This weekend, the UFC is dark, but that does not mean that it’s a weekend short on action and excitement. While MMA’s top promotion experiences its first bye week of 2024, another organization lifts the lid on their calendar of events for the year.
OKTAGON MMA, based out of the Czech Republic, kicks off its 2024 schedule by heading to England, specifically Newcastle, for OKTAGON 52. Live coverage of OKTAGON 52 kicks off beginning at noon ET/9 a.m. PT.
As is customary inside the United States, this event is streamed exclusively on DAZN. All told, absent of any postponed fights between now and the weekend, the final version of OKTAGON 52 features a 10-fight card.
Bantamweights Collide in OKTAGON 52 Main Event Saturday Afternoon
Highlighting the day’s activities is a nontitle showcase at 135 lbs. in the OKTAGON 52 main event between two alumni from Cage Warriors. No. 1 contender Jonas Magard (15-6 MMA, 3-1 OKTAGON) returns to the cage after six months away to fight No. 3 contender Jack Cartwright (11-1 MMA, 1-0 OKTAGON).
With no championship at stake here, the OKTAGON 52 main event is an advertised maximum of three rounds at five minutes per round to close out the show.
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OKTAGON 52 Main Event Fighter Comparison and Betting Odds
Heading into the OKTAGON 52 main event on Saturday afternoon, Jack Cartwright stands as the taller man at 5-foot-9, compared to the 5-foot-8 frame of Jonas Magard. The latter owns a 4.8-inch reach advantage (72.8 inches to 68 inches even) over the former ahead of the main attraction.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the oddsmakers have this one listed as a pick-’em. Jonas Magard is -120 on the money line, while Jack Cartwright is -110. If you plan on betting on any fight happening this weekend, please wager responsibly.
Jonas Magard Looking to Take Next Step Toward Another Wave of Championship Glory
Jonas Magard, the one-time OKTAGON Bantamweight Champion, has posted a record of 3-2 in his last five fights. Most recently, he saw a three-fight winning streak snapped at the hands of Felipe Lima (12-1 MMA, 1-0 OKTAGON) in July during OKTAGON 45’s main event for the bantamweight title. Lima awaits the winner of this bout next time out.
Those who tuned into OKTAGON 48 in early November saw Magard appear upon Cartwright finishing Junior Assis in round one with an Americana submission. The two traded verbal jabs with one another, leading to the fight in the cage being booked for this weekend in OKTAGON 52.
Jonas Magard has already tasted the champagne after winning the bantamweight championship in his first reign. If he plays his cards right in the OKTAGON 52 main event on Saturday, he could be just one victory away from having an opportunity to pop the cork and sip the champagne a second time.
Jack Cartwright Eager for a Shot at a Title in a Second Promotion
In the other corner, Jack Cartwright has gone 4-1 in his last five contests. Much like Jonas Magard, Cartwright has also tasted championship glory. Before joining OKTAGON MMA in November of last year, he had a successful run in Cage Warriors, resulting in three defenses of the 135-lb. belt between 2020 and 2021.
As previously stated, Cartwright stopped Junior Assis by Americana submission in November during his first match since August 2022. In a November interview with The Bolton News, Cartwright said he’d like to be more active in the cage this year.
“It was an absolute pleasure to be back in the cage, fighting for OKTAGON MMA,” Cartwright began. “I spent too much time out, but it was good to knock the dust off, can’t wait for a busy 2024- every single one of them can get it. Next world title coming up.”
Analysis, Film Study, and Prediction
Expect an explosive affair in the OKTAGON 52 main event on Saturday. Both of these guys have been known to bring the fireworks to the cage in the past.
Look for Magard to Land the Right
Jonas Magard is a vicious striker. Just a single punch can end a fight, something that Gustavo Lopez found out the hard way in April last year.
During the second round of a scheduled five. Magard scored with a right hand to wobble Lopez. A second such blow put Lopez down, enabling him to finish the assignment in just 36 seconds.
If Jonas Magard lands one right-handed punch, the OKTAGON 52 main event could be over before you know it.
Jack Cartwright Can Make Quick Work of an Opponent, Too
In the other corner, Jack Cartwright can also finish the job in a hurry. One need look no further than his tournament final win against Scott Malone from 2019.
Right after the opening bell, the two stalked each other, while the official warned Malone to close his fist. Cartwright unleashed a two-punch combination to sit Malone down. From there, he tried to lock up a submission, but Malone fought it off.
This proved immaterial for Scott Malone in the long run, with Cartwright landing another solid punch to put him down and out in under a minute. Jack Cartwright will try to bide his time against Jonas Magard in the OKTAGON 52 main event this Saturday.
If he’s able to wait for the big shot to come to him, momentum will be on his side. Once he seizes momentum, it’s his world and we’re all living in it.
Final Thoughts
Although this is a bye week for the UFC, the OKTAGON 52 main event should be an exciting affair.
Prediction: Jonas Magard by First-Round Knockout.
