Machmud Muradov, the top-ranked star and champion of the Central European MMA league Oktagon, has become the headlining face for the unconventional combat organization G MMA. The move places one of the region’s elite professional athletes into the center of a polarizing trend involving exhibition bouts that pair experienced fighters against novices and public figures.
Muradov, who previously competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship alongside global names like Conor McGregor, Sean O’Malley, Islam Makhachev, and Dustin Poirier, has built a dominant resume on the regional circuit. He captured a championship belt against Patrik Kincl in Eden and secured another title victory against Will Fleury on Štvanica. However, his upcoming appearance for G MMA features a card that includes convicted murderer Jiří Kajínek, former lawmaker Miroslav Sládek, and former presidential spokesperson Jiří Ovčáček.
The decision to enter the G MMA event has drawn sharp criticism from established figures within the sport. Ondřej Novotný, the head of Oktagon, called the move a significant stain on the fighter’s career. For me, it is a disgrace to his entire career and who he is. It’s a huge blot,
Novotný said.
Financial Motivations and Public Reaction
Muradov defended his participation by pointing to the financial compensation and his personal background. Reports indicate he is set to receive approximately 5 million koruna for his bout against a group known as the Kotlár team. I am not afraid of the public’s reaction. I don’t care. I remember the conditions I lived in when I came to the Czech Republic. I dreamed that one day I could make a living from sport, and look at it now,
Muradov stated.
He emphasized that the financial offer was too substantial to turn down, noting that many critics would accept a fraction of the payout under similar circumstances. Addressing footage from a promotional press conference where he appeared quiet among more theatrical participants, Muradov dismissed claims that he regretted the signing. People write that I supposedly regret being in G MMA. But I don’t regret anything. No one is forcing me into anything. I am happy in G MMA. I will do my job to perfection, make money, and that’s it,
he said.
Contrast With Other Fighters
The multi-million-koruna opportunity was initially offered to veteran fighter Karlos Vémola, who declined and passed the offer to Muradov. Vémola explained that while Muradov was free to accept after the expiration of his Oktagon contract, taking the fight would damage his own hard-earned sporting legacy. Mach thought it was worth it for the money, but I didn’t. I’m trying to build a sporting legacy and I don’t have much of that career left,
Vémola noted, adding that he did not want to spend the twilight of his career fighting novices in front of small crowds.
Despite passing on this specific event, Vémola did not completely rule out future appearances in unconventional organizations, suggesting that high-profile novelty matchups could still appeal to him down the line.
Dual Careers in Combat Sports
The integration of professional athletes into unconventional fight promotions highlights a growing division within the sport. While traditional leaders view these bouts as a threat to athletic integrity, a number of prominent fighters, kickboxers such as Václav Sivák and Tadeáš Růžička, and boxer Lucie Sedláčková have chosen to pursue dual paths, taking part in both traditional leagues and high-payout exhibition events.
Muradov is scheduled to return to conventional competition shortly after his G MMA appearance, facing Polish fighter Krzysztof Jotko at Oktagon 100.
