A month after the historic tournament in Frankfurt, Oktagon entertained the Ondrej Nepela Winter Stadium in Bratislava. At the 63rd numbered gala evening, Slovak regulars Ivan Buchinger, Róbert Pukač, Karol Ryšavý, František Fodor and the hopes of the domestic scene Roman Paulus, Tomáš Cigánik and Veronika Smolková also presented themselves.
Octagon 63
Main card
from 73 kg: IVAN BUCHINGER (SVK) – Hafen Nafuka (GER) – TKO (2nd goal, 3:23)
do 80 kg: Máté Kertész (HUN) – Leandro Silva (GOOD) – na body (27-30, 28-29, 28-29)
from 79.5 kg: ROBERT PUKAČ (SVK) – Ammari Diedrick (ENG) – na body (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
up to 66 kg: KAROL RYŠÁVÝ (SVK) – John Palokaj (GER) – na body (27-30, 28-29, 28-29)
up to 72 kg: FRANTIŠEK FODOR (SVK) – Damien Lapilus (FRA) – TKO (1st round, 1:19)
do 57 kg: Aaron Aby (WAL) – Zalgas Zhumagulov (KAZ) – body (26-30, 26-30, 26-30)
Prelims
up to 68 kg: Radek Roušal (CZE) – Jack Maguire (IRL) – triangle choke (2. kolo, 2:44)
from 63 kg: ROMAN PAULUS (SVK) – Janne Elonen-Kulmala (FIN) – RNC (3rd hole, 2:12)
from 57 kg: VERONIKA SMOLKOVÁ (SVK) – Mileide Simpliciová (BRA) – TKO (1st round, 1:06)
from 72 kg: TOMÁŠ CIGÁNIK (SVK) – Kevin Enz (GER) – na body (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
VIDEO: The Végh – Vémola trilogy is agreed! When and where will it take place? Watch the interview with Pavlo Neruda:
news-item-description">Before the Czech MMA legend Karlos Vémola (37-8) definitively closes his career with the third fight with Attil Végh (33-10-2), he will complete one more defense of the Octagon title in the light heavyweight division.
Buchinger stopped the nightmare from Namibia
The main event of the evening was a clash of generations. Already 38-year-old Slovak legend Ivan Buchinger (44-10) faced Hafeni Nafuk (10-2), who is 17 years younger.
The fighter nicknamed the “Namibian Nightmare”, representing Germany, announced before the fight that he would retire Buchinger or kill him. The first round indicated that, he gave the Slovak legend two knockdowns and was not far from the finish line.
“And it’s over,” reported Oktagon commentator and promoter Ondřej Novotný after the first knockdown. Nafuka charged Buchinger on the ground, but he miraculously withstood the barrage of blows.
The Slovak veteran is known for slow starts to matches. He was smiling at his mentor Attila Végh as he went to his corner after the 1st round battle. As if he knew the worst was behind him. And he guessed right.
Nafuka also took him to the ground at the beginning of the 2nd round, but Buchinger interfered from the bottom position and the Namibian youngster began to leave physically. The Slovak veteran, on the other hand, increased the pace and the opponent slowly gave in. Nafuka finally broke in the second half of the 2nd round. He collected blows on the ground, showed no activity and the referee waved the end.
Buchinger made a perfect shot of the fans
After the match, Buchinger reflected on situations when he was not far from losing. “He really hit me. I didn’t know where I was for a second. But this is not how I will end. When we hit the ground, that’s where I’m at home.” evaluated and also returned to Nafuku’s statements: “I felt he was not in control. A twenty-year-old “chav”… They say he’ll send me to retirement and then he won’t be able to do it. I’m 40 years old, I can be his father.’
After the match, the Slovak veteran put his gloves in the middle of the cage, which in combat sports heralds the end of his career. It was later revealed that it was just a humorous reaction to Nafuku’s statements that he was going to retire him.
“As you can see, I put the gloves in the middle of the cage. That means something,” he scared the fans, but then he laughed: “That was just bullshit. All the young people think they are going to retire me. But I still have it in me and I want to keep fighting.”
