The vacant bantamweight championship takes heart stage at OKTAGON 78 as Igor Severino faces Khurshed Kakhorov in Cologne on October 18, 2025. The competition marks probably the most important title fights in European MMA, with over 20,000 followers anticipated to pack the Lanxess Area for Germany’s premier MMA occasion of the yr.
Igor Severino vs. Khurshed Kakhorov
Severino, the controversial Brazilian fighter, enters this chance after a turbulent interval that noticed his UFC contract terminated following a biting incident towards Andre Lima in March 2024. The 22-year-old acquired a nine-month suspension from the Nevada State Athletic Fee however has efficiently reinvented himself underneath the “Hannibal Lecter” moniker since becoming a member of OKTAGON. His promotional debut proved decisive, incomes a break up resolution victory over former bantamweight champion Jonas Magard in December 2024. The efficiency instantly elevated Severino into title competition regardless of his checkered previous.
The trail to this championship combat has been difficult for Severino. Initially scheduled to face Jack Cartwright for the vacant title on two separate events earlier in 2025, each contests have been cancelled on account of accidents sustained by the English fighter. These setbacks led OKTAGON matchmakers to pivot towards Kakhorov, who brings substantial credentials from his profitable tenure in PFL Europe.
OKTAGON 78
Kakhorov represents a difficult match for the younger Brazilian. The 33-year-old German native captured the 2023 PFL Europe bantamweight match, defeating Moktar Benkaci, Ali Taleb, and Frans Mlambo to assert the championship. His hanging background and judo coaching have produced 9 knockout victories throughout 13 skilled wins. Most just lately, Kakhorov demonstrated his ending potential with a third-round knockout of Tuomas Gronvall in June 2024, advancing by means of the PFL Europe playoff construction.
Severino has secured eight of his 9 profession victories by knockout or submission, showcasing the explosive potential that originally attracted UFC scouts. His potential to harm Magard early of their December encounter highlighted his harmful hanging.
Kakhorov’s method facilities on his confirmed knockout energy and complete grappling basis. His profitable run by means of PFL Europe demonstrated his potential to carry out underneath strain in match settings, ending Frans Mlambo within the championship last to seize his first main title. The Xtreme Couture product has proven constant ending potential all through his profession, with technical knockouts over Brett Johns in Bellator and a number of opponents throughout German regional promotions.
OKTAGON 78 represents the promotion’s continued growth into the German market, constructing on the success of earlier occasions which have drawn large crowds all through the nation. The October date marks virtually two years since OKTAGON’s final main present in Cologne, creating important anticipation amongst German MMA followers.
The cardboard options further star energy designed to enhance the title combat. Christian Eckerlin, who claimed the “King of Germany” crown at OKTAGON 62 earlier than 59,000 followers in Frankfurt, headlines the supporting forged. Viral sensation Frederic Vosgrone, whose distinctive grappling type and charismatic character have garnered widespread consideration, additionally seems on the invoice. Former world boxing champion Deniz Ilbay rounds out the marquee points of interest, persevering with his transition into blended martial arts following his profitable boxing profession.
Kakhorov faces the problem of adapting his match expertise to championship strain. His PFL Europe success proves his potential to carry out in high-stakes environments, however OKTAGON’s distinctive environment and Severino’s explosive type current new variables. The German’s methodical method and veteran expertise might show decisive towards his youthful, extra impulsive opponent.
The October 18 date positions OKTAGON 78 as a pivotal occasion in European MMA’s calendar yr. With each fighters representing completely different paths to championship competition, the bout guarantees to ship the joy that has made OKTAGON one in all Europe’s premier promotions. The Lanxess Area setting ensures most environment for what might emerge as a “Struggle of the Yr” candidate.
