Niko Puhakka will be competing live in the opening bout of the July 4 M-1 Challenge event in Seoul against Bulgaria's Yanko Yanev. Fight fans can see the fight live on Internet PPV. Ordering instructions can be found in the red widget on the right hand side of this page.
On July 4 in Seoul, South Korea, Team Finland will try to keep its ’09 “M-1 Challenge Presented by Affliction” playoff hopes alive when it faces Group C rival Bulgaria.
While Bulgaria has been eliminated from playoff contention, a dominant win by Finland coupled with a poor showing by current Group leader USA East in Amsterdam on Aug. 15 could allow the Fins to pull off an amazing comeback.
In order to pull off a win dominating enough to allow the Fins to have an individual record that can rival USA East’s, they will need to get off to a fast start on July 4. Leading off the team competition, which will be televised on Internet PPV (ordering instructions in the widget on the right hand side), lightweight Niko Puhakka will have to give Finland a quick 1-0 lead when he squares off against Yanko Yanev.
M-1Global.com recently caught up with Puhakka for an exclusive interview, which was brief in nature due to Puhakka still developing English speaking abilities.
M-1Global.com: When did you begin training in martial arts and what was your first style?
Niko Puhakka: I started Judo when I was five years old.
M-1Global.com: When did you start formal MMA training?
Niko Puhakka: Back in 2001 I started training MMA
M-1Global.com: What made you want to get into MMA?
Niko Puhakka: I was watching early UFC´s and thinking how I would succeed in that sport.
M-1Global.com: We’ve asked several fighters on your team about how popular MMA is in Finland. I wanted to ask you if MMA airs on television often and if so, what fight promotions air?
Niko Puhakka: Couple channels broadcast MMA on television but not live unfortunately. Fight festival, M-1 and UFC are what’s been aired so far.
M-1Global.com: It appears that MMA is popular in Finland but still not a major sport. In your opinion, what needs to happen for it to grow even further?
Niko Puhakka: Organize more events and get Finnish fighters to bigger events. I think Team Finland fighting at M-1 Challenge is that kind of thing we need.
M-1Global.com: On July 4, you will fight Yanko Yanev of Bulgaria. You’ve fought tough competition in your career, opponents such as Maktar Gueye, Gegard Mousasi, and Bendy Casimir. How does Yanev compare to them?
Niko Puhakka: I dont know a lot about Yanev. Looks like he’s got good submission skills but nothing that I can’t handle.
M-1Global.com: Right now Finland is one fight behind USA East in your Group. You guys have to not only win on July 4 vs. Bulgaria, but you have to win by a large margin. How important is making the M-1 Challenge post-season to you guys?
Niko Puhakka: It’s really important.That is the main goal right now.
M-1Global.com: Right now M-1Global.com is getting a ton of traffic from Finland. M-1Global.com will also be making the event available live on Internet PPV for the first-time ever. Do you think your friends and family will support you and watch on the computer?
Niko Puhakka: Definitely.
M-1Global.com: You won’t have Lucio Linhares against Bulgaria. Can Mikko Suvanto pick up the slack, so to speak?
Niko Puhakka: He’s a great fighter. I think he’s the best man possible to replace Lucio.
M-1Global.com: What’s it been like this past year and a half traveling the world for the M-1 Challenge and representing your home country?
Niko Puhakka: It’s been really an honor to represent Finland worldwide. Great time everywhere we’ve been to. Thanks to all the hosts that took care of us.
M-1Global.com: What’s been your best experience so far in the M-1 Challenge?
Niko Puhakka: Can’t name just one. This whole concept has been really great.
