History in the making! ✍️👏
Welcome the newest Amatuer signee to the Professional Fighters
League @hattanalsaif24
pic.twitter.com/d3jAnPCKMt— PFL (@PFLMMA)
January 30, 2024
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Professional Fighters League has signed Saudi-born Hattan
Alsaif to an exclusive, multi-fight contract.
According to a release, Alsaif is the first female fighter from
Saudi Arabia to ink a deal with a global MMA promotion.
“Receiving a contract from the PFL is a dream come true,” Alsaif
said. “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.”
The 22-year-old Alsaif has not yet competed in MMA, but she comes
from a decorated muay thai background. She was a gold medal winner
at the 2023 International Federation of Muay Thai Associations
World Championships, where she also was recognized as the
“Breakthrough Female Athlete.” Alsaif also recently took first
place at the World Combat Games and at the Saudi Games.
Alsaif is expected to make her amateur MMA debut on a PFL card
sometime this year. She will train alongside Abdullah
Al-Qahtani, who is scheduled to face Edukondal
Rao on the preliminary portion of the upcoming
PFL vs. Bellator card.
“We are thrilled to welcome Hattan Alsaif, a truly groundbreaking
athlete to the PFL,” said PFL president of fighter operations
Ray
Sefo. “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.”
The signing comes on the heels of the news that the organization
will launch PFL MENA, a regional league focused on the Middle East
and North Africa, in 2024. Saudi Arabia has become a hub for combat
sports in recent months and will serve as the host for PFL vs.
Bellator on Feb. 24.