Finnish MMA scene will have yet another new promotion on Saturday when Grand Combat Entertainment will have it’s debut show in Salo, Finland. The promotion has put in the work to create an attractive look for the new brand. Bushido influenced promo videos and pictures have been praised by the fans. Besides MMA the card has Boxing, Muay Thai and Kickboxing fights on it. The event will be streamed live at SportTV.fi
The headliner for the first show is quite a high caliber fight for the Euro circuit too. Finland’s widely popular Anton Kuivanen is on mission to get back to the UFC but first at the GCE he has to deal with a dangerous challenge in the form of Spain’s Oriol Gaset. The match up between these two exciting fighters should produce fireworks for the fight fans. The bout will be held at catchweight of 72 kilos.
Helsinki based Kuivanen (19-7) is now 2-1 after his stint in the UFC. Kuivanen won a clear decision over tough TUF vet Jason Pierce in May but suffered a surprising set back in September when he was knocked out at 30 second mark by American Ryan Reynolds at Cage 23. The Finn got back on track at Superior Challenge 9 just few weeks ago. This time it was Kuivanen delivering the flashy knock out as he put away Swedish vet Diego Gonzalez with a stiff right hand early in the first round.
Kuivanen had a bit of a flu a week before the fight but it’s gone now. With just few weeks behind his last fight and the fight on Saturday, the Finn is heading confident to Saturday’s main event fight:
“For couple of days after the last fight I was a bit tired, probably from traveling and weight cut also. Then I got right back to sharp sparring training. Gaset is an experienced allrounder who has no clear weaknesses. He’s a southpaw so that’s one challenge on the feet. I believe that I got the tools to settle the fight on the feet but I can beat him anywhere. Gaset is a strong dude and a tricky grappler. I have to stay sharp in the clinch and not let him get top position on me. ” commented Kuivanen to FightSport.fi
Spain’s experienced Oriol “Cookie Monster” Gaset (15-7) is no stranger to Finland and Finnish fight fans. The Spaniard, who has fought all over the world, has battled four times on the Finnish soil and gone 3-1 in those bouts. Gaset is currently riding a four fight win streak. All of those wins are from Australia where he has been spending time lately. Southpaw Gaset is a finish oriented fighter: only four of his 22 professional fights have gone full rounds.
The Spaniard is happy to return once again to Finland:
“I love fighting in Finland. People enjoy and understand the combat culture. Kuivanen is an allround fighter like me. I can expect everything from him including some new tricks. I’m coming for the win, otherwise I wouldn’t be stepping in the ring. I’m a finisher and we are gonna put on a show.” said Gaset to GCE.
Stay tuned for play-by-play and results from GCE.
