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Exclusive | Katharina Dalisda Talks Transformation of MMA in Germany Ahead of Oktagon 62

Katharina Dalisda Oktagon 62 The German-born MMA fighter Katharina Dalisda will be looking to defend her world title in her hometown in front…

The German-born MMA fighter Katharina Dalisda will be looking to defend her world title in her hometown in front of 60,000 screaming fans at Oktagon 62. This stadium event in Frankfurt, Germany, has shown how much the attitude of MMA has changed in Germany over the past decade.

Katharina Dalisda on German MMA

Katharina Dalisda had a background in Judo but never intended to compete in MMA, she was just looking for a good workout. Fast forward, now, she holds a world title in Oktagon and will be battling in front of a record-breaking audience live from Deutsche Bank Park, a massive stadium.

Speaking in an interview, she explained:

“I did judo for about 17 years. Then I stopped and did endurance sports for two years, like triathlons and running. I found it a bit boring and wanted more action. I met someone at the running track; we were both doing a half marathon, and we didn’t know each other. We started talking while running, and he said he was doing kickboxing. That piqued my interest. Yes, it’s kind of crazy! But training is fun. It became a true passion for me.”

Katharina Dalisda Tim Wheaton Oktagon 62

UFC 99 was hosted in Germany and the country was not welcoming of the new sport, painting it as a bloody affair with street toughs. Now, Oktagon will be hosting a major event in Frankfurt after investing in the nation. On this shift, Katharina Dalisda explained:

“I think it has a lot more awareness than it did two or three years ago. When I started, I had my first fight in 2019 at a really big event in. There were maybe two or three thousand fans, and it felt huge! Now, Octagon is doing a really good job with marketing and getting fans into the scene …

“More people are becoming aware of the sport. I hope the image of MMA continues to improve too. It’s mixed right now. Many “normal” people enjoy the sport and see the complex tactical aspects behind it, but not everyone is there yet. I think in a year or two, it will get even better.”

Oktagon 62

Oktagon 62 is an MMA event scheduled for October 12, 2024, at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, Germany. This event is expected to attract up to 60,000 fans, making it one of the largest MMA gatherings ever. In fact, it even surpassed the UFC’s record attendance of 57,127 from UFC 243 in Melbourne.

The main event will feature a welterweight title fight between two popular German fighters: Christian Eckerlin from Frankfurt and Christian Jungwirth from Stuttgart. This matchup is being billed as a battle for the title of “King of Germany.”

‘Tigress’ Katharina Dalisda plans to defend her Strawweight title against former UFC fighter Mallory Martin. Germany’s Dalisda is looking to make it seven wins in a row.

See the full interview below:

Exclusive | The Scholar and the Fighter, From PhD to PFL: Dr. Souhil Tahiri “Don’t set limits on yourself.”

Souhil Tahiri has defied the odds for his entire life. Despite doing poorly in school, he would later get…

Souhil Tahiri has defied the odds for his entire life. Despite doing poorly in school, he would later get his PhD. Despite not wanting to be a professional fighter, the French-Algerian is now competing in the lightweight semi-finals in PFL MENA taking place on September 20.

Dr. Souhil Tahiri

All he wanted to do was try to quit smoking, so one day Dr. Souhil Tahiri registered at an MMA gym. Speaking in an interview with Tim Wheaton of LowKickMMA, he explained:

“I just wanted to quit smoking and get in better shape. I’d never done combat sports or any sports before that. My main goal was to quit smoking and maybe get some abs or something basic like that.”

But what added to his drive was coaches telling him that he should not be doing this as he was a scholar. At this point, he was working on a PhD in mathematics. Therefore, a career in MMA simply didn’t add up. But he persisted anyway as he pushed himself to constantly be a better version of himself.

“I kept going with it. I started both journeys at the same time, and everybody kept telling me that it was too late to do combat sports or boxing, that I needed to focus on studying. Even in boxing, when I went to the gym, the coach would say, ‘You’re just a scholar. You’re good at studying, no need to put so much effort into boxing. You won’t go any further.‘”

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A vital pillar of Souhil Tahiri is that one never stops growing, or learning. Whether it’s in the ring, cage, or classroom; people should strive to be their very best. Therefore, he kept pushing himself.

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“Don’t set limits on yourself … I’m trying to motivate those around me. If you have goals, believe in them and work for them. Maybe you’ll get results, maybe not, but you’ll always benefit in some way.

