European MMA promotion OKTAGON MMA has launched a new reality show in the UK and Ireland, with the first episode now available on Channel 4 online streaming and the Channel 4 Sport YouTube channel.
The unique aspect of the reality TV show is that the athletes will be competing in “challenges” set beyond the sports world they are used to. Each "challenge" is designed to take the fighters outside their comfort zones so fans can see the true personalities and characters behind the steely competitors. The two fighters remaining will make their OKTAGON MMA debuts at OKTAGON 48, at the AO Arena in Manchester, and fight it out for a 5-figure contract.
The Irish prospects will be led by Irish MMA legend, Paddy Holohan, with Next Gen fighter and OKTAGON lightweight contender, Shem Rock as the co-coach.
England will be led by MMA pioneer and UFC veteran, Brad Pickett, co-coached by fellow lightweight prospect, Akonne Wanliss.
OKTAGON MMA co-founder, Pavol Neruda, commented:
“England vs Ireland is the age old rivalry. This whole concept is about bragging rights, and the opportunity we are giving to these young fighters is something we are really proud of.
“We are making our UK debut in November in Manchester, and the plan is to bring OKTAGON MMA to Ireland very soon as well. We wanted to give the fans of these great nations the chance to get behind their own fighters and make these guys into the stars that we believe they can be.
“The UK and Ireland MMA fans are lonely - but we will reach their friends and relatives and attract a lot of new fans, so MMA fans will have a bigger community to share their passion with. This will change the dynamics; how people are watching MMA, how they talk about the sport at the bar - suddenly MMA will become a topic for way more people. We want to be the home of MMA in the UK.”
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