The biggest year in OKTAGON MMA history kicked off on Saturday evening, February 11, with Oktagon 39 in front of a packed German crowd. They enjoyed an exciting night of action as their local heroes showcased their skills on the biggest MMA card that Munich had ever seen, demonstrating how quickly the sport is evolving in the country.
In the main event, local fan-favorite Christian Jungwirth (13-6) picked up a split-decision victory over Denilson Neves de Oliveira (17-10) in their welterweight matchup. The atmosphere was electric when “The Kelt” made his way into the arena with the whole audience inside AUDI DOME on their feet singing along to his walkout track. Jungwirth outworked his adversary in all phases of the game over the contest and now has some momentum ahead of the opening round of the €1 million Tipsport Gamechanger welterweight tournament which takes place in three weeks’ time.
The new generation dominated the old generation in the co-headliner as Alexander Poppeck (16-4) defeated German MMA legend Martin Zawada (29-18-1) in a complete shutout over 15 minutes. “Ironside” utilized his superior grappling throughout the light heavyweight bout and landed some damaging strikes from top position to prove decisively who the better man was. In his post-fight interview, Poppeck asked for a title shot, while “King Kong” made it known that he is not finished in the sport yet and wants to continue competing.
Losene Keita (10-0) delivered a simply stunning performance in his featherweight debut when he bulldozed through talented former muay Thai champion Samuel Bark (8-2) reinforcing that he is one of the best prospects worldwide. The undefeated lightweight king made an immediate statement in his second division, showcasing his incredible hand-speed, power and accuracy on his way to a third round TKO victory. “Blank Panther” called out featherweight champion Mate Sanikidze once again in their ongoing feud as he hunts “double champ” status.
In other feature bouts, Pavol Langer (11-9) came through as a big underdog to defeat Rafael Xavier (11-7) by split decision at light heavyweight, and Ronald Paradeiser (16-8) looked impressive when he finished Vlado Sikic (12-2-1) by TKO in the second frame of their lightweight contest.
Elsewhere on the card, Hatef Moeil (14-4) made it 10 victories in a row by claiming a unanimous decision over Wallyson Carvalho (13-8) before announcing he wants a shot at the vacant heavyweight title when OKTAGON MMA visit Oberhausen for the first time in June. Hector Lombard (34-10-1 MMA) and Vlasto Cepo (11-2 MMA) fought to a draw in their boxing contest while at featherweight, Vladimir Lengal (5-2) stopped Cem Kuyumcuoglu (0-1) by TKO in the second round.
Oktagon 39 results include:
- Christian Jungwirth def. Denilson Neves de Oliveira via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
- Alexander Poppeck def. Martin Zawada via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-25, 30-25)
- Losene Keita def. Samuel Bark via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 0:30 of round one
- Pavol Langer def. Rafael Xavier via split decision (29-28, 27-30, 29-28)
- Ronald Paradeiser def. Vlado Sikic via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 2:08
- Hatef Moeil def. Wallyson Carvalho via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Vlasto Cepo vs. Hector Lombard declared a draw as neither were able to finish the fight (boxing)
- Vladimír Lengal def. Cem Kuyumcuoglu via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 4:30
- Marek Bartl def. Kevin Hangs via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 2:03
- Lukas Cruz def. Tayo Odunjo via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
