As UTMA continues its preparations ahead of the new combat sports season, the organization is further bolstering its roster. A new exclusive agreement has been reached with Turkish fighter Isa Gocmen, a face already well-known to UTMA fans.
The organization has signed an exclusive rights contract with the fighter, meaning that for the foreseeable future, Gocmen will only be permitted to compete under the UTMA banner within Lithuania.
“This is another significant step forward – not only in Lithuania but also in the global market. Isa is an established fighter from Turkey who lived and studied in Lithuania for a period of time. He has strong ties here and is a well-known athlete; we are very pleased with this signing,” said UTMA head Viktoras Gecas.
A look back at Gocmen’s journey within UTMA reveals his true potential
Gocmen made his UTMA debut in 2025 at the “Rising #1” tournament, where he ultimately succumbed to Naglis Kanišauskas in the second round. However, it should be noted that the Turkish fighter competed in the 84 kg weight category on that occasion.
The shift to the 81 kg category allowed fans to witness a whole new level of talent. At the UTMA 13 tournament last September, Gocmen knocked out Deividas Jemeljanovas in the third round, making a massive statement and issuing a challenge to the entire division.
Gocmen will continue to compete in this 81 kg weight class for his upcoming bouts. This means the category is becoming perhaps the most talent-dense and competitive division in the organization. Current champion Mindaugas Narauskas certainly won’t be able to relax over the summer.
“This fighter makes the UTMA 81 kg division one of the most competitive categories in the organization right now. As we know, Mindaugas Narauskas is the current champion, but there is a long line of hungry challengers behind him: Ričardas Kulis, Deividas Jemeljanovas, Raimondas Aukštikalnis, Tomas Banskis, and now, most certainly, Isa Gocmen.
We hope to sign even more elite fighters, both from Lithuania and abroad. There is massive potential here; we expect this category to explode with intensity, and we look forward to seeing several uncompromising battles between these men this autumn,” Gecas commented.
UTMA fighters will return to the ring following the summer break on September 26 at the UTMA 19 tournament, featuring a main event showdown between Sergej Maslobojev and Dominykas Dirkstys.
Tickets for UTMA 19 are available at kakava.lt, and the live PPV broadcast can be purchased at UTMA.lt.
