OKTAGON Challenge has reached it’s finale, the last semi-final between George Staines & Armand Herczeg takes centre stage.
What a season it’s been! OKTAGON Challenge UK v Ireland has come to an end. The winners of the semi-finals are set to compete for a £25,000 contract at OKTAGON 48 in Manchester on November 4th.
Last week saw probably the fight of the season between Denis Frimpong and Beau Gavin. The fight went to a decision and a long wait for the fans to find out the winner. From the outset of this week, we learned our winner, Denis Frimpong will go on to fight in Manchester.
All that was left was to find out his opponent, the last fight of the series would be between the favourite Team Englands George Staines & Team Irelands Armand Herczeg.
OKTAGON Challenge: Weight Issues?
With the fight set, both fighters were to train and work on their weight ahead of the big fight. We recall episode 3 where George had a tough time making weight, until now the Englishman has never missed weight.
George had suffered injuries after his fight against Matthew Elliot that required him to return to the UK for further tests, fortunately, all came back well and he was able to compete. Onto the weight cuts, Armand had no issues running into the fight and took his weight cut smoothly, George on the other hand had some issues.
George summed the process up well: “That mentality, is what I have over the rest of them. I will do it, I’ll do whatever it takes to get that weight off”. Cue the sweatsuits and hot baths to sweat out the weight.
Then came way in day, both had to make 70.8kgs, on the first attempt Armand made 70.6 with no problem. Up stepped George Staines, on his first attempt he weight in at 71.05, which meant he had a further 2 hours to cut 205 grams. Among the numerous repercussions, it also means George would have less time to rehydrate, back to the bath for George. With 5 minutes to go George made his second attempt to make weight, he hit 70.5. Fight ON.
George Staines v Armand Herczeg
With the weight cut over, and face-offs done, the fighters were ready to take a huge step in their MMA careers.
Round 1: The round started with both looking to assert their dominance in the centre of the cage, Armand hit a hard leg kick and some nice jabs. Off a jab George countered into a takedown, after some grappling along the catch George established top position in the centre of the cage.
George then imposed his relentless top-game, Armand briefly got the fight close to the fence and attempted a triangle, which George was able to escape. He ended a scramble on Armand’s back and worked towards a choke, once George locked the choke in it was a matter of time before Armand would tap and George Staines would be confirmed as the second finalist.
George Staines will now fight Denis Frimpong at OKTAGON 48 in Manchester on November 4th.
You can watch the full episode here:
Featured Image Credits to Channel 4 Sport YouTube Channel
