Siyar "The Great" Bahadurzada

Siyar Bahadurzada began his MMA career in 2002 quickly knocking out his opponent. He would then work his way of the ranks in the Shooto promotion eventually earning a title shot against Shiko Yamashita where he would win a Unanimous Decision to claim the Light Heavyweight title. In 2008 he entered the Sengoku Middleweight Grandprix. He defeated Evangelista Santos in the opening round by TKO but would lose in the semi-finals by heel hook to Jorge Santiago.

Siyar would defend his Shooto belt twice before entering the welterweight tournament for United Glory. With TKO's over Derrick Noble and John Alessio he would advance to the tournament finals where he defeated Tommy Depret to win the tournament.

Bahadurzada would become the first Afghan signed to the UFC and he was matched up against Paulo Thiago in his debut. Siyar didn't disappoint pulling off the upset with a 1st round KO and earning himself Knockout of the Night honors. Hand injuries kept him out of action for almost a year before he would face off against Dong Hyun Kim. He was outmatched in the grappling department and Kim was able to cruise to a Unanimous Decision victory handing Siyar his first loss in the UFC.