Next weekend Oktagon returns to Düsseldorf for their first event of 2026 Octagon 82 is headlined by their middleweight tournament final. Current Oktagon middleweight champion Kerim Engizek and former UFC middleweight Krzysztof Jotko will compete for eternal glory and 300,000 euros in prize money. 34-year-old Turkish champion Engziek has been undefeated for more than 10 years, but the UFC veteran delivers his toughest test yet.
Kerim Engizek Route to Finale
Turkish middleweight Engizek was the Oktagon middleweight champion before entering the tournament series and has battled his way to the finals. He began his 2025 tournament in February by defeating Kamil Oniszczuk via unanimous decision when he headlined Oktagon 66. The champion finally returned in August at Oktagon 74 against seasoned veteran Mick Stanton. The Englishman was a former Cage Warriors champion, but Engizek made quick work of him with a first-round TKO win. The highlight of his tournament came months later in October, when he emerged victorious against Dominik Humburger and secured his place in the final.
Krzysztof Jotko Route to Final
The ex-UFC fighter started his Tipsport Gamechanger tournament in April 2025, taking on an Oktagon legend. Ion Surdu is one of the best-known fighters in Oktagon, but the Pole wasn’t phased as he secured his place in the next round with a unanimous decision. His schedule then mirrored his aforementioned opponent as he was on the same cards. At Oktagon 74, Jotko suffered a second-round TKO against Marek Mazuch and then at Oktagon 77 in October, he secured his place in the finals with a decision win against Hojat Khajevand.
Jotko last competed in the UFC in 2022 against Brendan Allen when he suffered a first-round submission loss. His UFC tenure stretched over nine years and he left the organization with a respectable record of 11-6.
Can the 36-year-old use his UFC experience to defeat a formidable opening at Oktagon 82?
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