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Jun 12

“We are what we believe.” – Jani Mesikämmen

It’s hard to put into words what it feels like to learn of Jani’s passing. He was a pioneer in European MMA journalism, a loving family man, and one of the kindest, coolest people I’ve had the privilege to call a friend.

Many moons again Jani taught me what it meant to be a professional journalist— when I started to pretend to be one in 2008. And at the 20 or 30 events we attended together, in any room, he’d find you to check in, to make you feel comfortable, and ask you if you needed anything for your little website, although he was the only one that was working as a professional on real deadlines for major newspapers.

In addition to fist fights, we also bonded over music. Gosh, he could be an extra working at the record shop in High Fidelity. He had the deep knowledge to be able tell you an unkown fact or deeper cut from your favorite band. It was heart-breaking to see him give away his albums and guitar as he knew his belongings would not be with him for long.

Jani would sneak me incredible photos or videos from his MMA assignments, knowing I’d appreciate the moment as much as he did —a weigh-in photo of Gustafsson, Dalby, or Kuivanen to help me see what was going on at events I could not attend.

But above all else, Jani was grounded in love. He adored his kids and spoke about his family with warmth and pride. He always asked about my kids, too—genuinely, and often. That small, consistent kindness meant everything, even as he fought the tough battles.

Looking at his profile on mmaviking.com, you can see the photo he chose posted here. And I never noticed it before, but for his bio he wrote “We are what we believe.” I will have to think deeper about its meaning, and I’m sure it will make me a better person.

https://www.mmaviking.com/author/jani-mesikammen/ - To read any of his articles.

To Jani’s family: I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you can feel the deep respect, admiration, and love that so many of us carry for him.

Rest easy my friend Jani ❤️

Ryan O’Leary ...