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.

ONE Championship returns to the iconic Lumpinee Stadium on March 13 for another high-energy installment of the weekly combat sports series, as ONE Friday Fights 146 will be broadcast live in Asia during primetime hours. Full fight card results and live coverage can be seen below.

The event will once again showcase a diverse lineup of international talent competing under the principles of Muay Thai, kickboxing and mixed martial arts. For many of the rising stars on the card, the stakes go beyond winning in the ring – they are also vying for a life-changing $100,000 contract with ONE Championship.

Detchawalit on the front pages of newspapers against Denis Dotenko

The main event of the event will be Thai striking sensation Detchawalit Silkmuaythai, who will headline a Muay Thai bantamweight fight for the first time as she takes on Ukrainian newcomer Denis Dotsenko.

Detchawalit has quickly become one of the most exhilarating emerging talents at ONE Friday Fights. The Thai phenom comes into the fight after three straight stoppages, including a stunning 25-second knockout in his last outing. Known for his aggressive pace and powerful combinations, Detchawalit now faces the biggest test of his career in a five-round spotlight fight.

Dotsenko arrives representing the famed Tiger Muay Thai gym and brings an unconventional, flashy style that could cause problems for the Thai star. The Ukrainian striker relies on deft head movement, feints and active footwork and enters the competition after winning two fights in a row. With momentum on his side, Dotsenko hopes to spoil Detchawalite’s main event debut and advertise himself to a global audience.

Titus Proctor will face Tun Min Aung in a featured fight

The featured bout will see undefeated Up-to-date Zealand powerhouse Titus Proctor take on Myanmar veteran Tun Min Aung in lightweight Muay Thai action.

Proctor boasts a perfect 21-0 record and has earned a reputation as one of the most threatening knockout fighters in the league. Fifteen of those victories came by stoppage, and his devastating left hook became one of the most feared weapons in the lightweight division.

Standing in his way is Tun Min Aung, a seasoned striker with an impressive record of 45-3. A specialist in the brutal art of lethwei, the Burmese warrior thrives on constant forward pressure and endurance. His aggressive style promises fireworks when he clashes with an undefeated Kiwi fighter.

International talent highlights an underpowered card

The remainder of the card continues ONE Championship’s tradition of showcasing global talent across multiple disciplines.

Thai veteran Kongsuk Sitsarawatsuer – a two-time Lumpinee Stadium World Champion and 2018 Lumpinee Stadium Fighter of the Year – meets Iranian newcomer Babak Solouki in a bantamweight Muay Thai fight.

Elsewhere in the lineup, Thailand’s Kongchai Chanaidonmueang fights Iran’s Mehrdad Khanzadeh in a strawweight Muay Thai competition.

In mixed martial arts, Kazakhstan’s Dias Otegen will face Argentinian Malambo Pelaez in a lightweight clash, while China’s Zhang Jinhu will face Thailand’s Sulaiman NF Lookingsuan in a flyweight muay thai clash.

The card will also feature atomweight kickboxing, in which Japan’s Misaki will face Thailand’s Priawan Petphairat.

With elite strikers, emerging prospects and seasoned veterans competing under the brilliant lights of Lumpinee Stadium, ONE Friday Fights 146 promises another exhilarating night of martial arts action for fans around the world.

ONE Friday Fights 146 results:

Muay Thai in the bantamweight division
Detchawalit vs. Denis Dotsenko

Muay Thai in the bantamweight division
Kongsuk vs. Solouki round

Muay Thai at atomweight
Petkriangkrai vs. Densiam

Muay Thai in the bantamweight division
Kajornklai vs. Singharat

Muay Thai flyweight
Arsoonnoi vs. Nuapayak

Muay Thai in the strawweight division
Kongmeechai vs. Andrii Mezentsev

Strawweight kickboxing
Sheng Yizhuo vs. Fuga Tokoro

Airy MMA
Dias Otegen vs. Malambo Pelaez

Airy Muay Thai
Titus Proctor vs. Tun Min Aung

Muay Thai in the strawweight division
Kongchai vs. Mehrdad Khanzadeh

Muay Thai flyweight
Zhang Jinhu vs. Sulaiman

Muay Thai flyweight
Rungruanglek vs. Kraithong

Atomweight kickboxing
Priaowan vs. Misaki

Welterweight MMA
Chih Cheng Yu vs. Sarmad Jahanara

Sports journalism has always been a competitive field, but 2026 looks very different from the days when writers simply covered games and reported to the morning paper. Today’s sports writer is part storyteller, part analyst and part multimedia producer. Whether you want to pursue MMA, soccer, basketball, or any other sport, the path into the industry requires adaptability, creativity, and a deep understanding of how audiences consume sports content online.

