Aaron Aby will return to the OKTAGON stage in Birmingham on April 20th to face former opponent, Sam Creasey
Aby, who last fought in January, defeating American, Christopher Daniel, has earned his second chance at OKTAGON MMA world title glory.
The Welshman is one of the most inspiring MMA fighters currently competing, having defied doctors who said he would not even make the age of 16 due to his cystic fibrosis diagnosis.
The 33-year-old was then diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2017 and became the first person ever in the UK to remove both the testicle and lymph mass in his stomach without general anaesthetic.
Sam Creasey is the number 1 ranked flyweight in the country, and the former Cage Warriors World Champion will make his promotional debut for OKTAGON MMA, and will look to repeat his 2021 victory over Aby when the pair meet in Birmingham.
Aby said: "For me, that belt is my priority and my number one target. It was never about me versus Garcia, it was a dream you have when you start to become a world champion on the biggest show in Europe.
"That belt is always what I wanted. I want the fight with Garcia back, but the belt is more important. I could have sat on the sideline and waited for whenever he feels he is ready, but that is not in my control so I wanted to just get straight back out there and go again.
"It is a shame and I don't want to focus on him too much when I have another tough opponent in front of me. I've had some of the biggest names in the sport coming up to me and asking if I am getting the rematch. Dan Hardy, Brendan Loughnane, people in the UFC, they have all come up to me and asked when I'm going to fight for the belt again.
"Part of me thought then it wouldn't happen, but I was just praying and hoping to get that opportunity to fight for the belt again. Fighting for the world title is more important than waiting for my chance at getting revenge."
The card also includes viral sensation Denis Frimpong, as well as OKTAGON bad boy Shem Rock, lightweight George Staines, debutant Will Fleury, middleweight veteran Mick Stanton and exciting flyweight Megan Morris.
The event marks OKTAGON MMA’s return to the UK following the success of OKTAGON 48 in November of 2023 which took place at Manchester’s AO Arena and OKTAGON 52 at Utilita Arena in Newcastle.
To purchase tickets to OKTAGON 56, visit https://www.theticketfactory.com/tickets/events/oktagon-56-mma-tickets/
