Long time MMAViking.com photographer and videographer Daniel Schälander put down his equipment and stepped into the cage for the 2016 IMMAF European Open Championships this weekend. The featherweight out of Allstars Training Center struck gold, winning four matches in four days. “There is something special about having that gold around your neck. And having the national anthem at the medal ceremony was badass too!”
‘”My old coach Per Eklund said something in an interview about winning that I can relate to. When I lose I get very disappointed but when I win things are as they’re supposed to be. So you just feel that what was supposed to happen happened.” says the featherweight, that was looking to rebound from his disappointment at the IMMAF World Championships this past summer where he came one bout short of getting a medal.
It was a relief to win with all the pressure leading up to the tournament. – Schälander
The Swede ultimately won in impressive fashion with a submission over Italy’s Michele Martignoni in the finals. “For this tournament I learned from the lessons I received at the world championship and tightened up my game even more, so mainly some adjustments and fine tuning to the tools and abilities I possess.”
With several promotions looking to book the popular 23 year old grappler on their card for a pro debut, they might have to wait a bit longer. “Not sure yet as to when the next step is coming, the amount of fights and experience that you acquire in the amateur circuit is very valuable and I’ve got time on my side, so I’m not in a rush.”
“I want to thank Bad Boy Europe/Kami Sport, Key Nutrition, Safari Biltong and Kökshjälpen for supporting me on my journey… And of course mmaviking.com.”
