The Cage promotion is really making a splash in the Finnish MMA scene early this year. After signing Tom Niinimäki to a year-long contract Cage has now locked up another big name. According to FightSport.fi, Marcus Vänttinen (24-1) has signed a three-fight contract with the promotion.
“Caveman” is expected to fight at Cage’s May event in Vantaa, and he will also be on the two bigger cards in September and November. Just like Niinimäki, Vänttinen has a clause that allows him to sign with bigger international promotions if the opportunity arises.
“This is huge for us. We’re trying to improve our product, but at the same time we want help the whole Finnish scene develop together with the fighters, explains promoter Pekka Rantala to FightSport.”
Rantala admits that signing bigger names pushes their economy to the limits, but he also believes that longer contracts are helping fighters, as they can plan their schedule for a year. Vänttinen agrees:
“After this contract I am able to schedule all my training and it gives clear goals for the rest of the year.”
Before the May fight Vänttinen returns to action in an eight-man tournament in Aarhus, Denmark next month. He has been sidelined for almost a whole year after suffering a bad knee injury and being quickly cut by Bellator FC after his American debut.
Vänttinen has set his sight to returning to international level this year. He has been training hard for months and Porvoo-based giant will put final touches to his top shape in Stockholm.
“Me and Jaakko Dahlbacka will be training at Stockholm’s Allstars Training Center for three weeks in February. I am hoping to have some training with Alexander Gustafsson“, Vänttinen plans.
