By Jorden Curran
Swedish UFC veteran and former amateur MMA star Rostem Akman, has been revealed as one of four standouts competing to earn the welterweight crown of Cage Warriors, the prestigious and long standing European MMA promotion.
“I’m very happy that I finally get to compete, I’ve missed it a lot,” Akman commented. “Cage Warriors is a good platform, so my goal is to win the belt and get back in the UFC. My first opponent is an up and coming fighter who is called “The Future” – his time is maybe in the future but my time is now.”
Kicking off on Friday 19th March at London’s York Hall, Akman (6-2 pro record) meets undefeated Irishman Ian Garry (5-0) in the tournament semi-finals at Cage Warriors 121. On the opposite side of the bracket, UK based Latvian competitor Madars Fleminas (8-2) meets experienced pro contender Jack Grant (16-6).
Akman enters the tournament with a vast catalogue of experience spanning his 14-2 amateur record, including two IMMAF European Open titles earned at the 2015 and 2016 tournaments, plus an IMMAF World Championships bronze medal earned prior to his current pro tenure. Both Akman and Garry hold a unanimous decision win over CW contender James Sheehan, and Akman’s long list of international experience while representing the Swedish national team has seen him face a diverse spectrum of talent and styles, from Bulgaria, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the UK, Ireland, Italy and more, including a first round submission stoppage over current Bellator standout Kiefer Crosbie.
As an amateur Akman became known for his takedowns and smothering control on the ground before turning pro and letting loose his heavy hands with a more aggressive approach lending to a 100% finish record across all his wins.
Cage Warriors 120, 121 and 122 will be broadcast live on UFC Fight Pass on 18th, 19th and 20th March.
