Siyar Bahadurzada

Siyar Bahadurzada (Pashto: سيير بهادرزاده‎, born April 17, 1984) is an Afghan-born Dutch mixed martial artist who competes in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional competitor since 2001, he has also competed for World Victory Road, Shooto, and RINGS. He is the former Shooto Middleweight Champion.

Background

Bahadurzada was born in Kabul, Afghanistan on April 17, 1984. He grew up in a Muslim family in Afghanistan, experiencing the Soviet–Afghan War and the Taliban's oppression. After 15 years, his family moved to the Netherlands in 1999. Bahadurzada's grandfather gave him the name "The Killer" when Siyar beat up kids who were older than him at a young age. Siyar began to train under Martijn de Jong at the Tatsujin dojo. De Jong is well respected in the Dutch community as an MMA authority and quickly took Bahadurzada as a student.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Bahadurzada trained under the Golden Glory association based in the Netherlands.

A veteran of the Shooto organization, he is the longtime Shooto Middleweight Champion. Bahadurzada made the transition to Japanese MMA by fighting for World Victory Road on their Sengoku events. He advanced to the semifinals of their Middleweight tournament but lost to Jorge Santiago.

On August 27, 2009 Siyar successfully defended his Shooto Middleweight Championship title against Leandro Silva in Shooto 13 by way of TKO (punches) in the first round.

Siyar fought and defeated Derrick Noble via first round KO, who was replacing his original opponent Nick Thompson at the Ultimate Glory 2010 event on October 16, 2010. Siyar fought veteran Canadian fighter John Alessio on March 19, 2011, and won his second straight fight by KO. The fight had started out slow for the first minute, until Bahadurzada landed a right hook and followed with a flurry of punches and knees. He won the tournament on May 28, 2011 by defeating Tommy Depret via TKO in the final round.

Siyar then signed a 4-fight contract with Strikeforce, but like many of the Golden Glory team signed to the organization, his promotional debut was delayed. Siyar gave an interview for Strikeforce, which can be heard on his Facebook profile. Bahadurzada waited for a fight from Strikeforce but never acquired a visa. He later commented in January 2011 on the scenario and expressed displeasure, saying he would never fight for the promotion. Scott Coker replied during an interview with Ariel Helwani by saying that Siyar had to first get a P1 visa.

Bahadurzada left Golden Glory in 2012 citing trust issues with the management. He signed a contract with AMC management and joined the Blackzilians team. In April 2014 Bahadurzada announced that he leaves the Blackzilians.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

On September 30, 2011 Siyar announced he had signed with the UFC. He was expected to face Erick Silva on January 14, 2012 at UFC 142. However, Bahadurzada pulled out of the bout with an injury and was replaced by Carlo Prater.

Bahadurzada fought Paulo Thiago on April 14, 2012 at UFC on Fuel TV 2 and won by KO at 42 seconds of the first round, earning him Knockout of the Night honors, he became the first man to knock out Thiago.

Bahadurzada was expected to face Thiago Alves on July 21, 2012 at UFC 149, replacing an injured Yoshihiro Akiyama. However, on June 1, Alves pulled out of the bout citing an injury and was replaced by Chris Clements. Bahadurzada then himself had to withdrawal from the fight due to a hand injury, and was replaced with Matthew Riddle.

Bahadurzada faced Dong Hyun Kim on March 3, 2013 at UFC on Fuel TV 8. He lost a lopsided decision after he was dominated by the grappling offense and ground and pound of Kim for all three rounds.

Bahadurzada was expected to face Robbie Lawler on July 27, 2013 at UFC on Fox 8, replacing an injured Tarec Saffiedine. However, on July 11, it was announced that Bahadurzada also pulled out of the bout and was replaced by Bobby Voelker.

Bahadurzada faced John Howard on December 28, 2013 at UFC 168. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

After over two years away from the sport, Bahadurzada returned to face Brandon Thatch on March 5, 2016 at UFC 196. He won the fight by submission in the third round.

Bahadurzada was scheduled to face Cláudio Silva on July 30, 2016 at UFC 201. However, Silva was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Jorge Masvidal. In turn, Bahadurzada pulled out of the bout on July 12 citing an illness.

After another year away from competition Bahadurzada was expected to face Abu Azaitar on September 2, 2017 at UFC Fight Night: Struve vs. Volkov. However, Azaitar pulled out of the bout due to injury and was replaced by UFC newcomer Rob Wilkinson. Bahadurzada won the fight via TKO in the second round.

Bahadurzada faced Luan Chagas on April 21, 2018 at UFC Fight Night 128. He won the fight via knockout in the second round. This win earned him the Performance of the Night bonus.

Bahadurzada faced Curtis Millender on December 29, 2018 at UFC 232. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Bahadurzada was scheduled to face Nordine Taleb on May 4, 2019 at UFC Fight Night: Iaquinta vs. Cowboy. However, it was reported on April 24, 2019 that Bahadurzada pulled out of the bout citing injury, and he is replaced by newcomer Kyle Prepolec.

Bahadurzada faced Ismail Naurdiev on September 28, 2019 at UFC on ESPN+ 18. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Coaching career

On January 13, 2020, Singapore-based mixed martial arts team Evolve MMA announced that Bahadurzada has been appointed as the new head coach.

Championships and achievements

Mixed martial arts

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
  • Knockout of the Night (One time)
  • Performance of the Night (One time)
• Professional Shooto Japan
  • Shooto Middleweight Championship (One time)
  • Two successful title defenses
• United Glory
  • 2010/2011 World Series Welterweight Tournament Winner
• Shooto Holland
  • 2003 Light Heavyweight Tournament Winner

Mixed martial arts record