Finland's MMA star Makwan Amirkhani is set to make his long-awaited return to the ring at Ice Cage 3 on December 28, 2024, facing Swedish fighter Fernando Flores at the Vantaa Energia Arena. Known as one of the country's most recognized free-fighters, Amirkhani's career has recently faced significant challenges, with the 36-year-old suffering seven losses out of his last eight bouts.
After being released from the UFC following a submission loss to Jack Shore on March 18, 2023, Amirkhani competed within the Oktagon promotion where his struggles continued, resulting in two additional losses. His most recent bout was marked by failure, as he was defeated by Attila Korkmaz on June 8, 2024. Now Amirkhani is hungry for redemption and eager to turn his career around.
On his upcoming match, Amirkhani expressed excitement about fighting at home, saying, "I feel like a little boy in a candy store." It’s been over ten years since he last fought on Finnish soil—an emotional return for both the fighter and his supporters. Amirkhani's homecoming has generated buzz on social media, signaling his determination to perform well.
While Flores has faced his own challenges—holding a record of 12 wins and 12 losses—he remains a capable opponent. Amirkhani knows he must seize this opportunity to show he still has what it takes to compete at high levels. Amirkhani's preparations have been intensive, and he’s currently at 68 kg for this fight, slightly above his past weight categories, which bodes well for his performance.
“This event is as high quality as it is with the UFC,” Amirkhani claimed, highlighting the level of professionalism presented at Ice Cage 3. With 13 bouts scheduled for the night, the fight cards look promising; fans will get to witness various exciting matchups, starting with the preliminary fights available for free on Ice Cage's YouTube channel.
It’s been years since Amirkhani enjoyed any success, his last win dating back to March 2022 against Mike Grundy. Since then, he has faced numerous setbacks, including injuries and mental blocks. Having undergone shoulder surgery mid-2023, he now believes he is physically and mentally ready to reclaim his standing as one of Finland’s top fighters.
Before his match, Amirkhani noted, “I’ve visualized the fight; I only have one goal: to win.” His confidence is palpable and gives fans hope as he prepares for battle once again. One of his signature moves, the 'anaconda choke,' is something he foresees utilizing effectively during the fight—stressing, “It’s very likely you’ll see my trademark move.”
The matchup against Flores appears to be aptly timed for Amirkhani to regain momentum. The energy of performing before the home crowd could provide him the adrenaline boost he needs, especially after facing challenging opponents abroad. Fighting is what fuels him, and he’s more motivated than ever, stating, “People don’t realize what’s coming, especially Fernando.”
With aspirations to return to the UFC by 2025, winning this fight is just the first step. To achieve his goal, Amirkhani states, "Five fights and five wins would be what I need.” He envisions this fight not just as another step, but as the start of rejuvenation for his career and reputation within the sport.
Makwan Amirkhani's return to the ring at Ice Cage 3 isn't just about the fight against Fernando Flores; it stands as a pivotal moment to reignite his career and prove he’s still one of the elite fighters in MMA. The anticipation is building among fans who hope Amirkhani will deliver and emerge victorious this Saturday.
