Igor Severino secured the Oktagon MMA bantamweight championship by defeating Khurshed Kakhorov at Oktagon 85. Reflecting on his victory on March 7th, Severino expressed contentment, stating he felt good with no injuries, took only a week to rest, and has already resumed training, anticipating news about his next fight soon.
“All good, everything is fine with me. As I didn’t have any injuries, I just took one week rest. Already we started training again and I believe we are going to have some fighting news soon.”
Weeks after his title win, Severino revealed that a potential date for his first title defense has been discussed, and he expects to sign a contract shortly if arrangements finalize. He emphasized his desire to be a highly active champion, aiming to compete as frequently as possible.
“Yes, they already told me a possible date. If it works out, I’m gonna be signing the contract soon. I told them that I want be a very active champion. So I will be moving forward with them and fighting as much as possible.”
Despite his confidence, Severino admitted the swift second-round finish against Kakhorov was somewhat unexpected, as he had prepared for a five-round battle. He described his performance as “perfect,” acknowledging Kakhorov as a dangerous striker but highlighting his own ability to dictate the fight and secure the finish, a testament to his thorough preparation.
“Yeah, it was a great performance. I knew he was a dangerous striker and we had to be cautious with defense. But I always knew what I brought to the table as well. I think it was overall a perfect performance. I was able to impose my game on him and get the finish. I knew he would be a tough opponent. But we prepared very well for that and it showed in the fight.”
Severino Eager for Super Fight with Flyweight Champion Zhalgas Zhumagulov
Oktagon MMA’s flyweight champion, Zhalgas Zhumagulov, has shown interest in moving up to challenge Severino for the bantamweight title, a prospect that has gained attention on Oktagon’s social media. Severino confirmed his keen interest in this “super fight,” recognizing Zhumagulov as a ‘great champion’ with an impressive record. He stated that if Oktagon offers this fight, he would ‘love to do this fight’ and accept it immediately, finding the matchup highly exciting. Nevertheless, Severino affirmed his readiness to face any deserving challenger Oktagon presents, emphasizing his commitment to actively defending his belt and making history.
“Yeah, that is definitely a fight that’s on my radar. He is a great champion. He has defended his belt. He has a very good resume and seems like it’s also in Oktagon’s interest as they’re kind of promoting it. On my side if they offer the fight, it’s already accepted. I would love to do this fight. It would be an honor for me. It’s a fight that excites me a lot because of his record and what he brings to the table.”
“But whoever Oktagon ends up signing is going to be my opponent, I’m game. I’m a champion and I have to to defend my belt in order to make history. That’s what I want to do. So I want to defend my belt many times and whoever they say is the deserving challenger. I’m ready.”
Concluding the interview, Severino expressed immense satisfaction with his current career trajectory. He reiterated his strong desire for increased activity, aiming to compensate for four canceled fights last year by competing three or four more times this year, if Oktagon allows. His goal is to fight more, earn more, remain active, and ultimately ‘make history,’ expressing his readiness and hope for at least three additional bouts this year.
“I’m very happy where I am right now with how things are happening in my life. I just want to fight more and more. Be more active and get the the ball rolling. Last year, I had four fights canceled. So this year I want to compensate that. I’d like to fight three or four more times this year if Oktagon wants to have me. Fight more, make more money, be more active, and make history. That’s what I love to do. At least three more fights this year would be great for me. I’m already preparing and hoping for it.”
