A unique blend of the business world and martial arts will soon mark the autumn in Zagreb. Namely, it has been announced that the regional martial arts phenomenon, Fight Nation Championship (FNC), will become a key part of the upcoming business conference Sales4Future. This unexpected, yet extremely intriguing move by the organizers from Prodajni Mindset, promises an event that will push the boundaries of traditional business gatherings. On November 20, 2025, key figures who have shaped the regional MMA scene will arrive at the Mozaik Event Centar in Zagreb: FNC founder Dražen Forgy Forgač and two undisputed octagon stars, Vaso Psycho Bakočević and Aleksandar Joker Ilić.

A Union of the Incompatible: The Martial Arts Elite on the Business Stage

The news that the leaders of the fastest-growing European martial arts organization will appear as panelists at a business conference has resonated throughout the region. After world-class names such as the world's leading sales coach Daniel G and the iconic American industrial designer Karim Rashid were already confirmed, the arrival of the FNC trio has further raised the bar of expectations. The organizers from Prodajni Mindset, known for breaking conventions, are with this move clearly signaling that the Sales4Future conference is intended for everyone who thinks outside the box, regardless of the industry they come from. Dražen Forgač from Croatia, Vaso Bakočević from Montenegro, and Aleksandar Ilić from Serbia bring with them a story of success, branding, and the incredible marketing growth that has turned FNC into a dominant force.

The FNC Phenomenon: From a Regional Powerhouse to a Marketing Miracle

The roots of mixed martial arts (MMA) in Croatia go deep into the past, with the first signs of the scene appearing as early as 2003, predominantly through kickboxing matches. However, the real revolution and turning point came with the founding of the Fight Nation Championship. From the very first event, symbolically named "FNC1: The Future is Now," it was clear that a new energy was entering the scene. From the very beginning, FNC built its success on two fundamental pillars: top-tier fights and, more importantly, a strong online presence and the systematic strengthening of the personal brands of the fighters themselves.

The strategy proved to be a bullseye. Today, FNC is much more than just a martial arts promotion; it is a complete entertainment platform that provides the audience with a full experience. Spectacular events, such as those held in the historic setting of the Pula Arena (FNC 7) or in front of the packed stands of the Arena Zagreb (FNC 20), have become the visual standard. However, the real magic happens between events. The organization actively "breathes" through all digital channels – from YouTube, where they publish detailed analyses and exclusive interviews, to Instagram and TikTok, where they reach a younger audience with fast and dynamic content. Verbal clashes at press conferences, tense fight announcements, challenges that go viral, raw footage from training sessions, and production-heavy projects like the reality show “Fight of Nations: The Road to Victory” – all of this builds a narrative and creates an emotional connection with viewers. In the FNC universe, fighters have outgrown the role of athletes and become influencers with gloves, and FNC has become their most powerful launching platform.

Octagon Stars as Brands: Psycho and Joker in the Spotlight

The creator and driving force behind the entire project, Dražen Forgy Forgač, will speak in detail at the Sales4Future conference about the brand's growth and development strategy. His philosophy is based on recognizing a key shift in audience habits. Forgač understood what many before him had missed: the modern audience doesn't just want to watch sports, they want to follow the stars, get to know their stories, fears, and motivations. "Our strength isn't just the belts or the participants. Our strength is in the story. We are the only promotion that knows how to turn a fighter into a media personality – and the audience recognizes that," Forgač points out. His approach, which combines sports management with modern marketing tools, will be one of the central topics of the panel.

Visitors will have a unique opportunity to hear the experiences of the two biggest stars FNC has created. Vaso Bakočević, better known by his nickname Psycho, is a true social media phenomenon. With over 350,000 followers on Instagram, he is a master of self-promotion. His authentic, raw, and often controversial content attracts enormous attention, even from those who do not follow MMA. He is the walking definition of a combat spectacle: unpredictable, charismatic, and always ready to provide entertainment, whether in the cage or outside of it. With over 70 professional fights, including the increasingly popular bare-knuckle matches, Psycho has become synonymous with a fighter who draws the masses.

On the other hand stands Aleksandar Joker Ilić, a fighter who embodies the sporting dominance and maturity of FNC. While Psycho is a magnet for the mass audience, Joker is a symbol of sporting excellence and media eloquence. His interviews and fight analyses are regularly a topic on the most listened-to sports podcasts in the region. With every entry into the octagon, he demonstrates superiority, and his reign in the middleweight division is marked by a series of brutally precise knockouts that leave the audience breathless. The media writes about him as a symbol of FNC's evolution – a fighter who combines top-tier athletic skill with intelligence and charisma, proving that the organization is capable of creating not only popular but also athletically relevant world-class champions.

The Driving Force Behind Success: Who is Behind Prodajni Mindset?

The Sales4Future conference is the latest project of the proven entrepreneurial duo, Vedran Sorić and Ognjen Bagatin. Their platform, Prodajni Mindset, has in the past five years become synonymous with the advancement of the sales profession in the region. Their mission was clear from the very beginning: to professionalize sales, raise standards, and, with the help of leading global and domestic experts, uncover the secrets of top salespeople. Through workshops, training sessions, and the Prodajni Mindset Club, they have created a community dedicated to continuous learning and growth.

That Sorić and Bagatin are serious was shown by their first major conference, "The Wolf Strikes Again." Bringing the real Wolf of Wall Street, Jordan Belfort, to Zagreb proved to be the business move of the decade. The event exceeded all expectations, with sold-out capacities and unprecedented media interest. The conference's success was not just commercial; it resulted in a significant increase in membership for their exclusive club and the launch of the Prodajni Mindset franchise in neighboring Slovenia. The crowning achievement was a professional award – the golden Grand PRix of the Croatian Public Relations Association (HUOJ) for the best event organization and communication. The extent of the event's impact on popular culture is evidenced by the fact that a question about the conference was part of the popular HRT quiz show "Potjera". This success has set high expectations for Sales4Future, and the announced program suggests they will be surpassed.

What Awaits Visitors in Zagreb?

Although the detailed program of the Sales4Future conference will be announced in the coming months, it is already clear that on November 20, the Mozaik Event Centar will be the central place for learning, networking, and inspiration. Participants will have the opportunity to hear lectures and panels covering the latest trends in sales, marketing, branding, and entrepreneurship, told through the prism of the speakers' incredible successes. After an intensive working part, the organizers have also prepared a relaxing evening program. The music trio Parmachy, known for creating a great atmosphere, will be in charge of the good vibes and entertainment. Tickets for this unique event, which combines the seemingly incompatible worlds of business and martial arts, are already on sale and available through the Entrio system.