Today our site offers to your attention an interview with the opponent of Erik Oganov on the forthcoming tournament of June, 27.
Name: Janne Tulirinta
Born: 1979, Riihimäki
Weight class: -76 kg
Height: 176 cm
Professional record: 8–2–0
What sort of background do you have from other sports?
I wrestled as a kid and I did win some small local tournaments. I also played ice hockey in my youth.
At what level do you see that MMA is in Finland right now?
We are going in a good direction and I hope it stays the same. I feel that in Finland we have good knowledge regarding how to train all the aspects of the MMA game: boxing, wrestling, jiu-jitsu, physical preparation and so forth. I also believe that in Finland those fighters who want to achieve something, are ready to work hard. Finns are hard working and I think that Finnish work moral is the key word.
Was the previous tournament in St. Petersburg the first time that you have been in Russia? What kind of memories do you have from the event?
Yes, it was the first time. Everything was arranged and well and the event proceeded fluently. Of course I remember my own fight and victory best, but I have to admit that I also remember there were many beautiful Russian women.
What do you think about the M-1 Challenge -project?
It’s great that the project was started and I feel privileged to be a part of it. I feel that as a team we have developed a good spirit. It might be that we get some extra will to win because we are not fighting just for ourselves, but also for the team.
How have you prepared for the upcoming fight and what do you know about your opponent?
I have gone through the normal routines. There’s been a lot of sparring and I have tried to find partners who are similar to my opponent. Oganov is good at coming forward and taking the fight to the ground. I expect it will be a tough fight if I end up in the bottom position.
Who would you like to compete against in the future?
I can’t think of anyone specific. Once I have dealt with my opponents in M-1, then I can start thinking about future challenges.
Which fighters do you respect the most?
That’s a hard question. I would say that Igor Vovchanchyn is a fighter who I have always liked. He has a wild style. Otherwise I wouldn’t say that I have any favourite fighters. I appreciate certain attributes in other fighters and opponents. Joachim Hansen for example, is an ice-cold guy who doesn’t lose his composure not matter what happens and always works toward a certain goal in his fights.
