Anton Kuivanen
• Pro since 2006
• Eight wins by submission, four by knockout
• Loss to Salas snapped nine fight winning streak
• Last pre-UFC loss was via submission to WEC vet Bendy Casimir in 2008
TRAINING: I’m working hard every day to win this fight. I’m improving my speed, endurance and working on some secret techniques. I'm wrestling, grappling and striking with bunch of great fighters to make a statement in the Octagon at UFC 157!
When and why did you start training for fighting? I’ve always done lots of different sports. As a youngster I played ice hockey and soccer on a high level. I got bored with that, and started boxing 2003. I went to the practice and enjoyed it a lot. Then in 2004 I went to watch an MMA event, and watching the fights I felt that I gotta try that sport. Shortly after that I had my first MMA training session at a nearby gym and fell in love with it immediately. I’ve been training and fighting since.
What ranks and titles have you held? MMA amateur Finnish champion 2006, Cage Promotions lightweight champion since April 2011.
Do you have any heroes? My girlfriend
What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It's a long time dream come true, and an opportunity for me to test myself against the best guys.
Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? No.
What was your job before you started fighting? I've had many part time jobs; my last job before becoming a pro was an operator in a laser tag track.
Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? 8-0 record with 4 KOs
Favorite grappling technique: Flying armbar
Favorite Striking technique: Liver shot
Anton Kuivanen: @TuijaPehkonen @laurahaimila Kovia mimmejä, ei kantsi koittaa;) itelläki meinas lähtee älli mäelle.. Nastaa ku kävitte vierailulla!1 day, 11 hours, 43 minutes ago
Anton Kuivanen: Huomenna kluubenii kannustaa leijonat pronssille, vaik ei se täs kohtaa ketää kiinnosta, ni mitsku himaa ja ilo irti stokiksesta!4 days, 13 hours, 32 minutes ago
Anton Kuivanen: RT @FightSportMMA: Käyttäjä @Anton_Kuivanen ja hyvät Cage-jälkitunnelmat, tsekkaa video: http://t.co/KRtKt2tfLx #FinnMMA1 week, 20 hours, 34 minutes ago
Anton Kuivanen: Mitteitä taistelun tauottua..RT “@MMASuomi: @Anton_Kuivanen #cage22 ottelun jälkeen: http://t.co/2E016Z3vDG Mitä seuraavaksi?”1 week, 2 days, 17 hours, 22 minutes ago
Anton Kuivanen: @Kime_ kiitti!1 week, 3 days, 18 hours, 36 minutes ago
Anton Kuivanen: @MarkusVirtanen1 just näin, tänks!1 week, 3 days, 18 hours, 36 minutes ago
Anton Kuivanen: Se oli jäähyllä.. RT “@EskoSeppanen: Hei, @Anton_Kuivanen, missä TÄMÄ showmies oli UFC-matseissa? #Cage22 #TakaperinVoltti #VOITTO”1 week, 3 days, 18 hours, 37 minutes ago
Anton Kuivanen: @Valavuori tattis!1 week, 3 days, 18 hours, 39 minutes ago
Anton Kuivanen: Ye man, thanks! RT “@jehol: Well done @Anton_Kuivanen Back on track!”1 week, 3 days, 18 hours, 39 minutes ago
Anton Kuivanen: @Mikazuki17 thanks!1 week, 3 days, 18 hours, 45 minutes ago