Josh Hill collides with Jonas Magard at Oktagon 59: Summer Party on July 20, 2024 in a high-stakes bantamweight bout.
Hill is excited to experience something different here with this show and travel to Bratislava, Slovakia in this Oktagon MMA debut. There were prior plans to fight for Oktagon MMA in 2019 but Hill ended up plying his trade under the Bellator MMA banner for a few years. In the wake of PFL acquiring Bellator and things not shaking out favorably with Hill continuing with that new MMA entity, the Oktagon deal finally came to fruition years later.
Hill describes the relatively recent experience with PFL as “a pain in the ass” and “a piss off.” He previously vied for the WSOF bantamweight belt twice with WSOF eventually becoming PFL. But this go around with the company for Josh Hill was far less ideal comparatively.
The Ontario native seemed to have wanted a bit more transparency as far as who would stay and conversely, who would be released under this new regime.
Josh Hill mentioned how he knows a number of fighters who were released as well and while he understands the business machinations behind why this happened, the former TKO veteran just wished some clarity was there sooner. So as to not waste months of time sitting on the sidelines when free agency could have been explored more.
As far as when this Oktagon MMA deal came into the picture, Hill stated that “it took a while. I just was saying to my manager, like I would love to fight for Oktagon. [Oktagon MMA] being one of them, one of [the promotions] on the top of the list. I was like, I’ll fight really for whoever [laughs]. Wherever I can go like RIZIN or ONE or Oktagon or whatever.”
“Or slide me back into a PFL tournament because I saw they were doing that too and they’re doing that Africa one. I don’t know, I was just saying give me something. I just; I need to fight. So yeah Oktagon was one of my top choices. Luckily [we] were able to get me in there.”
The Canadian combatant is in a great position now fighting a former Oktagon MMA champion here. Magard was actually supposed to fight for gold again against the man who took the belt from him last July. This was before the man in question, Felipe Lima, got called up to the UFC. While not overlooking Magard, Hill does see a potential quick path to gold within the company should he secure the win here over a former titleholder.
Oktagon 59
The 37-year-old wants to make waves and get big fights now. So to that point, he relishes the challenge of jumping right into the proverbial deep end of the pool within this new organization for him.
In regard to his thoughts on Magard’s resume and general skillset within mixed martial arts, Josh Hill said that “Yeah like his aggression for sure. He’s very confident, I think that’s something that carries over and helps him. Aggressive, he’s durable too, and he’s a guy; like he’s a gamer. I’m going into the fight in my mind, I’m going to go try and knock him out. Try and submit him obviously but I’m going to expect also a three-round war too you know. I’m preparing for every variable possible. So durable, durable aggressive guy, I think.”
“I mean my wrestling, my grappling, my speed I think, and my timing are things that I do well against everybody. I’ve had it in fights in the past to where guys that bring the fight and like to come at you, I do well with. I like that because it kind of raises my level too you know what I mean? So yeah, I think that could definitely make for an exciting fight, for sure.”
Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport and WCW Bash at the Beach
Josh Hill’s great uncle John was a pro wrestler who went by ‘Gentleman’ Jerry Valiant. He had a storied career working against huge industry names. Also, Valiant was technically one-half of the first-ever WWF tag team champions after the company had undergone a name change from WWWF while Valiant held the gold.
Hill has also done a bit of pro wrestling himself and his conversations while on The Ultimate Fighter with current WWE star Shayna Baszler on pro wrestling were fond memories. Baszler is also a frequently featured aspect of Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport shows.
While not as familiar with the circuit directly, Hill does like the concept and thinks the idea of participating in Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport would be cool. If an invitation were to ever be extended to him by the former UFC heavyweight champion.
Valiant also had a trademark gold jacket but Hill is unsure if he breaks out the golden attire for a big entrance in this Oktagon contest with the promotion being known for big production.
Hill seems to be potentially leaning toward a WCW Bash at the Beach-style vibe aesthetically. This so as to fit the ‘Summer Party’ tagline for this Oktagon card. There could be a New World Order in Oktagon MMA as promotional debutant Josh Hill looks to shake things up. He takes on former champion Jonas ‘Shark’ Magard this Saturday.
