Swedish MMA fighter Samuel Bark enters his featherweight bout against Mate Sanikidze at Oktagon 79 with clear intentions: a convincing performance that positions him for a title shot while allowing him to showcase the Muay Thai techniques that define his fighting approach.
Samuel Bark Plans Pressure and Power at Oktagon 79, Eyes Title Shot After Sanikidze Test
Bark carries a 12-2 record into the contest, sitting at number six in the Oktagon featherweight rankings. The matchup takes place November 1st at Winning Group Arena in Brno, Czech Republic, forming part of the promotion’s milestone 1,000th fight celebration.
Bark’s fighting background provides context for his competitive approach. The Swedish fighter spent years competing in Thailand’s professional Muay Thai circuit, accumulating over 70 fights before transitioning to MMA. He earned the nickname “Sammon Decker” from his coach Sangtiennoi, who had a trilogy against legendary Dutch striker Ramon Dekker.
After establishing himself domestically in Sweden through multiple promotions, Bark moved into broader European competition with Cage Warriors and UAE Warriors, where he defeated former UFC fighter Ali Al Qaisi to capture the UAE Warriors featherweight title in May 2024.
Following his May 2024 championship victory in Abu Dhabi, Bark returned to action at Allstars Fight Night 10 in June 2025, competing for the AFN belt against Danish fighter Frederik Strauss. The competitive landscape at featherweight in Oktagon remains unsettled, with the champion position currently vacant as of October 2025. Victories against ranked opponents like Sanikidze would solidify Bark’s standing among the division’s elite and strengthen his case for a title fight.
On his fighting philosophy against Sanikidze, Bark stated his intent clearly, in an exclusive interview with Tim Wheaton of MMA News, he said:
“I want to display some Muay Thai, you know how they walk their opponent down with pressure. So like a lot of pressure, a lot of power. Punches, kicks, knees, elbows. I’m not sure. It depends on how much he walks back and runs away, you know.”
Bark’s professional activity level has been notable throughout his MMA career. Between December 2021 and May 2024, he accumulated 10 professional bouts while working to develop his striking-based approach within the MMA ruleset.
The Oktagon 79 event itself carries significance beyond this individual featherweight matchup. The show features reigning welterweight champion Ion Surdu defending his title against Andrej Kalašnik in the main event.
For Bark, victory on November 1st would represent another step toward his stated objectives of securing a title shot within Oktagon. His ability to implement his pressure-based Muay Thai game plan against Sanikidze will determine whether he achieves the statement victory he seeks.
OKTAGON 77 takes place in Bratislava, Slovakia on October 4th with 11 total bouts. The Tipsport Gamechanger tournament rolls on, with Kerim Engizek taking on Dominik Humburger in the main event with a place in the finals on the line. Hojat Khajevand will face off with UFC veteran Krzysztof Jotko for the second spot in the tournament finals. The card is filled with action and the top talent in Europe, and you can find all the live results here as they occur, and the event can be streamed live at OKTAGON.tv
Following his viral loss to Fredric Vosgrone, Jorick Montagnac made a successful return to the cage, facing Polish striker Mateusz Duczmal. Montagnac landed 7 takedowns en route to a dominant decision victory, utilizing strength and control to win the bout.
In an exciting and close stand up war, Monika Chochlikova won the first two rounds with volume and a good kicking game, and secured the decision despite a strong third round from Flores. Flores landed a tremendous sweep and several good punching exchanges, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the first two rounds despite out striking Chochlikova 75-74.
3. Karol Rysavy (14-9) vs Ayton De Paepe (13-6) – Featherweight Bout
Ayton De Paepe (14-6) defeats Karol Rysavy (14-10) by Split Decision (29-28×2, 28-29)
Fighting for the second time in just 14 days, Ayton De Paepe put an absolute pace on Karol Rysavy. He dropped the first round, but kept his pace and pressure in both the striking and wrestling, securing the last two rounds on all three judges scorecards to win his second fight in OKTAGON, shortly after his first loss at OKTAGON 76 to James Hendin.
