In a battle that pits two fierce rivals against one another, Oktagon 52 will showcase a bout between rising stars, Jake McHugh and Armand Herczeg.
Following a successful debut in the UK at the AO Arena in Manchester on November 4, the European promotion returns to British soil on January 27 with a blockbuster night of action at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle. And with such a huge grudge match already confirmed for the bill, the fans are in for a treat.
The pair of bitter enemies first met on Oktagon Challenge: England vs Ireland, with McHugh heavily favoured to win due to his 5-0 amateur record and sublime grappling game. However, in a testament to his warrior spirit, Herczeg ignored the doubters, locking in a submission to render his opponent unconscious in just 34 seconds. But can he do it again?
While the Irishman lost his professional debut in July, against Radek Roušal, he’s confident he has the minerals to ensure that lightning strikes twice.
He beamed: “I choked him out in 34 seconds. If he wants it again, he can have it.”
Jake McHugh believes he’ll get redemption against Armand Herczeg at Oktagon 52
Unsurprisingly, McHugh is adamant that this time, it will be revenge rather than repeat. On November 18 in Cologne, Germany, the Liverpudlian made his first professional outing, choking out European Sambo Champion, Ivan Klevets, to prove that he has much more in the locker than he showed on Oktagon Challenge.
In his post-fight interview, he admirably discussed tackling his demons head-on and coming out on top. Therefore, it goes without saying that he’ll have the pressure of the world on his shoulders when he locks up with his nemesis for the second time. But blessed with a remarkable desire to be the best, he knows he has the skill set to give Herczeg the fight of his life.
He explained: “I don’t want to make excuses, but I accepted the OKTAGON Challenge opportunity on short notice, and I was suffering with a back injury. When I shot for the takedown in that fight, my back completely went and Armand ended up catching me in the guillotine, so fair play to him. But I want that one back, I know I am better than him.”
OKTAGON 52 is now on sale, with fans able to buy tickets here
Featured Image Credit: Oktagon MMA