EXCLUSIVE | Niko Samsonidse Outlines Game Plan For Fight at OKTAGON 46

OKTAGON MMA featherweight Niko Samsonidse has outlined the game plan for his bout against Nicolae Hantea at OKTAGON 46.

The German takes on Hantea in his home country when OKTAGON MMA returns to Frankfurt on September 16. Headlined by Katharina Dalisda, who will look to claim the vacant women’s strawweight title on home turf, the card is filled with local talent all looking to steal the show.

Samsonidse is matched with the 23-year-old Hantea who will be making his first outing with the promotion following two successive finishes on the Moldovan regional scene.

Meanwhile, the #5 ranked featherweight enters the clash following a successful return to the cage back in April. He defeated Roman Paulus via unanimous decision following two years on the sidelines.

In an interview with CSUK, Samsonidse described the game plan required to take out his wrestling-based opponent.

He said: “Well, he’s young, hungry, he’s, I think, 8-3, he’s quite explosive, he has proper wrestling. I think he’s going to, like, be explosive, going straight forward, trying to make it difficult for me.

“But like always, I’ll try to play my game, try to [use] the advantages I have: use my distance, use my straights when he’s coming forward. When he’s even taking me down, I started with grappling originally, I’m a grappler – not anymore, I really love to strike as well.

“Even if it happens, if he takes me down – if he’s able to – he’s not gonna enjoy being on the ground with me. So, I’m really looking forward [to it], I’m just happy to be in the octagon again and it’s going to be a good one.”

Samsonidse Praises the Growth of MMA in Germany

MMA hasn’t always been popular in Germany, but in 2023 the sport is growing exponentially due to consistent events by promotions such as OKTAGON MMA. The UFC has also been to the Western European country on six occasions, with the last coming in 2018. This year, the PFL ventured into Germany via PFL Europe, travelling to Berlin this past July.

In terms of notable fighters, this is where German MMA falters compared to some of their European neighbours. Some names include Denis Siver, who fought Conor McGregor during the Irishman’s title run at 145 lbs, UFC 293’s Nasrat Haqparast, and Abus Magomedov.

‘One Love’ discussed the growth of MMA in Germany from when it started until now, praising the country’s progress so far.

He said: “It’s growing, it’s growing fast! Still, we’re a little bit behind, maybe if you compare, for sure if you compare it with the US, but also if you compare with the UK, for example. But it’s getting there, in my opinion!

“You can see the arena getting full, a lot of people starting to know MMA, are starting to be fans. Years ago I always had to explain MMA to friends, to people who didn’t know or were not into the sport and now everybody’s saying ‘Ah, MMA, for sure I have seen this, I have seen that, I’ve seen a fight’.

“It’s becoming way more popular and also the level of fighters, it’s getting better and better and we’re seeing a lot of good guys from Germany as well which makes me happy actually because that’s what we all want. The level goes up and the competition gets better and there’s more focus, more happening for our sport.”