Ilir Latifi is marching toward the top of the light heavyweight weight class. He is ranked as the #2 Nordic Light Heavyweight by MMAViking.com, only behind Alexander Gustafsson, and has already racked-up two wins in 2012. This Saturday’s headlining fighter looks to defend Malmö, as Brazilian Jorge Oliveira comes into town to stop the Swede’s momentum.
Latifi has prepared himself for three (Monson and Linderman were scheduled before pulling out) different opponents for the card, and Oliveira might just be the superior challenge. Although Oliveira hasn’t been too active of late, he still has huge wins over fighters such as Shonie Carter, Mike Van Arsdale, and James Irvin.
The Black House fighter has submitted champion wrestler Van Arsdale, showing just how much trouble he could be for Latifi, who also has a base in wrestling. The two will battle for the first ever Superior Challenge light heavyweight title at the Malmö Arena.
“I will do everything to win this fight and to show my opponent how tough it is to fight a Malmö resident on his own turf.” says Latifi, that is proud of where he grew up.
Latifi has a 6 win and 2 loss record, and has spent time training with the best, including the Blackzilians. “The Sledgehammer” revealed to MMAViking.com that he sustained an injury prior to the Emanuel Newton fight, his last loss in July of 2011, and could not fight up to his potential. Since that fight, Latifi quickly submitted Denis Bogdanov at Glory World Series.
“I think it’s fantastic that Superior Challenge has chosen Malmö for their eighth show, which has given me the chance to compete in my hometown.”
His latest win was a major step forward, as he beat the well-respected veteran Tony Lopez at Glory World Series. Lopez was on a 7 fight winning streak coming into the fight, but Latifi was able to stop the American with his take-downs and striking.
When Swede Jorgen Kruth retired, and decided not compete in the UFC in Nottingham, Superior Challenge lightweight champion and current UFC fighter, Reza Madadi had two words “Ilir Latifi”. The fighter is well respected among his peers, and could get into the Octagon with a few more victories.
The Black House fighter Jorge Oliveira steps in as the late-replacement opponent for Ilir Latifi. The three-time Pan American champion in BJJ, and two-time Brazilian BJJ champion has also been the American organization Palace Fighting Championship light heavyweight champion.
“Van Damme” is a former Chute Boxe fighter is a complete fighter who is tough standing, and very technical on the ground. He sports a 5 win and 2 loss record, with 3 submissions and 2 decisions. Like Latifi, most of his fights don’t go to the distance, so this should be an exciting bout.
“Ilir is a great fighter with tremendous charisma. I think he has the potential to become one of the largest Swedish MMA athletes of all time. He is the undisputed superstar in Malmö, not only because of his athletic achievements, but because everyone knows him and everyone wants to see him fight in their hometown.” says Superior Group International CEO Babak Aghavali.
There are still a few tickets left, buy them at Ticnet.se here.
