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Igor Severino vs Zhalgas Zhumagulov ready to fight champion vs champion at OKTAGON 89Champion vs Champion: Igor Severino defends the bantamweight title against Zhalgas Zhumagulov at OKTAGON 89

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4 months ago

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Photos: OCTAGON MMA

One of the most anticipated fights in European MMA this year has been officially set. The main attraction will be the champion versus champion fight Octagon 89 as bantamweight king Igor Severino defends his title against reigning flyweight champion Zhalgas Zhumagulov.

The historic clash takes place on June 6 in Bratislava, Slovakiaas part Celebration of the 10th anniversary of OKTAGON MMA. Zhumagulov will move up the weight class in an attempt to become A simultaneous champion of two divisionsadding even more intrigue to one of the promotion’s biggest fights to date.

Igor Severino’s rapid rise continues

Exactly 22 years venerableBrazilian Igor Severino has quickly become one of the most talked about prospects in MMA.

Severino first made global headlines in 2024, during his brief stint with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, after a controversial biting incident led to his release. However, the teenage Brazilian quickly recovered, signing a contract with OKTAGON MMA and adopting the pseudonym “Hannibal Lecter”.

He made an impressive debut in the organization, defeating former bantamweight champion Jonas Mågård. Severino followed this performance with a devastating knockout victory Winner of the PFL Europe tournament Khurshed Kakhorov won the bantamweight title last month.

Even at the beginning of his career, Severino had already declared his ambition to stay the promotion’s number one pound-for-pound fighterand a victory over a veteran like Zhumagulov would be another huge step towards achieving that goal.

Zhalgas Zhumagulov in pursuit of a history of two divisions

On the other side of the cage will be one of the most experienced fighters in the division.

Zhalgas Zhumagulov from Kazakhstan developed Professional record 19-9 and fought the best flyweights in the world. His resume includes fights against top fighters such as Amir Albazi and Manel Kape, as well as a split decision loss to current UFC champion Joshua Van.

Since joining OKTAGON, Zhumagulov has looked invigorated. He won the organization’s flyweight championship and successfully defended the belt in December, defeating David Dvořák in the third round.

Now the Kazakh standout is looking for a historic moment by moving up to bantamweight to challenge Severino and try to hold titles in two divisions simultaneously.

Arranged card for the OCTAGON anniversary event

Several additional, high-profile fights will take place at OKTAGON 89.

In the heavyweight division, Lazar Todev will face Martin Buday in a fight that will have major title implications.

Slovak Robert Pukač will defend his home pitch against Irish striker Brian Manning in what promises to be an explosive clash.

Fan favorites Ronald Paradeiser, Marek Mazúch and Radovan Úškrt will also take part in the event, with their opponents expected to be announced soon.

Thanks to the clash of two champions and the performances of several top European talents, OCTAGON 89 becomes one of the most significant events in the history of the promotion.

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MMA

Hasim Rahman’s undefeated son Sharif signs multi-fight BKB deal

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2 hours ago

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August 13, 2026

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Hasim Rahman’s undefeated son Sharif signs multi-fight BKB deal
Bare Knuckle Boxing has added another second-generation boxer to
its growing roster.

The promotion recently announced that Sharif Rahman has signed a
multi-fight agreement, bringing the undefeated prospect into the
bare-knuckle ranks while still in his prime.

Sharif Rahman joins BKB after building an undefeated 9-0 boxing
record

Rahman, 30, is the son of former two-time heavyweight champion
Hasim Rahman and the brother of professional boxer Hasim Rahman Jr.
His father famously stopped Lennox Lewis in 2001 to capture the
heavyweight championship.

Known as “C3,†Rahman has compiled an unblemished 9-0 professional
boxing record with four knockouts. The Baltimore native, who now
resides in Las Vegas, will attempt to carry that unbeaten record
into bare-knuckle competition.

“I’ve carried this family name my whole career and I’ve never
lost,†Rahman said via press release. “Bare-knuckle is a new test,
no gloves, no excuses, just pure skill and heart and I’m bringing
my undefeated record to BKB to prove I belong among the best in the
trigon.â€

Rahman follows several established boxers who have recently made
the move to BKB, including Victor Ortiz, JoJo Diaz, Alfredo Angulo
and Lee Selby.

His promotional debut and opponent will be announced at a later
date.

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MMA

Islam Makhachev and Ian Garry have contrasting views on women’s authority

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3 hours ago

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August 13, 2026

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Islam Makhachev and Ian Garry have contrasting views on women’s authority
Islam
Makhachev and Ian Garry
have vastly different views on how much authority women should
have.

Garry recently faced significant backlash for speaking about his
feminine side in an interview. “The Future†admitted to crying
while watching Disney movies and feeling more masculine by staying
in touch with his feminine side. Garry also said that the world
would be a better place with women running it and men simply
listening to them.

Islam Makhachev has hilarious reaction to UFC legend needing
wife's approval to go to Dagestan

Makhachev, although in jest, expressed opposite views on women
having authority. The
Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight champion invited
Demetrious
Johnson to Dagestan during a recent interview. When “Mighty
Mouse†expressed safety concerns, Makhachev assured him that
Dagestan is one of the safest places in the world.

Johnson then said that he would have to consult his wife on the
matter. Makhachev laughed in disbelief about the UFC Hall of Famer
having to take his wife's permission. Makhachev said that Johnson,
being one of the best fighters in history, merely has to inform his
wife, not take her permission.

“Talk to wife? Talk to wife?†Makhachev said. “You're the best
fighter in the world. You have to tell her. But not ask.â€

Makhachev (28-1) puts his welterweight title on the line against
Garry (17-1) in the main event of UFC
330 on Aug. 15 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia.


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MMA

Contender Series winner gets surprise UFC shot after UFC 330 shakeup

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4 hours ago

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August 13, 2026

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Contender Series winner gets surprise UFC shot after UFC 330 shakeup
The upcoming
Ultimate Fighting Championship event has undergone a late
change, with Eduardo
Henrique stepping in to replace Jose Ochoa
at UFC
330.

Ochoa was reportedly forced out due to an injury, leaving Charles
Johnson without an opponent days before their bout at Xfinity
Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. However, the promotion quickly found
a replacement in Henrique, who will now make his UFC debut against
Johnson.

Eduardo Henrique gets UFC debut against Charles Johnson after
Jose Ochoa injury

Henrique (15-2) will return to action after nearly nine months
away. The former
Legacy Fighting Alliance flyweight champion last competed in
September 2025, earning a decision over An Tuan Ho
on
Dana White's Contender Series. However, the victory wasn't
enough for a UFC contract.

The fighter also appeared on Season 33 of “The Ultimate Fighterâ€
last year. Now, Henrique has the chance to make his UFC debut as a
late replacement in UFC 330.

Johnson (19-9) lost to Asu
Almabayev in his last Octagon appearance in June. His upcoming
bout will be his fourth UFC fight of 2026, making him the
promotion’s most active fighter this year. He is currently
averaging one bout every 98 days.

Despite the unexpected shakeup, UFC 330 remains a 12-fight card
capped off by two title fights.

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