Swede Pannie Kianzad (9-3) beat German Katharina Lehner (7-1) on Episode 2 and now wins a unanimous decision over Julija Stoliarenko (4-2-1) on episode 10 in the semi-finals to earn a shot at gold at The Ultimate Fighter Finale 28 on November 30.
Kianzad becomes the first Nordic fighter to make it to the finals. The Iranian born fighter landed some solid strikes in the first round after defending take-downs. The Arte Suave fighter landed a solid left hook in the second, and showed her superior boxing against grappler as the fight progressed..
“I’m the first ever female persian fighter in the UFC and the first ever sweed to fight in a TUF final. It’s time.”
The pace picked up the final round and was a spirited bout with the featherweights enjoying the striking exchanges, but a clear victory for Pannie..
Fight Day… Find out who will move on TONIGHT! pic.twitter.com/FnpeGYi5xT
— The Ultimate Fighter (@UltimateFighter) November 15, 2018
The Team Gastelum fighter gets the unanimous decision win and will move forward in the 145 lbs finale going down in Las Vegas at the end of the month.
“The amount of experience I got while being in the states and in the TUF house really made me step out of my comfort zone. It’s not many times I been this relaxed in the cage and I’m so freaking grateful for all the things I learned from team KG and I made friends for life with my teammates. It’s still pretty surreal to be in the finals of the ultimate fighter, that’s stuff u only see on tv! Lol ” shares Pannie on social media after the bout.
