January 28th 2007 Per Eklund (as well as his comrades Diego Gonzalez and Reza Madadi from Hilti NHB) went to England to compete in Strike and Submit (SAS) 1. Per submitted his opponent in the first round, but there is no rest for this fighter – Per Eklund was soon back at work again. In April 15th 2007 he squared off with David Metcalf (11-2-0) in the title fight of SAS 2. Per punished the local hero Metcalf with a solid kimura and brought the belt home to Sweden.

Q: Congratulations for the title! Did you know anything about your opponent, David Metcalf, beforehand?
EKLUND: Nothing, when I arrived at the arena I heard that was some kind of local hero – that he won 8 of his 11 wins by submission…

Q: Tell us about the fight with your own words…
EKLUND: Metcalf ripped from 86 to 70kg. I was glad to hear that he was in good condition good for the fight. I always want good opponents.
In round one we tested each other out and exchanged jabs. I wanted to try my boxing in the beginning. Metcalf was very jumpy, running around the ring looking a bit nervous. As he shot in on me I took him down by lifting him high, carrying him into the middle of the ring and slammed him. From side control Metcalf cached me with a kimura. I wanted to test my kimura counter so I tucked my arm inside and waited for the chance. I hit him but not much happened. As I shifted to armbar Metcalf bridged and took the top. I missed the armbar, so I went after his leg and flipped him. I punched a bit, passed and took the mount. It was 5 seconds left of the round. I tried his arm but ended in the side control.Second round starts with punches. I got the Thai clinch and gave him a couple of knees. As I snapped his neck to the side I broke his balance, which made it easy to put him on the ground. I took his side, and started to strike, passed the guard and took mount. Metcalf turned his body and gave me his back, but escaped and gave me the side. I got him in a kimura and yanked it hard and got the tap. Maybe it was too painful, as he seemed angry as he refused to shake my hand after the fight.

Q: How did you feel after the fight?
EKLUND: Just fine. I was never in any real danger and he really didn’t get in any effective strikes.

Q: What was the reaction of the UK fans when you defeated the local hero?
EKLUND: They were happy; at least I think so, as they gave me big hand. With the big victory in SAS 1, in which Diego, Reza and I submitted our opponents, I think English people start to recognize Swedish fighters. After the fight one of Metcalf’s friends came up to greet me and laughingly said that he lost money as he betted on Metcalf to win.

Q: Can you tell us your view on the fight with Kawajiri?
EKLUND: I got the fight on a short notice – like 14 days. I was not prepared well due to private matters but it was a big chance. So I took it. Kawajiri was strong and stable. For me the fight ended without any points for neither of us. The referee stopped the fight but I was not hurt.

Q: I remember Kawajiri had made 73kg in special rule, which was due to PRIDE weight class he didn’t want to cut down. But I think Kawajiri have returned the belt to commission due to fight in PRIDE GP. Besides that he has announce that he is interested in UFC. And he wishes to fight Sean Sherk, he has mentioned the name in the recent press release.
EKLUND: OK then Kawajiri seems being busy. So let’s say I am interested in the fight with Lion Takeshi Shooto champion.

Q: Anyone in Scandinavia that you want to fight? Hytten about the EVT belt maybe?
EKLUND: It depends on the condition. By now I started to prepare for the next fight in Finland Shooto Poolhouse Punishment. I am fighting to Jukka Kuitunen (amateur Shooto champ 2006). This fight will be in 65kg. The weight is a new experience for me. So I am excited how I make the fight. Now I am a lot more confident going into the ring knowing I can hang with those people.

Q: The MMA world is in turmoil. What do you think about the UFC/PRIDE merge, how will this effect up and coming fighters?
EKLUND: Same rule and same weight categories? I hope it will work well for fighters though I don’t know the details yet.

Q: What do you think about Kampmann?
EKLUND: I have not seen his recent fight. As far as I remember he is a very talented fighter.

Q: Thank you for your time.
EKLUND: Thank you. I would like to thank my sparring partners at Hilti.