SPORTSWEAR business Combat Dollies has had one of its main ambassadors selected to star in the world wide TV show The Ultimate Fighter.

Pannie Kianzad, who is an Invicta fighting champion as well as a Cage Warriors Banntomweight Champion, has been picked to star in the 28th season of The Ultimate Fighter.

But how did Combat Dollies, a Bournemouth brand that makes fitness clothing especially for women, come to have Pannie as sponsored athlete and ambassador?

Chief executive officer Gemma Ruegg said the star had discovered the brand during her last professional fight, where she went up against Kerry Hughes, who is also sponsored by Combat Dollies.

And she was so impressed by the gear worn by her opponent during the match that she had soon decided to sign up, arranging the sponsorship deal.

“As a fighter myself I know what clothing works and what clothing doesn’t work when you're training or competing," said Gemma.

"I’ve been there, I have tried to find good quality female clothing that I could train and fight in and I couldn’t. It’s one of the reasons I started Combat Dollies.

"Pannie is one of the best fighters in the world at the moment and she is only getting better and better.

"Not only that but she has been through tough times and got through them and it is that determination that I think will take her to the top of UFC."

Iranian-Swedish mixed martial artist Pannie said despite being regularly sent new equipment by sponsors she had found it hard to find good quality fitness clothing.

She is currently training to fight for the The Ultimate Fighter – ‘Heavy Hitters’ Season 28, which is due to air tonight.

The US reality television series, produced by Fox Sports 1 and the Ultimate Fighting Championship, features professional MMA fighters living together in Las Vegas, Nevada, and follows them as they train and compete against each other for a contract with the UFC.

It is credited with greatly increasing the audience for the sport.

Combat Dollies sells a range of leggings, sports bras, vest and crop tops, shorts as well as hoodies in colourful designs. It also sells accessories including gym bags and hand wraps.

For more information visit combatdollies.co.uk