Bäckström started his martial arts career as a competitor in Submission wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

He was awarded his BJJ purple belt after winning a Swedish tournament in 2008, he also competed in Shootfighting with a record of 2-0, before starting his professional MMA career in 2009.

[2] After staying undefeated following his first three professional bouts, Bäckström signed with the British promotion Cage Warriors.

He made his promotional debut against Adam Edwards, on April 24, 2011 at CWFC 41, he won the fight by unanimous decision.

[3] He was later expected to face top Irish prospect and future UFC fighter Conor McGregor on September 8, 2011, at CWFC: Fight Night 2.

[8] He made his debut on short notice, replacing an injured Thiago Tavares against Tom Niinimäki on May 31, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 41.

[18] In his first fight since his UFC stint, Bäckström fought Bulgarian veteran Georgi Stoyanov on November 28, 2015 in the headliner at the Battle of Botnia 2015-event, close to his hometown in North Sweden.

[28] The fight would get scrapped from the card a little more than a week before the event, due to Wilde having issues making the weight.

Bäckström made his return from 4.5 year lay off against Sebastian Rajewski on January 15, 2022 at KSW 66.