Oktagon Boss Says Severino's Second Chance Paid Off

Igor Severino was cut by the UFC for biting an opponent, and Oktagon signed him anyway. Co-founder Pavol Neruda now says that bet worked, as Severino defends his bantamweight title against Max Holzer at Oktagon 97 on November 7.

Holzer, a step up in weight

Booking the two against each other puts both fighters' momentum at stake. Holzer is 12-0 and a featherweight, a division above Severino's. He has also been a success story for Oktagon.

Neruda called the two probably the most talented youngsters on the roster. His reason for the fight is simple: fans want to see it. He said he is a fan too, and is very excited about it.

A signing with a risk attached

The trouble began in 2024. Severino bit Andre Lima in the only loss of his professional career, and the UFC dropped him. Criticism was widespread, and Joe Rogan called him an animal.

Later that year Severino made his Oktagon debut. He walked out in a Hannibal Lecter mask, a nod to what had happened against Lima. He goes by "The Hannibal".

Neruda told Bloody Elbow the situation was "unique". Severino was a free agent, and the promotion jumped on the chance. Its view, he said, was that the UFC fight was a one-of-a-kind event. The company, in his words, "believe in second chances".

Severino's record since the UFC exit

Neruda says the decision proved correct. He added that Severino has been a polite and nice person since. In the cage, Severino has moved his record to 10-1. He is 23.

Whether the UFC would ever give him another chance is unclear. The question hangs over him because of what happened in his last UFC fight.

Source: Bloody Elbow