The MMA community was collectively surprised earlier this year when the UFC decided not to return Martin Budi to the heavyweight division.
Many felt that choosing not to give Buddy (16-2) a new contract after his 7-1 record was an odd choice given the many issues the UFC has experienced recently in the division.
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Budi said he made no strange request to stay in the UFC, and when the promotion didn’t want him back, he was quickly picked up by OKTAGON MMA, where he competed in 2018-2019 and became the heavyweight champion. He vacated the belt when he signed with the UFC
On Sunday, months after announcing his return at OKTAGON 74, he faced off against former Bellator fighter Will Fleury (16-3), who TKO’d him in just 100 seconds. The victory was the biggest of Fleury’s career and came against his most accomplished opponent to date.
It also lends credence to the belief that UFC matchmakers were on the right track when they let Buddy go.
Check out Fleury’s fast and furious finish below.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Will Fleury defeats Martin Buday in OKTAGON 81 heavyweight title fight
