With the UFC in Sweden coming to Sweden in April, MMA Viking takes a look at 10 Nordic fighters that would be ready to step into the Octagon. Today we focus on Nordic’s number one bantamweight Sirwan Kakai.

Sirwan “Zohan” Kakai (8-1), , Bantamweight, Sweden

Sirwan Kakai splits his time training at the GBG MMA in Gothenburg and at the American Top Team in Florida. In Gothenburg he trains with such talents as Assan Njie and Bruno Carvalgo where as in Florida he gets to challenge himself with ATT’s top fighters like Brad Pickett.

After a decision loss in his pro debut Kakai has racked up eight consecutive wins and finished seven of those fights. The wins are over average competition but then again “Zohan” has marched through them with ease. Kakai’s biggest win so far is over Scottish veteran James Doolan who the Swede choked out in April of 2011 at the Superior Challenge 7.

Sirwan Kakai on the Verge of the Big Show
Sirwan Kakai on the Verge of the Big Show

Athletic Swede is a full scale grappling powerhouse for his size.  His slick wrestling coupled with great top control and tight chokes makes him a difficult opponent for many bantamweights. His striking is coming a long nicely with clean cut boxing and heavy low kicks but he still mainly uses strikes to set up powerful slams and takedowns. Kakai holds the #1 spot on our Nordic bantamweight rankings and #2 on European rankings.

Sirwan Kakai vs James Doolan at SC 7