Erik Wahrolen talks pro win, title fight dreams, and what Swedish MMA needs to grow

Erik Wahrolen before his fight at Fight Club Rush 17. Photo: Patrik Persson

Undefeated Erik Wahrolen is a rising star on the Scandinavian MMA scene.

With a 3-0 amateur record, and a quick KO win in his pro debut at this past Saturday’s Fight Club Rush 17, the 40-year-old fighter is really becoming a lightweight to be reckoned with.

In an exclusive and open-hearted interview with Frontkick, Wahrolen opens up on his pro debut and future plans.

“Honestly, I’ve not landed yet, but it feels amazing,” Wahrolen laughs. “I work at school today, so my feet are on the ground even though my head is in the clouds. I’m accepting my potential, not in an arrogant way, but I know what I’m capable of. I believe in myself and I know what I want.”

Erik Wahrolen dreams of a FCR title

After the quick win at FCR 17, the 40-year-old lightweight wants to get back in the cage as soon as possible to further establish himself as a top contender on the Scandinavian scene.

“I don’t want to talk too much about it but winning a title is my dream, however, I’m not there yet. Fight Club Rush is the best promotion in Scandinavia and I’m so proud to be a part of it,” Wahrolen says. “I’m not there yet but I’m working on getting there eventually. I’m turning 41 soon, I live my dream and if I don’t work hard I’m throwing my potential away.”

Erik doesn’t want to call out any next opponents but is well aware of the tough fights ahead of him.

“There are a bunch of fighters that will be tricky, who won’t back down. I don’t see any easy fights, and everyone who gets in there has earned my respect, but they will all face the same Erik, the best version of me.”

Erik Wahrolen. Photo: Patrik Persson

“People don’t want to see a bunch of dumbasses fight”

Talking to Erik you really get a positive and energetic vibe and it’s easy to tell that his love for MMA is deep. However, he sees a big problem with Swedish MMA, a problem he adresses right from the start of the interview.

“This is a sport that grows so fast, but there is a problem in that we are not backed up by big companies. And that’s the fighters and coaches fault in my opinion. There is a problem with how fighters are talking to media, all the big egos and the macho culture,” Wahrolen says. “It’s a tough sport and it’s a hard sport to sell to the masses, but people want to see real athletes and no macho bullshit.”

“That’s why it’s fun for people to watch me. I bring a more humane and friendly approach to the game, I show the man behind the fighter. People just don’t want to see a bunch of dumbasses fight.”

If there is one Swedish MMA fighter that the 40-year-old looks up to, it is three-time UFC title challenger Alexander Gustafsson, who established himself as a mainstream sportstar in Sweden.

“I want to work with companies like Volvo, get good money and get the establishment involved in the sport. Because Swedish MMA will be gigantic when companies like that enter the game. But they want to work with professionals. Mauler did it so well, working with Coop, Unibet and so on, and that’s something I also want to do too, as best as I can.”

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