Pannie Kianzad: Boxing to the UFC, story you should know

Pannie Kianzad, born on December 8, 1991, is a Swedish mixed martial artist of Iranian origin, making her mark in the Women's Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). With a successful career in Invicta FC and Cage Warriors, she has climbed the ranks to become a formidable contender in the UFC. As of July 18, 2023, she holds the #7 spot in the UFC women's bantamweight rankings, showcasing her skills and determination.

Early Career and Transition to MMA

Kianzad's journey in martial arts began with boxing at the age of 14. She went on to compete in approximately 30 amateur boxing fights, honing her striking abilities. Subsequently, she delved into Shootfighting and won the Swedish National Championships, proving her versatility as a martial artist.

Dominance in Cage Warriors

After turning professional in MMA, Kianzad joined the Cage Warriors promotion in 2014. She made her promotional debut with an impressive TKO victory over Megan van Houtum. In her following bout, she faced Eeva Siiskonen for the vacant bantamweight title and secured a dominant unanimous decision win, becoming the Cage Warriors female bantamweight champion.

Invicta FC: New Challenges

In 2015, Kianzad signed with Invicta FC, taking on tougher challenges on the international stage. Her promotional debut against Jessica-Rose Clark showcased her skills as she secured a one-sided unanimous decision win. Although she faced a setback against Tonya Evinger, Kianzad continued to impress with wins against opponents like Bianca Daimoni and Kerry Hughes.

The Ultimate Fighter and UFC Return

In 2018, Kianzad became part of The Ultimate Fighter 28, competing in the featherweight division. Despite her impressive victories in the tournament, she didn't receive a contract from the UFC after losing in the finals.

Kianzad's Triumph in UFC

After her stint on The Ultimate Fighter, Kianzad returned to the bantamweight division and rejoined the European circuit. She showcased her skills with victories over Iony Razafiarison and a remarkable unanimous decision win against Jessica-Rose Clark in their rematch.

Kianzad's UFC Journey

Kianzad's UFC journey has been marked with success, securing unanimous decision wins against Bethe Correia and Sijara Eubanks. Her impressive performance continued with a win against Alexis Davis, solidifying her position in the UFC rankings for the first time.

Challenges and Victories

Despite facing setbacks in fights against Raquel Pennington and a loss via submission to Macy Chiasson in the finals of The Ultimate Fighter, Kianzad's resilience and determination have been evident throughout her career.

Upcoming Bout with Ketlen Vieira

Kianzad is scheduled to face Ketlen Vieira on July 22, 2023, at UFC on ESPN+ 82, presenting her with another opportunity to demonstrate her skills and continue her ascent in the UFC women's bantamweight division.

Pannie Pantea Kianzad's journey in mixed martial arts showcases her tenacity, versatility, and skill as she continues to rise in the ranks of the UFC women's bantamweight division. With her impressive performances and dedication to the sport, she remains a formidable contender for the bantamweight title. As her career progresses, fans eagerly anticipate her future fights and potential accomplishments in the world of mixed martial arts.

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