Timo-Juhani Hirvikangas (8 wins, 2 losses, #1 Nordic ranked bantamweight) will take center stage on Saturday’s Cage 26 card where he will get a shot at the open Cage bantamweight belt in a headlining bout in Turku. The Finnfighters’ Gym fighter, better known at “Tipi” tells MMAViking.com “It’s a great honor to headline Cage in my hometown.”
The Finn will be facing up-and-coming prospect Tymoteusz Swiatek who comes into the bout with an impressive 13 win, 1 loss, and 1 no contest record. “He has some heavy hands and I definitely need to be sharp on the feet, and he’s guillotine choke is good so need to watch out for that too.” comments the submission specialist.
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Hirvikangas most recently submitted England’s Niko Gjoka (9-7-0) at Cage 24 in the first round. “Tipi” has been on a roll, wining his last three bouts by submission in the first round, and the last 7 of 8 bouts and now ranked #1 in the Nordics for bantamweights.
As for perhaps getting into the UFC after a win or two more, Hirvikangas responds “Well I’m 8-2 at the moment, but I don’t think about those things. I just take 1 fight at a time and I’m sure my time will come, hopefully sooner than later.”
The Finn will be stepping into the cage with an ankle lock inspired shirt (see above), which MMAViking.com comments is one of the better t-shirts to walk up to the cage. “Thank you very much! yes well the idea for the shirt came from me, but the design and everything came from the guys at Pitbull westcoast.”
“I would like to thank all my sponsors, Fast, pitbull westcoast, tya, leijonakasino and bluecornersports for helping me and all my training partners and of course all the fans, without you guys this wouldn’t be possible.” comments the headliner for Cage 26 as he prepares for fight week.
Stay tuned to MMAViking.com for more updates on the card and live reporting.
