Jonas Mågård targets Ali Taleb clash in heated OKTAGON buildup

Jonas Mågård is targeting the OKTAGON title, but before that he has his eyes set on settling the score with former training partner Ali Taleb.

The former champions are two of Nordic MMA’s best fighters and now they are ready to clash on the big stage.

A bantamweight matchup between Jonas Mågård and Ali Taleb has gained serious momentum, driven not only by competition but by a personal history that adds tension beneath the surface.

Taleb used to represent Redline Training Center in Malmö, the same gym where Mågård spent several years under head coach Akira Corassani. Behind the scenes, a rivalry took shape.

For Jonas Mågård, the relationship with Taleb has shifted over time. What once appeared to be mutual respect has shifted into something else.

– We trained together for four years at Redline.

– Even when he was fighting my good friend Darius in PFL, I stayed neutral out of respect. That’s just who I am.

According to Jonas Mågård, the turning point came ahead of his title fight against Felipe Lima in June 2023.

– Everything changed when he backed Lima against me. I always had a feeling about him, and that moment confirmed it. He showed his true colors.

– I stayed quiet back then, out of respect for Akira, but now I am not holding anything back.

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OKTAGON 89: Jonas Mågård vs Ali Taleb

Jonas Mågård acknowledges that a fight against Ali Taleb may not make perfect sense from a rankings perspective, but insists that other factors make it compelling.

Since his loss to Felipe Lima in the summer of 2023, his trajectory has been undeniable.Four wins in his last five appearances, including a current two-fight streak, have re-established his momentum.

– I’m ranked 53 in the world, he’s around 98. I should be fighting higher ranked opponents, but this one? This one excites me for a reason.

– Stylistically, this is the perfect fight for me.

Ali Taleb has built an impressive 12-2 record, capturing titles in both UAE Warriors and PFL MENA. Known for his finishing ability, most of his victories have come by stoppage.

His most recent outing ended in a decision loss to UFC veteran Taylor Lapilus in July 2025, after which he parted ways with PFL.

Despite those credentials, Jonas Mågård sees clear openings in Taleb’s game.

– I’m better than him. I know his strengths, I know his weaknesses, and I’m going to use both against him. My fight IQ is on another level.

– I’ve already proven myself, but I’m still evolving every single day, sharpening my skills and adding new weapons.

When asked when he wants to fight Ali Taleb, ”Shark” doesn’t hesitate. He has his eyes set on OKTAGON 89.

– June 6th, Bratislava, I’m ready.

His ambitions for the rest of the year leave little room for doubt.

– Give me a couple of big fights and I will take back the OKTAGON title before the year ends.

Whether the promotion decides to book the fight remains to be seen, but the ingredients are already in place for one of the most compelling matchups of the year!

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