A pivotal heavyweight contest is scheduled for OKTAGON 89 in Bratislava, featuring Lazar Todev and Martin Buday. This highly anticipated matchup holds significant implications for the division’s hierarchy. The three-round battle is slated for Saturday, June 6, at the Tipos Aréna – Ondrej Nepela Winter Stadium, forming a key part of OKTAGON MMA’s decade-long anniversary festivities in Slovakia.
Lazar Todev Squares Off with Martin Buday in Heavyweight Collision at OKTAGON 89
Set for June 6, 2026, at Bratislava’s Tipos Aréna, OKTAGON 89 is a cornerstone event in the promotion’s tenth-anniversary tour. This card promises a robust local presence and several compelling divisional narratives. The heavyweight encounter between Lazar Todev (13-7) and Martin Buday (16-3) is scheduled for three rounds at 265 pounds. Billed as a confrontation between OKTAGON’s top two ranked heavyweights, this bout’s outcome is crucial for future title aspirations.
In addition to the main heavyweight attraction, OKTAGON 89 will spotlight Slovakian talent, featuring middleweights Vlasto Čepo, Robert Pukač, and Marek Mazúch. This solidifies the event’s importance for both the heavyweight and middleweight rankings in the area. Bratislava, a frequent host for major OKTAGON events, is expected to rally a powerful home crowd behind former champion Buday, while also acknowledging Todev’s impressive recent performances.
Lazar Todev: Fighter Profile
Hailing from Bulgaria, Lazar Todev brings a 13-7 professional record to Bratislava, having earned a reputation as one of OKTAGON’s most formidable heavyweights. With nine of his victories coming via knockout, he demonstrates a clear preference for striking and a formidable capability to finish bouts swiftly once he establishes his rhythm. His divisional standing rose notably after a memorable championship clash against current two-division titleholder Will Fleury. Though Todev ultimately lost that competitive contest by decision, it significantly elevated his profile, affirming his elite status within OKTAGON’s heaviest division.
Following his title fight defeat, Todev embarked on a resurgence, securing consecutive wins against UFC veterans Luis Henrique Barbosa and Josh Parisian. In their 2025 OKTAGON bout, Todev dominated Henrique Barbosa with relentless pressure and high output, reigniting his pursuit of the title. He then faced Parisian, recognized by UFC enthusiasts for his Contender Series and Octagon stints, claiming a second straight victory over a former UFC competitor. Earlier this year, Todev articulated that these wins were pivotal to his journey back to a title opportunity, acknowledging that overcoming multiple ex-UFC fighters significantly bolsters his argument for a championship challenge.
Todev has contested the OKTAGON heavyweight championship on two prior occasions: first after former champion Hatef Moeil’s departure, and subsequently against Fleury. This championship experience, coupled with his recent triumphs over UFC veterans, positions his fight with Buday as a crucial, potential title eliminator. Should he achieve a third consecutive victory against a former UFC heavyweight by defeating Buday in his native country, Todev would present an undeniable case for another shot at Fleury’s title.
Martin Buday: Fighter Profile
Martin Buday, representing Slovakia, steps back into Bratislava with a singular aim: to reclaim his standing in the heavyweight title picture. Buday previously held the distinction of being OKTAGON’s inaugural heavyweight champion before departing for the UFC years ago. His impressive 7-1 record during his UFC tenure included a notable victory over former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski, propelling him to a peak of No. 12 in the official UFC heavyweight rankings. Despite this strong performance, the UFC’s decision not to re-sign him after a July 2025 decision win against Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida came as a surprise to many, especially considering the perceived lack of depth in the division.
Upon his departure from the UFC, Buday rejoined OKTAGON and was swiftly booked for a heavyweight title bout against Fleury at OKTAGON 81 in late December 2025. This contest proved disastrous for the Slovakian contender, as Fleury secured a TKO victory in merely 100 seconds to defend his title. This marked only the second professional loss for Buday and his first since returning to OKTAGON. The outcome solidified Fleury’s position as a dominant champion and necessitated an immediate rebuilding phase for Buday, who had entered the fight on a significant UFC winning streak and with considerable local anticipation.
With a career record of 16-3, featuring seven knockouts and two submissions, Buday stands as one of the most seasoned heavyweights on the OKTAGON roster. His upcoming clash with Todev presents a prime opportunity to redeem himself after the Fleury loss, particularly in front of his home supporters. A win against the Bulgarian contender would undoubtedly reposition him as a top contender for the championship he once claimed.
OKTAGON has aptly characterized the Todev vs. Buday bout as a confrontation between its top two ranked heavyweights, a designation that underscores the immense stakes in Bratislava. On one side is Todev, the Bulgarian knockout specialist whose skills have been honed through title challenges and successive victories against ex-UFC fighters, and who openly seeks a rematch with Fleury, having absorbed lessons from their initial meeting. Opposing him is Buday, the former OKTAGON champion and ex-UFC top-15 contender, who returns to his home turf determined to prove that his defeat to Fleury was an anomaly, not an indicator of decline.
Regardless of the outcome, a compelling performance from either fighter will significantly impact matchmaking considerations for the rest of 2026, especially if Fleury successfully defends his championship. Whether it’s Todev making a bold statement in hostile territory or Buday achieving a decisive comeback at home, the OKTAGON 89 heavyweight clash is set to be a pivotal event, defining the future trajectory of the division.
