Sten-Eric Laadre will return to The Clash cage in October. Last time, he suffered a loss at The Clash 4, but his competitive spirit hasn’t waned. Ahead of his next match, Laadre is focusing on his own form and preparation. “I don’t know who my opponent will be yet. Whoever comes, comes. I’m preparing calmly, and when the day of the competition arrives, I’ll have to do my job.”
This interview with Sten-Eric Laadre was recorded on June 16, 2026, at the Invicta Sports Club in Pärnu.
The competition period means a more intense training schedule
Laadre typically trains three to five times a week, but as a match approaches, the workload increases. “Some weeks I manage to train five times; other weeks it’s just three times. Before a competition, the training period becomes more intense, and then I try to get to the gym every day.”
Although his opponent wasn’t known at the time of the interview, Laadre didn’t see this as a problem. For him, it’s important to get his physical and mental condition ready so that nothing needs to be changed on match day.
Five Years in Combat Sports
Laadre got into combat sports about five years ago. At first, it wasn’t driven by great athletic ambition, but rather by a desire to find a different outlet for his energy. “When I was about 18, I was partying a lot and got into some fights. At some point, I thought I might as well test myself in the cage.”
He went to his first training sessions with a friend, but eventually ended up pursuing the sport on his own. “My friend quit after a while, but I kept going. It’s been five years now.”
During that time, his lifestyle has changed significantly. “Over the past five years, I haven’t gotten into any fights outside of training. I drink very little alcohol these days.”
Combat sports teach you to stay calm under pressure
In addition to physical development, Laadre considers one of the most important changes to be growing out of his more temperamental nature. “In the past, it didn’t take much for me to get upset or act without thinking. Combat sports have taught me to be calmer and to handle situations more thoughtfully.”
"Combat sports have taught me to be calmer and to handle situations more thoughtfully."
— Sten-Eric Laadre
In the cage, the importance of this skill is especially clear. “If you can take hits and stay calm at the same time, it really shows what combat sports teach.”
The Clash 4 demonstrated a professional level
As a competitor, Laadre highly praised The Clash 4 for its clear logistics and the quick resolution of unexpected problems. “There were warm-up areas, and as an athlete, you knew exactly where and when you needed to be. Everything that was needed worked.”
There was also an unexpected situation before the match when his gloves and his opponent’s had been switched. “I had two right-hand gloves, and my opponent had two left-hand gloves. We reported it, and the problem was resolved immediately.”
The desire to compete again returns quickly
Laadre doesn’t look for complicated reasons to get back in the cage. The tension of competition, the preparation, and the match itself create a feeling that’s hard to stay away from for long afterward. “When there’s a longer break and I watch some old competition videos, I immediately feel the urge to get back in the cage. Competing has become a kind of addiction.”
The Clash 5 will take place on October 24, 2026, at the Unibet Arena in Tallinn as the final night of the European Combat Sports Festival.
- The European Combat Sports Festival 2026 will take place October 20–24 at the Unibet Arena in Tallinn. The festival will culminate on October 24 with the Main Event, The Clash 5.
- Co-funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the EACEA can be held responsible for them.