With the UFC in Sweden coming to Sweden in April, MMA Viking takes a look at 10 Nordic fighters that would be ready to step into the Octagon. Our Top Ten list is topped by a beastly featherweight from Finland: Tom Niinimäki.
Tom “Stoneface” Niinimäki (18-5), Featherweight, Finland
Europe’s #2 featherweight has been patiently waiting for his shot at the big leagues. Niinimäki hasn’t lost since 2007 and is currently riding an amazing nine fight win streak. He holds wins over highly regarded fighters like Sergej Grecicho (13-5), Ben Boekee (13-1) and TUF veteran Brian Pearman (7-2) who Niinimäki beat in his US debut in June 2012. Niinimäki is the #1 ranked Nordic featherweight.
The experienced Finn is a rock solid allrounder with top notch skills in both striking and grappling. Niinimäki has competed successfully also in grappling arts, winning the FILA European Championships in combat grappling (close to MMA) in 2010 and no-gi grappling in 2011. During last few years he has honed his striking skills also by taking boxing fights every now and then.
Niinimäki has been a top ranked European featherweight since his comeback in 2010. During the last three years he has won all of his eight fights and finished six of them. It is quite obvious that the experienced Finn has earned his shot at the UFC and that he has also made it clear that he’s got the tools to succeed in the big league.
Tom “Stoneface” Niinimäki Highlight
