England and Ireland go head-to-head in Oktagon Challenge as MMA meets reality TV

English and Irish prospects go head-to-head in the Oktagon Challenge as the brutally of MMA meets reality TV.

Brad Pickett and Akonne Wanliss coach Team England with Shem Rock and Paddy Holohan leading Team Ireland as eight fighters battle for two spot in a blockbuster Manchester final in November.

Channel 4 have snapped up the broadcast rights with the biggest European MMA promotion already creating stars in Czechia, Slovakia, Germany and beyond.

The Oktagon Challenge pits four fighters from each nation in a tournament bracket while putting their minds and bodies to the test outside of the cage including in white water rafting.

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Pickett, an icon of British MMA who spent five years in the UFC, brings his coaching expertise from Great Britain Top Team in London.

Wanliss, who turned his back on a lucrative career as a stripper in order to pursue his dreams of MMA glory, brings a 7-2 professional MMA record with a win on his Oktagon debut in July.

Paddy Holohan of Team Ireland had an hugely successful MMA record of 12-2-1 before calling time on his career in 2016 after two wins in the UFC.

Do England or Ireland have the better MMA pedigree? Give us your thoughts in the comments section below.

Shem Rock found a home in Ireland after fleeing police in Liverpool – and boasts a pro record of 9-1-1 – signing for Oktagon and winning his most recent bout in style.

Team England's fighters are made up of George Staines, Jake McHugh, Hascan Gelezi and Beau Gavin – who are all looking for their big career break.

Ireland's prospects are Matthew Elliott, Denis Frimpong, Aaron McDonald and Armand Herczeg – who have a point to prove in the cage.

The eight-episode series gets underway on Channel 4's YouTube channel on the evening of September 12, with November 4 the date of the finale.

The AO Arena, the biggest in the UK, will also host Stage to the Cage as Jake Quickenden fights comedian Paul Smith.

The duo will have had almost a year of intense training going into the fight with Smith both getting advice from Conor McGregor's coach John Kavanagh.

The time for talking is almost over as KSI and Tommy Fury will bury their rivarly once and for all as they face off in Manchester on Saturday, October 14th. Logan Paul will also be fighting at the event in front of what is expected to be a sell-out crowd.

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OKTAGON Challenge athletes in full

Team England – coached by Brad Pickett and Akonne Wanliss

Hull's George Staines (16-1 as an amateur)

Liverpool's Jake McHugh (5-0 as an amateur)

London's Hascan Gelezi (4-1, 1NC)

Liverpool's Beau Gavin (0-1)

Team Ireland – coached by Paddy Holohan and Shem Rock

Belfast's Matthew Elliott (2-1)

Dublin's Denis Frimpong (1-1)

Lisburn's Aaron McDonald (8-3 as an amateur)

Dundalk's Armand Herczeg (7-8 as an amateur)

Watch OKTAGON Challenge on Channel 4's All 4 streaming platform and Channel 4 Sport YouTube channel.

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