UK MMA veteran Scott Askham has signed a multi-fight contract with OKTAGON and will make the walk against #3 ranked Middleweight Kerim Engizek at OKTAGON 53, in his first fight of the deal.
The 35-year-old made his promotional debut at OKTAGON 49, the company’s inaugural UK show in Manchester in November 2023. Askham put on an impressive display against a game Marc Doussis and managed to grind out a unanimous decision win. After the bout, the Middleweight decided to put pen to paper on a deal with the ever-growing promotion.
Following the announcement of his new deal, Askham took to social media to express his delight.
“Multi fight deal signed with @oktagonmma! First fight Feb 10th. Excited for the new challenge and hunting another major world title in 2024”
With his intent to compete at the very top of the division as early as possible, the tough opening assignment of Kerim Engizek will certainly give the promotion and fans alike, a clear indication of where the Yorkshireman stacks up in the 185lbs picture. Engizek enters the contest on a fine run of form, having not lost a contest since 2014 and picking up 13 victories since.
Askham is no stranger to the big stage, having competed in the likes of the UFC, BAMMA, Cage Warriors, KSW and ACB throughout his illustrious career.
After parting ways with the UFC and then securing a victory over Luke Barnett on ACB 70, Askham signed with fellow European promotion KSW in 2018. His career hit a purple patch and in just his third fight since signing with them, Askham captured the KSW Middleweight title in emphatic style, defeating Michal Materla with a flying knee.
The Brit then partook in an enthralling trilogy against Mamed Khalidov, in which he won the first bout but lost the subsequent two. Now with OKTAGON, Askham will no doubt be looking to prove once again that he can still hang with the best in European MMA.
Along with notable names on the British scene such as Askham, Jack Cartwright and Matthew Bonner, OKTAGON have signed a cohort of young UK prospects including George Staines, Shoaib Yousaf, Corey Fry and Nathan Haywood, as they look to establish a foothold in the UK market over the next few years.
Their next event on British shores will land at the turn of the year when they make the trip to Newcastle for OKTAGON 52.
