Hattan Alsaif is set to pursue her third consecutive victory as she faces Lilia Osmani in an amateur bout during the most illustrious PFL event of the year.
On November 29, the PFL SmartCage will make its return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for the inaugural PFL MENA Championships. This event will showcase the region's top fighters vying to become the first-ever PFL MENA Champions. Among the fighters expected to receive a thunderous reception from the Riyadh crowd is Hattan Alsaif, a trailblazer from The Kingdom.
Earlier this year, Alsaif made history by becoming the first female fighter from Saudi Arabia to sign with a major global mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion. She has since achieved a 2-0 record inside the SmartCage, securing two impressive stoppage victories. Now, Alsaif aims to extend her winning streak to three as she competes against Lilia Osmani in the most star-studded PFL event of the year.
As she prepares to step back into the ring, Alsaif shares what drives her to perform at her best. "What motivates me to excel is the opportunity to compete on home soil and in front of my Saudi fans, who will travel from across the Kingdom to support me as the first Saudi woman to participate in a global event within the PFL season," Alsaif explained.
At just 22 years old and with only three MMA bouts to her name, it might appear that Alsaif lacks experience. However, before transitioning to MMA, she was already a decorated combat sports athlete, having won world championships in Muay Thai and competed worldwide. Regardless of where she competes, Alsaif asserts that it is the home crowd that continues to fuel her strength.
"The Saudi audience is undoubtedly my source of strength, whether I'm competing inside or outside the Kingdom," Alsaif stated. "I've competed in world championships abroad—I'm the Muay Thai world champion in Bangkok and the Arab champion in Abu Dhabi, UAE. I'm very proud and happy with the immense support from the Kingdom's leadership and people." This support instills in her a sense of strength and responsibility to perform at her best and make her audience proud.
Since becoming the first female from The Kingdom to sign and compete on a major combat sports organization, Alsaif's influence on the sports scene in the Middle East has been profound. She hopes to inspire others and be a catalyst for the continued growth of MMA in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.
"Engaging in combat sports will contribute to spreading this discipline in the Kingdom," she commented. "Many women reach out to me, expressing their admiration for the skills and high levels I've showcased. They aspire to follow in my footsteps and pursue this combat sport."
Source link: https://www.khaleejtimes.com