4. #1 Veronika Smolkova (6-3) vs Ana Carolina Araujo (3-2) – Women’s Flyweight Bout
Veronika Smolkova (7-3) defeats Ana Carolina Araujo by Unanimous Decision (30-27×3)
In one of the most action packed fights of the year, Veronika Smolkova displayed all the tools in her arsenal en route to a dominant victory over the OKTAGON debutant Araujo. Smolkova landed over 200 strikes, hurting Araujo on many occasions. Despite the loss, Araujo displayed incredibly toughness and heart, and at just 19 years old will most definitely be back and improved.
5. Tomas Ciganik (6-2) vs Konrad Dyrschka (16-2) – 159 lb Catchweight
Konrad Dyrschka (17-2) defeats Tomas Ciganik (6-3) by Split Decision (29-28×2, 28-29)
In a grueling fight through two rounds, Tomas Ciganik absolutely emptied the tank and did everything he could to finish the fight and get the victory. Dyrschka showed incredible toughness and survived the onslaught, winning the fight by the skin of his teeth. This was Konrad’s first fight since December 2023.
Main Card
6. Marco Novak (6-2) vs Daniel Solaja (3-2) – Featherweight Bout
Marco Novak (7-2) defeats Daniel Solaja (3-3) by TKO :30 seconds into round 3
Daniel Solaja dominated the early going of this fight, showcasing his explosive and quick striking. Novak utilized the clinch to stay safe and add up damage, but was down 2 rounds on the scorecards entering the third. Novak proceeded to knockdown Solaja and finished the fight with ground strikes, securing the first finish of the event.
7. #4 Samuel Kristofic (17-7) vs #8 Jaime Cordero(9-2) – Middleweight Gamechanger Tournament Reserve Bout
Jaime Cordero (10-2) defeats Samuel Kristofic (17-8) by TKO (injury) 2:49 into the first round
In what was shaping up to be an action packed bout, Cordero vs Kristofic ended early in a very unfortunate manner. On a takedown by Cordero, Kristofic went to post with his arm and dislocated his elbow, resulting in a doctor’s stoppage.
8. #1 Ivan Buchinger (45-10) vs #5 Richie Smullen (15-3-1) – Featherweight Bout
Ivan Buchinger (46-10) defeats Richie Smullen (15-4-1) by Submission (Mounted Ninja Choke) 1:40 into the third round
The timeless legend Ivan Buchinger continues to find ways to win. Buchinger struggled early with the grappling pressure of the Irishman Smullen and losing a point via cage grab in the second round. Buchinger turned the tides in round three, dealing damaging ground and pound strikes, and eventually locking up the modified D’arce choke to tap out Smullen. Buchinger secure his 39th finish of his career, and the title shot as well. He also revealed in the post fight interview he entered this fight with a major shoulder injury.
Krzysztof Jotko (28-6) defeats Hojat Khajevand (10-5) by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28×3)
UFC veteran Krzystof Jotko remained with his winning ways, as he used a tactical gameplan to outstrike and outwrestle Hojat Khajavand over three rounds. He will face the winner of Humburger vs Engizek for the finals of the TipSport Gamechanger tournament.
Vlasto Cepo (14-3) defeats Daniel Schwindt (8-4) by KO (hook) at 3:38 of round one
Vlasto Cepo, one of the most violent fighters in OKTAGON, maintained his reputation with a devastating knockout of fellow finisher Daniel Schwindt. Cepo withstood the early storm and delivered the explosive right hook, ending the German fighters night early and sending the Slovak crowd into a roar.
In possibly one of the greatest fights we have ever seen in the OKTAGON cage, Kerim Engizek defeated Dominik Humburger in an absolute war. Both men did immense damage, with Humburger breaking Engizek’s nose in the first round. Despite the adversity, the champion rallied back and dropped Humburger on multiple occasions, despite being outstruck for the fight. Engizek moves on to face Jotko in December for a chance at €300,000 euros and the TipSport Gamechanger championship.
