MMA Viking tries to provide the most likely fighters to take the jump to the UFC, based on past accomplishments and future potential. Referenced rankings are noted are from www.groundandpound.de European rankings.
If you see another fighter should be on this list out of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, or Sweden, please write a comment below.
• Sirwan Kakai (6-1-0) Bantamweight – Sweden (Ranked #3 in Europe) : Although the 22 year old was not chosen for the TUF 14 cast, this has nothing to do with talent or potential. Kakai has a solid all-around-game, and how showed continued improvement in his standup and wrestling.
His training at GBG MMA in Gothenburg and abroad at ATT Florida keep his skills developing. It’s a matter of time before Kakai enters the Octagon. Known as “Zohan”, the Swede has won his last 6 bouts after dropping a decision loss in his debut in 2008. His last victories are over quality opponents in James Doolan and ranked Thomas Bäck. Read the latest exclusive interview on MMA Viking to learn more.
• Tom “Stoneface” Niinimäki (16-5-1) – Finland (Ranked #1 in Europe) Featherweight – The 29 year old Finn hasn’t lost a fight since 2006.
• Joni Salovaara (10-4-0) Featherweight – A 25 year old from Finland is riding a seven fight win streak (Ranked #5 in Europe)
• Martin Svensson (10-2-0) – Sweden (Ranked #8 in Europe) Featherweight – The Zone FC and SFC Champion. The enormous featherweight also tried out for TUF, and had some previous face-time with Dana White. He’s 28 years old.
• Kenneth Rosfort-Nees (14-4-0) Lightweight- Denmark – Fantastic striker with victories over Jeff Lawson and Franco de Leonardis.
• Bruno Carvalho (13-4-0) – Sweden (Ranked #5 in Europe at Middleweight) — “BC” dropped to 170lbs for his bout with Marius Zoromskis, which he lost at Rumble of the Kings. Read interview
• Gunnar Nelson Welterweight –Iceland – The talented grappler is returning to MMA in 2012. Read more in this exclusive interview.
• Assan Njie (11-2-0) Welterweight – Sweden (#8 in Europe at Middleweight) is dropping to 170lbs. He planned fight at Cage in October was scratched due to an opponent injury. Demolished former UFC vet Sean Salmon and submitted well respected Beslan Isaev in last bout.
• Ville Räsänen (11-3) Welterweight – Finland. Rising Finnish welterweight has won his last four fights against respectable competition.
• Lucio Linhares (16-7-0) Middleweight – Finland via Brazil (#10 in Europe). Former UFC fighter, lost his last fight at Fight Festival.
• Tor Troéng (14-4-1) Middleweight – Sweden – Talented fighter from Umea, but hasn’t had the breakthrough victory to put him on Zuffa’s radar. Losses to Leites and Acacio are only two losses since 2008, so putting up a solid fight resume.
• Juha Saarinen (7-1) Light Heavyweight – Finland. Excellent grappler has suffered from multiple injuries but is now healthy and back in the game. Saarinen hasn’t lost since 2006.
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