crowds ever at Oktagon 49. Eleven fights will go down, including one for an OKMMA title.

The vacant OKMMA is up for grabs in the main event of the evening. Hatef Moeil (14-4) has been on an absolute tear since losing to Marcin Wójcik back in March 2018. The German has won his last ten and has been devastating opponents with his hands, knees and ground and pound during that period. The Düsseldorf man has earned this opportunity the hard way. Lazar Todev (9-5) has had his hand raised in his last seven bouts. The Bulgarian isn’t too dissimilar to his opponent in that his striking has made mincemeat of most who’ve stood in front of him. His technique might be a little cleaner. These two should keep it standing.

Christian Eckerlin (15-5) is one of the most popular fighters in his native country. The German is a strong wrestler who links in submissions well. The 37-year-old Frankfurter is also handy on the feet and is undefeated in his last nine. Leandro “Apollo” Silva (27-11-1) is a former UFC, ACA and PFL competitor. The Brazilian is a dab hand in the submission game. The 38-year-old is as tough as they come and has never been finished.

Kerim Engizek (19-4) is a man on the crest of a wave, winning his last twelve. The EMC middleweight champion is looking to climb the Oktagon ranks and win the belt there. The UFD Gym Düsseldorf student has demolished opponents with his kickboxing, causing huge damage with his hands and feet. Adam Horváth (10-7) steps in on short notice to save this fight. The Hungarian replaces Ahmed Sami, a man he lost to in his last fight in October. He’s a tall submission player.

Deniz Ilbay (5-0) is a former boxer who’s transitioned well to MMA so far. Another UFD Gym Düsseldorf man, ground and pound has been his biggest threat so far. Obviously a danger on the feet, the 28-year-old has also pulled off a bulldog choke. Corey Fry (4-1) has been a finishing machine on the English local scene. The north western Englishman has big power in the stand-up and all wins have come within the first round.

Andrej Kalašnik (10-4) is an Oktagon veteran and this will be his tenth promotional battle. The Czech is a tough striker who usually goes to decision. The Brno man’s last finish was against a German, a submission win over Christian Jungwirth. Niklas Stolze (12-6) arrives in Oktagon after an unsuccessful UFC run. The German is a good wrestler and submission player. He’s looking for his first win since 2019.

Cihad Akipa (6-0) is another promotional newcomer and a veteran of the local GMC scene. The German is a kickboxer and boxer who has won four of six fights by knockout. Matthew Bonner (15-9-1) is a former Cage Warriors champion and this will be his first Oktagon appearance. The Next Gen Liverpool man is a great wrestler with heavy striking. If he gets on top of you, good luck shifting him.

Konrad Dyrschka (15-2) is another high level fighter out of UFD Gym. The former KSW man is a very good kickboxer with finishing power. His wrestling is also quite effective. Thiago “Manchinha” Silva (24-13) has competed for ACA in the past. The Brazilian is a submission player with competitive stand-up.

Jorick Montagnac (4-2) is a big and athletic light heavyweight. The Frenchman has massive power on the feet and knows how to grind out a decision. He’s looking to bounce back from his first career loss last time out. Steve MacDonald (4-0) makes his first MMA appearance since 2019. The Canadian will mostly stay on the feet and go for the classic 205lb knockout. 

Roman Paulus (8-3) is a ten-fight Oktagon veteran despite his young age. The 23-year-old Slovakian mostly goes to decisions, however he has a good submission game. Arijan Topallaj (5-0-1) is a student of the great Peter Sobotta. The young German is well rounded. His wrestling is strong, his choke game is lethal and he can mix it up on the feet.

Jake McHugh (debut) is next on the conveyor belt of talent from Next Gen Liverpool. The Englishman has a brilliant grappling game and a real submission threat. Now to see if it translates to pro. Ivan Klevets (0-2) trains out of Ankos MMA in Poznań. The Ukrainian is a good Muay Thai fighter with decent wrestling. He’s looking for his first pro win.

The free YouTube prelim features Lukáš Eliáš (1-0). The Slovakian won his pro debut by first round submission. He represented his country at multiple IMMAF championships at amateur level. Finn Griessmann (1-1) hails from Hannover and he was victorious in his opening bout via decision. He’s looking to bounce back from a first round submission defeat in July.

Oktagon 49 is live from Cologne on Saturday night from 17:00 on Channel 4, Oktagon.tv and DAZN.