Oktagon is the biggest European MMA promotion, the second episode of Oktagon challenge is live and you can find out about it all here.
Episode 1 debuted on September 12th. In the episode team England picked up the win on the first challenge of changing tyers. They opted to have Beau Gavin fight Aaron McDonald, Beau won by spectacular first-round knockout, giving team England coached by Brad Pickett and Akonne Wanliss, the upper hand.
A quick rivalry was established between team Ireland’s confident Denis Frimpong & team England’s Hascan Gelezi. This will be one to watch as the season evolves. With the first gith in the books episode 2 debuted Tuesday, September 19th and we’ll break it down here.
Oktagon Challenge #2: Love Art
After a massive knockout in episode 1, team England was treated to a flying experience with none other than Oktagons owners and promoters Pavol Neruda and Ondrej Novotný. Swiftly after, show host Bryan Lacey introduced the next challenge…
With Bratislava as the backdrop, Bryan introduced the next challenge for the team. A blacked-out wall under a motorway and some spray paint, the theme: “Love” and with one key rule, no national emblems allowed. The teams got to work on their masterpieces.
Team Ireland went for a ‘conceptual’ piece showcasing the ying-yang symbol amongst others. Team England went for a more personal touch, with the Oktagon logo and some hand prints to provide some variation in their design.
Coaches of team Ireland Paddy Hoolahan & Shem Rock were joined by Team England coaches to judge the artwork with no previous knowledge of which was which. The decision was a 2-2 draw, and so renowned artist Daor was drafted in to judge, he picked Team England. Taking Team England 2-0 up in the challenges and giving them the chance to pick the fight.
The Rivalry Heating up the House
One common theme that has emerged from the first 2 episodes has been a hot rivalry. Since the first moments Denis Frimpong & Hascan Gelezi had been at each other, constantly back and forth inside the house. This only amplified in episode 2, Denis had this to say on his fellow contestant:
“I just want everyone to know, that he’s a b***h, everyone here already knows he’s a b***h, everyone on my team knows he’s a b***h, everyone on his team knows he’s a b***h, the coaches know he’s a b***h, and I just wanted him to know that he’s a b***h”
In his own face-to-face, Hascan had this to say: “He knows when things are going slowly, it’s better for me. That’s why he’s panicking”
The pair continued to go at each other throughout the episode. After mocking Hascan finished his run Denis approached him about ‘quitting’ on the machine, leading to the pair going nose to nose. Bryan Lacey shared his thoughts on the rivalry:
“Denis wants the fight so bad.” Bryan continued “The fear is that we’ll lose the fight because they’ll end up doing it in the villa, in the carpark and not in the cage”
Oktagon Challenge Fight #2
Team England coaches chose Jake McHugh (5-0 AMAT.) to go up against Team Ireland’s Armand Herczeg (8-7 AMAT.). Both made the lightweight limit ahead of the fight and it was on!
Jake makes no secret about being a grappler first as Brad Pickett said: “Jakes’s strongest is on the floor and that’s where Armand is weakest. The easiest way to victory is by going to the ground.” Jake himself is a quiet lad and calls himself more of an introvert. He credits a lot of his game to his work ethic and willingness to learn: “We’ve only got a short time with them (Brad & Akonne) so I want to get as much knowledge from them as I can.”
Armand on the other hand is a striker, however he does have 6 wins by submissions in his career so far. During the face-off Armand thought he had a clear advantage: “Looking into Jakes eyes I see that he realises how much bigger I am than him. How much harder it might seem for him to get in close to me.”
A Shock Win
Round 1 began with Armand establishing his range with an excellent jab. Jake quickly shot for a takedown against the fence, which Armand telegraphed and locked in a guillotine which he held onto.
After a change of position, Armand transitioned to a modified guard and locked in the submission tighter, after a few seconds Jake went out and Armand was declared the winner. This sent team Ireland wild and evened up the fight score to 1-1. Armand had this to say about the fight: “The boys on the English team won’t underestimate me as much. I’m the dark house now. Irelands coming back.”
Bryan Lacey called the fight “The shock of the season.”
Armand Herczeg wins in 34 seconds by submission.
The result of that fight puts Armand into the Semi-final along with Beau Gavin.
At Combat Sports UK we’ll bring you exclusive weekly content from Oktagon Challenge so stay tuned for updates!
You can watch Episode 2 in full here:
Featured Image Credits to Channel 4 Sport YouTube Channel
