Iranian-German Hojat Khajevand has the biggest fight of his career immediately ahead of him, taking on UFC vet Krzysztof Jotko at Oktagon 77 in a Gamechanger middleweight tournament semifinal.
Khajevand (10-4), who has won his last three fights all under the Oktagon MMA banner, wasn’t originally in the Gamechanger tournament. He entered as a reserve fighter, and we know how that storyline goes (just ask Daniel Cormier, who wasn’t originally part of Strikeforce’s memorable heavyweight grand prix, but won it all then jumped to the UFC).
Taking the spot of reserve fighter, Hojat told Cageside Press this week that he “just wanted to fight in the first place,” but added that he “also had this thought in [my] head that maybe there’s a chance that [I] can get in there.”
“Either way, it’s a great opportunity. Being a reserve fighter is cool, but being in the tournament, even better.”
Much better, realistically. Outside of the UFC and PFL tournaments, there isn’t a lot of money in MMA at the moment, especially with the loss of Bellator MMA, and promotions like KSW and ONE Championship seemingly contracting. Oktagon has been a bright spot in Europe, however, now the dominant promotion on the continent.
“Until now, we didn’t really think about the money that much. Of course it’s nice to have a bigger payday, get a bigger check,” Khajevand admitted.
That said, he has no idea what he would do if he were to get that prize money. “It’s a nice thing to have, it’s great for the sport but the fight is more important than the money.”
Working full time, what he calls a “regular job” as a facility manager with Johnson & Johnson, Khajevand added that one thing would change were he to win the tournament: he’d transition to being a full-time fighter, as it would give him the “resources, the funds to focus on the sport fully, and then become the Oktagon champion as well.”
Asked about his opponent, Khajevand noted that he knew Jotko “even before [I] started MMA. He’s around for a long time, he’s a veteran of the game, so he’s very good at every aspect.” That said, Khajevand feels he has what it takes to beat the Polish veteran, and added that he “will beat him this Saturday.”
Jotko’s profile, meanwhile, is the icing on the cake in this match-up. “Super happy to have the opportunity to fight someone like him.” Khajevand “always wants to fight the top guys,” he added, and is “looking for this challenge.” Not wanting any gimmie fights, he finished by saying he’s “very excited for this match-up, and very happy to fight Krzysztof Jotko this weekend.”
After that, Hojat Khajevand has his sights set on becoming Oktagon champ, and focusing on his gym, where he can produce UFC and Oktagon stars of the future.
Watch our full interview with Hojat Khajevand ahead of Oktagon 77 above.
