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Exclusive | MMA Fighter Veronika Smolkova Discusses Title Wins and Nude Modelling ‘Show off those girly things’

Exclusive | MMA Fighter Veronika Smolkova Discusses Title Wins and Nude Modelling 'Show off those girly things' Oktagon MMA fighter Veronika Smolkova is preparing for her next bout with a potential title opportunity on the horizon….

Oktagon MMA fighter Veronika Smolkova is preparing for her next bout with a potential title opportunity on the horizon. The Slovakian athlete has made a name for herself with her aggressive striking and finishing ability, and a victory in her upcoming fight could put her in line for a championship shot.

Veronika Smolkova

Speaking ahead of her fight, Smolkova expressed confidence in her preparation and reaffirmed her goal of securing a title. “I win this fight, and the belt is next,” she said. “I will do everything in my power to get it and defend it.”

“My dream is to do what I love, inspire others, and, along the way, maintain my joy, my happiness, and, most importantly, my health. I also see myself with titles—that’s a given.”

In addition to her fighting career, Veronika Smolkova has also gained attention outside the cage for her nude modeling. While some fighters prefer to keep their public image strictly focused on competition, Smolkova embraces both sides of her persona. She explained:

“After all, even though I’m a fighter, I’m also still a girl—a woman—and I like to show off those girly things. Even though it’s not too much, I still like to feel sexy and that kind of stuff, even alongside the sport … I am feminine, and I’m very sensitive. When I go to training, I have that sensitivity and those emotions—anger and other emotions you could call “bad” emotions, but also the ones that make you like an animal. I leave all of that at the gym and get it all out there. Then, after training, I can embrace my other emotions—my more feminine and sensitive side.”

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Veronika Smolkova’s openness about balancing athletics and femininity has echoed with fans, particularly as more female fighters challenge traditional expectations in combat sports. At Oktagon 67, on February 22, she will be facing the top-ranked Aitana Álvarez.

“The message I’d like to send is to love yourself and not be afraid to be yourself. Even show off those quirks and unique things about you. Just express yourself in the most loving way toward yourself, and I feel absolutely honored to be able to show that to the younger generation of fighters—especially female fighters coming up.”

With a crucial fight ahead and a growing profile beyond MMA, Veronika Smolkova remains focused on both her professional goals and personal expression. If she secures a victory, a title fight could be next, another step in her rising career.

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Exclusive | David Zawada Aims for Quick Finish in €1 Million Tournament at Oktagon 66

German MMA fighter David Zawada is gearing up for his highly anticipated opening bout in the Oktagon Tipsport Gamechanger…

German MMA fighter David Zawada is gearing up for his highly anticipated opening bout in the Oktagon Tipsport Gamechanger tournament, set to take place at Oktagon 66 in Düsseldorf on February 1, 2025. He is looking for a quick finish against the rising prospect Mat?j Pe?áz.

David Zawada

The experienced middleweight is known for his aggressive style and finishing ability. David Zawada has his sights set on a decisive victory against Czech opponent Mat?j Pe?áz. Speaking about the upcoming fight, Zawada expressed confidence in his preparation and hinted at a potential quick finish, either by submission or knockout.

“When it will be easy to take him down and submit, like one minute, you know, so it would be pretty nice,” Zawada said. “But I think this guy is not stupid, and he maybe has a good team.”

Zawada has been studying Pe?áz’s fighting style and acknowledges the potential challenges his opponent might bring. “I just watched his videos, and I saw some faces that I know, so I think they’re also pretty well-prepared because they know me. Yeah, I have my experience, you know,” he added.

Despite his confidence, Zawada remains cautious about the unpredictable nature of MMA. “It’s MMA, you know. You can train a lot, but training is training, and a fight is a fight. How the fight happens, you can never know,” he explained. “A lot of things depend on how you wake up, how your fight day is going through your mind, and whether you’re ready on that day.”

The Düsseldorf native is also drawing comfort from fighting close to home. With no need for extensive travel or logistical stress, Zawada feels more relaxed and focused as fight night approaches. “This time, I don’t have the stress of traveling, packing my stuff, worrying about forgetting things. So that’s pretty cool,” he said.

“After the weigh-in, I know where I can go to eat good food… no overthinking. I just have to focus on making weight, then enjoy and go through the fight in my mind.” David Zawada’s physical condition appears to be peaking at the right time as well. “For now, I think my physical condition is at a really good level,” he shared. “Yeah, I’m just cutting my weight, just a few kilos to drop, but it’s pretty easy.”

With a €1 million prize pool on the line in the Tipsport Gamechanger tournament, including €300,000 for the winner, David Zawada knows this is a major opportunity to reassert himself as one of Europe’s top fighters. Whether by submission or knockout, fans can expect an intense performance from Zawada as he looks to make a statement in front of his hometown crowd.