While the fundamentals of journalism, accuracy, integrity and engaging storytelling remain the same, today’s sports writers must also navigate social media, digital publishing and multimedia storytelling.

Sports fans today consume content in many different ways. Some prefer quick updates on social media, others watch clips of highlights, and many still enjoy in-depth written analysis. As a sports writer in 2026, it’s your job to understand how these formats work together.

Classic match summaries still exist, but they are no longer the focal point of sports coverage. Fans often watch highlights and results in real time via social media and streaming platforms. Now they expect context from writers: analyses, observations, behind-the-scenes stories and thoughtful descriptions of events.

For example, when writing about MMA, readers may already know who won the fight. What they want from your article is an explanation How what happened, what it means for the division and what might happen next.

Developing your writing voice

Writing about sports is one of the few forms of journalism where personality can be an asset. The best sports writers have a clear voice that readers recognize and like.

However, this does not mean abandoning journalistic standards. Accuracy and honesty are still vital, but your writing style should make readers feel the emotion and drama of the sport.

Instead of simply reporting statistics, focus on storytelling:

• Create narratives around athletes and competition
• Explain strategy and tactics in elementary words
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• Connect results to bigger stories in sports

Especially in MMA, storytelling plays a huge role. Players often go on compelling personal journeys, and understanding these narratives helps readers become more engaged with the sport.

Building knowledge in many sports disciplines

Even if you plan to specialize in MMA, understanding other sports can strengthen your writing skills. Many concepts of training, competitive psychology, coaching strategy and athlete development apply to various disciplines.

Reading and discussing different sports helps writers learn about different storytelling approaches and analytical perspectives. This makes you a more well-rounded journalist, which is valuable in the rapidly changing media industry.

Current sports magazines are not only text. Visual media play a huge role in the way viewers experience sports coverage.

Photos and video clips aid illustrate key moments, show athletes’ facial expressions, and provide context that written descriptions alone cannot capture. A well-chosen fight night or photo from match day it can instantly convey the intensity of a knockout, last-second goal or championship celebration.

For sportswriters, this means understanding how to properly source and utilize visual media. Many journalists now supplement their stories with stock photo platforms, editorial photography archives or libraries of licensed footage.

When choosing visual elements, consider:

• Meaning – The image or clip should match the story you are telling
• Timing – Highlight moments that define the event or athlete
• Licensing – Make sure you have the appropriate media rights

In MMA coverage, visuals are particularly vital because this sport is characterized by a lot of action. Fight highlights, walk-through photos, and post-fight moments aid readers relive the event and stay engaged with the article.

Building your portfolio

Breaking into sports writing usually starts with building a portfolio of published work. This may come from:

• Writing for smaller sports blogs or niche websites
• Coverage of local sporting events
• Posting excerpts of your analysis on personal blogs or platforms
• Posting guest articles on reputable sports websites

Quality is more vital than quantity. A few well-researched and well-written articles can demonstrate your skills much better than dozens of rushed posts.

For aspiring MMA writers, covering smaller promotions or regional fights can also be a great way to gain experience and develop contacts in the sport.

In 2026, many sports writers are building their reputations on both social media and conventional websites. Platforms allow authors to quickly share their insights, connect with fans and promote their articles.

Posting fight predictions, live commentary or quick analysis during major sporting events can aid build an audience and establish credibility.

However, it is vital to maintain professionalism and accuracy. Social media is changing rapidly, but credibility is still one of the most valuable assets a journalist can have.

Stay curious and consistent

Perhaps the most vital quality of a successful sports writer is curiosity. Great journalists always ask: Why did the strategy work? What led to the athlete’s breakthrough performance? What story hasn’t been told yet?

Consistency is equally vital. Writing regularly, keeping up with what’s going on in the sports world, and constantly improving your craft will aid you stand out in a crowded field.

Final thoughts

Becoming a sports writer in 2026 takes more than just a love of sports. It requires sturdy storytelling skills, an understanding of digital media, and the ability to adapt to recent forms of content.

But for those willing to work, it remains one of the most rewarding careers in journalism. Few competitions offer the opportunity to combine a passion for sports with the ability to tell stories that capture the emotion, drama and human spirit behind the competition.