James Hendin Outworks Ayton De Paepe in Tactical War
British featherweight James “The Honeybadger” Hendin returned to the win column with a gritty unanimous decision victory over Belgium’s Ayton “Hitman” De Paepe on September 20, 2025, at Oktagon 76 in Frankfurt, Germany. The bout, contested at 145 lbs inside the Festhalle, saw Hendin edge out De Paepe on all three judges’ scorecards (29-28 x3) in a high-paced, technical battle that tested both fighters’ durability and fight IQ.
Round 1: De Paepe Strikes First
De Paepe opened strong, using his reach advantage and sharp jab to keep Hendin at bay. The Belgian landed several clean combinations and mixed in leg kicks that disrupted Hendin’s rhythm. While Hendin remained composed, the first round clearly belonged to De Paepe, who controlled distance and tempo.
Round 2: Hendin Turns the Tide
Hendin adjusted in Round 2, closing the distance and initiating clinch exchanges. His pressure began to wear on De Paepe, and Hendin landed a series of short elbows and knees inside the pocket. A late takedown sealed the round for Hendin, shifting momentum in his favor.
Round 3: The Honeybadger Hunts
With the fight hanging in the balance, Hendin pushed the pace in the final round. He landed the cleaner shots, stuffed De Paepe’s takedown attempts, and controlled the cage. The judges rewarded his aggression and control, handing him a unanimous decision win in a closely contested bout.
Post-Fight Reaction: “I’m Back Where I Belong”
“This was about proving I’m still evolving,” Hendin said post-fight. “I’ve made adjustments, and I’m ready for bigger names. This is just the beginning.” The win improves his record to 14-5 and reestablishes him as a top featherweight threat in the Oktagon MMA roster.
What’s Next for Hendin?
With the victory, Hendin could be in line for a top-10 opponent. Potential matchups include Ronald Paradeiser or a rematch with Filip Macek. His ability to adapt mid-fight and grind out tough wins makes him a dangerous contender in Europe’s featherweight division.
Final Thoughts
James Hendin didn’t just win—he evolved. Against a rangy, technical striker, he made the right adjustments and imposed his will when it mattered most. Oktagon 76 was a proving ground, and Hendin proved he’s still a force to be reckoned with.
For full bout details and fighter stats, visit Tapology’s official fight center and Cageside Press’s full event recap.
Sources
Tags: MMA
