The time for talking is done. The fight is on!
One of the most heated bouts this year on the OKTAGON MMA schedule goes down in Munich on Saturday, May 17, as dangerous finisher, Arijan Topallaj (7-1-1), collides with outspoken Irishman, Denis Frimpong (5-2), at a catchweight of 74kg/163lbs. Following his victory last weekend, Frimpong called out ‘The Albanian Eagle’ in his post-fight interview and the pair got into an altercation later that night in the arena when tensions boiled over. With weeks of build up still to go and with neither man wanting to back down, fireworks are guaranteed at OKTAGON 71 inside BMW Park.
Topallaj made his promotional debut in November 2023 and submitted OKTAGON Challenge champion, Roman Paulus, in the very first round to make an immediate impact in the organisation. The 26-year-old followed that performance up five months later with a brilliant knockout of Slovak veteran, Karol Rysavy, after just 36 seconds. He suffered a momentary setback when he received his first professional defeat to Hafeni Nafuka in front of 60,000 fans last October but is ready to show that he has learnt lessons and is back better than ever on May 17.
Frimpong shot to stardom when he reached the final of the OKTAGON Challenge: England vs. Ireland TV series and recently went viral for his ‘gym straightener’ with Paddy Pimblett. ‘The Menace’ has constantly backed up his trash talking in action by overcoming Jan Široký, Callum Mullen and Robin Frank. The Manchester Top Team product’s performance against the latter last weekend in Germany was the most complete of his career so he is riding a wave of momentum and wants to take out another fan favourite in enemy territory.
“I am excited for the fight but it will be finished in the first round,” stated Topallaj. “I will knock him out and show him who the better striker is!”
“I’m going to play with him for 15-minutes and make him want to quit in there,” said Frimpong. “He’s going to get outclassed. I hope he’s got tissues ready for his inevitable crying afterwards!”
OKTAGON 71 also features an important rematch in the light heavyweight division when Alexander Poppeck looks to get revenge over Pavol Langer. European star, Shem Rock, returns to action in Munich and top prospect, Tamerlan Dulatov, continues his fledgling career. Tickets can be purchased for the event on this link.
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer.
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