Exclusive interview: Iris Nihti talks AFN debut and reaching double World Champ status

Iris Nihti. Photo via Twitter

Finnish IMMAF world champion Iris Nihti is one of the most interesting amateurs on the Nordic MMA scene.

On September 30, she will fly across the Baltic Sea to clash with Norway’s Ieva Kupca at Allstars Fight Night 3 in Stockholm.

In an exclusive interview with Frontkick, the lightweight champion gives her thoughts about her opponent and fighting in Sweden for the first time.

”I know she’s a kickboxer, probably trained Muay Thai too, but this is MMA so we will see,” Nihti says. ”She fought in AFN before and this is her second-ever MMA fight. She’s a good stand up fighter with good straight punches, dominated Jennifer Ankerud quite well. I’m pretty sure she’s a bit bigger than me, but that’s not a problem.”

However, the Finnish fighter is as well rounded as they come, just training a bit of Muay Thai before solely focusing on MMA, and is confident in her skills.

”I like wrestling at the moment, it’s so fun, I learn a lot and find new aspects in it. I’m very competitive and perform well in stressful situations, that’s one of my biggest assets as a fighter,” Nihti claims.

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First fight in Sweden for Iris Nihti

The 26-year-old world champion is more than happy to come to Sweden to fight for the first time and is curious about the new MMA organization Allstars Fight Night.

”I watched a couple of AFN fights and the promotion looks very interesting. I’m so excited since I never fought in an evening event before. I’ve been visiting Fight Club Rush in Sweden, and I have to say that the Swedes are good at doing MMA events. I’m excited to go there and see how AFN is,” Nihti says with a laugh.

Photo via Instagram (@mokkapalatonpahoi)

Won the 2022 IMMAF World Championships

Iris Nihti has three straight wins going into the Nordic Derby at AFN 3, including her biggest achievement to date as she won the 2022 IMMAF World Championships in Serbia when she defeated the tough British prospect Izzy McGaughey in the finals.

”I was in a good headspace, super excited to show my skills, and just having fun there. Before the finals I was of course super nervous, but when I walked into the cage I was just enjoying it, there are so few people who will ever experience a fight like that,” Nihti says.

”I was super grateful to be there. It’s such a unique experience. And experiencing these emotions, even the negative ones and the nervousness, I’m trying to embrace them and enjoy them too.”

Will you defend your strap in the 2023 World Championships?

”Yes, I’m attending the 2023 IMMAF World Championship in Tirana. If I win, I would be the first adult Finnish person to get two championships. To be a champ-champ would be great!”

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