Hattan Alsaif: First Saudi Woman in Major MMA

Hattan Alsaif is a force to be reckoned with. Just how formidable?

At 22, the Saudi powerhouse clinched gold at the 2023 International Federation of Muay Thai Associations World Championships.

She's now taken her prowess to new heights by securing an exclusive, multi-fight deal with the Professional Fighters League (PFL)

Marking a historic moment as the first Saudi woman to join a global MMA promotion.

Having recently been awarded Breakthrough Female Athlete, at the Muay Thai championships, she continued her success by taking first place at the World Combat Games and the Saudi Games.

But her journey here has been anything but easy.

Alsaif said My past and things had never been easy for me, up until Muay Thai.

What specifically?

She lost both her parents as a young child and was raised by her grandmother

But her determination to succeed has proved inspiring for many of those suffering from trauma and mental health like herself, and she credits Muay Thai with saving her.

Like many MMA fighters, her introduction to combat sports came from boxing at a local gym in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which quickly evolved into a fascination with Muay Thai

(for those who don’t know, Muay Thai is boxing with the addition of kicks, knees, and elbows…not for the squeamish).

Alsaif would observe the other men sparring, instantly captivated by this ballet of violence, eventually asking her coach if she could train with them, to which he happily agreed.

In 2021, only 5 days after she’d begun training in the art of eight limbs, she competed in a national tournament for women’s boxing in Riyadh.

Alas, she was beaten in the second round, but that only fueled her fire to desire to come back stronger.

Fast forward to today, and she’s not only a university graduate and gold medalist, but has now made history as the first woman from her country to sign with a major MMA promotion, PFL.

Receiving a contract from the PFL is a dream come true,” said Alsaif.

As the first Saudi woman signed to a global MMA contract I do not take the responsibility lightly, and I am committed to representing my country.

I hope to pave the way for aspiring female fighters. I am thankful to God and the PFL for this incredible opportunity.”

We are thrilled to welcome Hattan Alsaif, a truly groundbreaking athlete to the PFL, said Ray Sefo, President of Fighter Operations of PFL.

In collaboration with our partner, SRJ Sports, PFL is dedicated to discovering exceptional fighters like Alsaif and championing the cause of women in MMA in the region.

Our goal is to provide them with a global platform to showcase their skill sets.

Although Alsaif will not be fighting on the eagerly anticipated, PFL vs Bellator card in Riyadh on February 24, 2024, she will be in attendance, so look out for her first fight to be announced soon.

Source: esquireme