Oktagon MMA co-founder Pavol Neruda has ruled out the possibility of bringing in UFC stars Darren Till and Anderson Silva as competitors ahead of the promotion's eagerly anticipated expansion into the UK and Ireland.
After regular sell-out shows in mainland Europe, Okatagon MMA is now preparing for a UK debut with a show in Manchester on November 4.
Often when new MMA promotions look to break into a new market, they enlist star names to help sell their brand and generate interest amongst fans.
However, this is not an approach Okatagon MMA will be taking according to Neruda who wants to showcase local fighters who are eager to impress on the biggest stages.
“It's a must now to find and recognise the best young talent in the UK and Ireland and sign them," Neruda stated.
"There's so much talent right now here right now, the scene is so much different than four years back. We will make them famous in the UK first, but also Germany, Czech Republic and Slovakia thanks to our broadcast partners. Most other promotions are buying big name fighters, but they just come, fight, and leave.
"This is not our strategy, we want to showcase local stars like Shem Rock and Akonne Wanliss, so fans can stay with them and watch them progress towards the title.
"We said no to big name-attractive options and instead we are taking the maybe harder route. But it's better for fans, fighters, and our brand, and there's a good reason for it."
Neruda then went onto discuss why he is against the idea of signing Till and Silva as fighters under the Oktagon banner.
“Let's say you bring in a Darren Till or Anderson Silva — they're big names and we all like these fighters — but you know they're not chasing titles," Neruda continued.
"We want hungry fighters — so you really feel it when they say they're going after the title — you believe in them. That's when it's interesting. It's more believable than just buying instant fame.
"It's like buying followers on Instagram. It's empty. We want the stories and the hungry fighters following their dreams, and as fans we will witness their run towards titles. The fans will have a deeper connection this way with us and the fighters.”