Josefine Knutsson confident she belongs in the UFC: “I’m top ten”

Swedish strawweight standout Josefine Knutsson is set for her toughest test to date, as she clashes with undefeated Jacinta Austin at UAE Warriors 35 on February 25.

Both fighters are undefeated in MMA, with pro records of 4-0, and both come from successful careers in Muay Thai and kickboxing.

In a new interview with Frontkick’s Ashah Tafari, the 27-year-old Swede reveals that she likes that Austin brings the same qualities to the table as herself.

“For me, it’s like fighting against myself. The girl almost has the same background as me, so it’s a little bit like I’m actually fighting myself, “Knutsson said with a smile. “I know that whoever I have in front of me, I know what I’m capable of.”

And even though Jacinta Austin is known for being a skilled striker, “Thunder” is quite sure the Australian will take the fight to the ground as soon as possible.

“I think she wants to take me down directly, because she’s not going to be able to stand my striking. That’s going to be her mission, to try to take me down,” Knutsson said.

“I’m a striker, and that’s what I’m going to show people, and show my opponent. I’m not going to tell you too much, but it will be one hell of a fight from the first round.”

Read more: Former world champ Elin Cederroos set for pivotal fight against undefeated KO artist

Josefine Knutsson: “I’m qualified to be in the top ten”

The 27-year-old Swedish prospect feels like she’s one win away from reaching her goal, which is inking a deal with UFC and fighting in the promotion’s stacked strawweight division.

A division where she very much feels she belongs.

“Of course I feel like I’m in the top ten, but that doesn’t mean that the girls are easy, you know. They are in the top ten for a reason. They are the ten best fighters in the world in my division, so I don’t underestimate them, I can’t make mistakes when I fight them, but I still think that I’m qualified to be in the top ten.”

Photo: Sweep Productions

Training with the best to become the best

Known as a beast at the sessions at Stockholm’s Allstars Training Centre, Josefine Knutsson trains twice a day, six days a week, with UFC fighters like Khamzat Chimaev, Guram Kutateladze and light heavyweight legend Alexander Gustafsson,

Being surrounded by UFC top fighters is something that helps the prospect reach her full potential.

“Just to train side by side with them, that’s like, I feel honored by it and I want to take that opportunity to make the best of it. And when you feel that everyday, you are on a good way to become a champion one day,” Knutsson said.

Read more: VIDEO: Undefeated Josefine Knutsson is more than ready for her toughest fight to date

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