This time not only the fighters but the promotion itself had a challenge ahead as Fight Night Hungary has tried a new, bigger location. Even though promoters try to pick great venues and put solid cards together success in this business is never guaranteed. The new location with its 1200m2 size is truly a challenge for anyone in Hungary to be filled. But Fight Night Hungary has pulled it off! The event was packed and the people in attendance have truly seen some glimpse from the glorious past when big names and shows have visited this part of Europe.
Fight Night Hungary had great fights, a fantastic atmosphere and fired up fans. Finally a show where everything was in place - visuals, timing, sound and most important: the fights themselves. Fight Night Hungary has set the bar high for forthcoming events.
The show started with four solid Muay Thai bouts which all helped to get everyone even more fired up for the main card. The K-1 bouts have also seen back and forth wars, knockdowns and an unfortunate doctor's stoppage before we got to the co-main event.
In the co-main event two of the best, most well-known and highly respected fighters, Tamás Birics (WFMC European Champion) and Gábor Görbics (World Combat Games winner, WAKO full-contact European Champion) have collided once again. First time they've fought Görbics won a close decision and some years have passed before the rematch could've been put together. Needless to say this fight was highly anticipated amongst the Hungarian fight fans!
Görbics seemed to be more relaxed in the opening rounds while Birics tried to take control and dictate the pace by moving forward and attempting to being the aggressor. Görbics seemed to have the edge and landed more shots while utilizing his full arsenal: spinning techniques, feints, attacking and retreating in angles. He was really fluid in both the attacks and chaining everything together.
While it was Görbics who seemed to get the better of the exchanges while moving around and using the angles, toe to toe Birics had successful attempts of takig over, moving his opponent to the ropes, utilizing thunderous leg kicks. Birics has a background and is competing usually in Muay Thai and from the outside he seemed to be missing a few key techniques which he couldn't use due to the restrictions of the different ruleset he used to.
The fifth and final round have started with some huge shots although it was very clear from the beginning that none of the guys wanted to leave it up to the judges this time. Although there was no finish fans got a beautiful, intense fight that put us all on the edge of our seats. Görbics Gábor won a majority decision and have beaten Tamás Birics for a second time.
The fans could not wait any more for the last fight to happen. When Antoine Habash hit the ramp for his entry most of the crowd stood up chanting his name and clapping for him. He took the stage a storm. Tihomir Mitev has stepped into the lion's den.
The first round have seen Antoine landing some good straight just to measure things up and then taking control shortly thereafter. He became more and more confident and rightfully so as Mitev's head turned red and got a bloody nose from all the shots he has taken. At the end of round two Mitev got saved by the bell only.
Most of the audience had anticipated something that it has to be over in the next round. And then it happened... After some exchange Antoine has finished a combination with a brutal knee that landed flush on Mitev's chin and the champ fell under the ropes. He was out cold. The crowd has erupted! Standing ovation, clapping everywhere and the new champ has jumped on the ropes to thank everyone. Habash Antoine is the new WKN European Champion and as he promised the belt stays in Hungary!
