Issue 088
May 2012
MMA is booming in Sweden and across the rest of Scandinavia. With the UFC heading to Stockholm here’s the new generation of Nordic warriors aiming to become Octagon heroes
About
Simeon Thoresen
Norwegian welterweight fighting out of Oslo.
Mats Nilsson
Kaisho Martial Arts middleweight from Helsingborg, Sweden.
Alexander Gustafsson
Rising star from Stockholm, making waves in the UFC 205lb division.
Juha-Pekka Vainikainen
Finnish lightweight from the Espoon Kehahait team.
Papy Abedi
Congo-born fighter based in Stockholm with Team Hilti.
Gunnar Nelson
Icelandic grappling prodigy associated with Mjölnir, SBG Ireland and the Renzo Gracie Academy.
Jack Hermansson
Impressive young middleweight fighting out of Team Hellboy in Oslo.
Known For
Simeon Thoresen
Movie-star looks and equally beautiful grappling.
Mats Nilsson
Nilsson has enjoyed distinguished careers in judo, BJJ and submission grappling.
Alexander Gustafsson
His background is boxing, but two of his Octagon successes have come by way of rear naked choke.
Juha-Pekka Vainikainen
The experienced 27-year-old has a nonchalant, but effective, stand-up style.
Papy Abedi
‘Makambo’ is an all-action mix of judo and Muay Thai, although probably most famous for his cap-wearing, cigar-chomping entrance.
Gunnar Nelson
The sub 194lb man’s openweight fourth place at the 2009 ADCC made him the toast of the grappling fraternity.
Jack Hermansson
Jack dominates opponents. His nickname, ‘The Hammer’ speaks for itself.
Career
Simeon Thoresen
‘The Grin’ has a 16-2-1 record with an incredible 14 wins by way of submission.
Mats Nilsson
Since switching to the cage he has gone 7-1.
Alexander Gustafsson
13-1, his sole loss coming late in the first round of his UFC debut against Phil Davis.
Juha-Pekka Vainikainen
Currently on a nine-fight unbeaten run that has seen him dispose of three UFC veterans, his record stands at 18-5-1.
Papy Abedi
8-1. Following a flawless run to the big show, he fell victim to a Thiago Alves rear naked choke at UFC 138.
Gunnar Nelson
Unbeaten in nine outings, the boyish 23-year-old has taken extended breaks from MMA to concentrate on his grappling.
Jack Hermansson
Four wins out of four, all by way of KO.
Big Win
Simeon Thoresen
His sole decision win, a grueling war of attrition with now UFC welterweight John Maguire at BAMMA 3, proved he had the grit to go all the way.
Mats Nilsson
Shut down the muscular wrestler Tommy Speer before finishing with a sublime arm triangle from mount at Cage Warriors Fight Night 3.
Alexander Gustafsson
Gustafsson blasted Matt Hamill into retirement at UFC 133. The ref was forced to intervene as the Swede pounded Hamill with power shots.
Juha-Pekka Vainikainen
His second-round cut stoppage of Kyle Watson at Cage Warriors’ Beirut show wasn’t his most impressive outing, but it brought plenty of worldwide fan attention.
Papy Abedi
He dropped Nathan Schouteren with a left hand then raced in to finish with a guillotine at Superior Challenge 6. The clinical execution earned him a UFC contract.
Gunnar Nelson
His first-round rear naked choke win over the highly touted UK prospect Danny Mitchell at Cage Contender 6 convinced everyone the hype was justified.
Jack Hermansson
People started paying attention when, in only his second fight, he brutalized tough wrestler Ali Arish at Cage Warriors 41.
Future
Simeon Thoresen
After finally getting the call from the UFC, Thoresen is set to introduce a new wave of fans to his slick submission skills and winning smile.
Mats Nilsson
The charismatic Swede has recently traveled to Thailand and American Top Team to hone his all-round game. He looks capable of going all the way.
Alexander Gustafsson
After the Hamill win and an equally emphatic victory over Vladimir Matyushenko, ‘The Mauler’ is top 10 with genuine title ambitions.
Juha-Pekka Vainikainen
Even though there are question marks against his ground game, the Finn keeps clocking up the ‘W’s. Looks ready to take on high-level opposition.
Papy Abedi
Papy is an entertaining character with skills. There is always going to be an audience for his fights, suggesting he may have a long UFC run.
Gunnar Nelson
When Nelson decides to devote himself to MMA full-time, the sky is the limit. Surely a future contender for belts on the big stage.
Jack Hermansson
Although a relative novice, the slugger displays a raw talent and appetite for destruction. Definitely one to watch.
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