Dana White has consistently voiced his opposition to stadium shows, favoring the intimate atmosphere of arenas. In April 2025, he stated, “Nothing will change my mind about a stadium show. I am not a fan of stadiums. I like arenas.” However, Oktagon, a European MMA promotion, has once again disproven this myth by achieving remarkable success at their recent event.

On October 2024, Oktagon set a record for the most-attended MMA show outside of early-2000s Pride events, drawing nearly 60,000 fans to Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt. This year, for Oktagon 94, the company aimed to surpass that attendance, but co-founder Pavol Neruda opted for a grand spectacle, including a halftime show featuring diamond-selling artist Robin Schulz. While this may have led to some empty seats during the musical interlude, it ultimately contributed to a vibrant atmosphere.

The fights showcased the talent in the region, with seven finishes in ten bouts, including impressive performances from local fighters. Max Coga won a thrilling co-main event, while Christian Eckerlin faced defeat against former champion David Kozma. Despite a brief power outage during a prelim fight, the event maintained its momentum, highlighting the resilience of the fighters.

Neruda emphasized the growing demand for MMA in Germany, stating, “The demand is growing here in Germany. That’s what we want to use.” Oktagon’s ability to connect fans through sport was evident, especially amid political tensions in the city. While the UFC's events may boast presidential glamour, Oktagon proved that atmosphere and community spirit can shine brightly in stadium settings.

Looking ahead, Oktagon plans to make this event an annual occurrence, aiming to solidify their presence in the MMA landscape. “We want to say to Europe and even to the world that we are here. We are doing something special, and it's worth the watch,” Neruda declared, marking a significant statement in the world of mixed martial arts.