Oktagon 45 goes down this weekend in Stvanice, Czech Republic. The promotion is putting on back to back cards on Friday & Saturday.
One of European MMAs premier promotions returns this weekend with a massive card across 2 nights in the Czech Republic. The main card on Saturday features the double champ Losene Keita
The promotion have been very proactive in promoting British fighters, and this card is no different featuring 5 brits. Oktagon will also be making their UK debut later this year in Manchester, so keep an eye out for more news on that card with Combat Sports UK.
Shem Rock (8-1-1) – Friday Main Card
The story of Shem Rock is unique in the world of MMA. After fleeing the United Kingdom after being charged for a crime he did not commit, Shem found MMA whilst in Asia and fell in love with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
After competing on a number of regional shows in Asia, Shem settled at Oktagon and made his debut earlier this year at Oktagon 42. In a competitive back-and-forth fight it went to a majority draw. Shem Rock is more determined now to put on a show at Oktagon 45.
Rock meets Jan Malach (15-13-0) in a lightweight clash in the second fight on the main card. Malach is coming off a win by TKO and has a mixed record of lose, however most have come by submission so Rock will be looking to take advantage of his ground game.
James Lewis (8-4-0) – Saturday Prelims
James “The Bastard” Lewis will be looking to go 2-0 in the promotion on Saturday night when he takes on fellow welterweight Vladislav Kanchev (12-7-2). James last fought in September last year where he dominated Selim Topuz and secured a first-round submission.
Lewis trains out of Blackledge MMA in Wigan, and in our recent interview with James credits his coach with helping him to install a winning mindset that he says helped him come in confident and ready for his previous fight.
Expect a fast and furious start from Lewis, he likes to put pressure on his opponents and make early reads and look for the finish, as he told us recently he’s more than ready for a war, but always wants the finish by any means.
Callum Mullen (5-1-0) – Saturday Prelims
It’s a second appearance for Callum Mullen with Oktagon on Saturday, after losing the first by decision he’ll want to put things right. Callum comes up against Roman Paulus (7-3-0), an Okatgon veteran who’s also coming off a loss.
Callum has a strong game on the feet and will be looking to keep the fight standing, his striking is quick and sharp. He’s finished 3 of his 5 wins through striking while 2 have come by submission. Showing that Callum looks for the finish in every fight.
Akonne “The J3di Wanliss” (6-2-0) – Saturday Prelims
Akonne Wanliss is making his Oktagon debut at lightweight on Saturday, he brings with him hype and personality that will shine in Stvanice. He’s fighting Giorgi Gogotchuri (4-2-0) and is also making his promotional debut.
Akonne is coming off a dominant victory in June of last year and is eager to get back in action. Akonne is capable wherever the fight goes and is looking to showcase his full skillset for Oktagon on Saturday. He trains with Leon Edwards at Renegade in Birmingham and commented on the “shark tank” mentality at the gym in our recent interview.
Aside from his exploits In the cage, Akonne is building s strong social media personality and together with his girlfriend Daniella Helmsley they’re looking to take over the social media/fight game space.
Helmsley herself went viral recently after her boxing bout, so they’re a couple to keep tabs on in the future.
Oktagon 45: How & When to Watch
Oktagon have a deal in place with DAZN for all cards, if not you can buy directly from the promotion’s website.
Oktagon Stvanice Special on Friday 28th July gets started at 5.30 PM British time.
Oktagon 45 on Saturday 29th July starts at 5.30 PM British time.
