‘Slo Rocky’ and ‘Joker’ stole the show at the press conference ahead of FNC 27, Forgač announces a major signing

Ahead of Fight Nation Championship’s first trip to Germany, the biggest stars of the upcoming spectacle stepped in front of the cameras. Leading the way were FNC champions Ivan Vitasović in the heavyweight division and Francisco “Croata” Barrio in the lightweight division. They will defend their titles against Hatef “Boss” Moeil and Lom Ali Eskiev in the main and co-main events of the evening at SAP Garden in Munich. The first to speak was the head of the strongest MMA promotion in Southeast Europe.

WATCH THE PRESS CONFERENCE VIDEO

- This is FNC’s first step outside the region. The German market is the strongest and most demanding in Europe. Why Munich? Because it’s the toughest place - if we succeed there, we’ll succeed anywhere. The hype is huge, the local media have been writing extensively about FNC’s success, and that is simply the result of six years of hard work that has now been recognized within the industry. Those who attend live at SAP Garden will be able to enjoy a spectacle in every sense. The fight card may be the strongest we’ve ever had, as an event of this level demands, and we’re expecting a spectacular night - said president and head of the organization Dražen Forgač, also announcing the signing of a big name for that market, though without revealing who it is.

The popular “Panchi” faces a dangerous opponent who has also been backed by UFC superstar Khamzat Chimaev.

- I was glad to see Chimaev supporting FNC, but he doesn’t know who I am and he doesn’t know how prepared I am. He didn’t scare me. They’re Chechens and they stick together. He said he would “smash” me, but he’ll be the one running out of air before me, and he’ll see in the fourth or fifth round when I “smash” him in his own city. We’re each other’s toughest opponent in our careers, but I’ve never quit – the only way to beat me is by knockout, that’s his only chance. I have nothing to lose. He’s a brutal fighter, but I’ll prove that I’m the best in the region – he was clear.

He arrived quietly, slowly built his path to the top and conquered the “royal division,” and then the pride of Pula’s Trojan, Ivan Vitasović, exploded in the Zagreb Arena during his third title defense, in front of the greatest Croatian fighters of all time, Stipe Miočić and Mirko Cro Cop Filipović.

- I’ve seen Hatef, he’s a very serious opponent and it certainly won’t be an easy task. I have my own plan; we’ll see whether I manage to execute it or not. As for the future, my main focus is on Hatef, and we’ll see what comes next. I didn’t expect the fight against Darko to be that good, but these things happen, and it was a good night for me.

After losing his heavyweight title fight, Darko “Hammer” Stošić returns to the cage against experienced English veteran Oli Thompson. The last defeat weighed heavily on him, but now comes a chance to show character inside the cage.

- I’ve always taken every camp seriously, but now I’m trying to be even more serious. I’ll be here for a while, we’re training hard, working, and staying focused on every opponent - including Oli Thompson. Always focus, good training, stay healthy, and then you’re good mentally as well. You give the audience what they want to see and that’s it. There’s no lack of motivation. Every loss is a loss in itself . it hurts, nobody takes it well. But it’s all temporary, and after ten days or so, when the emotions pass, every true fighter finds motivation again, goes back to training and does what he does - fight. I love this, and I’ll do it as long as I want. I think I still have a few good years left - said Darko.

A special category is certainly the newly crowned “King of Germany,” Ivica “Terror” Trušček, who won that title by defeating Christian Eckerlin, and now faces Austrian Dominic Schober.

- I didn’t take this “king” thing too seriously at first, but I’m liking it more and more. In front of me is a guy with a bad record, but he’s a much better opponent than he seems, and he reminds me a bit of myself. We have a common opponent in Akipa, and I hope I won’t find a way to mess things up now when all eyes are on me. This will be my 85th fight. Maybe the good side of that number is far behind me, but the positive thing is that I enjoy every moment. Every fight is a gift from God, that I can still do this at this age and that it still works. I have four wins in a row, which means it’s not time to stop yet - said “Terror” Trušček.

Filip “Nitro” Pejić is also here in a new form - a calmer fighter from Trnava - and he faces a familiar opponent from the FFC days, Vladimir “Sunshine” Šikić. After his win in Zadar last year, Luka Milidragović also returns to FNC, now facing David Travnicek.

- The new version of “Nitro” is here, but it’s actually the old version with some upgrades. Now my time is really coming - I feel so good that I can’t even describe it. I think I’ll smash it like I did in Zagreb. New fighters in the division? That doesn’t bother me. I’ll stand in front of anyone, I don’t ask who the opponent is. I’ve fought top fighters and delivered top-level fights. They may have a name, but when “Peja” stands in front of you, you’ll see that the name means nothing. We were supposed to fight a long time ago, but we each went our own way. I’ve been a bit more active in the meantime, I’m more experienced on paper, and I believe I’m also much more experienced mentally, which has brought me huge progress. I believe he’ll end up flat on his back. I was most prepared for the fight against Jason, and I was the one lying there for three minutes, but now that everything is set up at American Top Team, we’re dominating at the highest level, and I believe I’ll dominate this fight as well - said Pejić, after which Milidragović spoke:

- It’s been almost a year since my last fight. I don’t even know what to expect from myself. I fight as the fight goes, and I’m ready for every aspect. My goal is to keep getting better and better opponents, and I think this one is the perfect opponent to start the climb - said the Dubrovnik fighter.

As is often the case, the sweet ending came last, when Miran “Slo Rocky” Fabjan and Aleksandar “Joker” Ilić took the stage. Ahead of us is the biggest rematch in the history of the organization.

- Sparring is sparring, a fight is a fight - I wouldn’t give it too much importance. As for the media silence, I’m here, I didn’t disappear, but to be honest, I’m a bit sick of the mud around MMA, the shepherd mentality, the backwardness – the bigger it is, the more attention people give it. I’m not referring to Miran, just to be clear; I’m talking about the people around the sport, and I see that many people are applauding them, which I don’t like. It’s fine that since Conor it’s become a money-making machine, hype is needed, but somehow I don’t like this. There’s too much of everything. This fight will sell out because people want to watch it. Respect to Vitasović as the main event, but I think our fight draws the attention. I don’t need to say anything controversial for this to sell out - said “Joker,” and then “Slo Rocky” continued:

- The first time he was loud, then he went quiet in front of the whole arena. Now he’s quiet, so we’ve started better - congratulations. The pressure starts from the opening bell. In the second or third minute, when he opens his mouth, that’s the beginning of the end. It will only be a question of when Zorić saves Ilić. Neither coach Icko nor doctor Dimitrijević will help him - nothing will save him from defeat at SAP Arena. There will be no difference, except that more people will see the knockout. I taught little kids long ago how to defend against Ilke, and when he hits my hand, I start working. Just the hand on the head - that’s it - concluded the fighter who asked to be addressed as “FNC Goat.”

As expected, sparks flew between the participants, and you can watch the entire press conference on FNC’s YouTube channel. Tickets are available via the Eventim.de system.