Video! UFC Alum Scores $1 Million Submission To Close Out 2023

One of the last mixed martial arts (MMA) cards of 2023 played out on Friday (Dec. 29) as Oktagon 51 delivered a collection of memorable fights from inside the O2 Arena in Prague, Czech Republic. The main event saw two former UFC fighters go head-to-head for a $1 million welterweight tournament prize.

The favorite in the headlining act was none other than former UFC welterweight, Bojan Velickovic. The 35-year-old veteran fought under the UFC banner from 2016-2017, amassing a 2-3-1 record. Some of Velickovic’s notable UFC opponents include Darren Till and Jake Matthews.

Velickovic’s counterpart on Friday was Andreas Michailidis, who is a 35-year-old veteran fighting out of Greece. Michailidis fought for UFC from 2020-2022, but only managed to capture one win inside of the Octagon. Instead, Michailidis is best known for his devastating knockout loss to future UFC champion Alex Pereira back in 2021 (see it HERE).

Velickovic, who came into this welterweight tournament finale with a 6-2 record as a member of Oktagon, was the betting favorite to win this fight. It was Velickovic’s ability to mix up his attacks and his proven cardio that were expected to play a major key in his success. Luckily for him, that’s how the fight ultimately played out.

In the third round, Velickovic was able to gain back control and started to pepper Michailidis with short shots to the head. Velickovic would quickly switch to a rear-naked choke attempt and locked it in tight. Michailidis tried to turn over and peel the hand off, but Velickovic’s grip was too tight. Michailidis was forced to tap and Velickovic walked away with a $1 million finish.