Fighters Only : OKTAGON 56: Flyweight Title On The Line As Aaron Aby Meets Sam Creasey In Main Event

Fighters Only

Apr 20, 2024

The OKTAGON Flyweight title will officially be on the line at tonight's (April 20) OKTAGON 56, with both Aaron Aby and Sam Creasey successfully coming in bang on the 125lbs limit.

Following the inaugural Flyweight champion Elias Garcia declining multiple match ups since winning the title at OKTAGON 48, against Aby, the promotion made the division to strip the American of the strap in order to keep the division active.

Aby was looking the better of the two men when he first fought for OKTAGON gold but after he was caught with a shot that opened up a nasty cut just above his eye, the doctor called an end to proceedings, much to the dismay of the Welshman.

A student of the sport, Aby got straight back to work to ensure another shot at the title was undeniable and after a win against Christopher Daniel at OKTAGON 52, his wish was granted and Aby will now get a second shot at becoming OKTAGON's Flyweight king.

Standing in his way is Sam Creasey, a man who has already competed against and beat Aby, back in 2021. The vastly experienced operator enters the bout riding a cool two fight win streak with wins against Michelangelo Lupoli and Tanio Pagliariccio. Creasey has the chance to become OKTAGON Champion in his promotional debut, a chance only given to those who the promotion feel are more than deserving of the shot.

In the co-main event, Akonne Wanliss and Sahil Siraj will eventually meet inside the cage, in their Tipsport Game Changer Lightweight contest. The pair were originally scheduled to meet last month, at OKTAGON 54 but following some verbal jousting throughout fight week, things eventually came to a head when Siraj's team ambushed Wanliss following a press conference which led to the bout being pulled from the card. It is safe to say there is no love lost between Wanliss and Siraj entering the bout, with the men finally getting to settle to score at the Resorts World Arena.

The surging Shem Rock also makes his return to the cage after a lengthy lay off. The Next Generation star was meant to feature on the promotions first UK show against Jaroslav Pokorny but the two came to blows during the final face off. Rock threw up a kick that clipped Pokorny's ribs and ruled the contest off.

The card will also see Will Fleury and James Hendin make their promotional debuts against Daniel Skvor and Jakub Dohnal, respectively. Fleury made the move to Light Heavyweight in 2022 having successfully competed at Middleweight for numerous years prior.

Hendin is largely considered to be one of the best Brits at 145lbs, coming through the ranks. The 8-2 Featherweight has lost to former Cage Warriors world champions Jordan Vucenic and Paul Hughes. The TFT man signs with OKTAGON on a two fight win streak, with two unbelievably dominant victories against Tobias Harila and Araik Margarian.

Denis 'The Menace' Frimpong returns to the fold against Callum Murrie in a Lightweight contest. Frimpong picked up his first OKTAGON victory last time out against Jan Siroky at OKTAGON 52. After a difficult start to life at OKTAGON, picking up back to back loses in his first two outings, Mullen returns in the hunt for his first promotional victory.

Also set to feature on the card is OKTAGON Challenge: Team England vs Team Ireland winner George Staines, Mick Stanton Ammari Diedrick and Megan Morris.

You can find the full weigh in results below:

Main Event

OKTAGON MMA Vacant Flyweight Title

Aaron Aby (56.5kg/125lbs) vs. Sam Creasey (56.5kg/125lbs)

Co-Main Event

Tipsport Gamechanger Opening Round

Akonne Wanliss (70.7kg/156lbs) vs. Sahil Siraj (70.7kg/156lbs)

Catchweight (68kg/150lbs)

Shem Rock (67.9kg/150lbs) vs. Stefano Catacoli (67.9kg/150lbs)

Light Heavyweight

Daniel Škvor (93.5kg/206lbs) vs. Will Fleury (93.5kg/206lbs)

Welterweight