Frankfurt's "Mad Max" battles it out in the Octagon and advocates for his local district.
Hailing from the notorious "Zombieland" of Frankfurt Bahnhof, known for its drug issues, resides Max Coga, a prominent figure advocating for the district. With his fame as an MMA fighter, he's been instrumental in shaping the area. The upcoming October presents a significant challenge for Max, often referred to as "Mad Max".
This man isn't just a local influencer; he's the pulse, the shaper, and a gastronome of the Frankfurt Bahnhof quarter. Being more than 34, he's also a development helper and one of Germany's leading combat sports athletes. For the historic event in October at Frankfurt Waldstadion, he's found an opponent who brings the right narrative. His fondness for history and hometown is clear in his conversations with ntv.de.
"I've practically lived my entire life here in the Bahnhof quarter. My family has been here for generations," says Coga, the proprietor of Pik Dame club on Elbestraße, a family business since 1959. "So I'd really describe myself as a Bahnhof expert here." He chuckles. The MMA fighter from MMA Spirit Frankfurt isn't all about his shop on Elbestraße; he's in the trade association, the International Kinderhaus, has a good rapport with Mayor Mike Josef, and is often called upon as a "help component" for events. Coga aims to restore the Bahnhof quarter to its former glory, known in 2016 as a hub for artists, exceptional gastronomy, and vibrant clubs.
However, the coronavirus crisis has reduced its status. "Despite the end of the pandemic, many businesses haven't returned. At corners where there are many consumers, refugees, and diverse people, it's tough for business owners." Additionally, rent prices in the quarter have skyrocketed.
The infamous "Zombieland"
During the European Football Championship, Frankfurt is under close observation as a host city. The British tabloid "Sun" labeled the Bahnhof quarter due to its drug problems as "Zombieland." Arrows on the streets are said to guide fans during the EM away from the quarter. "This situation presents an opportunity for a gastronome like me, to impress," comments Coga on this.
"People are curious now, they want to see: Is it really that bad?" The drug situation cannot be ignored, so the arrows on the street are a "smart move." "We're in a social hotspot, and for people who don't understand or overlook it, it can be dangerous. Tourists and fans pull out their phones to film - what do you think a drug addict reacts to?"
The European Football Championship is a major event in Frankfurt in the summer, and in the fall, Mixed Martial Arts will make history in the Main metropolis. Frankfurt Waldstadion will host Oktagon 62 on October 12 with 60,000 spectators, and Max Coga will be there. A few days ago, the opponent of the lightweight fighter was announced, after he had been challenged by dozens of fighters from Germany and Europe.
Initially, I was open to every challenge, but as I approach the end of my career, having a certain storyline is crucial to me. Those who challenged me didn't sit well with me. When Antun Racić challenged me, it ignited something in me. We battled each other in the ring nearly eleven years ago, and I was the superior one. "He wanted a rematch right after our fight. He's the most obvious option for this historical event. We've settled our past."
Racić is one of the few fighters who have proven themselves internationally and have more experience than Coga. The Croatian boasts a record of 27 wins and 11 losses. Coga comes with 26 wins and 8 losses. "At such a big event, it doesn't make sense for me to fight a novice - it must be an evenly matched contender," says the native Frankfurt resident, who currently holds the title in two weight classes for the promoter NFC himself.
Coga eager for the "monumental event"
"Antun was the strongest opponent I ever fought against," continues Coga. Both have evolved since then. What will decide the renewed duel in the cage is who can implement their game plan wisely, so the Frankfurt native. "He'll likely try to finish me early, which he won't achieve. I have a greater reach. For him, it's best to get me to the mat. That's what he'll try."
The stadium atmosphere combined with MMA, "Mad" Max Coga, who earned his nickname due to his aggressive fighting style, has already experienced at an event in Prague. "I've never seen anything wilder. There were wave after wave of excitement and fireworks. This noise explosion, it's electrifying and contagious. And there were almost 30,000 people. In Frankfurt, it will be double that." Therefore, the event in Frankfurt isn't just a strong fight card, "a historic, monumental event," but also an opportunity to experience something extraordinary live.
Coga anticipates that this significant event might be a one-off occurrence. The packed stadium signifies that MMA has made its mark in Germany, as per the 34-year-old. "We've got some promising young fighters, the scene has expanded, and it was all about bringing awareness. Previously, potential fans couldn't keep tabs on our lives due to limited media presence. That changed in recent years, thanks to YouTube. Audience members develop connections and realize that this combat sport requires grit."
Additionally, Coga would likely participate in future stadium events in his hometown, although he underscores that every bout could be the final one. "It's an emotional journey. At some point, I'll probably exit this cage and declare: That's it. But even if this is the twilight of my career, I'm far from done."
Read also:
Max Coga, the renowned MMA fighter from Frankfurt am Main, often trains at MMA Spirit Frankfurt. Despite living in the 'Zombieland' of Frankfurt Bahnhof, known for its drug issues, he's been a strong advocate for the area, using his fame to contribute positively to the district.
After his successful fight at Frankfurt Waldstadion, Max Coga from Frankfurt am Main will face Antun Racić in Oktagon 62, a significant Mixed Martial Arts event happening in his hometown.
