UFC featherweight Cub Swanson began fighting professionally in 2004. It was a loss, and his manager, Dr. Kamyar Safdari, MD, was there. Kami was there for every one of Swanson’s 38 fights since, including six Fight of the Nights, and Swanson’s return from a four-fight losing streak to roar back with a two-fight win streak. 

The field of combat sports management doesn’t enjoy the greatest reputation, but Dr. Safdari was a successful anesthesiologist, and did it for love. He died of natural causes three days before Christmas; the fighter mourned his mentor.

“Just a reminder to hug your loved ones, because you really never know,” wrote Swanson on his social network. “It’s with a heavy heart I announce that my manager of 18 years has passed away. He suffered a heart attack on Tuesday evening. He was not only my manager. He was a mentor, a father figure, an older brother, a best friend, a business partner, the godfather to my children, the only person to be with me at all 38 of my professional fights, all of my surgeries, and the best man at my wedding.

“He used to get criticized for being overprotective of me, like a father would. He often challenged my decisions, which lead me to think twice and resulted in me being very calculated. Many people in the MMA world wouldn’t know this, but he was a full-time doctor and managed my career just because he loved it. He not only looked after Me when I was sick but all of my close friends and family too. I honestly could go on and on but I won’t. I’m so grateful to have had you in my life Kami Safdari.

“Rest In Peace my friend and I promise to always be there for your 11-month-old son Tyson like you always have been for me.”

A GoFundMe has been established in Kami’s memory.