Former UFC star wins $350,000 with nasty choke to end rival’s 11-year undefeated streak

Krzysztof Jotko banked a healthy $350,000 with victory at Oktagon 82 on Saturday.

The UFC veteran submitted European great Kerim Engizek in front of 15,000 fans at the PSD Bank Dome in Dusseldorf.

Oktagon MMA

In doing so, the 36-year-old from Poland ended fan-favourite Engizek’s remarkable unbeaten run of 17 fights dating back to April 2015.

The main event bout marked the finale of Oktagon MMA‘s Tipsport Gamechanger middleweight tournament, which featured 16 fights and a total prize pot of €1,000,000 ($1,200,000).

Jotko signed with the Czech-based promotion specifically for the tournament, following 17 fights with the UFC from 2013 to 2022.

He fought the likes of Sean Strickland and Brendan Allen across his nine years with the UFC and was ranked in the top 15 after winning six of his first seven bouts in Dana White‘s promotion.

Krzysztof Jotko defeats Kerim Engizek at Oktagon 82

The Pole put his foot on the gas from the off, backing the German crowd favourite Engizek right to the cage.

Engizek continued to circle Jotko on the outside and appeared hesitant to engage in the early exchanges.

Jotko was dominating the space but struggled to close the distance between the two middleweights as time ticked on.

Then, with just over 90 seconds left in the opening round, Engizek threw his first meaningful strike – a wayward right hand.

Jotko sensed an opening, ducking under the punch before grabbing Engizek’s neck and expertly taking his back.

Engizek attempted to get to his feet, but the former UFC fighter used all of his might to drag him back to the canvas.

Oktagon MMA

Oktagon MMA

From there, Jotko was in complete control and quickly locked in a rear-naked choke.

It didn’t take long for Engizek to tap, with referee Marc Goddard stepping in as Jotko, winning €300,000 ($350,000), celebrated with his American Top Team comrades.

Engizek entered the bout fresh off surgery on a broken hand, and Jotko made sure to credit his opponent when speaking after the bout.

“He is one hell of a fighter – a savage – but I’m on a different level, guys,” Jotko said.

“This was the easiest cheque of my life!”

Both men then confirmed they would be open to a rematch at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt in September.

Oktagon MMA

Oktagon MMA shattered the UFC’s attendance record when it last visited the home of Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt for Oktagon 72 in October 2024.

Engizek remains Oktagon’s middleweight champion, with the belt not on the line during the tournament – though it would be up for grabs should the pair meet again for the second time.