**Kerim Engizek is the current OKTAGON middleweight champion, but the belt is not on the line during the TipSport Gamechanger Tournament.
OKTAGON will be back on October 18th in Köln, Germany with OKTAGON 77: Jungwirth vs Trušček.
Oktagon 76 goes down this Saturday, September 20th at the Festhalle in Frankfurt, Germany. This will be the second consecutive week that OKTAGON has hosted a show, and will be the 11th OKTAGON event of the year. In the main event, we will see German MMA legend Daniel Weichel make his return to the cage vs fellow veteran Abou Tounkara. The co-main event features breakout German Star Frederic “Neanderthal BJJ” Vosgrone as he looks to stay undefeated vs Brazilian Fabio Moraes. This event will feature many other top OKTAGON fighters and matchups such as Peter Gabal vs Denis Frimpong, English fighter James “Honey Badger” Hendin, former kickboxer Alina Dalaslan, and much more. Do not miss the action and make sure to tune in on OKTAGON.tv.
PRELIMS
Georg Bilogrevic (7-4) vs David Hosek (12-7-1) – Middleweight bout (185lbs/83.9kg)
David Hosek defeats Georg Bilogrevic by Unanimous Decision (30-27×2, 29-28×3)
In the first fight of the evening, David Hosek utilized his powerful boxing and strong grappling defense to outwork OKTAGON debutant fighter Bilogrevic, securing the unanimous decision win and moving his overall record to 13-7-1, and his OKTAGON record to 7-3-1. Georg Bilogrevic drops to 7-5 with the loss, also missed weight in this fight, his first at middleweight.
Raul Lemberanskij (7-0) vs Jose Zarauz (26-11-1) – Bantamweight Bout (135lbs/61.2kg)
Raul Lemeranskij defeats Jose Zarauz by Unanimous Decision (29-28 x2, 30-27)
Top German prospect Raul Lemeranskij faced off with Peruvian veteran Jose Zarauz in a fantastic war. Raul dominated the first round with his striking, but Zarauz came back strong in round 2 with great boxing and a powerful right hand. After two judges scored the second round for Jose, it all came down to the third. Jose had the advantage counter striking, but Raul secured a late takedown and poured on the ground and pound to secure the decision in his OKTAGON debut, moving to 8-0. Despite the loss, Zarauz showed tremendous skill, yet drops to 26-12-1, and 0-2 in OKTAGON.
James Hendin (9-3) vs Ayton De Paepe (13-5) – Featherweight Bout (145lbs/65.7kg)
James Hendin defeats Ayton De Paepe by Unanimous Decision (29-28×3)
In a grappling heavy affair, English standout James Hendin used pressure and control to outlast the Belgian Ayton De Paepe over three rounds. Despite the success of Hendin, De Paepe showed excellent resilience and took the third round on all three judges scorecards, showcasing his ability to always stay in a fight no matter how it’s going. Hendin improves his record to 10-3, and 2-1 under the OKTAGON banner while Ayton De Paepe falls to 13-6 overall, and 1-1 in OKTAGON.
Hafeni Nafuka (10-3) vs Kevin Enz (4-3) – Catchweight Bout (163lbs/73.9kg)
Hafeni Nafuka defeats Kevin Enz by submission (rear naked choke) at 2:28 in the first round
In our first finish of the evening, Hafeni Nafuka returns to the winners circle with a quick finish of Kevin Enz. Enz stepped up on short notice, but his time in the cage was even shorter as Nafuka quickly took him down, worked to the back, and secured the submission just half way through round number one. Nafuka at just 22 years old brings his record up to 11-3, and 4-3 under the OKTAGON promotion, while Kevin Enz falls to 4-4, and 1-3 with OKTAGON.
Fedor Duric (7-1) vs Petru Buzdugan (6-2) – Lightweight Bout (155lbs/70.3kg)
Fedor Duric defeats Petru Buzdugan by submission (rear naked choke) at 1:02 of the first round
Fedor Duric, the hometown star quickly got to work against the fellow prospect Petru Buzdugan, throwing strikes in the clinch and cutting Buzdugan before taking him down. From there Duric worked to the back and secured the submission with just one minute remaining in the round. Duric bounces back after his first loss, and improves his overall record to 8-1, and his promotional record to 1-1. Petru Buzdugan falls to 6-3 overall, and 0-2 in OKTAGON.
