Ex-UFC fighters Zhalgas Zhumagulov and Igor Severino to headline Oktagon 89

Oktagon 89 has locked in its main event for June 6 in Bratislava, with former UFC fighters Zhalgas Zhumagulov and Igor Severino set to collide for the bantamweight championship.

Zhumagulov, 37, brings considerable experience to the bout. The Kazakhstani fighter, who trains out of American Top Team, carries a professional record of 14-9 and competes out of a switch stance. Standing five-foot-four with a 66-inch reach, he is an active striker who lands 5.24 significant strikes per minute at 43 percent accuracy, and also contributes on the ground with 1.3 takedowns per 15 minutes.

Severino represents a striking contrast in profile. The 23-year-old Brazilian from Chute Boxe Joao Emilio holds an 8-1 record and stands five-foot-seven with a 69-inch reach. He is one of the more prolific strikers in the division, landing 7.17 significant strikes per minute at an impressive 52 percent accuracy. His grappling output is equally eye-catching, averaging 9.69 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him a multi-dimensional threat across all phases.

Why it matters

• Both fighters carry UFC pedigree, raising the profile of Oktagon 89 well beyond a typical regional card
• The bantamweight title is on the line, giving the bout genuine divisional stakes within the Oktagon organization
• The stylistic contrast is sharp — Zhumagulov's veteran switch-stance striking against Severino's high-volume output and dominant takedown rate sets up an intriguing chess match
• At 37 versus 23, the experience gap between the two adds another layer to the matchup