After a spectacular 2016 campaign that saw him knock out UFC vet Rousimar Palhares in 45 seconds, then debut in the Octagon with a big win over Jordan Mein, Norway’s Emil Meek will make his first start of 2017 in Stockholm, when he faces Nordine Taleb in a welterweight bout at Ericsson Globe on Sunday, May 28.
“It’s amazing,” Meek said. “I’ve waited so long for this, and am really excited to compete so close to Norway. The people that will cheer me on in the Globe mean everything to me. To think that perhaps thousands of Norwegians will have my back in Stockholm, it’s crazy.”
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Currently sporting a four-fight winning streak, the 28-year-old Meek has been one of Europe’s top talents for years, with his knockout power garnering him a loyal fan base. And while he respects his upcoming opponent, he’s looking for another finish.
“I have to win and I’m going to win,” he said. “If I hit as good as I know I’m able to do, then it’s lights out no matter who I meet. It’s going to be war.”
A veteran of nearly ten years as a pro mixed martial artist, Canada’s Taleb is a respected competitor who has won four of his six UFC bouts, including a spectacular 2016 knockout of Erick Silva. Fighting in Europe for the first time in his MMA career, the France native expects to collect another victory in May.
“I see that he's a good fighter who seems well rounded,” Taleb said of Meek. “I'm definitely better than him in every aspect and I have more experience than him as well, but I take every fighter seriously and I don't slack in training camp, so I'm going to be in great shape with my skills set for this guy and I'll go back home with the win.”
Bout is pending final approval from the Swedish Mixed Martial Arts Federation
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