Image: (Oktagon MMA)
By Jon Donnis
Birmingham, England, witnessed an electrifying evening of mixed martial arts on Saturday, April 20, 2024, as Oktagon MMA presented Oktagon 56. The event showcased some of the finest talent in the sport, culminating in a thrilling clash for the vacant flyweight championship between Aaron Aby and Sam Creasey.
In the highly anticipated main event, Sam Creasey emerged victorious, claiming the flyweight championship with a masterful performance against Aaron Aby. The judges scored the bout unanimously in Creasey's favor, with all three scoring it 50-45.
The main card featured a series of exciting matchups:
Tipsport Gamechanger Opening Round: Akonne Wanliss demonstrated his skill and power, securing a first-round TKO victory over Sahil Siraj in just 48 seconds.
150lb Catchweight Bout: Shem Rock showcased his submission expertise, defeating Stefano Catacoli via rear-naked choke in the first round at 2:43.
Light Heavyweight Bout: Will Fleury impressed the crowd with a second-round submission victory over Daniel Škvor, executing an arm-triangle choke at 1:14.
Welterweight Bout: Andrej Kalašnik wasted no time in his bout against Liam Etebar, securing a first-round TKO victory in just 43 seconds.
Lightweight Bout: George Staines claimed victory over Tomáš Cigánik by unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the bout 29-26, 29-27, 29-27.
The preliminary card also delivered its fair share of excitement:
Featherweight Bout: James Hendin secured a second-round TKO victory over Jakub Dohnal with a dominant ground n' pound performance at 4:43.
Lightweight Bout: Denis Frimpong displayed his skill and control, earning a unanimous decision victory over Callum Mullen with all three judges scoring the bout 30-27.
Middleweight Bout: Mick Stanton delivered a spectacular performance, securing a third-round TKO victory over Kamil Wojciechowski at 4:01.
Welterweight Bout: Ammari Diedrick wasted no time, delivering a stunning knockout victory over Daniel Hromek in the first round at 4:55.
157lb Catchweight Bout: Bakhtyaar Oryakhail claimed victory over Mbaye Gaye with a third-round TKO at 2:04.
Women's Flyweight Bout: Aitana Álvarez put on a dominant performance, earning a unanimous decision victory over Megan Morris with all three judges scoring the bout 30-27, 30-27, 30-26.
Oktagon 56 proved to be a night to remember for MMA fans, showcasing the incredible talent and skill of the fighters on display. With a series of thrilling matchups, the event once again highlighted why Oktagon MMA continues to be a leading name in the world of mixed martial arts.