Will Fleury knows how to close out calendar years in major Oktagon MMA championship fights, with the two-division defending champion recently considering it.
This was mentioned during his fight on December 29 last year in Prague at Oktagon 65, where he won the OKMMA light heavyweight title from Karlos Vémola. Talking about this pre-Oktagon 81, it seems like there’s something about this time of year for him, Will Fleury said. [via Bowks Talking Bouts],
“Yes, just like last year there was a very special atmosphere. Karlos is obviously very big in Prague because he’s from there and he’s kind of developed like he’s the man, he’s kind of their version of Conor. So there was a lot of passion. As soon as I walked out I was angrily booed and I loved that energy.”
“So to be honest, even if the crowd isn’t for me, I’m not sure what it will be like because he’s Slovakian Martin. So maybe a little bit more on my side this time. We’ll see. But I really hope there’s something similar in terms of energy and passion, because the crowd that night was incredible. They were so passionate.”
Will Fleury’s goal was to “make a show of Martin” Buday on Oktagon 81
With his Martin Buday clash at Oktagon 81, Will Fleury not only signed a contract to fight someone about 50 pounds bigger than him on fight night, but also a former Oktagon MMA titleholder who put together a winning record during his UFC stint. Fleury spoke about the machinations of the matchup during the pre-fight chat [via Bowks Talking Bouts],
“Yeah. Like it’s definitely physically different. He’s way bigger than anyone I’ve fought before. Obviously he’s 7-1 in the UFC. That’s an incredible record. Like he’s 16 and two overall. Heavyweights rarely get a record that clean. He’s fought legitimate guys who did that. So you have to respect that and you have to kind of sit up and say, ‘Okay, this is different.’ But at the same time, I look at Martin’s skills and the way he moves, and I think I have fought against technically superior guys. They just haven’t been that big yet.”
“So it’s up to me to go in there and show that this is martial arts. This is a skill set. Just like size is a factor, but it’s only a factor. It’s more about what you’re going to do that night and how you’re going to perform. I’ve shown time and time again, man, you give me that opportunity, I’m going to step on stage and perform. So for me, this is an incredible opportunity to go in and show the level of martial artist that I am.” I would be very bitter with myself if I didn’t make the most of this and actually make Martin a show.
He put on a show as Fleury maintained his grip on the heavyweight crown with an early first-round finish over the former champion in Martin Buday when all was said and done.
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