Europe

Cecilie Bolander talks OKTAGON debut and Norwegian MMA: “I’ve been an underdog since day one!”

Published

August 5, 2024

Tobias Lindkvist

Cecilie Bolander. Photo: Chris Önnerby

Undefeated Norwegian MMA fighter Cecilie Bolander (3-0) is finally set to compete on the biggest stages in Europe.

On September 21 she will make her OKTAGON MMA debut against fellow surging contender Sara Luzar Smajic.

“Man, this is what I’ve been waiting for,” Bolander tells Frontkick in an exclusive interview. “Action both inside and outside the cage. I’m so stoked to hear the crowd. That’s what I’m looking forward to the most. I don’t give a shit if they are with me or against me.”

Her Croatian opponent, Sara Luzar Smajic, is a KSW veteran who also makes her promotional debut in September.

“I’m happy with the matchup. I thought she was a boxer but it looks like she’s more of a wrestler. I don’t give a shit if we wrestle or strike, but it would be fun to do some damage. I broke the nose of Nikolija Milosevic in my last fight. I have better striking than I have shown so far.”

How do you feel about signing with OKTAGON?

“Without knowing too much about the promotion it seems like they want to see both men and women compete. I feel that I can face good opponents here. I’m very pleased about that.”

Cecilie Bolander. Photo: Chris Önnerby

Cecilie Bolander struggled to find a fight

Since winning her last fight at Superior Challenge in November, Bolander has been looking for a new fight. However, it’s harder than it seems to get an opponent for an undefeated prospect these days.

“We’ve been looking for a fight since December last year. We’ve been in contact with many organizations but every fighter turns me down. As far as I know, no fewer than seven turned down to face me.”

“The last one was 7-0 but said no. In my opinion, facing someone like me was her best fight. It could have taken her to the UFC. I hope to face Lucia Szabova after this fight.”

“I always had an underdog mentality”

MMA has become increasingly popular among the Norwegian public, with a growing fan base and more fighters competing on an international level. However, the sport is still illegal in the country, which forces their pro athletes to fight abroad.

With a long background in judo, the Norwegian fighter was used to uphill struggle even before she started MMA.

“I really don’t know anything else. Judo is such a small sport that it almost felt illegal,” Bolander laughs. “I’ve been travelling from day one in MMA and it was the same as a judoka. I have no idea how it is to be in a sport with machinery around it.”

How has that shaped you as a fighter?

“I always had an underdog mentality. When I will become a MMA champion, I will still have that mentality. In Norway, you never think too much of yourself. I will never get rid of that, but I’m grateful for it too. It can be both positive and negative. I mean, it’s good to like yourself too.”