UFC Lightweight Reza Madadi Rescues Drowning Toddler in Sweden

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UFC lightweight Reza Madadi saved a toddler and his father from drowning Friday in Sweden, according to a press release issued Tuesday by the promotion.

According to the release, Madadi was kayaking in the Stockholm archipelago when he stopped to buy lunch in the town of Hornsberg. That plan was derailed, however, when he noticed a toddler fall from a pier into the sea. The boy’s father jumped in after him, and Madadi soon followed, helping both parties out of water.

“Everyone just panicked, but I didn’t even think. I just acted on instinct,” Madadi stated in the release. “I could tell the man was very upset, but at the same time relieved. It’s easier said than done to act fast in situations like these. The problem is that many people start to think, but there is no time for thinking.”

The act was apparently witnessed by multiple people sunbathing on the beach, as well as the staff of the nearby restaurant. According to the release, Madadi had previously aspired to become a firefighter, and the 32-year-old used the training he received during a preparation course to aid the parties in danger.

Madadi made his UFC debut in April after winning the Superior Challenge lightweight title last year. The Iranian-born Swede made his Octagon debut at UFC on Fuel TV 2, stopping Floridian prospect Yoislandy Izquierdo with a second-round guillotine choke. The victory marked the seventh consecutive win for Madadi, who will next compete against veteran submission specialist Cristiano Marcello on Oct. 13 at UFC 153.