A key fight for Oktagon MMA’s heavyweight division is set for Oktagon 89.
In an announcement issued via press release, promotion officials have revealed that former UFC heavyweight Martin Buday (16-3) will take on ex-Oktagon title challenger Lazar Todev (13-7) at Oktagon 89.
The event takes place on June 6, 2026 at the Tipos Aréna in Bratislava, Slovakia.
After exiting the UFC on a three-fight win streak that included victories over ex-champ Andre Arlovski and jiu-jitsu champion Buchecha, Buday made his Oktagon debut in a title fight against double-champ (light heavyweight and heavyweight) Will Fleury. That turned into a disastrous night for the 34-year old Slovakian, as he was finished on the feet in under two minutes.
Bulgaria’s Todev also suffered a setback in a title fight with Fleury last year. After a wild turn of events ahead of a scheduled title fight with then-champ Hatif Moeil, Todev found himself facing Fleury for gold. That, after Moeil abruptly left the promotion after being fined for starting a brawl at a press conference.
Todev came up short against Fleury, losing a decision last March. He’s since bounced back with victories over a pair of UFC veterans however: Luis Henrique and Josh Parisian (in what turned out to be Parisian’s retirement fight).
A third victory over a UFC alum, and a recent fellow title challenger, would almost certainly land Todev another crack at Fleury.