One of Finland’s brightest MMA prospects, lightweight Aleksi Mäntykivi (10-4-0) takes another big step to show his skills in the European scene. The HardKnocks Helsinki fighter has signed a 5-fight deal with the Cage Warriors Fighting Championship.
There is no date for Mäntykivi’s promotional debut yet, but he looks to get back in the action soon. Mäntykivi was supposed to fight UFC vet Enrique Marin at EuroFC 2 in February, but the event was cancelled.
“It was easy to accept this offer, because CWFC serves my short-term goals in the best possible way. My next fight date is not certain yet, but it will probably be in April, so I don’t have to wait too long,” Mäntykivi tells MMAviking.com.
Having started his career in Lappeenranta, Mäntykivi moved to Helsinki in late 2015 and joined the HardKnocks. The talented striker signed with the EuroFC last year, and Mäntykivi introduced himself to the European audience by knocking out Søren Bak quickly in October.
The 22-year old Finn has won six of his last seven bouts. After the EuroFC deal fell through, Mäntykivi has received several offers from various regional organizations.
“The cancellation of my EuroFC fight was a big disappointment obviously, but I moved on quickly and we started to work towards new opportunities. I didn’t have problems motivating myself, since I knew we’re going to get a fight somewhere soon.”
“If the UFC doesn’t come calling before the end of the year, I might as well take the CWFC belt home with me.”
It has been a while since the CWFC audience has seen Finnish fighters: Toni Tauru claimed the CWFC bantamweight belt in September 2014, and Eeva Siiskonen lost a title fight to Sweden’s Pannie Kianzad in November 2014.
