The OKTAGON 69 main event featuring Max Holzer and Deniz Ilbay became a night to remember, though perhaps not for the reasons initially anticipated.
Both fighters engaged in a fierce battle for three rounds. In the fourth round, Max Holzer managed to secure a victory over Deniz Ilbay, submitting him with a rear-naked choke at 4 minutes and 14 seconds into the championship round on Saturday at Westfalenhalle in Dortmund, Germany.
Following the submission, Holzer directed trash talk towards Ilbay. Holzer`s subsequent celebratory actions were perceived as disrespectful, provoking an immediate reaction from Ilbay. In a dramatic turn, Ilbay chased Holzer and knocked him out of the cage. Despite the fall, Holzer was unharmed and continued his celebration from the floor.
With this victory, Holzer`s professional record improves to 11-0, marking his ninth win by stoppage. The 23-year-old fighter now boasts a 5-0 record within OKTAGON, with four finishes since his promotional debut in January 2024.
For Ilbay, this loss brings his MMA record to 8-2, ending his streak of three consecutive wins.
