Anton Kuivanen is an Estonian-born Finnish mixed martial artist.
Background
Anton Kuivanen was born in Soviet Union"s Pärnu, which is a town in modern day Estonia. He has also said that his father - who was a competitive rower himself - gave one coin for a pull-up and sometimes two coins for a run. His father wanted to support their athleticism by giving small prizes for them.
Career
Kuivanen trains in Great Britain Gym, which is located in Helsinki, Finland and he has also had training camps in American Top Team located in Coconut Creek, Florida. Early career
Kuivanen made his professional Mobile Marketing Association debut in January 2006 in his native Finland. Over the next 6 years, he amassed a record of 16 wins and 4 losses.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
On January 16, 2012 it was announced that Kuivanen has signed a multi-fight deal with the UFC. He made his promotional debut on February 15, 2012 against fellow newcomer Justin Salas at UFC on Fuel television 1.
He lost the fight via unanimous decision. Kuivanen fought Mitch Clarke on July 21, 2012 at UFC 149.
Kuivanen faced Michael Chiesa on February 23, 2013 at UFC 157. He made a mistake against the cage and Chiesa - who is known for his submissions and back control - got him down and after small grappling exchange he got the choke locked and gave Anton chance to tap or go out.
He was subsequently released from the promotion with a record of 1-2.
Anton has stated that he will get back to the UFC someday. Post UFC
His goal of getting back in the UFC took a huge step backwards when he was knocked out by Eric Reynolds in 30 seconds. The underdog landed a punch behind his ear when Kuivanen was moving in.
Kuivanen lost his balance, dropped to ground and Reynolds knocked him out cold with finishing punches.
Kuivanen was very sad and stated, that he had put effort to being more relaxed before and during the fight than before but it backfired and Kuivanen was too relaxed which lead into his first clean knockout loss and for his first loss in Finland since 2006. Reynolds had said after the fight that he is willing to face him in a rematch.
Kuivanen got back in the cage in November 23, 2013 when he faced Diego Gonzalez in Sweden. Kuivanen needed only 52 seconds to knock Gonzalez out.
He dropped Gonzalez and he looked at the referee.
He will fight some weeks after this fight in a catchweight bout. He will face Oriol Gaset in Salo, Finland. If he wins his fight against Gaset he will possibly face Reynolds in a rematch for the title and/or face former UFC fighter Reza Madadi, who called Kuivanen out after Kuivanen"s fight.
Cage Mobile Marketing Association
Cage Lightweight Championship (Two time.
Views
Kuivanen lost to Chiesa via rear-naked choke in the second round after doing well for the first round and defending Chiesa"s attacks. Anton Kuivanen defended his CAGE lightweight title against Jason Pierce on May 11, 2013, winning by clear decision.