Fighters Only : OKTAGON 71 Preview

Paul Browne

May 16, 2025

Growing European MMA powerhouse MMA is back with another major event this weekend, returning to Munich’s BMW Park for the first time in over two years. OKTAGON 71 takes place on Saturday, headlined by a pivotal light heavyweight rematch and bolstered by several high-stakes clashes featuring top-tier talent from Ireland, England, and beyond.

Main Event: Poppeck Seeks Redemption Against Langer

Germany’s own Alexander "Ironside" Poppeck (17-5, 1 NC) will once again meet Pavol Langer (13-11) in a long-awaited rematch that could reshape the light heavyweight division. Their first encounter took place in Oberhausen two years ago, where Poppeck entered as the heavy favorite. But it was Slovakia’s Langer who pulled off a stunning upset, claiming a split-decision victory and halting Poppeck’s momentum toward a title shot.

Now fighting on home turf, Poppeck looks to avenge that loss and reassert himself as a top contender. Langer, however, is confident he can spoil the party once again and walk out of Munich with another win over his rival.

Co-Main Event: Topallaj vs. Frimpong

Tensions have reached a boiling point between Arijan Topallaj (7-1-1) and Denis Frimpong (5-2), and they’ll finally settle their feud in the co-main event at a catchweight of 74kg (163 lbs). The bad blood began after Frimpong—nicknamed "The Menace"—called out Topallaj following a win in Stuttgart, which soon escalated into a physical altercation between the two.

Now, after weeks of verbal sparring and rising hostility, both men are ready to throw down and put an end to this heated rivalry once and for all.

Shem Rock Returns Against Veteran Korkmaz

One of Liverpool’s most exciting prospects, Shem Rock (11-1-1), is set to make his OKTAGON return after nearly a year away from competition. The Next Generation MMA standout—training alongside UFC star Paddy Pimblett—will face Attila Korkmaz (15-9), a last-minute replacement and seasoned Bellator veteran, in a 73kg (161 lbs) catchweight bout.

Rock is riding a wave of momentum, having submitted his last three opponents via first-round rear-naked choke. But Korkmaz, currently ranked #6 among OKTAGON lightweights, accepted the bout without hesitation and aims to snap Rock’s six-fight unbeaten streak. This fight promises fireworks.

Other Notable Bouts

Patrick Vespaziani (4-2), a towering presence in the heavyweight division, looks to make a big impact when he welcomes Jovan Zeljkovic (5-1) to the OKTAGON cage for the first time.
At a 72kg (159 lbs) catchweight, Turkish knockout artist Gökhan Aksu (12-6-1) will try to maintain his perfect stoppage rate against Ognjen Dimić (8-3-1, 1 NC) of Serbia.
Rising Czech contender Tomáš Mudroch (6-1) will aim to secure his most meaningful victory to date in a lightweight showdown against Ozan Aslaner (9-5-1).