Cork MMA fighter Brian Manning back in Oktagon action against Slovenia's Robert Pukač

The 'Prince of Bratislava’ Robert Pukac will have to defend home turf against the incoming Irish wrecking ball, Cork's Brian Manning, on the Slovakian leg of the ten-year anniversary celebrations at OKTAGON 89.

One of the biggest MMA stars in the country, Robert Pukač, (20-14-1), will collide with Cork’s own lethal knockout artist, Brian Manning (6-0), in a middleweight battle on Saturday, June 6. 

The undefeated rising talent from Cork released a video teaser on social media earlier this week announcing that he had his sights set on Pukač as his next victim and the challenge has now been accepted. 

Tipos Aréna will host the showdown which promises to have an intense build up and guarantees to deliver fireworks inside the cage.

Pukač rose to prominence last year after earning two, spectacular stoppage victories. 

In February, he shocked a nation when he knocked out David Kozma, just two minutes into the first round before also finishing Christian Eckerlin in Germany four months later. 

‘The Prince of Bratislava’ came up short against Patrik Kincl at the end of 2025, but the courage and heart he displayed during that contest ensured his stock did not drop. 

Now he aims to start a new winning streak, roared on by his people at OKTAGON 89.

When Manning signed for the promotion last year, he stated, ‘OKTAGON is a circus and I am the biggest clown’. 

The MMA Cork athlete was outspoken leading up to his debut against Daniel Schwindt but backed up all of that talk when he did what he said he was going to do - knock the German out in his country during the first round. 

Hungry to take over the whole middleweight division, Manning wants to keep his 100% stoppage rate intact when he goes into another of his adversary’s backyards, hoping to steal more headlines for himself.

“This is a great matchup for me as he likes to stand and fight,“ Brian said.

“I also like to stand and fight, so this will definitely be a very explosive fight. 

"He is also ranked number five in the rankings, so it is certainly a good scalp to take and help get me towards title contention.

“I love going into enemy territory as I have been doing it for years and winning. 

"I only did it again in my last fight with 15,000 people screaming against me, and I zapped up every ounce of energy from it. 

"I thrive in those situations, I’m built for the big stage and I get to do it all again June 6th.

"I can't wait for this fight.

“I'm going to stiffen him out. 

"Whatever it takes, whatever round, but I’m going to knock him upside down. 

"He will stand in front of me, that’s his style and it’s gonna be his downfall. 

"I’ve too much power, too much fight IQ, and I’m gonna break this man down very quickly,” Manning added.

Elsewhere, on the lineup, an important heavyweight matchup goes down between Lazar Todev and Martin Buday in a contest that could decide the next top contender. 

Domestic favourites Marek Mazúch, Radovan Úškrt and Karol Ryšavý are also set to compete in front of their adoring crowd on an evening that will be one of the highlights on the MMA fight calendar.

But all our eyes will be on Cork's Brian Manning as he continues his climb to the top of the rankings.