OKTAGON 78: Igor Severino gets opponent change, faces Khurshed Kakhorov for bantamweight title

Brazilian bantamweight contender Igor Severino will still challenge for the vacant OKTAGON MMA 135-pound title at OKTAGON 78, but he’ll do so against a new opponent.

Former UFC hopeful Severino, who was infamously cut from the promotion after biting his opponent, has since leaned into that notorious reputation by adopting the moniker of “Hannibal Lecter” and made a big impression on his OKTAGON debut with a unanimous decision win over former bantamweight champion Jonas Magard.

That win put him in line for a shot at the vacant bantamweight belt, and Severino was originally booked to take on former Cage Warriors champion Jack Cartwright. But after injury ruled Cartwright out of action, Severino has now been booked against fresh opposition, and he’s set to face a stern test from one of Europe’s best.

That’s because he’ll take on former PFL Europe bantamweight champion Khurshed Kakhorov, who joins OKTAGON MMA looking to capture championship gold on his debut appearance.

Kakhorov will also have the home-cage advantage, with OKTAGON 78 taking place at the Lanxess Arena in Cologne, Germany, and he’ll head into the bout on a five-fight win streaks, including notable ins against Ali Taleb, Frans Mlambo and Tuomas Gronvall.