Tonight in Bratislava, all eyes will be on the middleweight main event of OKTAGON 77: Kerim Engizek vs. Dominik Humburger, a clash that not only headlines a stacked card but also continues the high-stakes Tipsport Gamechanger tournament. For Czech contender Dominik Humburger, the fight represents more than just a chance to compete—it’s a proving ground for everything he has built inside and outside the cage.
A Soldier in the Cage Before OKTAGON 77
Unlike many fighters who find discipline through martial arts alone, Humburger carries it from another arena: the military. Serving as a close combat instructor, he has lived the lessons of perseverance, focus, and resilience in real-world situations that demand toughness beyond sport.
“The most important things I take away from the army are discipline and perseverance in difficult situations,” Humburger told MMA Sucka. “But the most important thing is that I NEVER GIVE UP and fight until the end.”
Image: Oktagon MMA.
That mentality will be tested against Engizek, a reigning champion whose reputation for ruthless focus has already left a mark on OKTAGON’s middleweight division. Yet Humburger insists that the battlefield of Bratislava is nothing new—he has faced challenges before, and he will not break.
A Victory with Meaning
Every fighter dreams of defeating a champion. For Humburger, the significance runs even deeper.
“For me, it would be a huge victory because I would beat the reigning champion and thus find out if I am capable of being at this level,” he explained.
His words reveal both honesty and hunger: Humburger isn’t shying away from the reality of Engizek’s status. Instead, he frames the fight as a personal measurement—a test of whether he can compete among Europe’s elite. That kind of authenticity resonates with fans, who recognize not just bravado but the vulnerability of a man stepping into uncharted territory.
Preparing for Complexity and Speed in OKTAGON 77
Since his last outing, Humburger has been fine-tuning the details that could make the difference in Bratislava.
“It will be a challenge for him in terms of complexity and speed,” Humburger said. “But above all, aggression and the desire to win.”
The phrasing is telling. While Engizek has built a career on ruthless precision, Humburger frames his own weapons as a combination of unpredictability and relentless pace. Complexity, speed, and aggression—these are the tools he believes can disrupt the champion’s rhythm. It is a contrast of styles that makes the OKTAGON 77 main event more than just another bracket fight; it’s a study in how differing mindsets and approaches collide under the lights.
Fighting for the Flag in OKTAGON 77
One of Humburger’s most powerful motivators is not personal at all—it is national. Fighting in Bratislava means competing in front of a Slovak and Czech fan base that has rallied behind him as he steps deeper into the Tipsport Gamechanger pyramid.
“Thank you for the huge support from both the Czech and Slovak sides,” Humburger said. “I will do my best to keep my flag flying in this pyramid and into the final itself. You certainly have something to look forward to—oss.”
That message is more than polite gratitude. It’s a declaration of intent: that his fight is not only for himself but for the communities and countries whose flags he carries into the cage. In a sport where atmosphere and home support can tilt momentum, Humburger knows he will not walk into Bratislava alone.
The Soldier’s Challenge in OKTAGON 77
For Dominik Humburger, tonight’s fight against Kerim Engizek is both the greatest opportunity and the greatest test of his career. From soldier to cage fighter, his journey is marked by a refusal to break, a determination to fight until the end, and a belief that national pride and personal perseverance can carry him into the next stage of the Gamechanger.
Whether his complexity and speed can overcome Engizek’s ruthless focus remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Humburger will not give up.
Fans can watch the OKTAGON 77 main event live tonight in Bratislava as Dominik Humburger steps into the biggest fight of his career.