Exclusive | Denis Frimpong Breaks Silence on Heated Sparring Match with Paddy Pimblett: ‘I Think I Won That Whole Situation’

The MMA world has been buzzing after a fiery sparring session between rising lightweight Denis Frimpong and UFC star…

The MMA world has been buzzing after a fiery sparring session between rising lightweight Denis Frimpong and UFC star Paddy Pimblett. The unsanctioned showdown took place at Frimpong’s Manchester gym and stemmed from a social media feud but ended with both fighters shaking hands. Now, Frimpong has opened up about the encounter, shedding light on the events that led to it and his perspective on the outcome.

Denis Frimpong vs. Paddy Pimblett Sparring

Speaking to us in an exclusive interview, Frimpong explained that he was initially unaware of any animosity between himself and Paddy Pimblett. “I actually thought we were cool, to be honest. I never thought we had any beef,” he said. Frimpong attributed the tension to comments he made during a filming of Oktagon Challenge, which involved another fighter, George Staines. “Paddy obviously took some issue to that… I suppose he’s like the big brother of their gym. And even though me and George don’t have any issues anymore… Paddy obviously had some issue with that.”

The situation escalated when Pimblett challenged Frimpong to a sparring match, promising to “come up to your gym and batter you.” Frimpong responded with a video that gained traction online, setting the stage for their face-off.

Despite the heated buildup, Frimpong emphasized that the session was conducted in a controlled atmosphere with mutual respect. “We organized it, got into a controlled environment, had our fair play… Had a knock, you know, and then shook hands afterward,” he said. “And I think that’s how, as men, that’s how our problems should be sorted out.”

The sparring session itself was intense, with Paddy Pimblett ultimately securing a rear-naked choke that forced Denis Frimpong to tap out multiple times before the hold was released. However, Frimpong believes the experience was invaluable for his development as a fighter. “I think I won that whole situation because… I got to test out my level against someone of that caliber,” he said. “I got to see where the holes are… and everyone’s talking about it now, so everyone’s going to have eyes on my next fight.” Which is booked for Oktagon 68.

Did Paddy Hold The Choke Too Long?

Denis Frimpong also addressed the controversy surrounding Paddy Pimblett’s refusal to immediately release the chokehold. According to him, the terms of the sparring session were clear from the outset: “It was agreed upon in text before the fight actually started… We go until someone quits, basically.”

While acknowledging the risks involved, Frimpong said he was prepared for such intensity. “In my head, I knew that if he got a choke on, he was going to try and choke me unconscious… As far as going to sleep from a choke, I’m not arsed about it.” Despite the physical toll of the sparring match and its heated moments, Frimpong remains positive about the experience and its impact on his career. “Yeah, [Pimblett] won the actual spar,” he admitted. “But I got to get in there and have a hard spar… with a top 15 guy in my weight division in the UFC.”

For Denis Frimpong, this opportunity tested his skills and raised his profile ahead of his next fight. As for his relationship with Paddy Pimblett moving forward? The Irish fighter seems content with how things ended: “We each had our people there… Had a knock… shook hands afterward, and that’s it.” Whether this marks the end of their rivalry or just another chapter remains to be seen, but one thing is clear, Denis Frimpong is ready for whatever comes next.

Exclusive | Oktagon’s Aaron Aby on Surviving Cancer “Tough battles make you stronger.”

The Welsh-born Aaron Aby is a former Wrexham player who dropped his footballer dreams to compete in MMA. He…

The Welsh-born Aaron Aby is a former Wrexham player who dropped his footballer dreams to compete in MMA. He is a fighter who was born with Cystic Fibrosis and was later diagnosed with cancer. Sitting down in an exclusive interview, ahead of his Oktagon 63 fight against Zhalgas Zhumagulov on November 9, we discuss mental resiliency.

Aaron Aby on Life’s Battles

The professional MMA fighter Aaron Aby has been in the sport of MMA for more than ten years and has taken 26 bouts all over the world in that time. Despite the many clashes in the cage, his toughest fight was his battle with cancer. Speaking recently in an interview with LowKickMMA, he explained:

“I haven’t had a choice. It’s been ingrained in me since I was young. My dad always used to say, “Show me the fighter, and I’ll show you the person. Show me the person, and I’ll show you the fighter.” I’ve carried that with me. Fighting, like life, has its ups and downs. Sometimes you need to use your brain, sometimes you need to dig in and push through. Over time, I’ve become mentally stronger. The cancer battle was the toughest, but I always thought everything I went through was preparing me for it. Tough battles make you stronger. Now, I can apply those lessons in life.”

After a decade in the sport, it has been a long road, he reflected:

“Sometimes, I have to remind myself how far I’ve come, especially with cystic fibrosis. I started MMA to raise awareness for CF. It was on my shirt during my first fight. I feel like sometimes I get caught in the moment, focusing on the big fights ahead, but when I reflect on where I started and how I’ve got here, it’s incredible. I truly appreciate the journey.”

On November 9, Aaron Aby is set to face former UFC fighter Zhalgas Zhumagulov at Oktagon 63.

