One of the most anticipated matchups in European MMA this year is officially set. A champion-versus-champion showdown will headline OKTAGON 89 when bantamweight king Igor Severino defends his title against reigning flyweight champion Zhalgas Zhumagulov.
The historic clash takes place on June 6 in Bratislava, Slovakia, as part of the 10-year anniversary celebrations for OKTAGON MMA. Zhumagulov will move up a weight class in an attempt to become a simultaneous two-division champion, adding even more intrigue to one of the promotion’s biggest fights to date.
Igor Severino’s Rapid Rise Continues
At just 22 years old, Brazil’s Igor Severino has quickly become one of the most talked-about prospects in MMA.
Severino first made global headlines in 2024 during his brief stint with the Ultimate Fighting Championship after a controversial biting incident led to his release. However, the young Brazilian rebounded quickly by signing with OKTAGON MMA and embracing the nickname “Hannibal Lecter.”
His debut with the promotion was impressive as he defeated former bantamweight champion Jonas Mågård. Severino followed that performance with a devastating knockout victory over PFL Europe tournament winner Khurshed Kakhorov last month to capture the bantamweight title.
Still early in his career, Severino has already declared ambitions of becoming the pound-for-pound number one fighter in the promotion, and a win over a veteran champion like Zhumagulov would be another massive step toward that goal.
Zhalgas Zhumagulov Chasing Two-Division History
Standing across the cage will be one of the most experienced fighters in the division.
Kazakhstan’s Zhalgas Zhumagulov has compiled a 19-9 professional record and fought some of the best flyweights in the world. His resume includes bouts against top fighters such as Amir Albazi and Manel Kape, along with a razor-close split decision loss to current UFC champion Joshua Van.
Since joining OKTAGON, Zhumagulov has looked revitalized. He captured the promotion’s flyweight championship and successfully defended the belt in December with a third-round finish of David Dvořák.
Now the Kazakh standout is seeking a historic moment by moving up to bantamweight to challenge Severino and attempt to hold titles in two divisions simultaneously.
Stacked Card for OKTAGON’s Anniversary Event
OKTAGON 89 will feature several additional high-profile matchups.
In the heavyweight division, Lazar Todev will collide with Martin Buday in a bout with major title implications.
Slovakia’s Robert Pukač will defend home turf against Irish striker Brian Manning in what promises to be an explosive matchup.
Fan favorites Ronald Paradeiser, Marek Mazúch, and Radovan Úškrt are also scheduled to compete on the card, with their opponents expected to be announced soon.
With two champions colliding and several top European talents featured, OKTAGON 89 is shaping up to be one of the most significant events in the promotion’s history.
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, and Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and is also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer. He’s also the main photographer for the 4CornersMafia Car Club.
Discover more from FightBook MMA
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.