
Josefine Knutsson. Photo: Stefan Romare / Frontkick.online
Saturday will be a big day for Swedish MMA as strawweight sensation Josefine ”Thunder” Knutsson makes her highly anticipated UFC debut.
In a new interview with Frontkick’s sister site Maximum Sports, ”Thunder” opens up on the fight and her opponent Marnic Mann.
”This fight is absolutely bigger than the last fight since this is a real UFC fight,” Knutsson said. ”This is when we start for real. It’s like my fight record resets, but I will fight my first-ever UFC fight so I’m nervous but also really, really excited since this is what I wanted from the start.”
Short-notice change for Josefine Knutsson
Knutsson was supposed to fight Brazilian striker Iasmin Lucindo on Saturday. However, plans changed and the promotion decided to let the Swede face fellow UFC newcomer Marnic Mann.
For ”Thunder” doesn’t let the change of opponents affect her as she believes that all new fighters in the promotion are just as hungry as herself.
”The change of opponent has been so quick so it’s no big difference for me, because I just focus on doing my thing whoever I face,” Knutsson reasoned.

Photo: Fight Club Rush / Stev Bonhage
”I will try to keep the fight on the feet”
Mann is arguably more of a grappler than a striker, but Knutsson will not do the mistake to underestimate the American’s striking skills.
”She’s a southpaw and kind of rushes in, but I think she will try to take me down or push me up against the cage, that’s basically what I can say about her style. I think I will try to keep the fight on the feet, even though I won’t hesitate to take the fight to the ground if I see a good opportunity,” Knutsson said.
Read more: Breaking down the young MMA career of undefeated prospect Josefin ”Thunder” Knutsson
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