UFC veteran Martin Buday has found a new fighting home.
It’s not every day you see a ranked UFC contender released from the premier promotion, especially on a three-fight win streak.
Unfortunately, that would be the case for Martin Buday, who was ranked #12 in the world after defeating former BJJ champion Marcus Buchecha at UFC Abu Dhabi weeks ago.
Days after his win, Buday received the news the UFC had chosen not to re-sign the heavyweight fighter following a slew of decision wins. Buday leaves the promotion with an impressive 7-1 record.
With a 16-2 professional record, it didn’t take long for the free agent to be scooped by a rival MMA promotion.
Martin Buday returns to OKTAGON MMA, title shot looming
On Saturday, Buday signed a new promotional contract with OKTAGON MMA in front of a packed crowd at OKTAGON 74 in Prague, Czech Republic.
Buday, 33, fought for OKTAGON MMA before his UFC debut in 2022, going a perfect 5-0 in the self-acclaimed No. 2 MMA promotion in the world.
After signing a contract for his return in the cage, Buday faced off with their current heavyweight champion, Will Fleury (15-3).
“Do you want to see Will Fleury vs. Martin Buday for the OKTAGON heavyweight belt?” the promotion teased the potential heavyweight title fight on X.
OKTAGON adds former UFC flyweight to roster
Martin Buday wasn’t the only fighter who got picked up by OKTAGON this week.
On the same day, the promotion announced they had signed another 33-year-old UFC veteran in David Dvořák (21-6).
Dvořák was cut from the UFC in 2023 after three straight losses to top contenders Matheus Nicolau (no longer ranked), Manel Kape, and Steve Erceg. The Czech fighter went 3-3 in the UFC overall.
Now, Dvořák is set to make his OKTAGON debut against Mohammed Walid (8-4) at OKTAGON 75 in Hanover, Germany, on Sept. 13.
Business is booming in OKTAGON MMA.