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OKTAGON MMA has confirmed a major change to the main event of OKTAGON 92, with UFC veteran Makhmud Muradov stepping in to challenge two division champion Will Fleury for the light heavyweight title on August 1 in Prague, Czech Republic.
Muradov replaces Daniel Škvor, who was forced to withdraw after suffering a pectoral muscle injury during training. While the late change altered the original plans, it has created one of the biggest championship fights of the promotion’s tenth anniversary celebrations, as two reigning champions prepare to collide at the outdoor Štvanice venue.
Muradov accepts a massive opportunity
Muradov will move up from middleweight in pursuit of becoming OKTAGON‘s latest two division champion. The Uzbekistan born fighter currently holds the interim middleweight title after defeating Patrik Kincl by unanimous decision last summer and now has the chance to add another championship to his résumé.
The 29 and 8 veteran also brings valuable UFC experience into the contest, having shared the cage with notable names including Caio Borralho, Bryan Barberena, and Scott Askham.
By accepting the fight on short notice, Muradov has embraced one of the toughest assignments of his career.
Fleury aims for first light heavyweight title defense
Will Fleury enters the bout in outstanding form after establishing himself as one of OKTAGON’s biggest success stories.
The Irishman, who owns a record of 17 wins, three losses, and one no contest, has won six consecutive fights since joining the promotion in April 2024. During that run, he captured both the light heavyweight and heavyweight championships, becoming one of only two double champions in OKTAGON history.
Most recently, Fleury knocked out Kasim Aras at OKTAGON 90 to retain his heavyweight title for the second time. Before that, he secured an impressive victory over Martin Buday in less than two minutes, further strengthening his reputation as one of Europe’s top fighters.
Now, just six weeks after his latest victory, Fleury returns to make the first defense of his light heavyweight championship.
A remarkable comeback
Fleury’s rise has been one of the more surprising stories in European MMA.
The former Bellator and PFL fighter saw his 2023 victory over Krzysztof Jotko overturned to a no contest after both fighters failed drug tests. Fleury later admitted to using banned substances and served his suspension before rebuilding his career in OKTAGON.
Since returning, he has remained unbeaten inside the promotion while collecting championship belts in two weight classes.
Champion against champion
Although Muradov will officially challenge for the light heavyweight title, the matchup also features two reigning champions under the OKTAGON banner.
Muradov enters as the interim middleweight champion, while Fleury holds both the heavyweight and light heavyweight titles.
The contrast in styles adds another layer of intrigue. Fleury brings the size, power, and confidence gained from recent heavyweight competition, while Muradov is expected to rely on his speed, technical striking, and extensive experience competing against elite opposition.
With little time to prepare for one another, adaptability could prove decisive inside the cage.
Another title fight headlines a stacked card
OKTAGON 92 will also feature another championship contest as undefeated bantamweight champion Lucia Szabová defends her title against former UFC fighter Lucie Pudilová.
The rivalry has been building for more than a year and intensified after a tense faceoff in June. Szabová enters the bout with an unbeaten 11 and 0 record, while Pudilová brings valuable UFC experience and a professional record of 17 wins and 11 losses.
Elsewhere on the card, Czech veteran David Kozma meets former UFC fighter David Zawada in a high profile welterweight contest. German prospect Hafeni Nafuka also takes on dangerous striker Tomáš Mudroch in another intriguing matchup.
Updated OKTAGON 92 Fight Card
OKTAGON Light Heavyweight Championship
Will Fleury vs Makhmud Muradov
OKTAGON Bantamweight Championship
Lucia Szabová vs Lucie Pudilová
Welterweight Bout
David Kozma vs David Zawada
Lightweight Bout
Hafeni Nafuka vs Tomáš Mudroch
A blockbuster replacement main event
Daniel Škvor’s withdrawal could have weakened the card, but OKTAGON 92 quickly found a replacement capable of creating even greater excitement.
Instead of a rematch, fans will now see a champion versus champion showdown featuring one of the promotion’s most dominant titleholders against an experienced UFC veteran chasing history. With Fleury defending his light heavyweight belt for the first time and Muradov seeking championship success in a second weight class, OKTAGON 92 has all the ingredients for one of the promotion’s biggest events of the year.
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