NIKI

Niki’s mom always told her, “If you don’t stand in the front you won’t be seen. If you don’t speak up you won’t be heard.” This has become something of a mantra for Niki, who’s quite comfortable standing up and speaking her mind. Even at two years old, when Niki was a small bundle of hell, she stood on a chair at Chili’s and belted out “God Bless America.” Self expression, it seems, has never been a struggle for her. Niki grew up a dancer, athlete, and performer, which is exactly what she pursued in college. She received a BFA in performance with a focus in dance from UMass Amherst, where she also studied kinesiology and worked as a hip-hop fitness instructor. Four years ago, Niki was able to tap into all of her superpowers — her talent for movement, her gutsy spirit, and her sleek hip-hop vibes — when she discovered kickboxing. Needless to say, she quickly fell in love, studying for a year under a Russian coach before taking her skills to Brooklyn. Fun, fearless, and highly skilled, Niki brings her fiery Persian swagger to the Rumble podium.