"It's The Coolest Live Event In The World" - Andreas Stahl on Oktagon MMA Debut

Andreas "Real Steel" Stahl has fought in some of the biggest MMA events in the world, including a two-fight stint in the UFC, and believes that he is now a part of the "coolest live event in the world", ahead of his Oktagon MMA debut this weekend.

After four consecutive victories elsewhere on the European scene, the 36-year-old fighter has signed a four-fight deal with Oktagon MMA, beginning this weekend as he takes on Jessin Ayari in Stuttgart.

Stahl is confident that he'll come through a tough fight on Saturday, as he said in an exclusive with Fight Night Network: "The fight is going to be really har. We're both fighters that will bring their best performance, but I'll get the win. I think it will go to a decision, but if I can finish him, I will take [the opportunity]."

In his 22-fight MMA career, Stahl has fought in the UFC, Cage Warriors ,and more. But, he says that Oktagon MMA stands out with their live events as he said: "I always look at streaming the [Oktagon MMA] events, and it looks like the coolest live events in the world. I am really excited to see it live and fight on the card."

The Swede was originally scheduled to fight with Oktagon in the company's third ever show back in 2017, but withdrew due to injury and went on to fight with other promotions across Europe.

Now "Real Steel" is back and has already set his eyes on the title as he said that he wants to climb his way up the rankings and ultimately earn a shot at the welterweight belt.

Stahl, and his opponent Ayari, actually briefly trained together over 14 years ago, but both men have fought at the highest level and changed many facets of their games since then.

With a family waiting for him outside the cage, Stahl believes they have helped him to his four fight win streak as he said: "In the last few years, I don't have so much pressure on myself. When I got to the UFC I was young, but now I have kids and a family, so if I lose my life is not ruined. I think of course I take fighting 100%, but I don't have the same pressure on me.

"My kids hang round the gym and I want them to see a father who works hard, they need to see you have to work hard to get something."