Makwan Amirkhani Set to fight Against Mochamed Machaev at OKTAGON 54

31 January 2024

Former UFC featherweight contender, Makwan Amirkhani, who parted ways with the promotion in June, is gearing up for a pivotal matchup against top prospect Mochamed Machaev at OKTAGON 54 in Ostrava, the Czech Republic. The lightweight clash, with a €1 million prize on the line, is proudly sponsored by Tipsport, the largest betting agency in the country.

Amirkhani, now at a career crossroads, faces the challenge of rejuvenating his mixed martial arts journey at the age of 35. Following a rough patch that saw him go 2-6 in his last eight fights, the Finnish fighter is determined to bounce back and showcase that he still possesses the skills to compete at a high level. This will be his first fight since the UFC opted not to renew his contract.

In contrast, Amirkhani's opponent, Mochamed Machaev, is a rising star at just 24 years old. With an impressive record of 13-1-1, Machaev aims to capitalize on this opportunity to make a mark on the MMA scene. Facing a seasoned opponent like Amirkhani provides Machaev with a chance to add a notable name to his record.

The matchup brings an intriguing dynamic as Amirkhani, known for his grappling skills, seeks redemption, while Machaev, an offensive wrestler, looks to overwhelm his opponent with mat volume. The clash of styles and the strategic choices each fighter makes will undoubtedly capture the attention of fight fans.

Amirkhani's grappling proficiency is well-known, but concerns about his endurance in prolonged grappling sequences have surfaced in the past. On the other hand, Machaev's offensive wrestling prowess is a strength, but his vulnerability in defensive wrestling, as seen in his bout against Jaroslav Pokorn, adds an element of uncertainty to the outcome.

As both fighters step into the OKTAGON cage with distinct goals, fight enthusiasts eagerly await the spectacle that is sure to unfold in this high-stakes lightweight encounter.