Christian Eckerlin Crowned the King of Germany After a Dominant Five-Round Performance at Oktagon 62

Christian Jungwirth and Christian Eckerlin battled for the King of Germany title at Oktagon 62, in front of a…

Christian Jungwirth and Christian Eckerlin battled for the King of Germany title at Oktagon 62, in front of a sold-out audience of 60,000 fans in Frankfurt, Germany. After five rounds of action, Christian Eckerlin was crowned the King of Germany.

Christian Jungwirth vs. Christian Eckerlin

Germany’s Eckerlin had a solid opening round controlling the pace against the German-born Jungwirth. The two opened trading punches in round 2 but Jungwirth controlled the center and continuously pushed the pace until a cut interrupted the pace which required a check from the referee. Eckerlin found a solid right-hand counter but ate a hook from Jungwirth and the two began to trade. Even on the back foot, Eckerlin was able to find much success with knees and counterpunches.

Jungwirth came out aggressive in the third round throwing punching combos with body kicks. Eckerlin secured a takedown and began to work from half guard but struggled against the wrist control and knee shield from Jungwirth. With top position and side mount, Eckerlin was able to maintain control for the majority of the round as he varied ground and pound and submission threats.

Tripling up the jab, Christian Eckerlin was finding success in round 4. Mixing jabs into crosses and even attacking the body. Sharp punches continued to find a home against Jungwirth. Eckerlin secured a takedown and got on the back of his opponent at the halfway point of the round. Jungwirth attempted to work back to his feet but was constantly dragged back down.

In the fifth and final round, Christian Jungwirth pursued his opponent aggressively aiming for a knockout win. But the double and triple jab from Eckerlin controlled the match even on the backfoot. Ducking low, Eckerlin dashes to the inside and secured a takedown.

Across all judges’ scorecards, Christian Eckerlin won each round of the five round matchup.

Oktagon 62 Results

Christian Eckerlin def. Christian Jungwirth via unanimous decision (50-45 x3)
Kerim Engizek def. Patrik Kincl via unanimous decision – Oktagon MMA middleweight championship
Max Coga def. Antun Ra?i? via KO. 1:40 of Round 2.
Niko Samsonidse def. Daniel Torres via submission (rear-naked choke). 4:06 of Round 2.
Lazar Todev def. Adam Pa?asz via TKO. 2:19 of Round 2.
Max Holzer def. Mohammed Sadok Trabelsi via TKO. 1:23 of Round 3.
Mallory Martin def. Katharina Dalisda via unanimous decision. — Oktagon MMA women’s strawweight championship
Magomed Machaev def. James Hendin via unanimous decision.
Will Fleury def. Pavol Langer via KO. 1:31 of Round 1.
Hafeni Nafuka def. Arijan Topallaj via unanimous decision.
Deniz Ilbay def. Michael Deiga-Scheck via TKO. 3:19 of Round 1.

Mallory Martin uncrowns Katharina Dalisda to capture the strawweight title at Oktagon 62

At Oktagon 62, Katharina Dalisda looked to defend her Oktagon strawweight crown against UFC veteran Mallory Martin. This title…

At Oktagon 62, Katharina Dalisda looked to defend her Oktagon strawweight crown against UFC veteran Mallory Martin. This title match took place in front of a whopping 60,000 live audience at the Deutsche Bank Park, in Frankfurt, Germany.

Katharina Dalisda vs. Mallory Martin Results

Born in Frankfurt, Germany, ‘Tigress’ Katharina Dalisda had the hometown crowd on her side heading into this rematch, the live audience audibly behind her. Katharina Dalisda has been unbeaten for the past three years and was also the first German champion in Oktagon history.

The two fighters originally met in 2022 with Dalisda getting to nod over Martin. At Oktagon 62, Mallory Martin was looking to avenge this loss.

Oktagon 62 Results

Mallory Martin was landing punching combinations and counterstrikes with authority in round 1. A counterpunch from the US-born athlete nearly made the German fighter stumble. A bloodied Dalisda went for a takedown and had to fight off an armbar attempt from the title challenger.

Round 2 saw the German champion landing single punches from range and mixing high and low, plus attacking with an inside leg kick. Martin found success with a powerful right hand and a solid 1-2. In the last 90 seconds, Dalisda ducked under a right hand and succeeded in a takedown but Martin was able to work her way back to her feet.

The counterpunching game for Mallory Martin seemed to be on point as the fight continued into round 3. Dalisda struggled to find an opening.

Dalisda put her opponent against the fence to kick off the fourth round, looking for a takedown but not succeeding. Afterward, the German fighter pushed forward and Mallory Martin was going backward and landing counterpunches. Martin went for a takedown and Dalisda tried for an armbar but could not lock it in. With Martin in top position, she was unable to pass guard.

Knowing she was likely behind on the scorecards, the German champion tried to land a flying knee and then dived for takedowns, but neither were successful. The sharp counter game continued to be successful for the US-born title challenger Mallory Martin, she even succeeded in earning a takedown.

Mallory Martin def. Katharina Dalisda by unanimous decision (49-46, 50-45, 50-54) – To Earn the Oktagon Strawweight World Title