On Saturday night, Jonas Mågård and Gustavo Lopez will collide in an epic unification match-up at Oktagon MMA 41 at the Home Credit Arena in Liberec, Czech Republic.
Since the announcement of the bout, both men have captivated fans with their intriguing war of words, with each one doing their utmost to rattle their opponent. However, when the cage door locks, the mind games will go out of the window as the two Oktagon legends trade leather to decide who the real King of Bantamweights is once and for all.
Born in a small city in Denmark, Mågård instantly gravitated towards fighting, doing everything in his power to make it to the top. At 18 years of age, he moved to Copenhagen in pursuit of his dream. And despite going 1-3 in his first four outings, he remained confident in his ability, knowing that he had the potential to prove all the doubters wrong.
In a testament to his incredible powers of self-belief, he tore his way through a plethora of contenders to work his way to a shot at the Oktagon title.
On November 16, 2021, ‘The Shark’ achieved his lifelong goal, defeating Filip Macek via unanimous decision to claim the championship belt he’d so long desired.
Unsurprisingly this propelled the Dane into superstardom, with MMA enthusiasts around the globe desperate to see him back in action. Consequently, Oktagon pounced on a title rematch, but with just ten days left before fight night, Mågård broke his cheekbone, leaving the door open for Lopez.
Read: Exclusive: Jonas Mågård is ready for war at Oktagon MMA 41 (sporf.com)
Jonas Mågård vs Gustavo Lopez headlines Oktagon MMA 41
A veteran of UFC, with tremendous grappling and striking, Lopez is undeniably one of the best fighters on the planet. And he proved that against Macek, finishing him via first-round submission to win the interim title.
But while the purists looked on in awe, Mågård saw nothing more than a fraud falsely boasting a claim to his throne.
This has created an intense rivalry, with both warriors determined to prove why they are the top dog at 135 pounds.
However, their match-up isn’t the only one to look forward to.
Karlos Vémola returns at Oktagon MMA 41
As far as legends go, the Czech sensation has undoubtedly solidified his place among the sport’s greats. After becoming the first fighter from his country to sign with the UFC, he joined Oktagon, winning the light heavyweight title.
In an effort to utilise this momentum, he agreed a deal to face Patrik Kincl in an attempt to become a double champion. However, a life-threatening health condition rendered ‘The Terminator’ hospitalised.
Luckily, with determination being one of his most outstanding qualities, he’s worked his way back to the cage, with the fight with ‘The Inspector’ rearranged for May 20 in Prague.
But before he gets there, he’ll have to beat renowned power puncher, Al Matavao, who’s determined to take the legend’s head clean off his shoulders.
Therefore, with two incredible fights to look forward to, this is a card that fans can’t afford to miss.
How to watch Oktagon MMA 41 and UK start time
The eagerly-anticipated event will be broadcast live around the world on OKTAGON.TV, as well as global platform, DAZN, in selected international markets. The action begins at 5 PM GMT/6 PM CET/12 PM ET/9 AM CT.
Oktagon MMA 41: Full Card
OKTAGON 41 Fight Card
April 15th – Liberec, Czech Republic
Main Card
Main Event
OKTAGON MMA Undisputed Bantamweight Title
(c) Jonas Mågård (14-5) vs. (ic) Gustavo Lopez (13-6-1)
Co-Main Event
Catchweight (89kg/196lbs)
Karlos Vémola (33-6) vs. Al Matavao (10-5)
Light Heavyweight
Daniel Škvor (5-2) vs. Dan Vinni (22-17-2)
Heavyweight
Adam Pałasz (8-1) vs. Lazar Todev (7-5)
Catchweight (73kg/161lbs)
Ebrahim Hosseinpour (7-6) vs. Jan Malach (14-13)
Preliminary Card
Light Heavyweight
Jorick Montagnac (4-1) vs. Mateusz Strzelczyk (13-13-1)
Middleweight
‘Baba Jaga’ Václav Mikulášek (8-10) vs. Matyas Viszlay (2-0)
Catchweight (97kg/214lbs)
Robin Fošum (2-1) vs. Nermin Hajdarpašić (4-1)
Middleweight
Ondřej Raška (9-7) vs. Jamie Cordero (2-1)
Lightweight
Peter Gabal (4-2) vs. Hafeni Nafuka (3-0)
Middleweight
Melvin Mané (0-1) vs. Zoran Solaja (2-0)
Featured Image Credit: Oktagon MMA