UFC veteran Anton Kuivanen (24-10-0) got back to his winning ways in February, beating Japan’s Tetsuya Yamada (17-5-2) at Cage 38 stopping a two fight losing streak. “I believe my best fights are still ahead” says the 33-year old to MMAViking.com.
The GB Gym fighter is now set for a main card fight at the Hartwall Areena on August 5th for M-1’s first trip to Finland since 2008. “Always pleasure to fight in front of my home crowd. The support boosts my confidence and I love the energy. M-1 is a new playground for me, the KHL of mma. This opportunity is exactly what I needed to get really motivated once again.”
“Yes i’m excited, I’m enjoying MMA so much at the moment. Feeling hungry to fight again.”
Kuivanen had a solid start to 2015, wining decision victories at Cage 30, Cage 31, and Cage 33. Following losses at Cage 33 and Cage 35, the Finn took a 9 month break to get ready for one more run. “My skills are still evolving while i’m training hard and most importantly having fun doing it. Listening more and mostly to myself nowadays, and doing my thing smarter.” says the fighter that turned pro back in 2006.
“It will be cool to be fighting in Hartwall Arena which is the biggest one we have in Finland, and it’s the first MMA event there ever.” says Anton about M-1 82’s arrival in the Nordics.
While, the opponent or full card is yet to be determined, the veteran is taking things as they come. “1 day and 1 fight at the time.”
