By Hasan Khan
The far north of Finland, where snow-draped streets meet the icy expanse of the Gulf of Bothnia, might seem an unlikely cradle for the world’s fastest-growing combat sport. Yet here, in Oulu, a spirited revolution in mixed martial arts (MMA) is gaining momentum, fuelled by a close-knit community and igniting the global stage with its brilliance.
In this northern city, the interplay of fire and ice reflects the essence of Finland’s emerging MMA stars, Sani Brännfors and Isla Fono. Under the meticulous guidance of their devoted coach, Matias Pahkala, at the Oulun Kamppailuklubi gym, these young athletes embody a compelling fusion of determination, ambition, and the quintessential Finnish sisu (inner strength) essential for triumph in the cage.
Gold Medals and Loftier Aspirations
At just 19, Sani Brännfors boasts an impressive resume that reflects extraordinary achievement for someone of her age. Her accolades include a gold medal at the 2024 IMMAF World Championships and a bronze medal in the adult division at just 18, highlighting her meteoric rise in the sport.
“I competed in the adult division at 18 and won bronze,” Sani recalls. “That wasn’t enough for me. So, at 19, I returned and won gold. It was a huge moment, but almost immediately, I felt this hunger for more.”
Sani’s approach to MMA is both cerebral and intense. While she’s proud of her submission wrestling expertise, her mental discipline is what sets her apart. “I focus heavily on mental growth. I’m always preparing to perform under pressure or adversity,” she explains.
But Sani’s ambitions extend far beyond her next fight. Her ultimate dream? To become a UFC world champion. “When Finland produces highly successful MMA fighters, one of whom will be me, the sport will gain more visibility,” she asserts with a mix of humility and determination.
Isla’s Steady Ascent
If Sani represents the blazing fire of Finnish MMA, Isla Fono embodies its enduring and methodical heartbeat. A junior world champion in her first year after graduating from the youth league, Isla’s journey exemplifies preparation meeting opportunity.
“It was an incredibly emotional moment,” Isla reflects on her championship win. “Even though I had unwavering faith in myself, seeing my goals materialise felt surreal.”
Isla’s adaptability has been pivotal to her success. Transitioning to higher-level competition demanded not only physical prowess but also a strategic evolution. “We’ve been training at a high level from the start,” she notes. “The biggest adjustment was refining striking to the head during fight camp.”
Her current focus is on enhancing her speed, explosiveness, and unpredictability in stand-up combat. Despite these technical strides, Isla remains deeply reflective. “The version of me that has succeeded owes everything to the younger me, who persevered on the mats through years of struggle,” she shares with quiet pride.
The Architect of Champions
Behind every extraordinary athlete stands a visionary coach, and for Sani and Isla, Matias Pahkala is that guiding force. As head coach of Oulun Kamppailuklubi, Matias has cultivated a culture of excellence that nurtures both physical and mental growth.
“The most important thing is to create a gym culture where improvement is a daily commitment,” Matias explains. “Finding joy in the process is vital. Some might call it the martial arts lifestyle.”
Matias’ philosophy balances rigorous training with intellectual curiosity. He encourages his fighters to think critically, experiment, and master every aspect of unarmed combat. “Understanding why something works or doesn’t is crucial,” he emphasises. “Personality plays a significant role in this sport.”
His approach has yielded undeniable results. “Sani and Isla began training here as kids, and now they’re world champions,” he says with evident pride. “That’s proof we’re on the right path.”
Oulu: A Unique MMA Incubator
What makes Oulu a breeding ground for exceptional fighters? For Sani, Isla, and Matias, the answer lies in a combination of resilience, community spirit, and an unyielding work ethic.
“Finnish athletes have an inherent drive,” Sani observes. “Finnish fighters are tenacious and possess an indomitable will to win.”
Matias sees Oulu’s smaller size as a strength rather than a limitation. “Finland is a small country, so we need to collaborate. I’m thrilled to host MMA camps where athletes from across Finland can train together and share knowledge,” he says.
For Isla, the sense of camaraderie is especially meaningful. “The girls in MMA form such a close-knit community. I’ve found not just a passion but lifelong friends,” she shares.
Overcoming Challenges
Both fighters have faced distinct challenges on their paths. Sani began training with adults as a child, a daunting prospect. “It was mostly big guys in the gym, but I wasn’t deterred. I focused on improving and proving myself through action, not words,” she says.
For Isla, early struggles forged her resilience. “I competed in Brazilian jiu-jitsu from the age of seven and didn’t win a single match for four or five years. But sticking with it laid the foundation for who I am today,” she reflects.
Now, both fighters look ahead to new milestones. Sani is pursuing a fifth gold medal and a future in the UFC, while Isla prepares for the U21 European Championship in Belgrade, Serbia, this February!
Inspiring the Next Generation
As role models, Sani and Isla inspire a new wave of fighters in Finland and beyond. For Sani, being a role model goes beyond gender. “I strive to be one of the best fighters and a role model for everyone,” she says.
Isla’s advice to aspiring fighters, particularly young girls, is simple yet profound: “Go for it. Keep your faith strong and find a gym that’s doing things sensibly.”
Matias echoes this sentiment. “Educate yourself. Ask questions. And don’t limit yourself. You can do a lot more learning than you think just take things one step at a time,” he advises.
Looking Ahead
The future of Finnish MMA shines brightly, underpinned by the exceptional work happening in Oulu. Matias continues to expand Oulun Kamppailuklubi’s influence, with plans for more training camps and collaborative initiatives across Finland.
For Sani and Isla, their journeys are just beginning. With their talent, determination, and the unwavering support of their community, their potential is boundless.
“We’re not just fighting for ourselves,” Isla says. “We’re fighting to showcase what Finnish MMA can achieve.”
If their stories are any indication, the world should keep a watchful eye on Oulu. The next seismic shift in MMA may well emerge from this northern city, where fire meets ice, and champions are forged.
