Last Saturday, UK-based Shirzad Qadrian won 8-1 with a first-round stoppage against UFC veteran Cameron Else at Cage Warriors 192 in London.

Qadrian, also known as “The Lion,” hails from the Kurdish city of Sardasht in Eastern Kurdistan (northwestern Iran). He is currently ranked #321 pound-for-pound among mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters in Europe and holds the #36 spot in the Pro Bantamweight division. In the UK, he ranks #44 pound-for-pound and #7 in the Pro Bantamweight category.

Qadrian says he came from a difficult background. “Life in Kurdistan was hard, and we’ve had to struggle a lot. But we carry that strength in our blood. Even though we come from a small place, we want to show the world who we are. 

“I came to the UK as a refugee from Iran. It was tough, and of course I worry about financial and future stability, but I believe in what I’m doing. The PrizeFighter tournament was a big step forward, and I'm just getting started.”

Qadrian said he has always loved martial arts. “Especially when I watch people fight. One of my heroes has always been Khabib [Nurmagomedov]. Watching him compete in MMA really inspired me. He played a big role in my journey – he’s like a hero to me, and someone I really look up to,” Qadrian told Kurdistan Chronicle.

“Another reason I got into MMA is because of my family background. I come from a sports-oriented family. My mom was a wrestler, and my dad was into boxing. Both of them are very passionate about sports and always encouraged me to go to the gym and learn martial arts. That support pushed me to take it seriously,” he added.

So far, Qadrian has had many victories in his career. “But I think the PrizeFighter tournament was the biggest so far. I had two professional fights in one night. I don’t think anyone had done that before me, and maybe only one person has done it after me. I fought and won against two top-level fighters from Europe. At another tournament on July 20, in 2024, I won $50,000, and it was an incredible experience.

“I’m the number one contender in Cage Warriors. So I’m waiting to see what’s next – hopefully a title fight for the world championship. Maybe I’ll go to the UFC, or maybe I’ll take another fight in Cage Warriors. I’m still very young and don’t want to rush. I believe Allah has a better plan for me, so I’m just being patient. Inshallah, good news is coming soon.”