Krysztof Jotko wins 1 million Euro MMA Tournament with Oktagon

European MMA fans were treated to one of the most compelling climaxes in recent regional combat sports history when Krzysztof Jotko, the seasoned UFC veteran, captured the €1 million middleweight championship at OKTAGON 82 in Düsseldorf. The victory not only crowns Jotko as the champion of the prestigious Tipsport Gamechanger tournament, but also signals a major milestone for Oktagon MMA — the largest mixed martial arts promotion in Europe.

Oktagon MMA: Europe’s Rising MMA Powerhouse

Founded in the Czech Republic, Oktagon MMA has rapidly grown into one of Europe’s most significant MMA organizations, hosting regular events across Germany, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic and reaching audiences in more than 125 countries. Its €1 million “European MMA Champions League” — known as the Tipsport Gamechanger — pits 16 elite middleweights from around the continent against one another over multiple events, with the winner walking away with the lion’s share of the prize and significant acclaim.

The tournament structure, which spans events like Oktagon 74, 77, and culminates in Oktagon 82, has elevated the stakes of European MMA competition to unprecedented levels. With major media partnerships and growing attendance — including arena sellouts and expansion into German broadcast markets — Oktagon’s influence in European combat sports continues to rise.

Jotko’s Road to €1 Million Glory

For Jotko, the journey to the top of the Gamechanger mountain was nothing short of impressive. After parting ways with the UFC following a 2022 loss to Brendan Allen, and a brief stint in other promotions, the Polish middleweight brought his veteran savvy to Oktagon’s middleweight pyramid.

Quarterfinals: At Oktagon 74 in Prague, Jotko made a statement by defeating tough competition early in the bracket, showcasing his grappling and control against seasoned European contenders.

Semifinals: The 36-year-old then battled Hojat Khajevand at Oktagon 77 in Bratislava, using smart cage control and striking to earn a unanimous decision and punch his ticket to the finals.

Tournament Final: On January 17, 2026, at Oktagon 82, Jotko faced the dominant Kerim Engizek — a fighter undefeated in over a decade — in the million-euro final. Jotko wasted no time, taking the former titleholder down and locking in a rear-naked choke just 3:37 into the first round to claim the championship and massive payday.

The result marked a stunning breakthrough for Jotko, who had been riding a multi-fight winning streak and managed to topple one of Europe’s most feared middleweights in emphatic fashion.

What This Victory Means

For Jotko, winning the Tipsport Gamechanger isn’t just about the prize money — though €1 million is nothing to sneeze at. It’s a validation of his continued relevance in elite MMA and a powerful chapter late in his professional career. The win also positions him as one of Europe’s premier middleweights, with championship opportunities and potential cross-promotion matchups now firmly on the table.

For Oktagon, crowning a former UFC contender as the champions of its marquee tournament enhances the promotion’s credibility on the international stage. It underscores its ability to attract and showcase elite talent while offering fighters financial incentives and competitive platforms that rival global organizations.

The Bigger Picture

As MMA continues to globalize beyond the UFC and other American organizations, Oktagon’s model — blending European regional talent with big-stage incentives and international broadcasting — may represent a blueprint for future growth. With plans to continue championship events like Oktagon 86 in new markets and further expand its Champions League concept, the promotion’s momentum shows no sign of slowing.

Ultimately, Jotko’s electrifying run through Oktagon’s €1 million tournament is more than a compelling story of veteran resurgence — it’s an indicator of the vibrant and evolving landscape of MMA competition on the European continent.