Sweden's first female Bellator fighter returns for home field fight -

Sweden’s Malin “Herminator” Hermansson (2-1) is planning on staying busy. The promising prospect signed with Bellator last year, and is now gearing up for another big fight at the end of the year. Superior Challenge, the largest MMA promotion in Scandinavia and one of Europe’s largest as well, have now booked a return fight for Hermansson. MMAnytt.se recently reported the planned Superior Challenge bout between Hermansson, and Brazilian talent Karoline Martins (7-3). The bout will take place at Superior Challenge 20 in Stockholm on December seventh.

“Malin wants to fight tough and experienced opponents which is absolutely right. Her stand up game is phenomenal and I think she can out strike most athletes from nearby weight classes in a stand-up fight. Her opponent Karoline is young and hungry, nevertheless a very experienced fighter with a solid Muay Thai background. Regardless the fight is held stand-up or on the ground, it will surely be a very exciting and nerve-wracking bout.” – says Babak Ashti, founder of Superior Group International in a press release.

The bout at Superior Challenge 20 will be Hermansson’s second contest in the years final quarter. She has also been booked to face Conor McGregor teammate Antonela Orlic in the main event at Swedish promotion Nerike MMA Series 1 in Örebro, on September 28th. Hermansson has had a successful career in stand up martial arts and made her professional MMA debut in 2017. She lined up two straight wins over experienced and highly merited fighters Gabriella Ringblom and Cornelia Holm before signing with Bellator. Her debut in the promotion took place at Bellator 218 earlier this year against Victoria Leonardo. Towards the end of the first round Hermansson was forced to tap to an armbar, resulting in her first pro loss.

Martins has competed professionally since 2015, and won her first three fights – two via first round finish. She has since then mad mixed results, with losses to amongst others current UFC fighter Priscila Cachoeira. She does, however, hold an impressive decision win over Latin American veteran Karla Benitez, and has won two straight fights.

The fight card at Superior Challenge 20 will feature plenty of Swedish talent, aside from Hermansson. UFC veterans Nico Musoke and David Bielkheden will defend their respective titles, and Cage Warriors title challenger Martin Hamlet returns to the promotion.