MAIN CARD
Alina Dalaslan (2-0) vs Clara Ricignuolo (3-3) – Women’s Catchweight Bout (132lbs/59.8kg)
Alina Dalaslan defeats Clara Ricignulo by TKO (Spinning back fist) at :15 of the second round
Alina Dalaslan establishes herself as a star in the European scene in a back and forth war with veteran striker Clara Ricignuolo. Alina added to her highlight reel with an incredible spinning backfist in the second round, securing her place as the top female European prospect.
Denis Frimpong (6-2) vs Peter Gabal (7-3) – Lightweight Bout (155lbs/70.3kg)
#6 Denis Frimpong defeats Peter Gabal by TKO (ground and pound) at 3:46 of the third round
In the fight of the night, Denis Frimpong and Peter Gabal came into this fight with plenty of beef, and threw down with that intensity. Gabal took the first round with powerful punches, knocking Frimpong down. Denis held old, and came back in the second round with creative striking and in the third, Gabal pulled guard which allowed Frimpong to get on top, and rain down strikes until the ref stepped in. Frimpong has established himself as a star in the lightweight division, improving his record to 7-2 overall, and 7-1 in OKTAGON. Gabal remains a steady presence in the division despite the loss, with his record falling to 7-4 overall, and 3-4 in OKTAGON.
Attila Korkmaz (15-10) vs David Tonatiuh Crol (11-10) – Lightweight Bout (155lbs/70.3kg)
Attila Korkmaz defeats David Tonatiuh Crol by Unanimous Decision (30-27 x3)
Both Korkmaz and Crol are considered tough veterans of the European scene, and in this fight both men showcased their chin and striking, but Korkmaz got the better of Crol over three rounds, utilizing a wide variety of attacks while stuffing most of Crol’s grappling attempts. Crol took this fight on less than 2 weeks notice, and despite the valiant performance drops to 11-11 in his OKTAGON debut, while Korkmaz continued his ranked run in OKTAGON. He rises to 16-10 overall, and 2-3 with the promotion. He hopes to face the winner of Richie Smullen and Ivan Buchinger who fight at OKTAGON 77.
Frederic Vosgrone defeats Fabio Moraes via submission (rear naked choke) 4:45 into the first round
Germany’s biggest MMA star entered the cage for the first time since his viral first win, and he did not disappoint against his Brazilian foe. Quickly he shot for a single leg, and got to closed guard. Using ground and pound to soften his often, he worked his way past the guard and eventually into mount, then belly down control, where he found the finish due to choke. Vosgrone moves to 5-0 in his young career and will surely see another massive boost in popularity due to his win. He moves to 5-0 in MMA, and 2-0 under the OKTAGON banner. His opponent Fabio Moraes falls to 7-2 and 0-1 for OKTAGON.
MAIN EVENT
Daniel Weichel (42-15) vs Abou Tounkara (12-6) – Lightweight 3 round Main Event (155lbs/70.3kg)
Daniel Weichel defeats Anou Tounkara by unanimous decision (30-27×3)
Daniel Weichel returned to MMA after several years, following a long run for Bellator. In this fight, Weichel was moving forward, yet timid in the pocket. Tounkara did not choose to engage much at all, as Weichel pursued him and secured the decision win.
OKTAGON returns with OKTAGON 77 on October 4th in Bratislava.
Make sure to follow OKTAGON across all social media platforms, and follow me @dsk_combatsports on instagram for more coverage and MMA related content.
Buday was released from his UFC contract after his unanimous decision win over Marcus Buchecha at UFC Abu Dhabi last month, as the promotion surprisingly chose not to renew his deal.
Martin Buday and Marcus Buchecha go the distance… how did you score it?
