Record setting and the two most popular MMA fighters in Germany in a direct cage duel. Oktagon 58 in Frankfurt’s Waldstadion on October 12, 2024 in front of around 58,000 fans makes history. Christian Eckerlin is crowned “King of GerMMAny” with a victory over Christian Jungwirth. More than a year later, the rematch between the two is looming – again in the stadium.
With a brutal performance and a convincing win against Niklas Stolze, Jungwirth reported to Oktagon in Munich. After a 13-month break, “The Kelt” presented itself fresh, agile and tireless. “I felt at home and delivered. That was my goal today,” said the Stuttgart native at the press conference after the fight.
Immediately after his victory, he demanded a rematch with Eckerlin. He later confirmed this wish again.
“There are good days and there are bad days. Last year in Frankfurt I had a bad day. Congratulations to Eckerlin, but we all know that it wasn’t Christian Jungwirth in the cage,” said Jungwirth. “He lost against Pukac and Trouscek, I won against Stolze. It makes perfect sense now.”
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Jungwirth even turned down a challenge from Eckerlin’s teammate Max Coga. That would also be a battle of superlatives. The decision even earned respect from Octagon owner Ondrej Novotny. “I admire Christian for saying ‘no’ to Max Coga. He is one of the biggest names in Germany and still he wants to fight the other Christian,” said the promoter. “In my opinion the rematch is possible, but we are talking about September 2026. That is still a long time away.”
The event in the Frankfurt stadium has already been announced for September 26th. And one thing is clear: without Eckerlin, this event will not be sold out. The superstar of the German scene won’t miss this ultimate home game, but he has a problem. After two defeats in a row, the 39-year-old needs a fight to regain his self-confidence before he enters the stadium. There would be an opportunity for this in the spring.
The atmosphere in Munich, the Jungwirth chants and also the Stuttgarter’s performance speak for a rematch. For Jungwirth himself it is clear: “I just want the rematch. No other fight will come in between.”