Krzysztof Jotko Conquers Middleweight Tourney Atop Oktagon 82

"Krzysztof Jotko would not be denied. Stuffed to the rafters of the PSD Bank Dome in Dusseldorf, Germany, some 15,000 spectators bore witness to the speedy conclusion of the Czech Republic-based league's middleweight tournament. The 185-pound Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran put a stamp on the Oktagon MMA 16-man grand prix on Saturday. Only one of the two athletes engaged for a bit over three-and-a-half minutes, as Jotko (29-6, 1 NC) chased the retreating Kerim Engizek (24-5) around the cage for much of that time."

"Eventually getting hold of his foe's back, Jotko procured the rear-naked choke and did not let go until the champ surrendered. Engizek failed to engage for the majority of the encounter, and one lone half-hearted takedown attempt was met by the stonewalling Jotko, who took full advantage of the situation. In the blink of an eye, Jotko assumed back control and finished the submission, with Engizek hardly throwing a strike for the three minutes, 37 seconds that the match lasted."

"The victor promptly breakdanced around the cage before hoisting the tremendous trophy in the air joined by his American Top Team comrades. The Polish tournament winner halted Engizek's 10-year, 17-fight win streak in a flash, and claimed his first submission triumph since a tapout of Fabian Loewke in 2012. Jotko collected 300K euros for his handiwork, and confetti showered the cage as the event came to a close."

Krzysztof Jotko captured the Oktagon MMA 185-pound grand prix title with a rear-naked choke submission of Kerim Engizek at 3:37 in Dusseldorf's PSD Bank Dome before about 15,000 fans. Engizek spent most of the fight retreating and hardly threw strikes; a lone half-hearted takedown was countered as Jotko secured back control and finished the choke. The win ended Engizek's 10-year, 17-fight streak and became Jotko's first submission victory since 2012. Jotko earned 300,000 euros, celebrated with teammates and trophy presentation, and suggested a possible rematch given Engizek's preexisting injury. Featherweight Gjoni Palokaj earned a unanimous decision over James Hendin, outstriking him each round and extending a perfect six-for-six Oktagon record.

Read at Sherdog