‘The Killer’ plans to execute infamous ‘Hannibal Lecter’ at Oktagon 85

Khurshed Kakhorov believes Oktagon 85 has the potential to deliver one of the most violent headliners in the promotion’s history.

With the vacant bantamweight title on the line live from the Barclays Arena in Hamburg, Germany, “The Killer” has been tasked with taking out former Ultimate Fighting Championship prospect Igor Severino.

Severino (9-1) went viral two years ago after he infamously bit Andre Lima midway through the second round of his UFC debut. “The Hannibal” was instantly cut by the promotion but found a home with Oktagon MMA, where he’s rebranded himself after the legendary film villain and cannibal Hannibal Lecter. But Kakhorov isn’t amused by Severino’s mind games and promises to make the 22-year-old pay if he even considers chewing his way out of a defeat Saturday night.

“I can kill him, like I will kill him and put an end to this Hannibal stuff,” Kakhorov warned while sitting down with Sherdog.com. “He’s strong and dangerous. Very explosive, but I am more of a threat than him. He’s never fought a guy like me.”

Kakohorov’s (13-1) confidence stems from the five-fight win streak he carries into the cage and nine knockouts on his ledger. The 2023 Professional Fighters League Europe bantamweight champion was on a tear, but has been sidelined since June 2024. Kakohorov was initially signed to fight Severino for the title last October, but a staph infection made Kakohorov’s fight camp a nightmare. He missed weight, and then the bout was scrapped altogether due to his health issues. With that setback behind him, the Tajikistan native believes now is the perfect time to add another belt around his waist.

Preparing for a title shot has forced the 34-year-old to sharpen his entire skill set. Despite being known for his explosive striking, Kakhorov thinks his grappling could play a major role in the fight and is prepared to submit the Brazilian if the opportunity presents itself.

“I can grapple and can finish him on the ground too, but I prefer to stay standing and strike,” Kakhorov boasted. “That’s the reason why I don’t go to the ground. For me, it’s a little bit boring when I go to ground and pound. I do want to prove that I can submit to people.”

But for Kakhorov, Saturday’s showdown signifies another opportunity to express his violent nature. He doesn’t concern himself with game plans or storylines. When the cage door closes, Kakhorov’s only focus is on dismantling the man in front of him. And he promises to deliver the carnage the fans desire.

“I fight because I enjoy it,” he said. “I don’t think about how to win. I think about how to destroy my opponent. I don’t tell myself that ‘I need to be careful here,’ I’m not careful. I’m here simply to fight.”