“Yes, it’s possible. You have to put in hard work, believe in what you’re doing, and just keep showing up. Never let yourself down. Even on bad days, keep going to the gym, keep going to school. I failed many exams and lost many fights, but I kept showing up no matter what. Alhamdulillah, now I’m in the PFL, I have my PhD, and I have a job. So, yeah, things are going well.“

PFL MENA 3

Now, Dr. Souhil Tahiri will face the experienced Sanda fighter Mohsen Mohammadseifi in the semi-finals of the PFL MENA tournament. PFL MENA 3 goes down on September 20.

See the full interview with Souhil Tahiri below:

Exclusive | Omar El Dafrawy On Driving MMA’s Growth in Egypt: “More and more Egyptians making waves.”

PFL MENA athlete Omar El Dafrawy has been making an impact in the nation of Egypt in growing the…

PFL MENA athlete Omar El Dafrawy has been making an impact in the nation of Egypt in growing the sport of MMA at the core level. On Friday, September 19, he will be competing in the Semi-finals of the PFL MENA welterweight tournament.

Omar El Dafrawy on Egyptian MMA

Whether it’s Judo, Boxing, Wrestling, Taekwondo, or Karate, the nation of Egypt has a rich history in combat sports and has collected dozens of Olympic medals. MMA is a natural step for the people of the nation but it still needs a push. Omar El Dafrawy and his gym Fitbox are looking to make an impact.

In an exclusive interview with Tim Wheaton of LowKickMMA, El Dafrawy explained:

“A lot of people are transitioning, but we need more high-profile coaches to guide them through that. We have strong bases in boxing, Greco-Roman wrestling, and judo, with Olympians and gold medalists. When the right people who genuinely care about the sport get involved, things will continue to change. I’ve seen it happening, especially as I’ve traveled and invested in myself as an athlete … We’re seeing more and more Egyptians making waves.”

Combat sports is booming in Egypt, and MMA is right at the forefront, he added:

“There are a lot of high benchmarks being set. I think I’ve restructured the sport back home. My background is academic, and people saw that the sport is for everyone, not just those with tough upbringings. They saw that you can be educated—I have a bachelor’s degree—and still be a full-time fighter. There’s a huge gap in the market for education on training and preparation, but that’s what I’m trying to deliver through Fitbox. As for numbers, MMA is booming. There are at least 20 promotions back home, with more popping up. For example, the national kickboxing tournament has 800 fights over two days, just with kids.”

PFL MENA 3

Upcoming at PFL MENA 3, on September 20, El Dafrawy is looking to build on his impressive win streak and advance to the PFL MENA finals later this year. But standing in his way is the experienced Jarrah Hussein Al-Silawi. On this matchup, the Egyptian MMA athlete explained:

“I’ve studied my opponent, and I feel confident that I can knock out Jarrah.”

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Jake Paul

YouTuber and boxer Jake Paul will soon be competing in MMA in the PFL but still has yet to have an opponent picked. Omar El Dafrawy is throwing his name in the mix whether it be under boxing or MMA rules. Omar El Dafrawy said:

“I want to punch him in the boxing ring first! But seriously, I like what he’s been doing. He’s calling out the people who don’t treat fighters well, like Dana White. That’s why I chose PFL. It’s about building myself and having financial security. PFL gives fighters the freedom to box if they want and respects the fighters. That’s what the sport needs—promotions that understand fighters.”

See the full interview with Omar El Dafrawy below:

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Exclusive | Tony Bellew Weighs In On Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2, as a former opponent

Tony Bellew has been in the ring with Oleksandr Usyk who recently took the heavyweight boxing world title from…

Tony Bellew has been in the ring with Oleksandr Usyk who recently took the heavyweight boxing world title from Tyson Fury. We sit down with Bellew for an exclusive interview with LowKick MMA & AceOdds to discuss the upcoming heavyweight championship showdown.

Tony Bellew – Boxing Champion

Tony Bellew, a former English professional boxer, enjoyed a successful career in the mid-2000s, during which he claimed the WBC Cruiserweight World Championship and several other major titles. Bellew is well-known for his accomplishments in both the cruiserweight and light-heavyweight divisions, finishing his career with a record of 30 wins, 20 by knockout, and 3 losses

Following his retirement after a defeat by Oleksandr Usyk in November 2018, Bellew shifted to sports commentary and analysis. He has since worked as a boxing analyst for DAZN and made appearances on various television shows.

Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2

Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, of the UK, first faced off in a historic heavyweight title unification bout on May 18, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The fight was highly anticipated as it crowned the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 2000, and the first in the four-belt era.

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The initial encounter lived up to expectations, featuring momentum swings and intense action. Usyk dominated the early rounds with his speed and precision, while Fury showed his strength in the middle stages. The bout reached its climax in the ninth round when Usyk nearly knocked out Fury, securing a crucial 10-8 round that ultimately led to his victory.

After 12 rounds of fierce competition, Usyk emerged victorious via split decision (115-112, 113-114, 114-113). This win allowed Usyk to unify his WBO, WBA, and IBF titles with Fury’s WBC belt, making him the undisputed heavyweight champion.

The rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury is scheduled for December 21, 2024, once again in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This second bout was made possible by a rematch clause in the original contract, which Fury exercised immediately after his defeat.

Tyson Fury

Tyson Fury’s father and uncle were both fighters. He began boxing at age 10 and quickly excelled in the amateur ranks, winning various titles before turning professional in 2008. Fury’s professional career took off when he defeated Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 to become the unified heavyweight champion.

Despite Tyson Fury’s success, he faced significant personal challenges, including battles with mental health issues that led to a hiatus from boxing. However, he made a remarkable comeback, reclaiming his status as one of the top heavyweights by defeating Deontay Wilder in a trilogy of fights.

Oleksandr Usyk

Usyk turned professional in 2013 and quickly made a name for himself in the cruiserweight division, where he unified all four major titles and became the undisputed champion. In 2018, he moved up to heavyweight and continued to impress by defeating top contenders. Known for his exceptional technical skills and footwork, Usyk is celebrated for his strategic fighting style and ability to adapt during matches. His background as an athlete from Ukraine has also shaped his identity as a fighter who represents his country on the global stage.

Tony Bellew Weighs In

The boxer Tony Bellew has traded in the ring with Oleksandr Usyk and shared his thoughts on the adjustments Tyson Fury will need to make. He explained:

“When you’re the weight and size of Tyson Fury, you’ve got a chance of beating anyone. He’s f***king 20 stone and he’s 6 foot 8, or 6 foot 9, whatever he claims. If I was that size I’d invade Russia. I wouldn’t be boxing. He’s huge. He’s got a chance against anyone.

“That’s the top and bottom of it, to be fair. He’s punching a lot harder in the second half of his career than he did in the first as well. I think he’s also the only person I’ve genuinely seen hurt Usyk to the head. He was definitely hurting in that fight. I think it was the fifth round where he hurts him. But then as per usual, Oleksandr Usyk comes back stronger. He always does. He always finds a way. I just think he’ll figure them out again on fight night.“

Everton

Tony Bellew is a passionate supporter of Everton Football Club. His connection to the club is deeply personal, as he has expressed how much Everton and Goodison Park mean to him throughout his public appearances and interviews. In our interview, he explained:

I’m not going to lie. I’d take 17th, and 16th now. That’s not good to say as an Everton fan, but I would. It’s all over the place. The Bournemouth game is a freak incident. I was on a plane and I watched 70 minutes of that game, and I just think it’s madness.

“It’s just insane how that’s happened. I can’t explain it. That could happen 20 times, 20 games, 2-0 up at that stage and that just should never happen, but it did, and it’s a freak incident. I don’t think it’ll happen again but it is what it is. We’ve had the top, the bottom line of it. We’ve had three games and three losses and something’s got to be done.

Exclusive | Boxing Veteran on Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson: “We don’t take it seriously.”

Boxing veteran Tony Bellew discussed Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson in an exclusive interview with Low Kick MMA. ‘The…

Boxing veteran Tony Bellew discussed Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson in an exclusive interview with Low Kick MMA. ‘The Problem Child’ will take on the heavyweight icon ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson on November 15, and we discuss the matchup.

Boxing Veteran Tony Bellew

Tony Bellew is an English former professional boxer who had an impressive run from 2007 to 2018, during which he became the WBC Cruiserweight World Champion and held several other titles, including the British and Commonwealth light-heavyweight titles. Bellew is recognized for his achievements in both the cruiserweight and light-heavyweight divisions, with a professional record of 30 wins (20 by knockout), 3 losses, and 1 draw.

