Sani Brännfors Takes on the World of Mixed Martial Arts
At just 20 years old, Finnish freestyler Sani Brännfors has already made waves in the world of combat sports. This past summer, his career took an exciting turn when he received a call from Samu Haber, the well-known frontman of the band Sunrise Avenue. A fan of Brännfors, Haber had been following his journey, notably through a documentary series aired on Yle, and reached out with an offer of support.
“I mentioned that one of my biggest challenges is access to international training camps,” Brännfors recalls. Following their conversation, Haber expressed his willingness to partner with Brännfors on this journey, recognizing the artist’s own background in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. “Samu’s sense of humor makes it easy to work with him. I’m really grateful that he’s involved.”
The partnership began on a high note, with Brännfors receiving an unexpected opportunity to train for several weeks in the United States. After confirming a spot at a gym, he swiftly booked a flight to Scottsdale, Arizona, with just a week’s notice.
Training with a UFC Star
Expectations quickly shifted when Brännfors arrived at the Fight Ready gym in mid-September. Initially eager to focus on vertical wrestling, he soon found his experience transformed. UFC star Tracy Cortez reached out, inviting Brännfors to stay longer and serve as a vital training partner for her upcoming fight.
With a solid wrestling background, Brännfors proved to be the ideal sparring partner for Cortez. “I ended up spending about eight weeks there. I had the chance to attend a UFC event in New York, but opted to return home a couple of weeks early to prepare for my own upcoming match in December,” he explains.
It’s striking that a newcomer like Brännfors, who turned professional only this year, could become such a strong support for a top-tier UFC fighter. “I experienced a kind of enlightenment during that camp. I’ve always acknowledged my amateur successes and credited my coach, but seeing firsthand the level of competition at the very top was eye-opening.”
Brännfors noted that even less-experienced fighters can sometimes thrive in sparring scenarios, but his own progress during these sessions was particularly encouraging. “I’m not in the UFC yet and I haven’t faced the kinds of pressures they do. But after a dozen sparring sessions, witnessing my own growth was profoundly rewarding.”
Another highlight was training with local wrestlers at Valian College Preparatory, where freestyle wrestling enjoys immense popularity. “There were up to 15 girls my age on the mat. It felt like being in an amusement park; it was just so much fun!” Brännfors enthused.
Building a Brand and a Team
Brännfors’ journey hasn’t gone unnoticed. Featured prominently in Yle’s documentary series Sani – Invincible, he has captured the imagination of a growing audience. The past year has seen significant growth in his athlete brand, with over 11,000 followers on Instagram and a steady stream of social media content.
“There’s been a lot to manage since I returned from the States,” he admits, acknowledging the challenges that come with increased visibility. “I make it a point to set boundaries when tasks pile up that aren’t related to my training.”
Amidst this growth, he’s grateful for the supportive team around him. “My manager, Jussi Nurmi, plays a crucial role in helping connect with partners. I’ve also begun working on YouTube content with some fantastic cameramen, and Aada Huttunen assists with social media. It’s comforting to know I have so many talented people by my side, all pursuing their dreams alongside mine.”
With one eye on the future, Brännfors is preparing to take on new challenges as he aims for the pinnacle of professional mixed martial arts.