https://arab.news/mrere
- ‘Receiving a contract from the PFL is a dream come true,’ says fighter
- ‘I do not take the responsibility lightly, and I am committed to representing my country,’ she adds
NEW YORK, US: Muay Thai athlete Hattan Alsaif has become the first Saudi woman to sign an exclusive multi-fight contract with a global mixed martial arts promotion.
The Professional Fighters League announced the historic signing of Alsaif in a media statement.
The 22-year-old, a gold medal winner at the 2023 International Federation of Muay Thai Associations World Championships, said: “Receiving a contract from the PFL is a dream come true.”
Alsaif, who took first place at the World Combat Games and at the Saudi Games, anticipates making her amateur MMA debut for the PFL this year.
She added: “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.”
Ray Sefo, president of fighter operations at the PFL, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Alsaif, a truly groundbreaking athlete, to the 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.”
Alsaif will train predominantly with Abdullah Al-Qahtani. Her signing bolsters a roster that will have opportunities to compete in PFL MENA (Middle East and North Africa), the PFL’s second regional league outside the US.
The PFL is the only organization in MMA with a sports-season format, in which individual fighters compete in a regular season, playoffs, and championship each year.