Niklas Backstrom vs Mike Wilkinson Set for UFC Return to Sweden

Niklas Backstrom vs Mike Wilkinson Set for UFC Return to Sweden

by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

Brit, Mike Wilkinson (8-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) will return from a long term injury which has seen him not fight since June 2013, to face undefeated Swedish prospect Niklas Backstrom (8-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) at UFC Fight Night 53. UFC Fight Night 53 takes place Oct. 4 at Ericsson Globe in Stockholm. UFC officials announced the featherweight bout earlier today.

A product of Allstar Training Center in Sweden alongside UFC fighters such as Alexander Gustaffson, and Magnus Cedenblad, Niklas Backstorm has been turning head since he impressively despatched top 10 German featherweight Max Coga via headkick in just 15 seconds to defeat at Europa MMA 1 to earn a place in the UFC.

A pro since 2009, the 24-year old made his UFC debut at UFC Fight Night 41 in Berlin as a last minute replacement for Thiago Tavaras against Tom Niinimaki, who he submitted in spectacular fashion in the first round to earn a $50,000 “Performance of the Night” bonus.  A former grappling champion, the towering 6-foot featherweight has taken 6 of his 8 career victory inside the distance - 4 by TKO, 2 by submission.

A cast member on The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes, Wilkinson opened his pro career a perfect 8-0, including a decision victory over Brendan Loughnane in his UFC debut in 2012, before losing to Rony Jason at by 1st round submission at UFC on Fuel 10 in June 2013.

Following the lost to Jason, Wilkinson was expected to face Jimmy Hettis at UFC Fight Night 30 in Manchester, however an injury to his leg before the fight meant he was forced to withdraw. By the time he steps in the octagon with Backstrom, Wilkinson will have not fought in near 17 months.

With the addition of Backstrom vs Wilkinson, UFC Fight Night 53 now includes:

Nico Musoke vs. Amir Sadollah
Niklas Backstrom vs. Mike Wilkinson

Stay tuned to KingdomMMA.co.uk for all the latest on UFC Fight Night 53 Sweden