Last week we reported that Finn Anton Kuivanen (20-7-0, #1 Nordic rank) will face American Dakota Cochrane (16-5-0) at Helsinki Fight Night on June 14th.  The bout will headline Fight Night Finland (FNF) promotions first trip to Helsinki.  Now MMA Viking talked to Kuivanen who is itching to get back to action after a six month layoff. The crowd favorite is really looking forward to fighting in his hometown of Helsinki.

Interview

You will headline Helsinki Fight Night event in a high level lightweight bout with American Dakota Cochrane. How was this fight put together?

Yep, they got a high caliber opponent for me. We went through the options that matchmaker Olli Hartikainen had digged up and then I made my own hit list. Cochrane was on that list and the matchmaker managed to close the deal with him.

Cochrane is a solid fighter with some name value also. What are your thoughts on the opponent?

I believe Cochrane is one of the toughest lightweight fighters that’s available for events of this size. And that is why I want to fight him. The challenge is not easy and the differences are minimal. The winner of the fight takes a big leap forward while the loser has to deal with the bitter taste of defeat.

At this point of my career I need this kind of challenges. I need an opponent that really lights the fire inside me and pushes me to the next level.  When I did research on Cochrane a while back, I then already decided that if we were ever going to face off, I would be the one getting his hand raised in the end. I will go into this fight looking for the finish in aggressive fashion.

The fight will take place in your hometown of Helsinki. Will that give you an extra boost?

Without a doubt yes, I’m very excited to be able to fight in my hometown and do it with this kind of match up. This is an great opportunity for me to show my fans how far my potential and skills can carry me. Big thanks to Fight Night promotions and their matchmaker for putting this fight together.