Pannie Kianzad

Pannie Kianzad, nicknamed “Banzai,” is an Iranian-born Swedish mixed martial artist and the first Persian woman to compete in the UFC. A former Cage Warriors bantamweight champion who spent several years on the UFC roster, she now competes in the Global Fight League. No reliable public net worth figure exists for Kianzad.

Early Life & Family

Kianzad was born on December 8, 1991, in Ahvaz, Iran, and moved to Sweden with her family during childhood. She began training in combat sports around age 14, starting in boxing, where she compiled roughly 30 amateur fights before moving into shootfighting and mixed martial arts.

Rise to Fame

Kianzad won the silver medal at the 2010 Swedish National Shootfighting Championships, and the following year, at age 19, she became Swedish national champion in the discipline, submitting her opponent by armbar in the second round. She went on to win the bantamweight title in both Cage Warriors and Invicta FC, building the resume that earned her a spot on the UFC roster.

Career History

Kianzad competed in the UFC’s women’s bantamweight division for several years, becoming known as the first Persian woman to fight in the promotion. Her UFC run ended in August 2024 with a unanimous decision loss to Karol Rosa, after which she was released from the roster. In December 2024 she signed with the newly formed Global Fight League, and in January 2025 she was drafted by Team London for the league’s inaugural season. Her professional MMA record stands at 16 wins and 9 losses.

How They Built Their Wealth

Kianzad’s income has come from fight purses, win bonuses and sponsorships across Cage Warriors, Invicta FC, the UFC and now the Global Fight League. Individual fighter pay in MMA is rarely disclosed in full, so no reliable public net worth figure exists for her.

Personal Life

Kianzad has spoken publicly about her journey from Ahvaz to the world’s top MMA promotion, and has said she hopes her career inspires girls in both Iran and Sweden.