Igor Severino Eyes Zhalgas Zhumagulov Super Fight After Oktagon 85 Title Win

Igor Severino has firmly established himself as the Oktagon MMA bantamweight champion following his impressive victory over Khurshed Kakhorov at Oktagon 85. Reflecting on securing the 135-pound gold on March 7th, Severino shared his current state:

“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.”

Just weeks after his championship triumph, the champion was asked about any potential details regarding his first title defense.

“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.”

The swift conclusion of the fight, an early second-round finish, somewhat surprised Severino, who had mentally prepared for a full five-round battle despite his confidence. Reflecting on his bout with Kakhorov, the Brazilian fighter commented:

“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.”

Igor Severino Eyes Super Fight with Flyweight Champion Amidst Desire for Active Title Defenses

Recently, Oktagon MMA's official X account highlighted flyweight champion Zhalgas Zhumagulov, who has expressed interest in challenging Severino for his bantamweight title. When questioned about the possibility of an Oktagon MMA "super fight" against Zhumagulov, Severino responded:

“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.”

As the discussion concluded, Severino offered some final thoughts:

“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.”