The term ‘fight of the century’ is thrown around far too frequently in MMA, but for the people of the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Attila Vegh vs Karlos Vemola 2 is genuinely as big as it gets.
The two sporting phenoms have crossed paths before, with the world standing still as ‘The Terminator’ crumbled to the floor after taking a thunderous right hand.
And now, the man who delivered that shot has sat down with MMA TV Live for an exclusive interview.
On February 28, 2013, Vegh claimed the Bellator title, forever writing his name into the Slovakian MMA history books.
But while claiming the belt tops the list of his achievements from a sporting perspective, in the eyes of the fans, it pales in comparison to his rivalry with Vemola.
With national bragging rights on the line, the eagerly-anticipated rematch, which takes place on June 8, is imperative in determining which nation truly sits atop the European fighting mountain.
Having fallen so badly in their last encounter, Vemola, a man oozing with star power, is determined to rise to the occasion and right the wrong that’s placed such a hefty weight on his shoulders.
However, for Vegh, it’s not about the individual in front of him or the allure of fame, but the belt his opponent has around his waist. Thus, when the 38-year-old makes his walk to the cage in front of 27,000 screaming fans at Eden Stadium in Prague, in the most significant event in Oktagon history, he’ll do so with tunnel vision, ignoring the magnitude of the moment so he can channel all his energy on focuing purely on the goal at hand.
He told MMA TV Live: “I don't see it as a Czechoslovak derby, but as a match between me and Karlos. It will be huge and go down in history, which is a massive honour for me.
“My big motivation is the title we are fighting for in Eden. It has got me in excellent shape.”
Behind the aura of a man who’s crushed some of the most fearsome operators the sport has to offer, is a humble individual, who merely wants to leave a legacy that his supporters can look back on with a smile on their faces.
The 38-year-old explained: “When I retire, I want people to remember me as a person. Above all, let them not look at the results, but let them continue to like me for who I am.”
In a matter of days, two of the biggest stars in the world will lay it all on the line in a bout that has all the ingredients of an absolute barnburner. But when all is said and done, Vegh doesn’t hate Vemola. In all reality, he hopes one day, the pair can put their feud to one side and celebrate all they’ve accomplished together.
Vegh admitted: “Karlos and I have a normal relationship. We're not best friends, but we're not bitter rivals either. We are both doing our jobs, and of course, there is a possibility that we will become even closer and maybe come up with something together in the future.”
