Oktagon MMA: Rising Above the UFC’s Shadow
Who watches MMA without the UFC? It appears almost everyone in mainland Europe does.
Dana White’s UFC has become synonymous with MMA, dominating the mainstream audience’s perception. This brand control can hinder competitors, making it tough for them to secure a place in the audience’s consciousness. However, Oktagon MMA is an example of success beyond the UFC’s influence.
Founded by Pavol Neruda and Ondrej Novotny in 2016, Oktagon MMA aimed high, striving to create a mainstream appeal for the sport in regions where it was virtually unknown. Originating in Czechia and Slovakia, their main objective was to establish a new norm in the local MMA landscape and, surprisingly, elevate MMA’s global presence.
Fast forward eight years, and Oktagon has revolutionized MMA consumption, achieving something the UFC has not. They have perfected large-scale stadium shows. “We changed the landscape totally in this area,” Neruda shared with The Independent. “It was an underground sport. We were desperate to change how people perceive it.”
Oktagon made history on October 12, 2024, by smashing the UFC’s all-time attendance record at a single event, attracting an astonishing 60,000 fans to Deutsche Bank Arena in Frankfurt.
Neruda was astonished as the event unfolded. “I rented this colosseum for a few days; how crazy is that? I waited to fully process the experience. You pray for this moment.” The event established Oktagon as a historical player in the sport.
Neruda emphasizes that the success of Oktagon’s events comes from entertainment beyond the fights. “It’s a lot of entertainment, not just sport,” he explains. For instance, British singer-songwriter John Newman performed a halftime show in Frankfurt, showcasing that Oktagon events are about more than just the action in the cage.
In conclusion, while the UFC relies on its fading star power for attendance, Oktagon focuses on captivating fans through storytelling, strong connections with fighters, and an engaging entertainment experience, signifying MMA is thriving in Europe beyond UFC’s reach.