“Badys” secured his UFC contract in October 2021 with a first-round knockout of Lorenzo Hood on Dana White’s Contender Series. He made his Octagon debut at UFC Vegas 51 in April 2022, earning a unanimous decision victory over Chris Barnett.
Buday compiled a decent 7-1 record during his eight-fight UFC tenure, with his sole setback coming via second round TKO against Shamil Gaziev at UFC 296 in December 2023. The 33-year-old Slovakian departed the promotion ranked as the No. 12 heavyweight contender after closing out his run on a three-fight win streak, highlighted by victories over former UFC champion Andrei Arlovski and Uran Satybaldiev.
However, Martin Buday has returned to the organization where he once ruled as its heavyweight champion.
Image: @badysbjj/Instagram
Martin Buday Returns To Oktagon MMA
At Oktagon 74, held Saturday at the Central Tennis Court in Prague, Czech Republic, Martin Buday inked a fresh contract with OKTAGON MMA inside the cage just days after being released from the UFC.
Following his return signing, “Badys” came face-to-face with reigning OKTAGON MMA heavyweight champion Will Fleury, hinting at a potential clash that could materialize in the days ahead.
What do you think❓
Do you want to see Will Fleury vs. Martin Buday for the OKTAGON heavyweight belt❓
Buday competed under the OKTAGON MMA banner from 2018 to 2021, with his final bout for the promotion taking place in June 2021. On that night, he captured the heavyweight title by stopping Kamil Minda with a second-round knockout.
A fighter’s actions in the immediate aftermath of his victory resulted in fists being thrown outside of the cage.
Max Holzer and Deniz Ilbay faced off in the main event of Oktagon 69 in Dortmund, Germany — a battle of noteworthy European featherweight prospects.
The finish of the fight saw Holzer lock up a rear-naked choke in the fourth round of the bout, scoring a tapout. But immediately after the successful submission, Holzer planted a kiss on Ilbay’s head before performing a sexually-implicit taunt against Ilbay.
Post-Fight Brawl At Okaton 69 Following Winner’s Taunt
Ilbay got up and chased after Holzer, with the two of them falling out of the cage as Ilbay threw a punch. Officials attempted to separate the two from there.
Oktagon has not released a statement on the incident as of press time.
Holzer now moves to 11-0, with his submission of Ilbay being his seventh victory via a tapout.
Ilbay, who is also a 22-3 pro boxer, sees a three-fight win streak in MMA snapped with this loss. This brings his professional MMA record to 8-2.
European promotion OKTAGON have previously been described by Ariel Helwani as “MMA’s best kept secret”.
They may not have the household names that every fan in the United States would know but this had no impact on their seismic growth in Europe.
This weekend at OKTAGON 62, they’re set to host their second event of the year that will take place in an outdoor football stadium.
The Deutsche Bank Park will host the promotion on October 12 and by hitting huge numbers, the event will bring the fourth largest crowd in the history of the sport and the biggest ever to take place outside of Japan.
OKTAGON 62 Is Set To Break Records In Frankfurt, Germany
Japanese promotions PRIDE and K-1 hold the current reported records for attendance through three events that took place between 2000-2003.
The UFC’s current attendance record stands at 57,127 for UFC 243 where middleweight champions Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker collided at the Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Australia.
Deutsche Bank Park is the home of German Bundesliga team Eintracht Frankfurt and with additional capacity added due to the lack of needing a football pitch in the middle, will house 60,000 this Saturday night.
The main event features two favorites of the home crowd colliding as Christian Eckerlin and Christian Jungwirth battle it out to see who is the King of Germany.
Co-owner and co-founder Pavol Neruda spoke about how this event has exceeded even their own wild ambitions for the promotion at this stage in it’s life.
“We sold 40,000 within the first 3 weeks, before we even announced many fights, and I think that that shows how we have built a brand that the public can trust. They know that an OKTAGON event is a great experience – somewhere they can go with their friends and have six hours of fun.
We were very ambitious at the beginning, but I have to be honest, I did not see us selling out football stadiums in Germany after only 8 years! We were dreaming, but now it is a reality, and we are super excited.”