Former two-weight champion Ivan Buchinger entered the match as the eighth ranked lightweight. In September, he already received a technical knockout from the German Lom-Ali Eskiev (22-7-1) in the 1st round, and it seemed that the chance to attack the title again was definitely gone.
However, with the victory over the Namibian youngster, he sent a message that he is still to be reckoned with. Only 21-year-old Nafuka belongs to the talents of the European scene, in his 12th professional fight he found only the second defeater.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the master of miracles Ivan Buchinger. It’s an honor to commentate your matches,” at the end, promoter Ondřej Novotný let his pet applaud once more. Buchinger received a bonus of 5 thousand euros for the Performance of the evening.
Smolková surprised, she is on her way to the title!
The talented 22-year-old Slovak hope Veronika Smolková (5-3) has a dominant performance and a smooth victory over the Brazilian Mileide Simpliciova (4-2) on her way to the title of the Octagon in flyweight.
Commentator and promoter of the organization Ondřej Novotný indicated this during the broadcast: “Here and now, Smolková declared herself perhaps even a title challenger or a fighter who is definitely going there.”
The Slovak hope demonstrated a controlled whirlwind in her stance, giving the Brazilian a technical knockout after only 66 seconds. Smolková surprised, she was an outsider in the exchange rate expression of 2.33 – 1.56.
“However, I expected my victory. I knew that if I listened to the coaches and didn’t get mad, it would work out.” she evaluated. The Slovak is currently second in the ranking in the weight category up to 57 kilograms. At the post-tournament press conference, she asked the Spanish Aitana Álvarezová (6-7) as her next opponent.
Pukač saved the honor of the regulars of the Octagon
The regulars who were at the beginning of the Octagon also presented themselves in Bratislava. Participant of the first series of the Challenge, František Fodor (10-9) lost to Damien Lapilus (18-18-2) in just 79 seconds after a technical KO. He unfortunately injured his leg and the Frenchman ended him on the ground. Neruda reported on the post-tournament press that he had broken his ankle.
The winner of the 3rd series Oktagon Výzvy Karol Ryšavý (13-8) lost to the German representative with Albanian blood Gjoni Palokaj (10-3) after the unanimous verdict of the point judges.
Róbert Pukač (18-13-1) saved the honor of the Slovak regulars of the Octagon. In a wonderful stand-up duel, he overboxed the Englishman Ammari Diedrick (5-3) with a successful past in the most prestigious kickboxing organization Glory.
Octagon 63: A Night of Surprises and Triumphs
Well, well, well, fight fans! A month after the historic tournament in Frankfurt, the Oktagon circus rolled into Bratislava and given us a night we won’t soon forget at the Ondrej Nepela Winter Stadium. Buckle up, because this is where age-old legends and youthful ambitions collided in size 12 gloves, and not a single bit of dignity was spared!
Octagon 63
Main card highlights:
- Ivan Buchinger (SVK) vs. Hafen Nafuka (GER) – TKO (2nd round, 3:23)
- Máté Kertész (HUN) vs. Leandro Silva (GOOD) – Decision (27-30, 28-29, 28-29)
- Róbert Pukač (SVK) vs. Ammari Diedrick (ENG) – Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
- KAROL RYŠÁVÝ (SVK) vs. John Palokaj (GER) – Decision (27-30, 28-29, 28-29)
- FRANTIŠEK FODOR (SVK) vs. Damien Lapilus (FRA) – TKO (1st round, 1:19)
- Aaron Aby (WAL) vs. Zalgas Zhumagulov (KAZ) – Decision (26-30, 26-30, 26-30)
Prelims were no less thrilling:
- Radek Roušal (CZE) vs. Jack Maguire (IRL) – Triangle Choke (2nd round, 2:44)
- Roman Paulus (SVK) vs. Janne Elonen-Kulmala (FIN) – RNC (3rd round, 2:12)
- Veronika Smolková (SVK) vs. Mileide Simpliciová (BRA) – TKO (1st round, 1:06)
- TOMÁŠ CIGÁNIK (SVK) vs. Kevin Enz (GER) – Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Buchinger Stopped the Nightmare from Namibia
The evening had its main event in the form of a true clash of titans—or at least, a lad with a questionable nickname fighting a guy who may or may not have been on the retirement home bingo card. The 38-year-old legend Ivan Buchinger (44-10) found himself toe-to-toe with the “Namibian Nightmare” Hafeni Nafuka (10-2), who’s young enough for a ‘who’s your daddy?’ joke to be quite appropriate.
Now, remind me how it feels to be on the receiving end of a beatdown? Because in the first round, it looked like Buchinger needed a map to find his way back from the canvas after not one but two knockdowns! It’s like an MMA version of peekaboo, only we didn’t have a delightful child singing along. “And it’s OVER!” cried commentator and promoter Ondřej Novotný, as we collectively held our breath, waiting for the place to gather the shards of the shattered legend.
But the champ wasn’t out. The second round? Oh boy. It was like someone flipped the switch on a slow cooker and turned it into a pressure cooker! Buchinger bravely bounced back and began turning the tide, battering the frazzled younger foe until the referee deemed it time to put a stop to the madness. The “Namibian Nightmare”? More like a “Namibian Naptime,” if you ask me!
In true hero fashion, Buchinger placed his gloves in the middle of the cage—a dramatic gesture that sent fans into a tailspin. But wait—no retirement here! Just a cheeky jab back at Nafuka for suggesting he’d be sending Buchinger packing to the retirement home. He chuckled, “That was just bullshit!” See, kids? It’s always good to have a sense of humor, even when you’re getting your face smashed in.
Smolková Surprised: On Her Way to the Title!
Let’s chat about Veronika Smolková, a name you might struggle to pronounce without tripping over your tongue. This 22-year-old whirlwind went on a rampage, finding fame against Brazilian foe Mileide Simpliciová in under a minute. She bustled her way through the match and threw her opponent to the mat faster than I can chase down an ice-cream truck!
Ondřej Novotný, always the optimist, hinted at her potential for a title shot saying, “Here and now, Smolková declared herself perhaps even a title challenger…” So watch out, titleholders! There’s a new buzz in town making her charge, and she’s packing heat!
Pukač Saves the Honor of the Regulars
Rounding out our story are the regulars of Octagon showcasing what it really means to endure! Alongside František Fodor, who may have inadvertently invented a new floor exercise with his breakneck first-round technical KO, Róbert Pukač stepped in to save the day. In a scrap as thrilling as a new episode of your favorite series, Pukač outshone Ammari Diedrick, securing the proud honor of our Slovak regulars who bravely battled through the quagmire of the octagon.
So, there you have it, folks! A night of unexpected twists, glorious rebounds, and enough drama to give Shakespeare a run for his money! Let’s wrap it up by remembering: age is but a number, talent conquers youth, and the gloves will keep on bouncing in the beautiful chaos of MMA!
Octagon 63: A Triumph in Bratislava
A month after the historic tournament in Frankfurt, Octagon created an exhilarating atmosphere at the Ondrej Nepela Winter Stadium in Bratislava. The 63rd numbered gala evening showcased some of Slovakia’s finest fighters, including renowned veterans like Ivan Buchinger, Róbert Pukač, and Karol Ryšavý, alongside rising stars Roman Paulus, Tomáš Cigánik, and Veronika Smolková, who all stepped into the spotlight amidst the cheers of an eager crowd.
Octagon 63 – Main Card Highlights
Main card
from 73 kg: IVAN BUCHINGER (SVK) – Hafen Nafuka (GER) – TKO (2nd round, 3:23)
up to 80 kg: Máté Kertész (HUN) – Leandro Silva (BRA) – decision (27-30, 28-29, 28-29)
from 79.5 kg: ROBERT PUKAČ (SVK) – Ammari Diedrick (ENG) – decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
up to 66 kg: KAROL RYŠÁVÝ (SVK) – John Palokaj (GER) – decision (27-30, 28-29, 28-29)
up to 72 kg: FRANTIŠEK FODOR (SVK) – Damien Lapilus (FRA) – TKO (1st round, 1:19)
up to 57 kg: Aaron Aby (WAL) – Zalgas Zhumagulov (KAZ) – decision (26-30, 26-30, 26-30)
Prelims
up to 68 kg: Radek Roušal (CZE) – Jack Maguire (IRL) – triangle choke (2nd round, 2:44)
from 63 kg: ROMAN PAULUS (SVK) – Janne Elonen-Kulmala (FIN) – RNC (3rd round, 2:12)
from 57 kg: VERONIKA SMOLKOVÁ (SVK) – Mileide Simpliciová (BRA) – TKO (1st round, 1:06)
from 72 kg: TOMÁŠ CIGÁNIK (SVK) – Kevin Enz (GER) – decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Buchinger Defies Age in a Spectacular Main Event
The main event featured a thrilling showdown between generations as 38-year-old Slovak MMA icon Ivan Buchinger (44-10) faced off against 21-year-old Hafeni Nafuka (10-2), a rising star from Namibia fighting under the German flag. Dubbed the “Namibian Nightmare,” Nafuka confidently declared he would either retire Buchinger or take him out in dramatic fashion.
The first round put Buchinger in a tough position as Nafuka scored two knockdowns, threatening the legendary fighter’s resilience. Commentator and promoter Ondřej Novotný initially worried for Buchinger’s fate, remarking, “And it’s over,” as Nafuka unleashed a barrage of strikes once Buchinger hit the mat. However, Buchinger showcased his experience, recovering and returning to his feet with a smile for his mentor, Attila Végh, during the one-minute break.
Nafuka continued to assert his dominance in the second round with a strong ground attack, but Buchinger, demonstrating his veteran skill, began to rally back. As Nafuka visibly wore down, the Slovak fighter capitalized on his opponent’s fatigue and unleashed a furious counterattack that led to a stoppage from the referee in the second round, culminating in a TKO victory.
Buchinger’s Reflective Remarks Post-Fight
After the match, Buchinger reflected on the challenging moments he faced, stating, “He really hit me. I didn’t know where I was for a second. But this is not how I will end. When we hit the ground, that’s where I’m at home.” His spirited comeback against a younger opponent sent a clear message to the MMA community. With a wink, Buchinger added, “I can be his father,” referring to Nafuka’s youth as a weighty factor.
In a surprising moment, Buchinger placed his gloves in the center of the cage, a symbolic gesture often associated with retirement. However, he later clarified with a laugh, “That was just bullshit. All the young people think they are going to retire me. But I still have it in me and I want to keep fighting.” After a tough September fight that ended in defeat, Buchinger’s decisive win against the talented Nafuka reinstated him as a formidable contender.
Following his extraordinary performance, Buchinger earned a €5,000 bonus, a fitting reward for the exciting match that captivated the audience.
Star Performances from the New Generation
The spotlight also shone brightly on rising star Veronika Smolková (5-3), who delivered an electrifying performance with a first-round TKO victory over Brazilian fighter Mileide Simpliciová (4-2). Known for her dynamic fighting style, the 22-year-old smoothed out her path toward a potential title shot in the flyweight division.
Commentator Ondřej Novotný remarked on her impressive display, noting, “Here and now, Smolková declared herself perhaps even a title challenger.” The young fighter demonstrated a breathtaking whirlwind of movement and technique, finishing the fight after just 66 seconds.
Smolková, currently ranked second in her weight class, expressed confidence in her victory, saying, “I expected my victory. I knew that if I listened to the coaches and didn’t get mad, it would work out.” Following her win, she called out top contender Aitana Álvarezová (6-7) as her next opponent.
Pukač Maintains the Legacy of Octagon Regulars
Among the Octagon veterans, Róbert Pukač (18-13-1) redeemed the reputation of Slovak regulars with an impressive performance against English fighter Ammari Diedrick (5-3). This well-matched stand-up battle showcased Pukač’s striking skills as he outpointed his rival, highlighting the legacy and talent nurtured within the Octagon over the years.
This memorable night in Bratislava was a showcase of both seasoned veterans and emerging fighters, reaffirming Octagon’s position as the premier MMA organization in the region.
It sounds like you had quite the action-packed evening at Octagon 63 in Bratislava! The mixture of intense fights, dramatic comebacks, and humorous moments all contribute to the excitement that makes MMA so thrilling.
Here’s a light-hearted joke to match the spirit of the event:
Why don’t MMA fighters ever get lost?
Because they always know how to find their way back to the *mat*!
Hope that brings a smile, just like Buchinger’s comeback did!
