MMA
Christian Eckerlin announced a performance at the OKTAGON 94 stadium in Frankfurt
The biggest star of German MMA will return to one of the most iconic European arenas of this sport.
German fan favorite Christian Eckerlin (18-8, 1 NC) was officially announced as the first fighter scheduled to compete at the event Octagon 94which will take place Saturday, September 26, 2026On Deutsche Bank Parkhome stadium Eintracht Frankfurt.
The long-awaited event is expected to be the biggest MMA gala in Europe this year, as OCTAGON MMA continues the 10th anniversary celebration with another historic showcase of the stadium.
The “King of Germany” returns
Eckerlin earned his nickname “King of Germany” after headlining the promotion’s first stadium event in the country, defeating another German fighter Christian Jungwirth in front of a huge crowd in October 2024. Now, with the support of his hometown fans in Frankfurt, Eckerlin hopes to deliver another unforgettable performance.
Eckerlin, a former professional football player who switched to mixed martial arts, has become one of the most recognizable figures in European MMA. His aggressive fighting style and deep connections with the fans in Frankfurt made him one of the biggest attractions at OCTAGON.
Eckerlin’s comeback season
The German star endured a hard 2025 campaign, suffering defeats Robert Pukach and veteran Ivica Trušček. However, Eckerlin bounced back in impressive fashion earlier this year when he lost Matous Kohout in Hamburg, proving that he is still among the top promotions.
Eckerlin believes that once you adjust your training plan and renew your focus, a fresh version of yourself will be ready to take center stage.
“Version 2.0 of Eckerlin has arrived and he is ready to show how dominant he can be.”
Stadium spectacle
Octagon 94 promises to be more than just a fight card. The event is expected to feature many of the biggest names in European MMA, competing on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
In addition to high-level competition in the cage, fans attending the event will be able to experience a fun-filled entertainment spectacle, including a halftime performance by a famed musical artist and other special surprises planned throughout the evening.
The facility itself holds a special place in the history of MMA. While Octagon 62 in 2024, a world record number 59,148 fans packed Deutsche Bank Park, setting an attendance record for an MMA event.
With tickets already selling out quickly – despite only one competitor currently announced – the promotion is on track to deliver another historic evening in Frankfurt.
Tonight's UFC 331 event was headlined by a highly anticipated men's flyweight title fight rematch between Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja.
Van and Pantoja had originally collided back at UFC 323 in December of last year, where ‘The Fearless' walked away with the promotion's coveted men's flyweight title after ‘The Cannibal' suffered a nasty arm injury the rendered him unable to continue (see that here).
Joshua Van (17-2 MMA) had since successfully defended the 125lbs strap on one occasion, earning a fifth-round TKO victory over Japanese standout Tatsuro Taira. The 24-year-old had entered tonight's rematch sporting a seven-fight winning streak.
Meanwhile, Alexandre Pantoja (30-6 MMA) was returning to the Octagon for the first time since suffering that aforementioned arm injury against Van at UFC 323. Prior to that setback, ‘The Cannibal' had strung together a seven-fight winning streak, an impressive stretch which included four successful title defenses over opponents Brandon Royval, Steve Erceg, Kai Asakura and Kai Kara-France.
Tonight's UFC 331 main event proved to be an absolute thriller. Alexandre Pantoja came out guns blazing, but Joshua Van was able to weather the early onslaught and get his boxing going shortly thereafter. While Pantoja was able to get the fight to the floor in dominant positions on multiple occasions, he was never able to get off any really solid offense from those spots. The fight seemed to be razor close heading into the fifth and final round, but it was in those last five minutes that Van cemented his status as champion. He was able to drop the Brazilian with a right hand and pretty much controlled the entire fifth round.
Official UFC 331 Results: Joshua Van def. Alexandre Pantoja by unanimous decision (49–46, 49–47, 50–45)
Check out how the pros reacted to ‘Van vs. Pantoja 2' below:
This will be Pantoja’s 7th UFC title fight.
TUF fighters with the most title fights:
Kamaru Usman: 8
T.J. Dillashaw: 8#UFC331— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) September 20, 2026
UFC MAIN EVENT… It's a pick'em fight so just sit back and watch the two best FlyWeights throw down.
I'm more excited for their 2nd fight than I was for their first fight. Sit back and enjoy!— Josh Thomson (@THEREALPUNK) September 20, 2026
Fight looks like it's on 2x speed #UFC331
— Arnold billy allen (@Arnoldbfa) September 20, 2026
That was a super close round
I have it 10-9 Pantoja by the absolute slimmest of margins
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) September 20, 2026
This is some gorgeous stuff. Those clinched to take downs and then the sprawls. High-level.
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) September 20, 2026
Van is starting to heat up going into this third round
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) September 20, 2026
This is a very good fight #UFC331
— Arnold billy allen (@Arnoldbfa) September 20, 2026
How they keeping this pace, madness #ufc331
— Arnold billy allen (@Arnoldbfa) September 20, 2026
Van's takedown defense has looked great and that will be the biggest difference going into the championship rounds
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) September 20, 2026
Man. This is a good one! Van is a step ahead and Pantoga is relentless.
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) September 20, 2026
Pantoja able to play back into his game. 2-2 going into the final round
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) September 20, 2026
I have it 10-9 Pantoja, although I do feel that should have been stood up. Pantoja barely landed anything on the ground.
I have it 38-38 heading into the final round. Big stakes right here.
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) September 20, 2026
2-2 going into the 5th. I wanna see a 3rd fight already haha
— Josh Thomson (@THEREALPUNK) September 20, 2026
Post-fight reactions to Joshua Van defeating Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 331:
50-45…… horrible judging.
— Cody Durden (@Cody_Durden) September 20, 2026
Looks like they put a food deliver driver to fight against Van
— Paulo Costa (@BorrachinhaMMA) September 20, 2026
50-45 is crazy but that was a great fight van vs kape is gonna be all hands
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) September 20, 2026
Watching fight Great fights pic.twitter.com/ssZpazIB19
— Paulo Costa (@BorrachinhaMMA) September 20, 2026
What a fight, What a card, What a fucking sport #UFC331
— Arnold billy allen (@Arnoldbfa) September 20, 2026
Who would you like to see Van fight next following his decision victory over Pantoja this evening in Los Angeles? Share your thoughts in the comment section Penn Nation!
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
Patricio ‘Pitbull’ makes violent case for new UFC deal with Round 1 KO
Jon Jones’ reaction says it all after Gable Steveson’s 12-second KO loss
Isaac Cruz Dominates Bravo in Chaotic Fight, Challenges Ryan Garcia Next
-
Boxing2 days agoTerence Crawford Issues Strong Warning to Ryan Garcia Following Direct Challenge
-
Boxing2 days agoOsleys Iglesias Takes on Munguia and Sheeraz in Thrilling Boxing Matchup
-
MMA2 days agoUFC 331 Preview Show | Can Alexandre Pantoja get revenge on Joshua Van?
-
MMA2 days agoVideo: Arman Tsarukyan and Mauricio Ruffy have to be separated at UFC 331 final faceoff
-
MMA2 days agoVideo: Alexander Volkanovski and Movsar Evloev face off for the first time at UFC 333 press conference
-
MMA2 days agoRAF 13 live blog: Luke Rockhold vs. Joe Pyfer
-
MMA2 days agoRAF 13 live blog: Khamzat Chimaev vs. Gilbert Burns
-
MMA2 days agoJoe Pyfer dominates Luke Rockhold at RAF 13