After retiring from boxing following a loss to Oleksandr Usyk in November 2018, Bellew transitioned into sports commentary and analysis. He has worked with DAZN as a boxing analyst and has appeared on various television programs.

Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson

Live on Netflix, YouTube star Jake Paul will face off against the 58-year-old Mike Tyson in a professional boxing match. It was previously scheduled, but the aged Tyson had to drop out due to injury. Jake Paul has made a name for himself fighting UFC veterans such as Mike Perry, Anderson Silva, Ben Askren, Tyron Woodley, and Nate Diaz, among others.

Mike Tyson has not been active in boxing for about 20 years. His most recent bout was an exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr. in 2020. Prior to that, his most recent match was his 2005 loss to Kevin McBride.

Speaking to Tim Wheaton of LowKickMMA with Tony Bellew in an interview, Bellew explained how serious this fight is. He said:

“Well, we don’t take it seriously. How seriously should they take it? Not very serious at all, to be honest. It does absolutely nothing for anyone, especially from a professional boxer’s perspective.“

Is Jake Paul on Steroids?

Many pundits have accused ‘The Problem Child‘ Jake Paul of being on PEDs. To this, Tony Bellew explained:

“That’s a strong accusation to use until he’s been there. You’ve gotta wait to see if he fails a drug test. That’s unfair. That’s harsh to be fair. That’s not nice. There are worse people than him in the world doing what they’re doing but I don’t know, we’ll see.”

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Boxing Lifestyle

Tony Bellew added that boxing is not something that an athlete partakes in as a game, it is a lifestyle. He explained:

“You’ve got to live it, mate. It’s not a sport that you can play around with. You’ve got to live it. It has to be your life. As I said, a lot of people get it mixed up and think it’s some kind of sport or it’s a glorified hobby. It’s literally a way of life and that’s the best way for me to explain it to you.

“It’s so, so difficult and it takes so much of your life over. Like I gave it too much if I’m being totally honest. It took over my life. It was an obsession. I was obsessed with becoming a world champion. Live it, these kids out there, go and learn. Go to as many gyms, go to as many coaches as you can, pick up as many chicks as you can because you’re going to need them, but ultimately, live the life.“

Jake Paul and Mike Tyson will be meeting in the boxing ring on November 15 featured on Netflix. It sounds as though the boxing icon, and former champion, Tony Bellew won’t be jumping out of his seat to watch this match.

Later on, we will be discussing the upcoming Oleksandr Usyk Tyson Fury 2 matchups, as Tony Bellew has experience in the ring against the heavyweight king Usyk.

Exclusive | Mate Sanikidze On Training Partner Merab Dvalishvili: “He has a Lionheart.”

Oktagon MMA fighter Mate Sanikidze has worked closely with UFC contender Merab Dvalishvili as they are both from Tbilisi,…

Oktagon MMA fighter Mate Sanikidze has worked closely with UFC contender Merab Dvalishvili as they are both from Tbilisi, Georgia. We sit down with Sanikidze for an exclusive interview to discuss his upcoming fight and the UFC 306 main event.

Mate Sanikidze Talks Merab Dvalishvili

Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306 will be looking to capture the UFC bantamweight world title against ‘Sugar’ Sean O’Malley. While at Oktagon 61, upcoming on September 21, Sanikidze will be looking to make an impact in Oktagon’s bantamweight division. He is the former featherweight champion who is looking for gold at bantamweight.

Speaking in an interview with LowKickMMA, Sanikidze explained about Merab Dvalishvili:

“I have a good relationship with him. We are friends, and I know what’s happening in his heart — both as a friend and as a fighter. We could go so far if we start to describe particular things that will happen, but I just want to mention this: there’s only one guy, one guy, who can beat Sean O’Malley …

“There’s just one guy who can beat him. He’s the only one in the world because he has a lion heart. He’s patriotic, and his emotional state helps him before the fight.

“Your performance depends on your mood, you know? What really sets your mood, for example? In my case, before a fight, my mood isn’t always happy or anything like that.

“Every fighter is different. For Merab, it’s necessary to create a good mood naturally, not in a fake way or anything like that. And I know, I saw Merab in Tbilisi. We had a one-week camp together. We sparred, and I know he’s ready to beat the number one fighter in the world because he really is number one.”

See the full interview below: